SMITH & WESSON M&P9 SHIELD
Posted May 26, 2023
Smith & Wesson has always been one of the most recognizable handgun manufacturers on the market. With a reputation for reliability, performance, and innovation, it's no surprise that the Smith & Wesson M&P9 Shield is one of their most popular firearms. As a subcompact pistol, this single-stack 9mm is designed for concealed carry and personal defense.
To begin, the M&P9 Shield has an elegant and aesthetically pleasing appearance. The Shield has an efficient and “slide-within-a-frame” design that's typically seen on guns with a long, exposed slide. The gun features a stainless steel slide coated in black Melonite, which gives it a sleek and menacing look. The polymer frame is contoured, making it comfortable and easy to operate. This frame also features multiple textured grip panels, providing the user with extra grip and improved handling.
Moving to the gun's internal components, the Shield is nothing short of impressive. It features an internal striker-fire mechanism, allowing for a shorter and lighter trigger pull. The Shield utilizes a striker-release lever and an ambidextrous thumb safety, allowing for a smooth, easy, and safe draw. The gun also features a trigger safety and a loaded-chamber indicator for added safety.
To ensure the maximum amount of accuracy and performance, the Shield is equipped with a 3.1-inch barrel and fixed white dot sights. The barrel is made from A.E.G.I.S-treated stainless steel, which provides increased accuracy and muzzle velocity. The sights are highly visible and are designed for quick target acquisition and precision shooting. Furthermore, the Shield can be fitted with accessories such as a laser or a light, increasing its effectiveness in low-light situations.
Finally, the Shield is highly customizable. For starters, it comes with three different size grip inserts, allowing the user to customize the gun to fit their hands. Additionally, the magazine release is reversible for easy access on both sides of the gun. What's more, the Shield has an accessory rail, making it compatible with various aftermarket accessories.
All in all, the Smith & Wesson M&P9 Shield is a highly efficient and reliable handgun that will get the job done every time. When it comes to performance, accuracy, and reliability, this is an excellent choice for concealed carry and personal defense. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced shooter, you won't be disappointed with the performance of the Shield. After all, Smith & Wesson is renowned for their quality firearms, and the Shield is yet another example of their commitment to excellence.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Compact and lightweight size makes it easy to carry
- Includes ambidextrous safety and magazine releases
- Textured grip with aggressive stance for better control
- Modular back strap system for customized fit
- Comes with an internal trigger safety and sear design for added security
- Features a stainless steel construction with a corrosion-resistant black Armornite finish
Cons:
- Some people find the trigger pull too long for their taste
- Not the most ergonomic grip for larger hands
- Only compatible with factory magazine, not custom magazines
- Some find the finish too glossy
Who Should Buy
The S&W M&P9 Shield is an excellent concealed carry handgun suitable for shooters of all skill levels. It should be purchased by shooters who are experienced in firearms safety, want a lightweight and reliable handgun, and are comfortable with shooting a 9mm caliber. It should not be purchased by those without any firearms experience, or by inexperienced shooters who are not comfortable with the recoil of a 9mm.
Comparisons
| Model | Caliber | Action | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smith & Wesson M&P9 Shield | 9mm | Striker Fired/Semi-Automatic | 7 & 8-Round Capacity |
| Beretta PX4 Storm Compact | 9mm | Semi-Automatic | 13-Round Capacity |
| Sig Sauer P250 Compact | 9mm | Double-Action/Semi-Automatic | 13-Round Capacity |
| Walther PPQ | 9mm | Striker Fired Semi-Automatic | 15 & 17-Round Capacity |
| Glock 19 | 9mm | Safe Action/Semi-Automatic | 15 & 17-Round Capacity |
Features / Specs
•Caliber: 9mm
•Capacity: 8 rounds
•Barrel length: 3.1 inches
•Overall length: 6.1 inches
•Width: 0.95 inch
•Weight: 19.0 ounces (unloaded)
•Frame: Polymer
•Action: Striker fired
•Sights: 3 dot, drift adjustable
•Safety features: Integrated trigger safety, manual thumb safety available
•MSRP: $479.00
Popular Accessories
9MM pistols?
- Extra magazines.
- Laser sights.
- Flashlights.
- Grip extenders.
- Texturing grips.
- Accessory rails.
- Holsters.
- Magazine releases.
- Trigger upgrades.
- Magazine sleeves.
Accuracy
The SMITH & WESSON M&P9 SHIELD is renowned for its accuracy. In testing, the gun consistently fires on target every time. It has adjustable sights to provide the shooter with further accuracy, as well as white outlines and three physical dots for precision target alignment. This gun also features a crisp trigger pull and a simple takedown lever, making it easy to handle and use. With its lightweight frame and dependable accuracy, the SMITH & WESSON M&P9 SHIELD is sure to deliver a reliable performance in the field.
