M&P Shield 9 Shooting Way Low Left
- Thread starter setxwarrior
- Start date
What about the larger grip on the M&P
The M&P ships with 3 different size grips and the medium one being on the gun when you get it. Would you recommend just trying the large grip to see what happens?
The M&P ships with 3 different size grips and the medium one being on the gun when you get it. Would you recommend just trying the large grip to see what happens?
OP
setxwarrior
Member
The Shield does not have interchangeable back straps, fixed.
+1
Not only with thin pistols but small pistols in general
have a more difficult learning curve than their full sized siblings.
Thank you for this!.. I took one of my M&P .40's (i have two) out to the range today and the exact same thing. (PMC 155 grain ammo).. Low to the left. I'm normally dead on with Glocks, Sigs, etc, Even blew out the bullseye on my ccw qual. I knew it wasn't me. I went out and told the range guy. He came in with 5 rounds at 21 feet. Same exact thing. I will try doing that with my front site. See if that helps. I'll bump up the ammo. you wouldn't thing a lighter bullet would have that much drop at 21 feet. Guess it does.
Whatgorilla
Member
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First range trip today. 2 brands of FMJ, one of HP.
150 flawless rounds.
However, the Shield was shooting 2-3" left at 7 yards.
Most dead on vertically (some high, some low, so I know that's me).
If it keeps up after another range visit or two, with other shooters, I guess I'll drift the front a tad and see. I'm used to the lighter PF-9, so I don't think there's recoil anticipation--but I have been shooting an awful lot of .22LR lately. ;o)
150 flawless rounds.
However, the Shield was shooting 2-3" left at 7 yards.
Most dead on vertically (some high, some low, so I know that's me).
If it keeps up after another range visit or two, with other shooters, I guess I'll drift the front a tad and see. I'm used to the lighter PF-9, so I don't think there's recoil anticipation--but I have been shooting an awful lot of .22LR lately. ;o)
I believe is the shooter not the gun. Mine is on par with my g26. And i been familiar with m&p for a few days vs few years with glock. I love my shield so it deserves new sights. Apex trigger kit. I don't give all guns the special treatment. Gun has great recoil. Feels great in hand. And fit and finish is superb vs other polymer sub compacts i.e. Keltec. Shield is now in my carry rotation although my primary go to gun is the Walter ppq right now. But in terms of slim sub compacts it has surpassed. Khar cm cw series. Ruger lc9. Taurus slim. Keltec pf9. Nano.. Never shot the pps so can't say pps or the new Sig 938 but it all seems the shield is just getting started.
GnarlyTwoTrack
Member
What I tried yesterday was... after a safety checked pull the trigger to dry fire it. Now you can pull the trigger it's distance without dry firing it. See if you're tugging even on that lighter pull. I noticed I might be so I could imagine it would be even worse loaded. You could also try getting snap caps. I'm always iffy about dry firing even though I believe it's ok for this gun.
GnarlyTwoTrack
Member
Wow... it is definitely me. Had an M&P competitive shooter try my gun out today. She shot 5 through it at 30 and got all about 2 inches from a 1 inch dot. Dang! I knew she'd know. She showed me all kinds of stuff. Such as Gripping more like 60% with your front fist and your trigger hand on 40%. Also the first pad of your finger. I dry fired it a few times after these tips and I felt it was much better. Remember pull the trigger and not squeeze the trigger. Try dry firing a few "rounds" before you actually pop off the real thing to prepare yourself instead of wasting bullets. Yes, I took advise from a chick but you would too if you knew her...
P.S. Yes, I realize all these things will go out the window in a threat... but muscle memory may keep some of it into play.
P.S. Yes, I realize all these things will go out the window in a threat... but muscle memory may keep some of it into play.
M&P 9 Shield shooting way low left
I have a new M&P S&W Shield 9. (I also have a full size M&P 40 and a full size M&P 9). I also have 16 other guns; mostly semi-autos.
I took my new shield to the range the first time, and, like I do all new semi-auto pistols; I assume it will be accurte until proved otherwise. Well, I shot only at steel plates the first trip to the range. I was shocked, I could not knock ANY down. These ranged from rows in front at roughly 7/8 yards, out to a final row at about 15 yards distance. I finally decided to shoot only at the closest (7/8 yard distance) set of plates, and when I really concentrated, I could knock them down (8 inch steel plates). The gun functioned flawlessly, with 150 rounds of my reloads (115 grain FMJ bullets useing Winchester 231 powder), and about 15 rounds of Hornady 115 grain Critcal Defense hollowpoints. I was, needless to say, very disappointed in the lack of accuracy, since I planned on carrying this gun for concealed carry. Even if it functions perfectly, if I can't hit my target, I can't trust the gun. So, I decided to make another range trip on another day and take some Shoot N' See paper targets. Well, guess what, I saw right away that I was shooting way low left! Since the pistol is small and the grip is thin, I tried different finger positions and concentrated on making sure that I was using the TIP of my trigger finger and NOT using my finger clear up to the first joint (like one would shooting a revolver). When really concentraing on using the tip of my finger only, I was able to get the shots on the target a little more to the right (but still low). And, using only my finger tip, I was only able to move it slightly to to the right. This (paper target) shooting was done at about 7 yards. I tried shooting at 5 yards, and it did move the point of impact on the target, slightly to the right, but still shot low left (abut 2-3 inches left of bullseye). So, I am very disapointed at the results! I shoot Glocks, S&W M&P, Springfield XD pistols, as well as Ruger SR pistols (all in 9 and in 40 S&W caliber). I don't have accuracy problems with them. I am going to buy a new set of drift tools and try drifting the front sight to bring it on target. However, just eye balling the front and rear sights (from the factory), they appear to be centered. I think it is something inherent in the design of the barrel or pistol that causes the low / left results. I would appreciate any feedback you have on any different results, or what you hear back from Smith & Wesson on this issue. That same day I shot my Ruger 1911 in 45 and at 15 yards I don't have to even aim, I just point and shoot, and I RARELY miss the bullseye! Thanks, Buckeye49.
