M&P Shield vs Walther PPS and G26

Thanks a bunch. Those were the exact 3 pistols I have been wanting to see side by side. The new S&W is looking like a great choice. Priced well to. I like the PPS but its another $100 + $50 for extra mags. Since I have a bunch of Glocks the 26 has been on my list. Right now the Shield is getting the nod.

Thank you very much for this post & video.

I own a PPQ and a PF-9. I LOVE the PPQ, and have been looking to find a CCW option that I would be equally enthusiastic about. With the thumb safety on the Shield, I would feel fine switching from a DAO trigger to a SAO trigger, while still carrying with a round in the chamber. The Shield seems like a great mix of safety, ease of accuracy, and ease of carry.

I was also very happy to hear about the pricing!

Have a great day, sir.

I didnt have the sound on but thats a great video for size comparisions.

Thanks.

you have the +1 mag in the PPS and the non +1 in the Shield. Not fair comparison.

Also, you skirt around it...the PPS is thinner. You talked about width and then started talking about the length without talking about the thinner PPS.

Towards the end you can see they are about the same length, but earlier you claimed it is a 1/2 inch difference.

Thanks for the review.

(sticking with my G26...but that's just me...)

If smith would put the shield trigger in the regular line of the m&p it would be a slam dunk pistol to have. I have a full 9mm with an apex which really helps. Great to see an American company easily rival glock if not surpass...but glock put the polymer pistol on the map smith evolved it. P

Looks like the G26 is still on top. I do not mind extra 10mm or so in thickness I'm looking forward to buying G26 once owned by current 'Shield' owner.

How do you figure...wider, longer, inferior trigger, heavier...?

I got a chance to handle a 9 Shield today ($439.99). It is thin, the grip was so so, and the trigger pull was not that great. It was gritty and felt a bit heavier than a stock trigger pull on a Glock. The thumb safety looks like it was derived from their 380 bodyguard. It is snag free , but I see it being an issue if u need to get to it quickly. I dont really understand why it needs a thumb safety when the trigger pull is 8+ pounds.
I was not very impressed with it. YMMV


I have heard that the PPS is nice to carry, but that's the only good I have heard about it. I have a Glock 26 and like it very much. It is a lot of gun in a small package.

I recommend you try them out to see which one YOU will like.

you have the +1 mag in the PPS and the non +1 in the Shield. Not fair comparison.

Click to expand...

Both pistols start the comparison with their 7rd mags.

The reason the Shield is shorter from top to bottom is because the Shield uses mags that are staggered single stack mags, where the rounds are not straight in a line from top to bottom. They are staggered like a double stack mag, but it is not a double stack mag. In the PPS, the rounds sit right on top of each other, like most single stack mags.

With the 8rd mag in the Shield, the pistol is about as tall as the PPS with the 7rd mag. It is pretty efficient for it's size, but I'm not sure how reliable this mag design is, as I've never heard of a pistol that used staggered single stack mags.

Interesting, but I'm a lefty. I will not buy a carry pistol with a safety that is not ambidextrous. Had they made a Shield with ambidextrous controls, then it would have been more interesting to me. I'll stick with my PPS.

What I meant was the PPS is capable of being shorter than the Shield with the PPS 6 round mag (making it 6 +1 chambered).

Therefore, saying the Shield is shorter is a true, but...

On mags the PPS still wins. PPS comes with 2 now and you can get a shorter than Shield mag.

Meh.

^^^^^

Given your posts in this thread and the 2-3 other 9Shield threads its clear you dont like it.

No need to keep posting criticizing negative comments on a gun, its evaluation, or its potential buyers, that you clearly dont like.... and that you dont even have.... nor given any indication you will even consider it for purchase.

We get it.

