I have seen a couple older threads about forum members checking out the M&P Shield. Has anyone purchased or had some range-time with one, yet? I am looking for thoughts, impressions, shooting range trip experiences, etc.. I was comparing one to a Ruger LC9, and, although the Ruger is smaller, I really liked the Shield better. When I compared it to a Walther, not sure of the model? (PP something?), it was just about the same size with the Walther a tad smaller. I liked the feel of the Shield more than the Walther. I also compared one to the M&P 9C. Interestingly enough, it is about the same size as the M&P Compact, except, the barrel was a little shorter and it is a lot thinner and it doesn't have the other features of the larger Compact, such as interchangeable backstraps, access to larger capacity magazines, etc. But, hands-down, it has (in my opinion), the best trigger pull of the bunch. And, if S&W adopts this trigger on the 9C or other models it might be really nice. I am not sure if I would alter the trigger for essentially a carry gun, though.

 

Although I would probably buy it without the safety if it was available that way, I personally like the thumb safety on it as a small carry gun, especially because of the low-key design. It didn't feel like it could be accidentally placed on, and it is there as an option (I like options), but some range time might be needed to verify that it is truly inconspicuous. And, the safety seems to compliment the roughly 6.5 lb trigger; it wouldn't be a deal breaker either way for me.

 

Besides teh trigger, I really liked the sights. The sights are better on the Shield than the Walther and Ruger LC9, and it feels much better in my hand than the thick, industry-leading Glock 26, and quite possibly it has a nicer trigger than the Glock.

 

I feel that It is a little too large to be a pocket gun, though. The verticle height/grip is longer than on the M&P 9 Compact. Nevertheless, It feels good in my hand, and since it is much thinner, it should be easier to conceal, especially if carried in the waist band. I think its size will also aid in its controllability and accuracy.

 

I really want to rent one at a range and try it out and feel that this might be a better option than a snubnose revolver for concealed carry.

I got one after contrasting it against the LC9 and PPS. I like it quite a bit.

 

Come by SCFGPA and shoot it

 

EDIT: I was on my phone earlier so now I'll add a little detail...I havent' shot the Ruger or Walther but I've held them. The Walther felt the most comfy in my hand with the grip extension but I didn't like that mag release that they use, and the Shield wasn't that far behind. The Ruger felt kind of like a toy.

 

As far as shooting, the recoil is surprisingly easy to handle. I shot 115, 124 and 147 and they all felt pretty similar, I guess that dual spring recoil assembly helps out a lot because it felt even softer than my EMP which was a heavier gun. It was very comfy with the extended mag and even with the short one it wasn't too bad.

 

Accuracy is meh, off hand I could get all my quick shots within 8" at 7 yards. If I slowed down I'm sure I could tighten that up but I was mostly making sure it would feed everything. It did feed everything although there was one FTE when I was shooting weak-handed and since it never happened again I will have to assume I limp-wristed it.

 

With the short magazine it completely disappears in a Theis IWB holster (Supertuck clone), even leaning over as long as my shirt doesn't ride up.

waiting for one to come in/.

The S&W M&P Shield is everything they say it is in the online reviews. I think it is an awesome, reliable, combat accurate gun.

I am not a good shot, but I was easily able to keep all of my shots in a 9-inch plate at 50 feet with this little guy. It is definitely a little noisy with the short barrel, though. The trigger could use a little bit of adjustment. I bet this gun with an Apex trigger would be fantastic.

 

Now if S&W would just come up with a Shield .22LR, or a slide setup. Christmas, as well as Father's Day, would be taken care of.

I took out the striker block on mine and polished the hell out of it (I did not grind it at all but the aggressive polishing did round out the bottom radius a little), it's much much less gritty now. I just put the piece on a punch (there's a convenient hole in the top for the spring) and chucked it in my drill and went to town with a rag and polishing compound.

 

It's still stiff since I didn't change the striker block spring, and have no plans to, but I really like the results. I polished the trigger bar a bit but it didn't look like it needed much attention.

 

I did have the luxury of having a spare striker block from my full-size, but it's not a dangerous mod, if you screw it up the gun just won't fire and you'll have to order an Ultimate Striker Block from Apex anyway