I have a new M&P S&W Shield 9. (I also have a full size M&P 40 and a full size M&P 9). I also have 16 other guns; mostly semi-autos.
I took my new shield to the range the first time, and, like I do all new semi-auto pistols; I assume it will be accurte until proved otherwise. Well, I shot only at steel plates the first trip to the range. I was shocked, I could not knock ANY down. These ranged from rows in front at roughly 7/8 yards, out to a final row at about 15 yards distance. I finally decided to shoot only at the closest (7/8 yard distance) set of plates, and when I really concentrated, I could knock them down (8 inch steel plates). The gun functioned flawlessly, with 150 rounds of my reloads (115 grain FMJ bullets useing Winchester 231 powder), and about 15 rounds of Hornady 115 grain Critcal Defense hollowpoints. I was, needless to say, very disappointed in the lack of accuracy, since I planned on carrying this gun for concealed carry. Even if it functions perfectly, if I can't hit my target, I can't trust the gun. So, I decided to make another range trip on another day and take some Shoot N' See paper targets. Well, guess what, I saw right away that I was shooting way low left! Since the pistol is small and the grip is thin, I tried different finger positions and concentrated on making sure that I was using the TIP of my trigger finger and NOT using my finger clear up to the first joint (like one would shooting a revolver). When really concentraing on using the tip of my finger only, I was able to get the shots on the target a little more to the right (but still low). And, using only my finger tip, I was only able to move it slightly to to the right. This (paper target) shooting was done at about 7 yards. I tried shooting at 5 yards, and it did move the point of impact on the target, slightly to the right, but still shot low left (abut 2-3 inches left of bullseye). So, I am very disapointed at the results! I shoot Glocks, S&W M&P, Springfield XD pistols, as well as Ruger SR pistols (all in 9 and in 40 S&W caliber). I don't have accuracy problems with them. I am going to buy a new set of drift tools and try drifting the front sight to bring it on target. However, just eye balling the front and rear sights (from the factory), they appear to be centered. I think it is something inherent in the design of the barrel or pistol that causes the low / left results. I would appreciate any feedback you have on any different results, or what you hear back from Smith & Wesson on this issue. That same day I shot my Ruger 1911 in 45 and at 15 yards I don't have to even aim, I just point and shoot, and I RARELY miss the bullseye! Thanks, Buckeye49.
Last edited:
tgmorris99
Member
@buckeye49:
What happens when you dry fire the Shield? I know when I got mine I had a pronounced shift of the front sight when the trigger broke. I had to adjust my grip and alter the pressure I was using on my weak hand to virtually eliminate it. Once I did that it shot just fine. At this point I would be as confident in using the Shield in a SD situation as I would my other M&Ps.
What happens when you dry fire the Shield? I know when I got mine I had a pronounced shift of the front sight when the trigger broke. I had to adjust my grip and alter the pressure I was using on my weak hand to virtually eliminate it. Once I did that it shot just fine. At this point I would be as confident in using the Shield in a SD situation as I would my other M&Ps.
GnarlyTwoTrack
Member
How many rounds through it so far??
tgmorris99
Member
Well, that's good news. How does it shoot, accuracy wise, when fired from a rest? If it's still off target then I'd either adjust the sights or send it in.
BuckeyeFan1
Member
I hear what ya'll are saying and there is a lot of truth about a smaller gun and all, but I had to drift adjust both my Shields as both were shooting left and in this case it definitely was not the shooter(s). My wife's 9mm was about three inches left @7 yards and my .40 about 1 1/2" @7 yards and several people had the same result with both these guns. Elevation and grouping was perfect on both guns but the wife's front sight and my rear sight were both clearly visibly not centered in the dovetails. After a couple respective windage adjustments, am happy to report that both Shields are now dead-nuts on accurate. I was a bit discouraged at first as that is the first time I've ever had to adjust a new M&P (we have 7) but we couldn't be happier now. Guess maybe in the rush to get these guns produced a few got through with the sights less than centered? It's all good now.
vigil617
US Veteran
So glad I found this thread. My 40 Shield has been driving me (righty shooter) crazy with left and low. Love shooting the pistol but not putting rounds where I want 'em has been frustrating. I had about decided it had to do with my grip -- I use the Weaver -- and the fact I can't get much left palm against the butt. But thanks to you guys' advice, I'll try some of the other fixes before calling for the calf rope from S&W.
