A generation ago, we defined the wonder-nine pistol as a high-capacity pistol with a double-action, first-shot trigger. The Beretta 92 and the SIG P226 are examples.
Today, a new introduction in the 9mm caliber is more likely to be a pint-sized pistol suitable for personal defense.
The polymer frame, double-action-only pistols seem better suited to size reduction, and manufacturers can do interesting things with polymer and a pistol cast from a mold, rather than forged from a block of steel.
Impressive Appearance, Innovation and Performance
Among the most impressive in terms of appearance, innovation and performance is the Smith and Wesson Military and Police Shield in 9mm Luger.
The M&P Shield is a variation on the Smith and Wesson Military and Police self-loading pistol but differs considerably from the other M&P pistols.
The pistol is a trim handgun with a single stack, not a double-column magazine. The slide, barrel and grip are considerably abbreviated.
The shield is only 6 inches long, 4.5 inches high, weighs only 19 ounces and is a slim handgun at less than an inch thick.
The Shield can stand on its own merits, but it is certain to prove popular with institutional users already issuing the full-size M&P pistol.
The test pistol was chambered for the ubiquitous 9mm Luger round, although a .40 Smith and Wesson version is also offered.
The Shield is supplied with a standard, flush-fit, seven-round magazine and an extended-base, eight-round mag. The eight-round magazine offers a bit more purchase in handling and firing the pistol.
The consensus was that the eight-round magazine probably would be carried in the pistol and the light and slim seven-round magazine would be carried as a spare.
If concealment were at a premium, such as pocket carry, the seven-round magazine would be used. The Shield offers excellent concealment, but it also chambers a cartridge with acceptable wound ballistics.
Calibers below the 9mm/.38 Special standard simply cannot produce an acceptable balance of expansion and penetration for personal defense use.
While the author prefers the .45 ACP pistol to the 9mm, the compromises inherent in concealed carry often demand deployment of a lighter caliber.
Features of the Smith and Wesson Military and Police Shield
The Smith and Wesson M&P Shield is a credible compromise, with no compromises in reliability. The pistol is slim and light, which translates to discreet carry.
It combines the proven M&P double-action-only lockwork with a well-designed grip, making a rapid draw and target acquisition possible for those who practice.
The Shield retains the M&P 18-degree grip angle but does not incorporate the service pistol’s interchangeable grip panels into the design.
The M&P Shield offers several tangible benefits over handguns of similar size. Often, purpose-designed concealed carry handguns have made compromises that limit the shooter’s ability to use the pistol well in a defensive situation.
The Shield features proven lockwork, good sights and an ergonomically designed grip. It is the optimum for size and balance in a concealed carry 9mm handgun.
When you consider the handling of the pistol as well as the difference in wound potential, the popular .380 ACP pistols are a poor choice in comparison.
Losing your life to gain a few ounces in comfort seems a bad decision.
The grip frame of the Shield offers good purchase and, while recoil is greater than that of a larger 9mm caliber handgun, the pistol is controllable and not at all uncomfortable to fire and use.
Several of the testers firing the pistol remarked about how the Shield compared in comfort and accuracy to larger handguns.
The pistol is easier to use well than the smaller, underpowered pistols because of the Shield’s larger grip and excellent sights.
The slim-line grip also fits small hands well. Those with larger hands probably will prefer the extended magazine for most shooting chores.
The greater the purchase on the handgun, the greater the control, and the Shield is a controllable handgun for its size and weight.
The cadence of fire is never set by how quickly you can press the trigger, but rather by how quickly you are able to control the pistol and get it back on target after each shot.
The Shield responds well to a trained shooter.
The double-action-only trigger of the Shield is controllable and smooth in operation. Trigger compression is smooth, and the sear breaks at about six pounds in our example.
Trigger travel is right at 3/10 inch, with reset somewhat shorter. Those familiar with the GLOCK pistol will have no difficulty acclimating to the similar Smith and Wesson trigger.
The M&P Shield is a striker-fired pistol, so there is no external hammer. There is a firing pin block or drop safety, and the two-piece trigger must be properly pressed to fire the pistol, which protects it from firing under lateral pressure.
Part of the reason the recoil of the Shield is modest, even with +P loads, is the technology represented by a captive dual-recoil spring.
