[GunnerShotz]

I finally made it to the range today with the Shield. First time buying a gun as recently released as this one; but I can now confidently confirm all the good things being said about it in the more comprehensive reviews.

Keynotes:

1. It's slim and lightweight enough to easily carry IWB or even pocket. I'll carry IWB myself.
2. It feels good and points well in my small to medium size hands.
3. It's obviously well made (good job S&W!).
4. The trigger break and reset are as short and brisk as you've heard. Very nice!
5. The recoil is astonishingly light for a pistol this size!! I'd go so far as to say it's pleasant, no joke.
6. It's at least as accurate as I am, which isn't saying all That much; but I Will assure you I was getting some good groups.
7. Piece of cake to strip and clean.
8. Reliable... ? Yep. I'm more than confident now that it will be!

Just 150 rounds today but zero FTF. I expect that will continue. Only one small hitch experienced when switching out mags. That had entirely to do with the spacer on the extended mag slipping up a bit from the base and not allowing it to seat with a 'normal' slap (as demonstrated by sturmgewehre in his Excellent review). Honestly, the 'pinkie rest' wasn't making much of a difference for me in overall accuracy or comfort. Any extra mags I get for this will probably be the flush fitting 7 round.

I couldn't help posting this folks... because I'm a Very happy camper :)

[Madcap_Magician]

I did note that the extended magazine spacer has a tendency to pop out for some reason. It would be nice to have stronger retention on that.

[Shipwreck]

The spacer on my extended mag hasn't had this issue

[Psa1m144]

I got the M&P Shield 40 last week, I fell in love immediately. I have had ZERO reliability issues with it and it's very accurate. It quickly became my favorite pistol. I'm currently in the market for a 9mm Shield for my wife but they are impossible to find right now. If you find one of these guns, don't hesitate, they rock! :D

[basicblur]

Well, not to rain on everyone's parade, but:
1. I don't care for the extended magazine design - it would be better if the sleeve was part of the bottom plate and could not move.
2. Not really impressed with the trigger, despite what everyone says. The internals may have a crisp action, etc, but that darn articulated / plastic? trigger feels a bit on the spongy side to me. I have an LC9, and despite the long trigger pull, it's smooth, and you can tell what's going on at every point in its travel.
I'd rank the LC9 slightly above the SHIELD AFA triggers.
3. Wish the magazines were black like my M&P 357 SIG. I prefer concealed / discreet carry, and those darn silver magazines are real eye catchers when in a pouch on your belt. If they were black, they'd be much less noticeable.

And yeah, I do own a 9mm SHIELD.

[LCNM]

Thanks for the post Gunner, and I agree with you completely, especially gun handling. Just for kicks I shot my LCP and Bersa 380, then shot my Shield 9mm. The Shield is so much better to shoot, and with a better self-defense round! I carry different guns depending on destination and wardrobe, and the Shield will probably get the most carry time of all.

[meanmrmustard]

Well, not to rain on everyone's parade, but:
1. I don't care for the extended magazine design - it would be better if the sleeve was part of the bottom plate and could not move.
2. Not really impressed with the trigger, despite what everyone says. The internals may have a crisp action, etc, but that darn articulated / plastic? trigger feels a bit on the spongy side to me. I have an LC9, and despite the long trigger pull, it's smooth, and you can tell what's going on at every point in its travel.
I'd rank the LC9 slightly above the SHIELD AFA triggers.
3. Wish the magazines were black like my M&P 357 SIG. I prefer concealed / discreet carry, and those darn silver magazines are real eye catchers when in a pouch on your belt. If they were black, they'd be much less noticeable.

And yeah, I do own a 9mm SHIELD.
1. Agreed
2. Have you used a Glock? Talk about spongy. The Shield has that beat in spades.
3. Who's staring at your mags? If someone can see light glare off them, then you are obviously not being too discreet. Black, stainless, or even purple; can't see them, no matter what color or finish if they're concealed properly.

[KTXdm9]

I wish you guys would stop posting Shield threads. You're gonna force me to buy one. :)

[Shipwreck]

Go do it. It is by far my fav subcompact I have ever owned. I am up to 850 rounds thru mine in just three range trips

[LawScholar]

This one is getting tempting for me, too...I have about $300 saved...

