Hello all,

I've noticed a lot of people talking about the Shield recently, and I have grown curious - What is the difference between the M&P and the Shield? Is the shield more concealable than the M&P pistols?

I currently own a full size M&P 40, and plan on getting a conceal carry version of the M&P 40 next, but I've noticed the Shield pistols are cheaper...

The Shield IS an M&P. It's a single stack thin frame M&P,with just a tad shorter barrel than the compac.

Well said..I agree.

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Lt. Dan, what R U doing here?

The above posters are correct, the Shield is another M&P model. Main differences to the larger M&Ps are no ambidextrous controls - mag release, slide lock, and safety only are on the left side, and the backstrap is fixed, not interchangeable. The safety is much smaller and not optional on the Shield.

So in 40 cal, your choice is either to get an M&P 40c (compact), or the M&P Shield 40. The Shield is only slightly smaller in length, but slimmer than the 40c. It is also single stack vs the 40c double stack. Overall, the Shield is a bit more concealable depending on how you carry and dress. Some even say they pocket carry the Shield, but it's too big for me to do that.

I see. I knew it was an M&P series pistol, I just didn't quite know how to differentiate between the regular M&P .40 and the Shield .40.

I think I would rather having the double stacked mag, so I'll probably go with the M&P .40c. However, I think the 9mm Shield might be something good for my sister to carry...hmm...must investigate.

Does the "regular" M&P have the mag drop problems too?

It does not. The rest of the M&P's have been around for quite awhile and are proven. The Shield 40 is new and the only one I've heard of with reports of mag problems. I have the Shield 9 and no mag problem.

There is also a difference in the triggers I thought. The original M&P doesn't have the same trigger as the Shield. The Shield has a very smooth and crisp break and reset. The reset you can really feel and even hear. I thought the original M & P s didn't have this.

I had heard that S&W was going to change this going forward in the M & P line and replace the older trigger with the newer Shield design. Don't know if that has happened yet or not.

I bought my M&P .40 about 2 weeks ago, they haven't put that change in yet (as far as I can tell).

I have put several boxes of rounds trough my Shield .40 without any problems. Eats everything and no mag drop either. I am one who pocket carries the Shield in jeans, slacks, and cargo shorts. Highly concealable. Would not work with a double stack.

I have a shield .40. I also have a glock 23, which is a 2x4 compared to it. I am thinking hard about trading my glock for a M&P 9c. I went to the LGS and looked at one, just to get a good close look at it. OH brother!, it feels really good in my hands. Funny thing, on the shield, with the normal mag, I can get a full grip on it. On the 9c i can only get my middle and ring finger on it and it's a chunkier gun. I asked permission to dry fire the 9c just to see what folks are talking about with the trigger, I did find some grittiness on it, but other than that the trigger feels fine to me. I mean, i'm no gun expert by any means. Seemed pretty smooth. Get the shield you won't be unhappy =)

I have the shield .40 cal. I also have a glock 23, which feels like a 2x4 now that I have the shield, so i'm gonna trade with someone for a M&P 9c for the glock. I went to the LGS to look at a 9c and I really like it. On the shield i can get a full grip with the small mag. With the 9c I can only get middle and ring finger, my pinky actually dangles off the end. I also tried the trigger because I heard there were issues with M&P triggers and although I felt some grittiness, it has a long pull and felt pretty smooth to me. I have fired my glock 1,300 rounds with 5 no bangs, and the guy i'm trading with says he only shot a few boxes out of it. Get the shield, you wont be unhappy.

Be EXTREMELY careful. I too have a sister and almost lost my FS 45 to her. She's small framed and small hands but can make that FS 45 talk.

Might let her check out the 9c and the 9 Shield both. She might even like the 40.

The Shield is in fact an M&P and I have the M&P Shield40 and I also have a M&P 40Compact and a full size plus a mid sized M&P45 and Full size M&P45 as can be seen below:



Yep it is an M&P and no I have not had the mag drop problem just like my other 6 M&P's I have never had a problem (except getting extra magazines)!

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59,M&P9,40,40C,357,(2)45,G26

I have the 40c and love it. My wife has the Shield 9mm and loves it. I like it too and want a Shield .40. And I've shot the Shield 9 and .40 side by side and I couldn't distinguish a difference in recoil or handling.

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G21C,Shield.40,LCP

I have a 40 Shield also & haven't had any of the problems with it either. I too was impressed with the limited recoil that it has shown. I have a friend who bought a Ruger LC9 and I noticed that it has more recoil than my Shield 40 when we shot them side by side last week. I was amazed!

I have a m&p 9mm compact and i havent had any problems with the mag drop or safety issues at all. My gun works amazing id have to say its absolutely flawless. I have heard in reviews that you have to pull the trigger when u break it down. I don't have to at all.

Last month, I purchased my first gun ever and it is a S & W, MP Shield 40. I am a female and now realize it's a little too powerful for me. When I shoot, I'm anticipating the explosion/kick of the 40 and think now I should have purchased a 9mm. Thinking about trading my S&W MP Shield .40 to my brother-in-law for his Ruger 9mm. At the range, I just shot better with his gun; in the bullseye or right around it.
My question is, should I keep the 40 and just keep practicing or go for the Ruger 9mm? My husband is purchasing a Shield 9mm today. We are going to take the CCW classes in a week and I just think I will shoot better there with a 9mm.
I am a beginner and basically don't know much. Thanks!

I have never shot a shield, I do shoot an M&P FS 40 and 9mm Core... so cannot give you a specific answer to your question...

But, It would be good if you could borrow your in-laws 9mm for the course rather than buy one with this short notice.

The CPL test in Michigan (don't know how this compares with other states) doesn't require excellent shooting, around 100 rounds at 7 yards or so, hitting an 8x10 paper is good enough.

All you need to do is get through the course, then you can take your time and do a good job picking a firearm that works for you. The right firearm for you is important... much more than the right firearm for the course...

Just my $.02...

Will

Thank you Will2...I appreciate your comments.