Don't think it's recoil awareness -- I'd been shooting an M&P 45 for the past couple of months and had gotten pretty consistent with it -- but am frankly not an experienced shooter and tend to blame my own technique first when not getting the results I want. To make matters even more frustrating, out of exasperation I shot five rounds one-handed (right) today and all five hit the target in an acceptable-to-me grouping. Arrrgh, but it tells me that at least in a close-quarters SD situation I could get the job done with my Shield.
I know these sub-compacts are not "target pistols" but it's a point of pride with me to be able to hit what I'm shooting at up to 25 yards. So far, I'm not there with my Shield, but hey, the fun's in getting there, right?
Just asking: I don't have tools or expertise for drifting sights. Should I send it to S&W if none of the other fixes works, or would a local gunsmith be able to handle it? Do they check 'em with jigs or tools like micrometers, or is the proof gonna be in the shootin'?
Don't think it's recoil awareness -- I'd been shooting an M&P 45 for the past couple of months and had gotten pretty consistent with it -- but am frankly not an experienced shooter and tend to blame my own technique first when not getting the results I want. To make matters even more frustrating, out of exasperation I shot five rounds one-handed (right) today and all five hit the target in an acceptable-to-me grouping. Arrrgh, but it tells me that at least in a close-quarters SD situation I could get the job done with my Shield.
I know these sub-compacts are not "target pistols" but it's a point of pride with me to be able to hit what I'm shooting at up to 25 yards. So far, I'm not there with my Shield, but hey, the fun's in getting there, right?
Just asking: I don't have tools or expertise for drifting sights. Should I send it to S&W if none of the other fixes works, or would a local gunsmith be able to handle it? Do they check 'em with jigs or tools like micrometers, or is the proof gonna be in the shootin'?
M&P 9 Shield shooting way left and low
Well, here are the resutls of my 3rd trip to the range with my new S&W M&P 9 Shield: (First trip I shot steel plates only; could not hit the side of a barn with it; but it functioned perfectly with 150 rounds of 115 grain reloads and about 15 rounds of Hornady 115 grain critical defense hollow points). On my 2nd trip I took a Shoot N See target and stand and fiired standing. On could see then clearly that I was making a very tight grouping at 10 yards but was shooting low and way left. So I moved back to 7 yards. I was still grouping great, but my htis were all about 2 to 3 inches left of center bullseye, and a tad low. So, on my 3rd trip to the range I took Shoot N See targes and shot from a bench rest. Again, I had identical results; shooting way left. A young fellow I had never met came along and said oh, is that the new M&P Shiled? I said yes, do you want to shoot try it? Of course he said yes. He shot a two 5 shot groups at a fresh Shoot N See target I set up for him and he also shot low and left, with a good group. So, I am now convinced that I need to drift the front sight left to correct this. I am a little disappointed since I have a full size M&P 9 and full size M&P 40 and did not have to adjust any of the sights on them; they were both dead on out of the box. Also, some people are saying the trigger has improved on the Shield over the original full size 40 and 9mm pistols; however I don't fell any IMPROVEMENT. But, there is a definite difference. The new Shield has almost no take-up and breaks clean, but I think the trigger pull is a little harder than the full size M&Ps I have. I can't depend on the M&P 9 Shield pistol for conceal carry if I can't hit bullseye with it a 21 feet. It is a shame because this little pistol has had 240 rounds through it with not one failure of any kind, period.
Well, here are the resutls of my 3rd trip to the range with my new S&W M&P 9 Shield: (First trip I shot steel plates only; could not hit the side of a barn with it; but it functioned perfectly with 150 rounds of 115 grain reloads and about 15 rounds of Hornady 115 grain critical defense hollow points). On my 2nd trip I took a Shoot N See target and stand and fiired standing. On could see then clearly that I was making a very tight grouping at 10 yards but was shooting low and way left. So I moved back to 7 yards. I was still grouping great, but my htis were all about 2 to 3 inches left of center bullseye, and a tad low. So, on my 3rd trip to the range I took Shoot N See targes and shot from a bench rest. Again, I had identical results; shooting way left. A young fellow I had never met came along and said oh, is that the new M&P Shiled? I said yes, do you want to shoot try it? Of course he said yes. He shot a two 5 shot groups at a fresh Shoot N See target I set up for him and he also shot low and left, with a good group. So, I am now convinced that I need to drift the front sight left to correct this. I am a little disappointed since I have a full size M&P 9 and full size M&P 40 and did not have to adjust any of the sights on them; they were both dead on out of the box. Also, some people are saying the trigger has improved on the Shield over the original full size 40 and 9mm pistols; however I don't fell any IMPROVEMENT. But, there is a definite difference. The new Shield has almost no take-up and breaks clean, but I think the trigger pull is a little harder than the full size M&Ps I have. I can't depend on the M&P 9 Shield pistol for conceal carry if I can't hit bullseye with it a 21 feet. It is a shame because this little pistol has had 240 rounds through it with not one failure of any kind, period.
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