[basicblur]

Who's staring at your mags? If someone can see light glare off them, then you are obviously not being too discreet. Black, stainless, or even purple; can't see them, no matter what color or finish if they're concealed properly.
While not against OC, before they changed the law in VA, I had to remove my coat just before I walked in the door before eating at certain restaurants since you could not CC (but could OC) in restaurants that served alcohol.
My gun, holster, and pants are all black, and as such, I doubt anyone in the restaurant even noticed - if I'd had those shiny mags on my belt at the time, they would have stood out like a sore thumb.

For it's intended purpose (for most folks?), you'd think someone would have thought to make the mags all black -I wonder why some in the M&P line are and some aren't? I bought a used police special M&P 357 SIG, and the magazines are black - wonder if some LE prefer / specify black mags?

I just bought a few Wilson Combat magazines for my 1991-A1 Compact. I notice at Wilson, if you buy the magazines with the extended base plate (I assume these are for competition shooters?), the magazines are silver. If you buy the same magazine in black, it also comes with the smallest extended baseplate Wilson makes - apparently, Wilson realizes folks wanting to conceal / be discreet would prefer black magazines and minimalist base plates? (You can purchase 3-packs of baseplates of your choice to mix / match).

I'm just sayin'...looks like someone at Wilson has put a little thought into this - mebbe S&W should also?

I've yet to find a mag pouch holder with a flap to completely cover the magazine unless you get into duty type magazine holders.

[basicblur]

Have you used a Glock? Talk about spongy. The Shield has that beat in spades.
Never shot a Glock - way back when I bought my first polymer gun, I handled 'em, came home and did my research (research first, buy second!), and walked out with a Sigma!

I wish these folks would just get away from the plastic / articulated triggers as on the SHIELD. Folks whine 'bout triggers like the LC9, but there's a lot to be said for a metal trigger and hammer fired gun (I guess they keep trying to make striker-fired guns feel like hammer fired?)

[pat701]

Save more money and get a Sig.

[Shipwreck]

Save more money and get a Sig.

Nice to see you again. Let's see - you said the same thing here on Page 2:

http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_5_16/125697_Are_there_real_issues_with_the_Shield_.html&page=2



Then, there was post #6 here:

http://www.glocktalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1423303




There was also the 2nd to last post here:

http://sigforum.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/430601935/m/6950036982



So, this thread here makes 4 total that I have seen in the last day or so. Maybe all of us should go search out Sig 239 threads and suggest to everyone that they should buy a Shield? Hmm?



EDIT - oh wait - you're here too on post #4:

http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=489214&highlight=shield


Really making the rounds I see... What else should we hurry up and do?



Double Edit - oh wait - one more :) Oh, and one more (#31):

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=660083

[Orion8472]

Must be a Sig sales person.

[Shipwreck]

Must be something... :D

[LawScholar]

Must be something... :D

You have much better manners than I.

[Orion8472]

Just as a side note, . . . I happened to pick up and handle another pistol that WAS in the running [with the Shield], . . . the Sig P938, . . . and after handling it and doing a dry fire, . . . . . I would NOT be interested in buying that Sig. I have yet to hold and dry fire a Shield, and have no preconceived notions about it. If there is something I don't like about it, I will pass it by. However, all this to say, . . . someone can make a suggestion all they want, but each person has their likes and dislikes.

[BoneDigger]

I picked up a Shield today and plan to put some rounds through it tomorrow. I am excited. It feels pretty good in my hand.

Todd


Sent via Todd's IPhone using Tapatalk.

[Shipwreck]

Oh, he hit a new one tonight - post #56... Just saw it :D:D

http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=487532&page=3

[gym]

I passed as it won't pocket carry, the lc9 will. that was the decision maker. I have enough small guns, the lc9 will replace the lcp. It goes bang every time and has a laser. The shield looks nicer, but is a bit too large to pocket carry. that was the deal breaker. For me there was a specific purpose for it, of the Nano, sig, ruger and M&P, the lc9 is the only one that I can carry as a bug in my trouser pocket. Using a "sticky" holster it sits on the inside edge of my everyday pants and allows a hands on weapon, if you think you may have a problem on the way.I need a gun that goes into action in an instant.I almost bought the shield but both countermen and I shook our heads, at the idea of sliding it in a front pocket.