The frame is polymer, and the slide is finished in black Melonite. The pistol is stippled appropriately on the gripping surface to add adhesion when gripping the pistol.
The pistol is smooth to holster and handle, with the edges and angles beveled and rounded to aid in holstering and providing a non-drag surface for rapid presentation from leather.
It is as important to have good sights on a compact pistol as a duty pistol, although many makers do not seem to realize this.
A pistol with a short 3-inch barrel, such as the Shield, is easier to misalign due to the short sight radius, and bold sights are a boon to the marksman.
The Shield features low-profile three-dot sights, with a large rear notch for rapid acquisition of the sight picture.
When firing loads range in weight from 90 to 147 grains, the relationship between point of aim and point of impact remained acceptable for personal defense, with:
- 124-grain loads usually dead-on for point-of-aim and point-of-impact.
- 147-grain bullets striking about 2 inches high at 15 yards.
The magazine release and slide lock are unobtrusive, but unlike many small handguns, are easily manipulated.
During rapid magazine-replacement drills, the slide lock was quickly hit and replenishment of the ammunition supply was rapid.
The loaded chamber indicator comes in the form of a cut out in the top of the chamber for visual confirmation of a loaded chamber.
Firing Tests
We fired the M&P Shield with a variety of ammunition and performed the initial drills with inexpensive full-metal-jacket loads, including the Fiocchi 115-grain FMJ offering.
Although this ammunition and the 123-grain Combat load we tested are affordable, they are first-quality loadings that burn clean, are very consistent and offer excellent accuracy potential.
The pistol came on target quickly and, with a bit of acclimation, the pistol proved sure and fast on target at 5 to 7 yards—the typical personal defense engagement ranges.
There were no failures to feed, chamber fire or eject and no break-in issues.
With concentration, we made X-ring hits to 15 yards with a focus on the sight picture and deliberation in controlling the trigger.
The Shield definitely demands more practice than a service pistol, but it is more accurate than the average compact, and it is practical not intrinsic accuracy that must be considered.
The mechanical accuracy of the handgun is good, but it is up to the shooter to get the most out of the handgun.
When firing the Shield for groups from a leaning barricade at 15 yards, we achieved credible groups of 2 to 3 inches—excellent results by any standard for this type of handgun.
When using the 9mm Luger, you must be careful care when choosing a defensive loading. Many believe that wound ballistics demand a higher velocity loading.
There is some truth to that, as results with the 9mm Luger loading have not always been acceptable, and many have proven dismal.
We tested the Shield with a number of loads, and recoil was more pronounced with service-grade loads. Good human engineering gave us good control and accuracy.
Fire; control recoil; pay attention to trigger press, sight picture and sight alignment; and you will get a hit.
Despite the abbreviated barrel of the Shield, the Fiocchi 115-grain XTP exhibited some 1090 fps and gave good accuracy.
The balance of expansion and penetration is good, and it is a recommended personal defense loading.
The 124-gain Extrema uses a heavier version of the XTP bullet and proved to give good accuracy. Expansion is as impressive as the 115-grain load, and the extra weight probably aids in function.
For those preferring penetration on the deeper end, the 147-grain Fiocchi loading gave good accuracy and was among the most pleasant and accurate of all loadings we tested.
While expansion is modest with this heavyweight slug—as might be expected at about 900 fps—the heavy bullet is not easily deflected and penetrates heavy clothing and light cover well.
In the end, marksmanship will carry the day, but the wound ballistics of these loadings are a counterpoint to the other, giving the individual a choice in tailoring a load to a personal scenario.
In a compact pistol, the most important thing to consider is function, and a loading with the cartridge integrity exhibited by the Fiocchi brand goes a long way toward ensuring function.
Moving to inexpensive practice ammunition can be daunting because all ammunition is not created equal. We fired the Shield more than most test pistols because the handgun is destined to become a personal carry handgun.
We made the choice and laid in a case of Wolf 124-grain FMJ ammunition.
During the next 10 weeks, we expended the ammunition to master the pistol and learn the trigger press plus, in range practice, we fired at targets at known and unknown ranges.
That was more a test of the mettle of the shooter and the handgun than firing at paper targets.
