Today, I went to a buddy's place from another forum to break in my new Shield 40. Originally, I wanted one in 9mm, but the Academy Sports store here in Pensacola only had one in 40 S&W. Knowing that these are in high demand -- and with the retail price at Academy at $399, I bought it without blinking an eye.
It's definitely a keeper! The trigger on the Shield is much better than the full size M&Ps that I've had previously. Here is a typical group from 21 feet - standing off hand at a decent rate of fire (squeeze - reset -front sight - squeeze -reset - front sight - etc.):
My shooting instructor buddy then put me to the test - he wanted me to shoot a playing card in half edge-wise...aka the impossible shot... He evidently does this with his LEO students to aid in teaching proper trigger control. Always one to try something new under pressure - I didn't disappoint...and actually suprised myself - split the card in two edge-wise with the first shot!
All total - we ran about 300 rds through the pistol - straight from the box (no cleaning, no lubrication -- nothing). Zero failures or malfunctions of any kind shooting CCI Blazer 180gr, 180gr FMJ reloads, or Winchester PDX1 180gr JHPs. Recoil was very manageable - with either the flush or extended magazine in use. The recoil from the increased pressure of 40 S&W over 9mm isn't any concern in this pistol - the 9mm version will only be slightly milder & cheaper to shoot.
My buddy successfully split a playing card at 28 feet - so I had to try it again from that distance... This time it took me three shots to hit the mark!
Not too bad - especially with a new and unfamiliar pistol!
I highly recommend the M&P Shield for a daily-carry CCW in either flavor -- 9mm or 40 S&W.