Maybe if Shield owners would stop calling it as short, as thin, as versatile with mags as the PPS I wouldn't have to point out their wrong comments

I am shocked about someone knocking the trigger or the grip. I handled one as well as a G26 and substantially liked the Shield trigger better. Lighter, smoother, more defined break and reset. Are you sure you werent looking at a M&P9c? That does have a gritty heavier factory trigger. The shield I played with was certainly not gritty or heavy. The safety...well that is something to get use to I guess, it was awkward to operate not to mention stiff. The grip is subjective as well I suppose...the glock grip is bigger (wider) but the gun is bigger. I have medium hands and like the shield grip better...not to mention the angle. With the extended mag it was even more comfortable. It lacks the contour but seem to still be very nice. I was overall surprised and pleasantly shocked at how much I actually liked the M&P Shield. Havent shot it so to make a complete judgement would be stupid. I weight shoot-ability as my highest priority.

I have tried for years to shoot a glock well...several models and well over a 1000 of rounds of effort, they just dont suit me. I am not a good shooter with them. After shooting other guns I began to dislike the blocky profile, grip angle, and size of the grip. The M&P line in general seemed to point more naturally, has a far more comfortable and natural grip for me, from one shooter to the next this is completely subjective. I still like what glock has done for the industry as well as the polygun category if there is one but they now seem old without much change. I have always felt they had a one size fits all approach. I have said this before Glock created the polygun and I believe smith evolved it. Yes it is true this is over several years. Many will say you dont need to improve on something that they...keyword "they" consider already near perfect that is certainly their opinion. The glock didnt suit me for a number of reason but I try not to knock it or push a biased opinion. But still respect them and know many that shoot them exceptionally well. Just my 2 cents. In the end If I were interested in this small conceal category pistol I would certainly entertain the shield.

I was handling a S&W M&P 9 Shield.......That's what the slide said at least. It was a single stack 9mm pistol That comes with the extended 8 round magazine, as well as the standard 7 round magazine. I used to own a M&P 9c, so I know the difference.

Of all the M&P series pistols that I have handled and shot, this particular Shield had the worst trigger pull of all of them. This does not shock me, not these days. I am sure that I can go down the road and handle another Shield and the trigger be much better. That's just the way mass produced firearms are these days......Inconsistent.

The grip on the shield is sufficient, but I did not like it (note "I"). I referred to it as feeling like a "boat oar" when my friend asked me what I thought about it. That's just my hand, not everyone else's. The grip on the G26 is OK, but it could use some improvement (like everything else). The G26 is thicker, but it and the shield look to be the same size overall. I didn't have a G26 handy to compare to the Shield, so I may be incorrect. I still prefer the grip on my G26 (standard, extended, or GAP floor plates). That's just me, YMMV.


Preacher, I guess I compromise with Glock. I am much better with my 1911 and Sig 226, but I continue training with my Glocks because they have given me many good years of service.

Shield vs LC9

From a post I made elsewhere - didn't think I was interested in the Shield ('specially since I have an LC9) 'til I played with one at the guns shop-it followed me home the next day.
Just fished out my LC9 as I wanted to compare 'em.
1. Slides pretty much the same AFA thickness, etc, but the Ruger is slightly more rounded at the top edges.
2. The Ruger has a much longer trigger pull, but it's smooth.
3. The Shield has a much shorter trigger pull, and although folks rave about it, I think it still feels slightly 'spongy'.
4. The Shield is striker fired, the Ruger hammer fired.
5. The Ruger seems to have a thinner grip, and the slide is slightly shorter in length.
6. All controls 'bout the same (safety, slide lock).

If I was going for ultimate concealability, I think I'd give the nod to the Ruger?
If not, the Shield does fit my hand a little better, plus the rougher texture of the Shield grip is reassuring.

The Shield is a single stack, but it looks like the rounds are half-staggered.
The LC9 is cheaper, but how much I don't know - our local shop is currently out of 'em.

Just posted this on your video, but I thought I'd share it here also:

A sub-compact 9mm should be a pocket affair. Since 1994 I've been waiting for a reputable company to put out a gun that can be dubbed the "Baby Glock Killer." Unfortunately, I'm still waiting. It all boils down to size, reliability, shootability, firepower, versatility, and once again...overall size. The M&P seems to be a taller pistol than the Glock 26, which makes pocket carry/draw more problematic. I'm not even a big fan of Glocks, but for me, these newcomers are all "Close, but No Cigar."

