S&W M&P Shield Plus - Full Review

Published on April 8, 2021
Duration: 39:14

This review provides an in-depth look at the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus, focusing on its performance during a range day. The reviewer highlights the firearm's familiar feel, improved capacity, and excellent trigger. Initial impressions suggest it's a significant upgrade for those who liked the original Shield, offering better ergonomics and shooting characteristics without drastically altering the core design.

Quick Summary

The Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus offers a significant capacity upgrade with 10-round flush and 13-round extended magazines. It features an excellent trigger pull (4 lbs 12.7 oz) that is crisp and clean, along with an improved magazine release. Despite minor increases in width, its dimensions remain very close to the original Shield, maintaining its concealability.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the Shield Plus
  2. 00:34First Impressions & Design Philosophy
  3. 01:58Shield vs. Shield Plus Comparison
  4. 02:54Range Day: Initial Firing & Slide Release Test
  5. 03:15First Shots & Ammunition Test (Magtech)
  6. 05:08Shooting Impressions & Accuracy
  7. 05:30Testing with 13-Round Magazine
  8. 06:09Plate Shooting Performance
  9. 06:31Channel Update: Monetization Issues
  10. 09:54Testing with Steel-Cased Tula Ammo
  11. 11:34Magazine Loading Experience
  12. 12:04Pace of Fire & Handling
  13. 13:44Magazine Release Evaluation
  14. 15:57Accuracy Testing: Magtech vs. PMC Bronze
  15. 19:54Accuracy Group Analysis
  16. 21:08Post-Range Day Initial Thoughts
  17. 21:31Capacity and Ergonomic Improvements
  18. 23:13Magazine Release & Trigger Discussion
  19. 24:13Sights: Three-Dot Configuration
  20. 25:28Detailed Trigger Analysis
  21. 28:16Trigger Operation & Reset
  22. 29:40Comparison: Shield vs. Shield Plus Dimensions
  23. 31:03Thickness Comparison
  24. 33:33Frame Design & Ergonomics
  25. 34:18Trigger Reach Measurement
  26. 35:18Magazine Compatibility & Thickness
  27. 36:13Final Thoughts & Verdict
  28. 37:31Optics Ready Performance Center Model
  29. 37:53Conclusion & Thanks

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key capacity upgrades in the S&W M&P Shield Plus compared to the original Shield?

The S&W M&P Shield Plus significantly increases capacity with a 10-round flush-fit magazine and a 13-round extended magazine. This offers a substantial improvement over the original Shield's capacity, making it more suitable for self-defense scenarios.

How does the trigger on the S&W M&P Shield Plus perform?

The trigger on the Shield Plus is highly praised, measuring just under 5 pounds (4 lbs 12.7 oz) and described as extremely crisp with a clean break and a short reset. It features a new blade safety design that is comfortable and effective.

Is the S&W M&P Shield Plus much larger than the original Shield?

No, the Shield Plus is dimensionally very similar to the original Shield. While there are minor, insignificant increases in width and thickness, the overall size and flat profile remain comparable, ensuring it retains its excellent concealability.

What are the accuracy results for the S&W M&P Shield Plus at 15 yards?

During offhand accuracy testing at 15 yards, the Shield Plus produced a 5-shot group of 2.477 inches with Magtech 115gr ball ammo, and the best three shots measured 1.47 inches. With PMC Bronze 115gr FMJ, the 5-shot group was 2.73 inches, with the best three at 1.236 inches.

Related News

All News →

More Reviews Videos You Might Like

More from Justin Opinion

View all →