We addressed the steel gongs and the MGM (Mike Gibson Manufacturing) steel reaction targets. The Wolf loads never failed to feed, chamber fire or eject and gave a useful level of accuracy.
After that intensive practice with the M&P Shield, I found the pistol not only suitable for personal defense but also accurate enough for ridding the homestead of pests and even for predator control.
The Wolf/Shield combination proved a happy one for economy. Wolf ammunition works for practice.
Packing the M&P Shield
Since the pistol is intended for concealed carry, a holster offering a good balance of speed and access while retaining the handgun securely in a discreet manner is paramount, indicating the inside-the-waistband (IWB) holster.
You carry the IWB holster between your trousers and body, effecting good concealment. The covering garment need only cover the belt line, not drape below, to conceal a belt holster.
As a result, a seriously effective handgun may be carried in good concealment in the IWB.
The M&P Shield impressed our raters favorably. Reliable, concealable and accurate enough for the task at hand, the Shield is an excellent personal defense handgun with much to recommend.
Accuracy Results
- 15 yards
- 5 shots
- 3 group average
Factory Ammo
| Manufacturer | Load | Group |
|---|---|---|
| Fiocchi | 115-grain FMJ | 2.5 inches |
| Fiocchi | 115-grain Extrema | 2.25 inches |
| Fiocchi | 147-grain Extrema | 2.0 inches |
| Wolf | 124-grain FMJ | 2.6 inches |
| One Shot Munitions | OSM/FMJ | 3.0 inches |
| Wilson Combat | 124-grain XTP | 2.5 inches |
Handloads
| Bullet | Powder | Muzzle Velocity |
Group |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mastercast 125-grain RNL | Titegroup | 1050 fps | 2.25 inches |
| Nosler 115-grain JHP | WW 231 | 1101 fps | 2.8 inches |
How does the M&P Shield rank in your arsenal? Do you carry or have you carried the Shield. Lend us your thoughts in the comment section.
[bob]
I have a Shield 9 that replaced my Bersa Thunder+ 380. I love it so much, I bought one for my wife as her first gun. She just took her CCW class last Sunday and loves the gun also. It is an amazing balance of size, features, caliber, and quality. I’d have paid double for both of them.
I have put thousands of rounds through my Shield. In my opinion it is the best compromise between size, weight, controllability and, hence accuracy. I installed an Apex trigger kit, Talon grips, and had the pistol Magnaported. The result is a reliable, flat shooting package. Carried in a Blade Tech appendix holster it is almost undetectable under a Tee or Polo shirt.
I have had my M&P Shield for about 2 weeks, and have put only a box of 115 g FMJ Blazer Brass through it, as well as about 20 hand loaded rounds (Speer 115 g Gold Dot/5.9 g True Blue), and the results were, in my opinion, very good. At 10 yds two-hand, off-hand, groups were less than 6″ with both ammo types. It shot about an inch left of center, but I believe the reason is me and my grip on the gun, and that with practice I will be more on center. I can do better with my Sig M-11, but I am used to shooting that one. I do believe I will improve with the practice needed to get used to the smaller grip and the DAO function. Jerry Miculek has been advocating the Shield for better than a year, and I can see why. I really like this handgun! And I bought a IWB holster to carry it; the difference between that and trying to sneak around with the Sig is night and day. Oh, my wife really likes it too! I would recommend this firearm without reservation.
I love my shield .40! haven’t had a single malfunction yet! I have a feeling this will be my EDC for a long time!
I just use my off-hand thumb. That hand is free when speed reloading. I had my Shield Magna-ported which reduces muzzle rise a bit, but not much effect on recoil.
Rick, I had same concern about disengaging the slide release with my thumb, but seems I read in some reviews or technical material that it was designed that way – ie, disengage by manually pulling back n the slide to release it.. all my other SAs i can flick it with my thumb, but not this one. Keep looking around, I think you’ll find the answer. It may have been in the product manual that came with the gun. Other than that, nice gun.