[Orion8472]

Shipwreck, . . . thanks. More evidence that this guy is myopic.

The guy after him made an excellent point.

[CZguy]

I passed as it won't pocket carry, the lc9 will. that was the decision maker. I have enough small guns, the lc9 will replace the lcp. It goes bang every time and has a laser. The shield looks nicer, but is a bit too large to pocket carry. that was the deal breaker. For me there was a specific purpose for it, of the Nano, sig, ruger and M&P, the lc9 is the only one that I can carry as a bug in my trouser pocket. Using a "sticky" holster it sits on the inside edge of my everyday pants and allows a hands on weapon, if you think you may have a problem on the way.I need a gun that goes into action in an instant.I almost bought the shield but both countermen and I shook our heads, at the idea of sliding it in a front pocket.

I didn't know they were that big. I can't find one in this area to handle.

The LC9 seems too large for pocket carry to me.

Is anyone carrying the shield in a front pocket?

[khegglie]

YUP.

[CZguy]

YUP.

Shirt, pants, bib-overalls, dresses?

How does it fit? Any problems with the presentation?

[Shipwreck]

Is anyone carrying the shield in a front pocket?

I am. I think in Jeans, even a Kahr Pm9 would be a tough fit. But, I wear cargo pants all the time. I am carrying my Shield in my front, hip pocket. Not hard to do. Previously carried a Kahr PM9 with the extended mag that way too.

Here is a pic of a PM9 laying on a Shield. As you can see, the Shield is not much larger:

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g320/mistershipwreck/kahrshield1.jpg

[BoneDigger]

Seems a little big for pocket carry to me, but then I knew that going in. I don't pocket carry any guns, always IWB or OWB for me. The Kahr is nice but doesn't shoot as well as the Shield (at least to me) since the shield just fits my hands better. I like it and it is very comfortable to carry in a good holster.

Todd


Sent via Todd's IPhone using Tapatalk.

[khegglie]

I can carry a Shield or PF9 in casual dress pants in a DeSantis type holster without a problem; yeah I have SOMETHING in my pocket but it is not outstanding since I have to carry a lot of work gear as well all of my pockets are full. @ P3ATs or similar sized sub for A Shield size CC if the pockets are too small. In more casual clothing Ive even carried a G27.
Just fit for the CC when you buy new pants!

[kris7047th]

Hey Shipwreck ! Good seeing you here.

Bought my Shield on launch day 4/13/12 before noon. I like it every bit as much today as the day I bought it .. well, I take that back. I like it MUCH better after the trigger work done on it by a local gunsmith .. new sear, preset and reset shortened, trigger @ 4lbs :D

Don't think I would replace it with a Sig or a LC9 .. no waaay Jose !! :eek:

[skt239]

Pat,

For the love of God, give it a rest man! The P239 is one of the few semi autos I enjoy to shoot, don't ruin it for me!

[gym]

Try it for yourself. I have been carrying the LC9 for 2 months now, and it fits all my pants, the others didn't. Plus 3 or 4 ozs of weight is realy important, "at least to me" if you are active. The shield showed out of my pocket, the weight also made it pull and print. The 17 oz Lc9, worked for me, it's right at the edge of being able to carry, a 20 oz gun is pushing it, once you load it up. If you are really big, like 250, maybe you can pull it off, at 200lbs and 6ft I couldn't.I literally work out with the Ruger in my pocket doing an hour of cardio, and weights, The sticky holster really helps, it sticks like glue to wherever you put it. I have 2 now and they fit most of my glocks and even my EMP. You can slip it in the front for driving, or the side or rear, along with, in your pocket. I highlly recommend them, my LGS, only carries them now.

[PabloJ]

I would not want to put anything larger & heaver into pocket then loaded LCP. It's hard to get excited over single stack version of 12 shot M&P compact. Since Sheild is too large and heavy for standard pocket of mortal man I would rather have M&P9c.

[BoneDigger]

I would not want to put anything larger & heaver into pocket then loaded LCP. It's hard to get excited over single stack version of 12 shot M&P compact. Since Sheild is too large and heavy for standard pocket of mortal man I would rather have M&P9c.

Having both, while I agree the 9c is a great gun, and probably my favorite, the Shield is lighter and thinner, so it's just a little more comfortable. I carry the 9c some days still, but the Shield is an easy gun to enjoy carrying.

