M&P 9 shield am I the only one

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daniel craig

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Am I the only one who finds the front of the grip uncomfortable? Like too thin or angular? It sits right on the first joint of my fingers (first from the knuckle), right where there is no padding in my hand.

For those who are in the same boat I am, what have you done to improve the ergonomics?
 
It's my first handgun and I got it pretty cheap. I did shoot it a bit before I bought it but I attributed lack of comfort to unfamiliarity. Looks like I'm going to have to get rubberized aftermarket grips.
 
I do not find the Shield's grip front area (frontstrap) uncomfortable. In fact, I find the Shield to be by far the most ergonomic of all the current single-stack 9mm sub-compact offerings (Ruger LC9, Glock 43, SA XDS-9, Kel-Tec PF-9, even my beloved SIG P-938). Frankly, unless one has abnormally tiny hands, it would seem unlikely to me that any American male would find the grip of any current production single-stack 9mm semi-auto sub-compact to be "comfortable."

This is why some of us prefer to carry full-size pistols that we know we can shoot well rather than sacrifice effectiveness for more comfortable concealed carry.
 
daniel craig

I have small hands and find the Shield's grip to be very comfortable to use. Maybe get a Hogue Handall Jr. sleeve to see if this helps with the grip feel.
 
Like you said it has an angle feel to the grip , kind of like holding the front of a dull ax blade . The grip needs some roundness to it . That is the reason that I will not buy one , even with the great price you can buy one for now . I might buy a rubber grip sleeve for my brothers Shield and see if that makes it feel better .
 
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Hands are different, you can't please everyone. The current "trend" towards changeable back-straps or modular grip housings (SIG P320) is an attempt to increase the universe of people who are happy with the grip. I'd wager the rebates on Shields are to move out inventory before introduction of the Shield 2.0 for which I'd expect changeable back-straps, at least.

To my hand, Glock rhymes with Block for a reason :)
 
All guns aren't going to work for all people. I like my Shield just fine. I have also heard people complain about Glocks feeling like a 2X4. I don't have a problem with them either. I did have to get rid of a Sig 239 because it just didn't fit my hand.
 
I love the Shield. I have all 3 calibers. With that said OP, i agree with you 110%. The grip does feel to thin and not all that comfortable in hand. The Shield is a great gun on all other accounts. It's a give and take. It's thinness is supposed to be feature that aids in concealibity.
 
wally said:
Hands are different, you can't please everyone. The current "trend" towards changeable back-straps or modular grip housings (SIG P320) is an attempt to increase the universe of people who are happy with the grip. I'd wager the rebates on Shields are to move out inventory before introduction of the Shield 2.0 for which I'd expect changeable back-straps, at least.

To my hand, Glock rhymes with Block for a reason :)
Click to expand...
I doubt that. The brand spacking new Shield 45 which has features that mimics the M&P 2.0 doesn't even have backstraps.

I think the rebate is directed at Springfield. The XD rebate has been hurting the Shield sales. I really wanted a Shield 45, but even I was tempted to buy the XDs instead just because of the rebate. Not only that, the tag line on the S&W rebate flyer is"It's Personal", and the S&W rebate ends at the exact same time as the Springfield rebate...
 
I don't have a discomfort issue with the Shield. XL hands. This afternoon fired 50-Rds Winchester Ranger bonded 147Gr-JHP, 50-Rds Federal HST +P 147Gr-JHP and 100-Rds of NATO Spec 124FMJ with no discomfort what so ever.
 
My wife preferred the M&P9c (doublestack compact) to the 9mm Shield when she was choosing her pistol. In fact, the Shield didn't even make it to the 2nd round (shooting it).
 
I had a shield and got rid of it for the very same reason, I hated the grip. Way too thin for my hands. I prefer the grip on my Kel Tec PF9 and LC9 guns, they feel better in my hand for some reason and better balanced. I think the top of the shield is too large for the slim grip, where the other two are more in proportioned to the grip and slide size. Some people love the shield and the grip. My Walther CCP has an awesome grip, it's the best of all feeling pistols in the smaller gun category and only second to my PPQ, which to me is the best of the best. The PPQ trigger is the best of the best also. If you have never shot and handled a Walther PPQ or a CCP, you are missing out big time.
 
I just picked up a Shield and the thin doesn't bother me so far we'll see what happens after it goes to the range.

I have another question and it may be my lack of knowledge on the pistol. This is my first concealable gun and I noticed it does not have a full rail on the frame for the slide to go into. It looks like there is a front and rear section of rail. Unlike my CZ P 09 which has a rail the entire length of the frame. When I look at the Shield and tilt it just right I can see the recoil spring and it a small section actual see through a gap between the slide and frame. The gap is small but I was wondering if that is just the design or if I may have an issue with the gun. I haven't been able to get a good picture of the gap but I will post it if I am able to.
 
Baldman said:
I just picked up a Shield and the thin doesn't bother me so far we'll see what happens after it goes to the range.

I have another question and it may be my lack of knowledge on the pistol. This is my first concealable gun and I noticed it does not have a full rail on the frame for the slide to go into. It looks like there is a front and rear section of rail. Unlike my CZ P 09 which has a rail the entire length of the frame. When I look at the Shield and tilt it just right I can see the recoil spring and it a small section actual see through a gap between the slide and frame. The gap is small but I was wondering if that is just the design or if I may have an issue with the gun. I haven't been able to get a good picture of the gap but I will post it if I am able to.
Click to expand...

Don't worry about the frame having just tabs instead of a full length rail, or being able to see the spring.. Take a peek at a Glock and it's the same set-up pretty much. Even my HK USP is the same.

As far as the ergonomics, I like mine. I've got fairly big hands and even with the short magazine inserted have no problems. I did add some skateboard tape onto the sides though. I don't do extended shooting sessions or lots of plinking with it, but for it's purpose think it's just about the ideal carry gun.
 
It is my understanding that the reason for the gap is to make it self cleaning. The full sized M&Ps are the same as are most of the striker fired pistols on the market.
 
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Styx said:
I doubt that. The brand spacking new Shield 45 which has features that mimics the M&P 2.0 doesn't even have backstraps.

I think the rebate is directed at Springfield. The XD rebate has been hurting the Shield sales. I really wanted a Shield 45, but even I was tempted to buy the XDs instead just because of the rebate. Not only that, the tag line on the S&W rebate flyer is"It's Personal", and the S&W rebate ends at the exact same time as the Springfield rebate...
Click to expand...
Thanks, now I just need to get it to the range
 
I wonder if the problem that some have referred to concerning hand interface with the Shield gripping area is simply a matter hand strength and the lack of manual labor employing hands which for the lack of better wording strengthen/toughens hands to physical impact.

I fire thousands of rounds of handgun ammunition each year semiautomatic pistols 9mmX19 and 45ACP standard pressure +P & occasionally +P+(9mmX19) with no inhibiting discomfort.
 
I also put Talon grips on mine and it fits me great. The only reason I bought the Talons was because the grip felt just a little too smooth for my taste.
 
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