After 250 rounds I can use the slide fairly smoothly . It does need to be broken in. Not like my 40 M& P . I changed springs on shield with Apex duty kit and triigger pulls now at 5.75 lbs. Smooth and audible. I like it now. I also installed SW 245 Ameriglow green two dot night sights and I will never go back to 3 dot sights. They are great. I can acquire super fast flash sight picture for real practical defensive accuracy. PS. The new recoil spring g did not change anything with grind. Magazine is also a bit hard to snap in. Other than that this shield 9mm is more accurate than my .40 M&P. I love it. Great gun
I have the full size S&W .40 and as of two days ago the Shield 9mm w/o safety. I fired 250 rounds to break it in. It fired well. I am a lot more accurate with the shield 9mm than my full size .40. However, the shield dual spring seems tough. Full size M&P typically have 16 lb springs if I am not mistaken. Many people have reported the same issue I found with this spring on the shield:
The slide does not slide smoothly back into battery fast but rather grinds about 1/4″, at the end. However, this does NOT happen while you fire the pistol. It fires fine so far! If you rack the slide back it will go back into full battery because the spring is so powerful.
But I don’t like that grind 1/4′ grind before full battery. I called customer service at 8;00 am sharp today and it was fast and quick and I told them to send me a new spring. They said its on its way! The one I have does not roll on my table properly. The spring seems kind of warped. I don’t know if the new spring will resolve my issue. However, if it does not I will have to live with this. As long as there is no problem with functionality and reliability under fire, I’m okay with this. Perhaps that’s just how they made this shield.
Since, I so use to my S&W.40 full size, that gun racks so smoothly but has already been broken in for two whole years. On the shield I cannot even disengage the slide release with my thumb. On my .40 its almost like butter.. PS. This gun also fires +P and that was confirmed with a 2nd phone call to Smith & Wesson, although it was not on their Instruction Manuel.
The M&P 9 MM SHIELD SHOOTS GREAT but the slide is the hardest I have ever tried. I’m going to sell it.
You’re a better man than I. I have a Shield 9mm and that’s enough recoil for me.
You’re right–they are accurate.
I bought the shield in 40 cal. and absolutely love it.i also have the full size m&p in 40 cal. and the sshield seems to be more accurate.i have only shot the shield 7 rounds but with no hiccups at all.seems to be a great dependable ccw weapon.dnt be hesitant to buy in 40 cal..recoil is not bad at all
The Sig P290 was my favorite carry weapon until I got my S&W 40 Shield. It is a great gun. I love it.
I have just recivied the M&P 40 Shield and very pleased with the concealment ability and fire power have shot about 200 rds. I’m also insterested in any modification to enhance it ability for recoil and trigger. Very satisfied
Just bought a shield. Have never fired one but after reading Bob Campbell’s report, I think it will be the right gun for me. I will comment more after a few hundred rounds. I have used 45s for years. This will be a welcome change I am sure.
Sorry I was mistaken on the buffer system for the shield. I really like the DPM system that I have on 3 other firearms and thought the Shield was one of them. They currently don’t make one for the Shield yet. No other choices are available at this time. The trigger was an Apex Tactical carry version. Trigger breaks right at 5 lbs. Great short reset. Did install myself including replacing spring under the sights. I swapped sights to XS big dot which I like alot. I went the whole route including sear and trigger swap. Worth every penny.
Sorry I was mistaken on the buffer system for the shield. I really like the DPM system that I have on 3 other firearms and thought the Shield was one of them. They currently don’t make one for the Shield yet. No other choices are available at this time. The trigger was an Apex Tactical carry version. Trigger breaks right at 5 lbs. Great short reset. Did install myself including replacing spring under the sights. I swapped sights to XS big dot which I like alot. I went the whole route including sear and trigger swap. Worth every penny. Everybody that shoots this gun loves it and rave about the trigger and lack of recoil.
Please provide more info/detail on buffer system, and on effects with Apex trigger. I would consider doing same .
I had wanted the Shield in 9mm but was tired of waiting and when I found one in 40S&W I bought it. I was pleasantly surprised by the recoil but I did put a recoil buffer system in it as well as an Apex tactical trigger kit in it. I would now venture to say that the recoil is less than if not equal to the production 9mm model. I really like it and feel good about having the extra stopping power the 40 affords me. Quick follow up shots are not a problem. Of course I have shot several hundred rounds through it and feel very comfortable with it. It is my EDC.
