SMITH & WESSON SHIELD PLUS
Posted Jun 14, 2023
When it comes to firearms, Smith & Wesson has been in the business for a long time now. With that experience, they’ve crafted some of the best and most reliable firearms on the market today. The Smith & Wesson Shield Plus is no exception. The Shield Plus is a full-size 9mm striker-fired semi-automatic pistol that combines portability, accuracy, and power into a reliable, comfortable to shoot package. The design of the Shield Plus is both aesthetically pleasing and functional with its sleek lines and ergonomics. Furthermore, it has a low setback, and 1911-style grip angle to make it easy to shoot accurately.
The general specifications of the Shield Plus include a nine-millimeter chamber with a 3.1”-long barrel, a five-round magazine, and a polymer frame. The pistol measures 6.1” tall, 1.2” wide, and 6.6” long with an unloaded weight of 19 ounces. The frame features an integral Picatinny accessory rail crack for mountings up aftermarket optics and other accessories. It also has forward cocking serrations on the barrel and slide, as well as a loaded chamber indicator located on the top of the slide. Overall, the pistol has a great fit and finish and will hold up to tough handling.
The Shield Plus comes equipped with a seven-pound trigger pull that was slightly stiffer than expected. It has a pre-set travel length with a positive reset so you know when you’ve broken the shot. There is also a trigger safety incorporated into the design that prevents the gun from going off unless the trigger is pulled all the way back. Additionally, the magazine release is recessed in the frame to prevent accidental magazine drops.
The Shield Plus is surprisingly controllable, with its low-recoil 9mm round providing manageable muzzle flipping. Its balance is decent, and it has a nice, mid-deck height enabling one to acquire their sights quickly. The pistol also fits very nicely in the hand and points naturally. Furthermore, the trigger felt great when shooting the gun. As far as accuracy, the Shield Plus can easily hit a man-sized target at 25 yards offhand with no problem and it has enough power for self-defense purposes.
Overall, the Smith & Wesson Shield Plus is a great pistol for concealed-carry and self-defense. It is compact enough to easily conceal, yet still offers excellent control and accuracy. Furthermore, the ergonomics are comfortable and intuitive, and the trigger pull is good. The build quality is top-notch, and the gun is incredibly reliable. It’s also easy to maintain and has a relatively low price point for a full-size 9mm pistol. Additionally, the generous three-year warranty offered by Smith & Wesson provides peace of mind. All in all, the Smith & Wesson Shield Plus is a great choice for the modern shooter who desires accuracy, reliability, and portability in a concealed-carry pistol.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Slim profile and lightweight design make it easy and comfortable to carry on a daily basis.
- Highly accurate and reliable 9mm round make it suitable for self-defense.
- Trigger reset and thumb safety provide exceptional accuracy and safety features.
- Reversible magazine release allows left or right-handed shooters to easily operate the weapon.
- Recessed barrel keeps the gun free from dirt and debris.
- Accessory rail allows users to add lights, lasers, and other tactical accessories for greater versatility.
Cons
- Limited capacity magazine only holds eight rounds.
- Some users have reported occasional jams due to lack of break-in period and improper cleaning.
- Shield Plus may be small for shooters with larger hands making it difficult to operate the controls.
- Not ideal for novice shooters as extra training may be needed to get use to the trigger pull due to its short reset.
- Price is higher than many other handguns in its class.
Who Should Buy
Those who should buy the Smith & Wesson Shield Plus are those who are seeking a handgun that is accurate and reliable for personal protection and target shooting, and for concealed carry. This handgun has a number of features that make it ideal for these purposes.
Those who should not buy this handgun are those who are new to firearms and who do not have experience with proper handling and safety procedures. This is a more advanced pistol and requires an intimate knowledge of firearms safety protocols. Furthermore, this handgun is not appropriate for hunting or long range shooting given its small size and limited accuracy.
Comparisons
| SMITH & WESSON SHIELD PLUS | SMITH & WESSON PERFORMANCE CENTER PC1911 | WILSON COMBAT CQB TACTICAL LE | HECKLER & KOCH HK 416C | |
| ------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------- | --------------------------------- |
| Caliber | 9mm | .38 Super | .45 ACP | .223/5.56 NATO |
| Capacity | 7 + 1 | 9 + 1 | 7 + 1 | 30 + 1 |
| Barrel Length | 3.1" | 5" | 5" | 10.5" |
| Weight | 22.1 oz | 38.3 oz | 38.9 oz | 7.5 lb |
| Finish | Black | Bright Stainless Steel & Durable Carbon | Durable Black Armor-Tuff Finish | Black Finish |
Features / Specs
• Caliber: 9mm
• Action: Striker fired
• Capacity: 10+1
• Barrel Length: 3.1”
• Trigger Pull: 6.5 lbs.
• Finish: Armornite®
• Frame: Polymer
• Slide: Stainless Steel
• Sight: factory 3-Dot Tritium
• Overall Length: 6.1”
• Height: 4.6”
• Width: .95”
• Weight: 19.5 oz. empty
Popular Accessories
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- Extra Magazines
- Upgraded Sights
- Threaded Barrels
- Laser Sight
- Magwell Upgrade
- Trigger Upgrades
- Silencer Co Barrels
- Extended Magazine Release Button
- Soft Sided Carry Case
- Concealed Carry Holster
Accuracy
The Smith & Wesson Shield Plus is a reliable, accurate pistol that offers great shooting performance for concealed carry. This tiny but powerful .45 ACP pistol has proven itself over the years to be an effective carry option for the average shooter. It is fairly lightweight for a gun of its caliber, weighing in at 20.5 ounces. The firearms accuracy is bolstered by its crisp and clean single-action trigger, which many shooters prefer. Furthermore, the Shield Plus has a large sighting radius and it comes with both white-dot front and rear sights. All of these elements combined result in the Shield Plus being one of the most accurate concealed-carry weapons available on the market today.
