SMITH & WESSON M&P9 Shield Plus
Posted May 19, 2023
The Smith & Wesson M&P9 Shield Plus is a great choice for anyone seeking a dependable, reliable handgun that is both user-friendly and reasonably priced. I have had the pleasure of owning and using the Smith & Wesson M&P9 Shield Plus for a number of years now, and I can attest to its quality and performance. In this review, I will focus on the features, performance, and value of the Smith & Wesson M&P9 Shield Plus.
Beginning with the features, the Smith & Wesson M&P9 Shield Plus is an excellent 9mm Luger chambered semiautomatic handgun. It has a three and a half inch barrel and offers easy one-handed manipulation; it has an ambidextrous slide release and reversible magazine release, making it suitable for both left and right handed shooters. The pistol is outfitted with a solid hand guard and comes with a factory installed Picatinny rail, which provides a great mounting platform for a variety of accessories and optics. The gun also features a white dot front sight with a white dot rear sight, allowing for excellent accuracy and visibility.
Moving on to performance, the Smith & Wesson M&P9 Shield Plus is a reliable and accurate handgun. I have put several hundred rounds through mine, and it functions perfectly—it feeds, extracts, and ejects without any issues. All in all, I am quite pleased with the performance of this handgun. It is more than capable of hitting small targets at ranges up to 25 yards and is accurate enough for self-defense use, in my opinion. The heavy trigger pull that comes with the stock version of the M&P9 Shield Plus is a bit of a downside compared to some of the lighter trigger pulls on the market, but I found it to be acceptable.
Finally, let’s address value. The Smith & Wesson M&P9 Shield Plus is available at a very reasonable price point, and in my opinion, it provides excellent value for the money. You get a high-quality handgun with good features, reliable performance, and a price that is hard to beat. Plus, the M&P9 Shield Plus can be found with features such as an extended magazine, night sights, and custom grips for even more value and customization options.
In conclusion, the Smith & Wesson M&P9 Shield Plus is an excellent handgun for those seeking a reliable, user-friendly handgun that won’t break the bank. It is reliable, accurate, and offers a good set of features at an excellent price point. If you are in the market for a new handgun, the M&P9 Shield Plus should definitely be on your list of contenders.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Small and lightweight design for concealed carry.
- High accuracy and low recoil due to the compact size.
- Low muzzle flip for quicker follow-up shots.
- Includes three magazines providing a capacity of 10 rounds.
- Features two interchangeable back straps for a custom fit.
- Melonite finish allows for durability and corrosion resistance.
- Reversible magazine release allows for left-handed use.
Cons:
- Limited magazine capacity compared to other full-size 9mm pistols.
- Not suitable for competition shooting due to its short sight radius.
- Higher price tag than other service-grade handguns.
- Limited aftermarket modifications.
Who Should Buy
The Smith & Wesson M&P9 Shield Plus is a compact semi-automatic pistol designed for concealed carry. As with any firearm, only those who have legal permission to purchase a handgun and meet the requirements to own one should consider buying the M&P9 Shield Plus. Anyone convicted of a felony or who is prohibited from possessing firearms due to any legal or mental condition should not consider buying this handgun.
Comparisons
| Product | Capacity | Weight | Barrel Length | SLide Finish | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SMITH & WESSON M&P9 Shield Plus | 8+1 | 18.3 oz. | 3.1" | Black Melonite | $469.99 |
| Ruger LC345 TALO | 7+1 | 20.5 oz. | 3.4" | Blued | $579.99 |
| Springfield Armory XD-S 3.3 | 7+1 | 19 oz. | 3.3" | Bored Black Armory Kote | $506.41 |
| Kahr Arms CW45 | 6+1 | 13.8 oz. | 3.64" | Matte Black Stainless | $379.99 |
| Glock G43 | 6+1 | 17.95 oz. | 3.39" | nDLC | $429.99 |
Features / Specs
• 9mm Luger
• Striker Trigger
• Matte Black Finish
• 16+1 Capacity
• Polymer Frame
• Lightweight
• Barrel Length: 3.1"
• Slide Material/Finish: Stainless Steel / Armornite
• Sight Radius: 6.1"
• Overall Length: 6.9"
• Height: 4.6"
• Width: 0.99"
• Weight (without magazine): 18.3 oz.
Popular Accessories
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- Extra Magazine
- Holster
- Trigger Lock
- Magazine Speed Loader
- Laser Sight
- Grips
- Night Sights
- Magazine Extension
- Flashlight/Laser Combo
- Rail Mount Light/Laser
Accuracy
The Smith & Wesson M&P9 Shield Plus is one of the most accurate pistols on the market today. It boasts an impressive accuracy of up to 2" groups at 25 yards with minimal effort. It's made with match grade barrel and has a crisp, clean trigger pull that produces very little felt recoil. The gun also comes with interchangeable backstraps and has a lightweight polymer frame that makes it comfortable to carry and shoot. All in all, it's a very accurate handgun that is sure to provide satisfying shooting experiences.