Near perfect gun for concealed carry. Mine is 9mm — have not shot in .40, but I wonder about the felt recoil and speed of re-engaging target. Also there are fewer rounds available in the .40
I’m a big fan of the S & W MP product line, this weapon fits the “nitch” between the BodyGuard and my F/size carry. After installing the Apex Tactical Kit I was more than impressed. The Shield in .40 S& W has become the Perfect Carry Weapon for myself. It’s been fed several brands and types of ammo. Not one issue with it, even with the Russian Steel Cased rounds “several hundred” have been put thru her. No
feeding issues or red flags. A+++
I love my Shield in 9mm. A joy to shoot and even my 11 year old can run it. I just got the XS big dot sights for it and I highly recommend it. Very easy to get back on target. You won’t go wrong with it.
EDC for me is the Shield in 9mm. It is amazing how far SW has come with their striker fire system. I once owned a Sigma in 40 and it had the worst trigger I have ever fired. The shield has a great trigger and it is accurate enough for my needs. I also love that it has an external safety. Some people who EDC do not like external safeties as they add an extra step should the gun need to be put to use. But for me, an external safety is a good thing. You will need to practice drawing and disengaging the safety to be fast at it. The other option is to carry it without the safety engaged. Overall I love the Shield.
Enjoy the 9mm shield very much. I have contacted Laserlyte and crimson trace askung for a guide rod laser for the shield, but so far no luck. I carry my shield in a fobus roto holster and do not want to change the holster for another to add the laser they offer for the shield now. I will keep trying to get the laser manufacturers to make a guide rod laser. Hope it happens.
Chuck
I haveca 9mm Shield and love it. That being saud, there are some big problems with this write up. You mention a few times in the article that the pistol is double-action only, which is false. It is a striker-fired action. This is one of a number either glaring omissions (the pistol has an external safety) or flat out wrong pieces of information in this article that need to be corrected for the author to sound credible. How can we trust what you write when you don’t even know the basic functionality of the weapon?
David, you are correct that the Shield is Striker Fired but it also is a Double Action Only Pistol. It may have a shorter reset than some other striker fired Double Action Pistols but nevertheless it is still a DOA only Pistol.
Yes, it does have an external safety which is the only dislike I have about this gun. I never use the external safety but in the back of my mind I always worry about it being engaged when push comes to shove. So far however my worries have been unfounded and the safety has never accidentally engaged while drawing my weapon. Overall I really like the Shield as my EDC.
BTW, “Striker-Fired” means that the pistol has no external hammer but rather an internal spring loaded striker pin. When you pull the trigger on a S&W Shield it performs 2 actions. First it cocks the striker spring and second it releases it. Therefore it is considered a Double Action Pistol.
I understand the Shield to be a striker fire pistol. As for double action, no. The trigger DOES NOT cock the striker spring to my understanding. The striker spring is already cocked when you load the gun. The trigger simply “release” the striker to fire and the gun cycle reloads and recocks the striker spring. You cannot pull the trigger a second time on a misfire. You have to eject the bullet. Double action guns are revolver and guns that have a hammer like the Ruger and Sig Sauer guns.
My son is a armour and cop 16 years always carried off duty a Glock 27 and tried the Shield. Sold the Glock and turned me on to the Shield. i always have been a S&W fan W/ a 5″ pro series 9mm and S&W AR15.Have put about 100 rounds through the Shield and completely just love it. Been shooting for 48 years now and the service and reliablity you get w/ S&W is the very best i have ever recieved from any Mfg. i haveever dealt with. The shield is my carry gunand just love the triggers on all my Smiths. Will probably buy more in the future.
I’ve been carrying the 40 cal shield for some time. Very comfortable and easily concealable. A good holster is a must. It’s lightweight and packs a punch. My hands are large and I do feel the 7 round mag is a little too small. Overall I trust this gun to operate as it should and recommend it to friends and family.
I have carried by my 9mm and 40 Shields for a couple of years now. The natural point-shooting and low recoil of both calibers is astounding for their size. The 9mm is a joy to shoot, and the 40 has no more felt recoil to me than many full-sized 40’s. Totally reliable, I’ve had ZERO malfunctions in either pistol ever, with probable 3500 rounds through the 9 and a couple of thousand through the 40. I have several Glocks and M&P’s of multiple calibers and size…the Shields are the most effortless to carry.