Todd


Sent via Todd's IPhone using Tapatalk.

[ponchsox]

I tried to pocket carry an LC9 but it just felt like a brick when I walked. The Shield is very comfortable in a Remora holster IWB. The only gun I can comfortably pocket carry is an LCP.

[Dean1818]

I wish that you guys would just stop on these positive Shield stories.......

I handled one at a GS in KC


I am now suffering from a new and chronic desease

Its called SE

(shield envy)

Maybe in a few months........

My wife would literally shoot me if another gun followed me home...........

Maybe in the fall

[ponchsox]

I hear ya. Coming on these forums won't help your Shield Envy. It's like a recovering alcoholic going to a Memorial day picnic!

[Aahzz]

I'm carrying the Shield in a front pocket, in a Blackhawksize 4 pocket holster. Carrying in jeans, cargo shorts, and jeans shorts (non-cargo style). Works fine, no snags on the draw, no issues.

[ponchsox]

How big are you? I wouldn't be comfortable at all doing this unless I had on some type of military pants.

[kris7047th]

I loved my Shield SOooo much that when I found out the Trijicon HD night sights would fit nicely, I bought a set off amazon .com

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb114/kris7047th/IMG_1178.jpg

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb114/kris7047th/IMG_1172.jpg

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb114/kris7047th/IMG_1165.jpg

I didn't even think to do that with my M&P9c which I have carried faithfully for 2 years :o

[Dean1818]

I loved my Shield SOooo much that when I found out the Trijicon HD night sights would fit nicely, I bought a set off amazon .com

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb114/kris7047th/IMG_1178.jpg

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb114/kris7047th/IMG_1172.jpg

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb114/kris7047th/IMG_1165.jpg

I didn't even think to do that with my M&P9c which I have carried faithfully for 2 years :o
Did you install the NS yourself?


Man....... I hate you guys..........

Gotta get a Shield

[khegglie]

Guy after guy is posting how they can carry a Shield or several other guns in the pocket without diffuculty but some still won"t believe it!
I did't think that there could be any difference at all between a Keltec P11 VS PF9 with the miniscule width difference until I tried it.
Like I posted THE SHIELD CAN BE POCKET CARRIED well and it is bigger than the PF9. I think the grip configuration or something may be a factor from one gun to another.

This Shield thing is infectious....I'm thinking of getting another one!

[Shipwreck]

I'm thinking of getting another one!

Me too. I'm already on several waiting lists for my second shield. Hell, I'm lucky I got my first one, because finding #2 is proving to be tough

[CZguy]

Well no wonder I'm having such a hard time finding one to look at.

You guys are starting to hoard them. :D

[basicblur]

Finally found someone with some SHIELD 9mm 7-rd magazines in stock-if you want 'em, better jump quick (he only had 7 left at 4:03 am May 30.

Grab A Gun.com (http://grabagun.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=Smith+and+Wesson+SHIELD) has 'em - a few notes:
1. $29.06 for the 7-rd.
2. Out of the 8-rd, and they're pricey! (not that the 7-rd is cheap).
3. $9.99 S&H
4. Didn't check stock on the 40 magazines.

He did have DeSantis holsters at a good price, so I got a DeSantis Die Hard Ankle Rig for the SHIELD ($47.61).

I got a couple of 7-rd magazines - his site does show when something is out of stock. You don't know how many he has, so just keep updating your cart with higher quantities 'til you get a RED LETTER notice stating quantity not on hand.
I think he had around 20 of 'em last night when I ordered.

No experience with these folks - first time ordering - e-mail confirmations look good.

[beag_nut]

I rented a Shield at my local range and was quite impressed....Until I tried to stick it into my pants pocket: NO GO.
I was really hoping I'd like it, since the recoil is very manageable, and the trigger, though rough, could be lived with. But, I MUST be able to pocket carry it.
Final verdict, no go.

[Harry-0]

I just got home with my Smith & Wesson M&P Shield .40 cal. I've been on waiting lists of various dealers since first part of May 2012 and "nary" a call!!

This afternoon, after several hours of calling around, I was able to locate two at Academy Sports. Their store in Athens GA and Macon GA each had one come in yesterday.

