"S&W Shield: The Brave One" by Nutnfancy [Full Review]

Published on December 20, 2013
Duration: 39:37

This guide covers essential maintenance and accessory upgrades for the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield, a popular concealed carry pistol. It details safe disassembly, cleaning, and the installation of common upgrades like night sights and grip enhancement. The review emphasizes the Shield's role as a reliable life-saving tool for responsible civilians and law enforcement, highlighting its balance of size, shootability, and value.

Quick Summary

The Smith & Wesson M&P Shield is a highly popular subcompact pistol for concealed carry, praised for its slim profile, reliability, and shootability. While tested trigger pull was heavier than advertised, its accuracy and manageable recoil make it a top-tier CCW choice, offering excellent value around $400.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the S&W Shield
  2. 06:07Models, Calibers, and Compliance
  3. 09:25Philosophy of Use (POU)
  4. 11:58Ergonomics and Shooting Dynamics
  5. 18:56Accuracy and Trigger Performance
  6. 25:57Maintenance and Features
  7. 28:58Accessories and Holster Options
  8. 31:40Competitive Options and Final Verdict

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key features of the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield for concealed carry?

The S&W M&P Shield is a subcompact pistol designed for deep concealment, featuring a slim profile (0.95 inches wide), a 3.1-inch barrel, and a weight of 19 oz unloaded. It's praised for its pointability and manageable recoil, making it a reliable defensive tool for daily carry.

How does the trigger performance of the S&W M&P Shield compare to its advertised specifications?

While advertised with a 6.5 lb trigger pull, the tested S&W M&P Shield unit exhibited a heavier pull of 8 lbs 15 oz. Despite this, the trigger is described as crisp, and the pull weight is considered manageable for defensive shooting distances, though it may impact precision shooting.

What are the main advantages of the S&W M&P Shield's weight compared to competitors?

The Shield's approximate 21-ounce weight (with magazine) is seen as an advantage over lighter pistols like the Kel-Tec PF9. This added mass helps reduce felt recoil and muzzle flip ('snappiness'), making the Shield easier to control and shoot accurately during rapid fire sequences.

What aftermarket accessories are recommended for the S&W M&P Shield?

Recommended upgrades include Heinie SlantPro Straight Eight night sights for improved low-light visibility and traction tape for the grip to enhance handling. Budget-friendly holster options like the 'Everyday Holsters' hybrid IWB are also noted.

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