The Shield in 40 is my EDC. Shoots anything you load in it. Horhaday critical defense is my carry load. Apex Tactical trigger job, XS big dot sights for better target acquisition.with the short sight radius. Fully trust the gun with my life. What better review can you give after saying that?
I can underline Randall Underwood’s comments. Same guns, same experience. My Glock is a 19C, so it shoots better, but is, of course bigger and heavier
I carry a shield in 9mm and feel confident if or when I need it I can depend on it to function reliably. I chose Hormady critical defense as my carry load. I also have a Glock 19 and can say for concealment I choose the shield. As for hits on target I can almost shoot the shield as good as the glock. In coat weather I would choose the Glock but for everyday carry the shield is my first choice.
How can you do a review of a personal defense pistol and not mention that it includes a manual safety in it’s design? I have both 9 and 40 Shields and carry them regularly, but the manual safety its an issue to be considered, and some simply so not want that on a carry pistol.
That safety can be left off. I like it because I carry with a pocket holster most of the time. If I carry it my paddle holster I can leave the safety off because the trigger is guarded.
I carry this everyday with a crossbread IWB holster, extremely light and comfortable. Simply amazing, thank you Smith & Wesson!
A good article which I agree with. I carry the S&W Shield in 9mm and I love it. I use Hornady Critical Duty rounds in 135gr. Since these are expensive cartridges, I have found that a Hornady 124gr XTP with 7.9 gr. of AA#7 does a fine job of doing what it is supposed to do. At least with half a pig carcass.
I’ve owned my 9mm shield for a pinch over 1.5 years now. Carried OWB
Thumb brake holster. At the range it sure is accurate for a short barrel, and eats anything I’ve put in it. When loaded and ready it has 147 grn
hollow points. There has been a ton of data on options but all have indicated the 147 weight family is best. Had two failed to feed, due to me. Be sure when loading mags which are stiff, the shells go all the way back. Tap like you would an early M-16 mag if not sure. I switched to a set of night sights, which didn’t change the daytime picture, but sure help past dark ! ! ! Also put a laser on it, which needed a bit of time to properly “fit” it around the trigger guard. Out of the box the laser had two very sharp edges along the bottom, protruding into the trigger guard, which restricted finger insertion, and was an ouch factor when fired. You might ask why both? Night sights are passive, where a laser is active. I would highly recommend this handgun to carry. On a 1 to 10 scale, I’d give it an 8.0, points off for minor fit finish, and not even a tiny utility rail….come on ! Otherwise…..Super!
Background, plink 45+yrs, military 30+yrs, Competitive shooting 15+
I carry the Shield in 9mm using a Remora holster for IWB. The Remora can be quickly switched to cross-draw for when you are driving and then to strong-side when you get out. Both, of course, are IWB.
For OWB, strong side, I have a Wright custom leather rig. My preferred ammo is Speer Lawman: 115 TMJ for target and Gold Dot 124 JHP for defense.
Also, Crimson Trace makes a wonderful, unobtrusive trigger guard laser for the Shield that gives you the option of using either laser or open sights.
Bob:
I have and M&P 40 cal Shield. I have shot over 100 rounds with 155gr bullets and have consistently hit 3/4 inches to the left of center target at 7 to 10 yards. I have a laser target bullet to practice using the trigger pull but it continually shoots to the left of center no matter what I do. Is this a problem that can be corrected? thank you, John
Simply make an adjustment to the rear sight. It may have been off a little from the factory.
If you are certain of your trigger fundamentals, i.e. too much or too little trigger finger insertion, you can always drift the rear sight to the right a little to correct.
I carry the Shield in 40 everyday. When I first began to carry it was a Taurus Mill. Pro in 40. Compared to that the Shield is so lightweight and easy to conceal. It is easier to handle when you have the extended mag. The grip was somewhat slippery, so I put on a Talon grip (rubberized) and the problem was solved. I highly recommend the Shield to anyone who wants a smaller handgun with great knockdown power.
I just recently got my new Shield (40 caliber) & have been very happy with it in every aspect. It carries well and affords me the ability to carry a small pistol that fires my favorite round. I agree 100% with the author’s comments and would add the Shield also field strips easily for cleaning. It also does well with managing the recoil of the larger 40 caliber. . I believe I have found my “last” carry pistol.