Academy told me they don't ship firearms so I drove the two hours to Athens to claim it! If anybody is looking for one of these "gems" you might want to give Academy in Macon GA a call to see if it's still available.

Can't wait to get to the range sometime this week or weekend to put it through its paces!

[gym]

Here is finally the solution to Pocket carrying any gun, CCWBREAKAWAYS.COM, I bought a pair and they are terriffic pants, They make shorts,Pants, cargo and kahackis, and jeans. The 2 front pockets are holsters, they adjust laterally and vertically, the have velcro "if you turn them inside out",to fit anythig from a 1911 down.
They are about hundred dollars, but the pockets are a reinforced material, no bulge or print, and when you draw the gun, you twist you hand, and the pocket breaks away, two buttons are snapped into the liner under your belt.
This makes the gun come straight out without fiddeling around.
The sides just break away from the leg. Go take a look, they work.

[jfrey]

My wife got me a Shield in 9mm last Thursday and litterly called all over Texas to find it. One LGS in Houston had one(1) unexpectedly come in on the truck Thursday and they held it for her long enough to go pick it up. So far it shoots pretty well, although low at 7 yds. Carry is great. It completely disappears under a polo shirt and shorts. I already had a couple of holsters for other guns, which have worked out very well so far. The trigger isn't bad but will get better with a couple hundred rounds. Polishing the lobe on the striker and the sear block would help a lot and I don't know why gun manufacturers don't do this when they make them. Put about 70 rounds through it on Saturday and not a bobble of any kind. I will no doubt swap out between the Shield and my G19 as normal carry guns.

From what I can tell so far, all the hype about such a new gun is fairly well founded. If it holds up like my Glock it'll be a real keeper.

[basicblur]

Don't know if anybody would be interested, but a fella on eBay that I buy holsters from lists a DeSantis, black, RH, LINED, Thumb Break Scabbard for the SHIELD. He stocked 'em after a request from me (I got one from him).

'Bout all my holsters are lined (good or bad, who knows?), but for some reason the lined DeSantis Thumb Break Scabbard for the SHIELD is not a stock item at DeSantis. You could special order from them for only $16 or so more, but DeSantis sells at MSRP + shipping - the guy I buy from discounts around 25% or so (cheapest prices vary between him and Optics Planet). In e-mail exchanges with him, I believe he said as a dealer (probably something to do with pricing?), he had to order six of 'em, so I don't know how many he has.

Anywho...here's the info ($65.95 delivered):
Desantis #001 Thumb Break Holster fits S&W M&P Shield 9/40 LINED Black RH (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Desantis-001-Thumb-Break-Holster-fits-S-W-M-P-Shield-9-40-LINED-Black-RH-/350578314616?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item51a0188d78)

From DeSantis' site (http://www.desantisholster.com/store/WHATS-NEW/m-p-shield/belt-holsters/thumb-break-scabbard) (I had to call to get the part # for the LINED)
DeSantis Thumb Break Scabbard for S&W SHIELD unlined 001BAX7Z0
DeSantis Thumb Break Scabbard for S&W SHIELD LINED 001BCX7Z0

Don't know why, but most of my lined holsters are the usual suede lining - the DeSantis Die Hard Ankle Rig (http://www.desantisholster.com/store/WHATS-NEW/m-p-shield/ankle-holsters/die-hard-ankle-rig) for the SHIELD has a soft, smooth, leather lining (not a rough texture like suede), and the lining is tan (on a black holster).

The Die Hard Ankle Rig was my first foray into ankle holsters - so far it seems to carry well, although I have had to alter my truck entrance slightly (Ranger 4x4). Normally, the inside of my left leg would drag the running board when I entered - with the ankle rig, I've had to alter my entrance slightly so the gun doesn't bang the running board every time I enter.

[jimbo555]

Does the shield have an internal lock?

[Shipwreck]

No, it does not

[ns66]

why not have picatinny rail under muzzle? not thick enough?

[Litlman]

They kept it small & simple. I don't see the need for a rail on a small weapon. I like it the way it is.

[kris7047th]

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb114/kris7047th/IMG_1793.jpg

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb114/kris7047th/IMG_1779.jpg

[Just One Shot]

I've had 2 Sigs, they're not bad guns, both are now gone but I still have my M&P!