I liked the Shield's trigger quite a bit when I first got it. Mine's a May 2014 production. I've shot probably 400-500 rounds through it. Runs good.

Then I bought a new M&P 9 last month. Also a May 2014 production. I think the M&P 9's trigger is much better than my Shield's trigger. The Shield seems to have a lot of over-travel; in comparison, the M&P breaks right at the end of the travel.

Indeed, when I dry fire, I get some muzzle movement with the Shield, whereas I'm rock solid with the full size. I think this is due to the longer travel of the Shield's trigger after the sear is released.