Smith and Wesson Shield X Response

Published on July 30, 2025
Duration: 10:08

This video provides an initial review and comparison of the new Smith & Wesson M&P Shield X, contrasting it with the Shield Plus and the upcoming Glock 26x. The presenter highlights key differences in barrel length, grip ergonomics, magazine capacity, and price point, offering an expert opinion on the Shield X's value proposition and potential drawbacks.

Quick Summary

The Smith & Wesson M&P Shield X features a 3.6-inch barrel and a fixed 13-round capacity, contrasting with the Shield Plus's 4.0-inch barrel and more flexible magazine options. Key differences include the Shield X's accessory rail and bodyguard-style trigger, though its $600 MSRP is a significant point of criticism compared to the Shield Plus's affordability.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Smith & Wesson Shield X
  2. 00:05No Free Units: Initial Impressions
  3. 00:09Shield Plus as a Placeholder
  4. 00:15Magazine Size Comparison
  5. 00:20Comparison to Glock 26x
  6. 00:31Glock 26x Frame Analysis
  7. 00:47Steelhead Lock Boxes Sponsor
  8. 00:53Lock Box Features
  9. 00:58Ruger P95 & SW990L Showcase
  10. 00:87Taurus TCP Mention
  11. 00:93Shield Plus vs. Shield X Grip
  12. 00:97Shield Plus Ergonomics
  13. 01:14Shield Plus as a Top Micro-9
  14. 01:23Shield Plus Ergonomic Complaint
  15. 01:39Shield Plus Trigger & Shooter Experience
  16. 01:44Shield Plus Capacity & Size
  17. 01:54Shield Plus Grip Size Comparison
  18. 01:71Shield Overall Size
  19. 01:78Shield X: Barrel Length & Width
  20. 01:93Shield X Grip Limitations
  21. 01:98Fixed Capacity of Shield X
  22. 02:04Concealability of Shield Plus
  23. 02:09Pocket Carry Example
  24. 02:18Wolverine Encounter Story
  25. 02:29Shield Plus Concealability & Price
  26. 02:38Shield Plus Price Point
  27. 02:43Shield X MSRP vs. Street Price
  28. 02:55Shield X Price Concerns
  29. 02:61Affordability of Shield Series
  30. 02:67Shield X vs. Glock 26x Capacity
  31. 02:72Shield X Grip Limitations Revisited
  32. 02:77Glock 26x Capacity & Shrinking
  33. 02:82Glock 26L Long Slide Mention
  34. 02:90Glock Store Future Releases
  35. 02:99Shield X Sights & Rail
  36. 03:09Accessory Rail on Shield X
  37. 03:14Bodyguard Style Trigger
  38. 03:18Bodyguard 2.0 vs. LCP Max 2.0
  39. 03:23Bodyguard Trigger Feel
  40. 03:30Durability Needs
  41. 03:39Shield Plus Trigger Preference
  42. 03:44Shield X Capacity vs. Glock 43x
  43. 03:50Shield X vs. 26x Dimensions
  44. 03:54Shield X vs. 26x Capacity & Length
  45. 03:63Interesting Trade-offs
  46. 03:68Shield X Texturing & Sights
  47. 03:74Lower Bore Axis
  48. 03:74Ideal Shield X Release Scenario
  49. 03:79Shield X vs. GX2 Comparison
  50. 03:85Pointless Release Argument
  51. 03:90Shield Plus Capacity Sleeve
  52. 03:94Shield X Slide vs. Barrel Length
  53. 03:99Shield Plus vs. CSX Barrel Length
  54. 04:06Shield Plus vs. Shield X Accuracy
  55. 04:12Barrel Length & Muzzle Flip
  56. 04:17Muzzle Flip Explanation
  57. 04:22Glock 26x: Best of Both Worlds
  58. 04:27Glock 26x Grip & Capacity
  59. 04:32Glock 26x Follow-up Shots
  60. 04:36Shield X Price Point Ideal
  61. 04:42Shield X Price Point Impact
  62. 04:47Review Unit Acquisition
  63. 04:50Shield X vs. GX2 Comparison
  64. 04:57GX2 Lacked Features
  65. 04:63Shield X: Taking Away from Shield Plus
  66. 04:67No Compelling New Features
  67. 04:72Self-Defense Barrel Length
  68. 04:76Barrel Length Significance
  69. 04:82Desired Caliber Options
  70. 04:86Caliber Comeback
  71. 04:92Benefits of Larger Calibers
  72. 04:98Farm Animal Euthanasia Example
  73. 05:02Nine Millimeter Inadequacy
  74. 05:12Humane Euthanasia
  75. 05:16.40 and .45 as One-Shot Stops
  76. 05:26Devastating on a Person
  77. 05:32Desired Caliber Release
  78. 05:37Shield X in .40 S&W
  79. 05:42Caliber Comeback: .40, .357 SIG, 10mm
  80. 05:47.45 Never Left
  81. 05:52Differentiator for Shield X
  82. 05:57Cosmetic Changes
  83. 05:62Shield X vs. Hellcat Pro
  84. 05:66Hellcat Pro vs. Original Hellcat
  85. 05:72Capacity vs. Concealability
  86. 05:76Sweet Spot Gun
  87. 05:82Glock 26x as Sweet Spot
  88. 05:88Price Point vs. Value
  89. 05:93Shield X vs. Regular Shield
  90. 05:93Performance Center Shield
  91. 05:98Conclusion
  92. 06:01Thanks for Watching

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key differences between the Smith & Wesson Shield X and the Shield Plus?

The Shield X features a 3.6-inch barrel and a fixed 13-round capacity, while the Shield Plus has a 4.0-inch barrel and can utilize 10-round flush magazines for better concealment. The Shield X also includes an accessory rail and a bodyguard-style trigger, which the presenter found less desirable than the Shield Plus's trigger.

How does the new Smith & Wesson Shield X compare to the upcoming Glock 26x?

The Shield X has a 3.6-inch barrel and 13-round capacity, while the Glock 26x is expected to offer a 15-round capacity using Glock 19 magazines. However, the Shield X is noted to be longer than the 26x with a 15-round magazine, presenting different trade-offs in size and capacity.

What are the main criticisms of the Smith & Wesson Shield X?

The primary criticisms include its higher MSRP of around $600, which is significantly more than the Shield Plus's original price, and the fixed grip design that limits concealability options. The presenter also found the bodyguard-style trigger to be of lower quality compared to the Shield Plus.

Does the Smith & Wesson Shield X have an accessory rail?

Yes, unlike many previous Shield models, the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield X does come equipped with an accessory rail. This allows users to attach lights, lasers, or other compatible accessories, which is a notable improvement for those who prefer equipped carry guns.

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