Here on THR, we've gotten into numerous debates about whether or not a G26 is a pocketable gun. For me, personally, I shop for clothing with CCW in mind. I've been doing so for quite some time now. If you buy pants/shorts with big enough pockets and are willing to use a pocket holster and a real deal gun belt, then pocket carrying a pistol like the G26 is not a problem. if you insist must wear cowboy-tight Wranglers either for fashionable, geographical, or medical reasons, then it might not work for you. Personally, I've pocket carried a G26 as my primary carry for the past 8 years and have never been made.

The Shield is a gun that makes me want to get excited but still leaves me hoping for something that is truly and measurably better to come along.

The US economy is 76.6% from the service industry.

So to say that pocket carrying a G26 is possible is unreasonable. Business attire does not mean "wrangle tight jeans."

A G26 in the pocket may work for you, but it simple does not work for most working people.

The US economy is 76.6% from the service industry.

So to say that pocket carrying a G26 is possible is unreasonable

Business attire does not mean "wrangle tight jeans."

Click to expand...

You're right.. it means pants with much larger pockets than "wrangle tight jeans" whether thats Docker type pants or dress slacks.

The US economy is 76.6% from the service industry.

So to say that pocket carrying a G26 is possible is unreasonable. Business attire does not mean "wrangle tight jeans."

A G26 in the pocket may work for you, but it simple does not work for most working people.

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Bwahahaha! "Most working people?"

Ah yes, I must have forgotten...sitting and making money for doing NOTHING in the penthouse of a Tampa Bay Skyscraper and all.

Amusing post that may warm your chest, but your homework either gets an "F" or an "Incomplete." Next time, do some due diligence before you jump to make an attempted character assassination here on The High Road.

Gee that's too bad about the Shield, I called around half the day trying to locate one, "shoot straight" took their last 5 to the gun show", and sold out. I have been debating on a replacement for my LCP as my 2n'd weapon or bug. I carry 2 guns all the time when not at home, where I leave the lcp in my front pocket with any type of pants.
I looked at he nano, lc9, sig 290, and shield. The LC9, is about the smallest. But I was indeed interested in the Shield, since I have 3 other guns that are sub compacts, like the Glock 26, I wanted "smaller". The Glocks have serve me well for 20 years, but not as a pocket gun, with dogs and grandkids around. I actualy prefer a safety for that. I never tried the PPS, nut that PPQ is geting great reviews. Just a bit larger. The 26 is a legend already. it just does everything, but too blocky and unsafe for pocket carry IMO.I want something I can leave in my pocket all day "even working out" and not worry it's going to catch on something, and I never found a holster other than a belly band that gave me that level of assurance with Glocks.The little lcp trigger is more like a revolver, and in a nemisis holster it never has come out.
I do know people who carry their 26 or 27 without one in the pipe, but I am old school, and can't do that. Back to square 1

Character assassination? What?

I was pointing out most Americans work in the service industry. Since you have to be 21 or older to carry a hand gun, it would be safe to say most of those workers wear dress pants.

A 26 is not fitting in dress pants all day every day. If you do, you probably aren't looking very professional that a 1 pound 6 inch long 5 inch across item isn't being noticed in your pants.

I just came back from Gander MTN, in WPB, FL, that gun was the reason for the hour drive. I almost bougt it. But if you have a 26 there is no reason to buy that gun. It is a nice pistol, but all 3 salesmen and myself agreed it was too big for pocket carry. You could IWB it or belly band it, but no way you are walking around with a pistol that is that large in your pocket with 8 rounds in it. May as well stick with the 3, 9's I have that are similar sized. and keep the lcp for pocket carry. It is a bit larger than the nano, which I didn't like, as the mag goes right into the feed ramp, very odd looking at it. That's it for me, the sig 290 was priced a 7 hundred way over what I have seen them elseware. Actually every gun was at MSRP or more. I won't be back there.I may look at the sig again if I see it at $550, which I have on several occasions. And they didn't even have the one other possibility , the lc9. I give up, for pocket carry that you can have on you all of the time, and not even feel it, the lcp still gets my vote. I still carry 2 guns when I leave the house so it really isn't a life changing moment. Nice gun the shield, if you are looking at single stack slim pistols.

Thanks for the vid