Picked up an M&P Shield, my initial review (LOTS of pics)

[TeaQue]

I put about 50rds through it without any issues. The gun feels great in the hand and the trigger is vastly improved imo. Side by side with my Dad's G36, the reset is very comparable and clearly audible. Recoil is lighter than the PPS and CM9 and is very manageable. Overall the gun shoots well and I can now say I prefer it over the Kahr and Walther. I don't mind the thumb safety because I have one on my full-size M&P but I would've bought one without it if it was an option. For those that don't plan on using it this shouldn't be an issue because it sits flush in the frame and requires a decent amount of force to engage--I really don't see how this thing could be turned on accidentally.

So far I only have a couple of complaints. Its pretty hard to seat a full mag--you really have to force it the last 1/8th of an inch. This only happens with the slide is in battery. When the slide is locked back the mag is inserted with ease. Also, the 8rd mag has a little plastic piece that fills the gap between the bottom of the mag and the grip and its loose on the mag (not when the mag is inserted.) What I mean is that when the mag is out of the gun, you can slide that piece up and down on the mag--it doesn't flop around per say but if can move around while handling it. This can probably be fixed with a dab of super glue and is really a non-issue but I thought I'd mention it.

UPDATE: The mag seating issue has gone away. It was caused by the spring behind the mag follower before it got broken in.


Overall I'm happy with it.

Full-size 9, Shield

Here it is next to my FS9, Kahr CM9, and my Dad's G36, Colt 1911, and Walther PPS.

Glock 36, Walther PPS, M&P9 Shield, Kahr CM9

Glock 36, M&P9 Shield

Walther PPS, M&P9 Shield

M&P9 Shield, Kahr CM9

With the extended mags the size is similar however the M&P holds 8rds while the CM9 holds 7.

Kahr CM9, M&P9 Shield, M&P9 (full-size)

Kahr CM9, M&P9 Shield, M&P9 (full-size)

Kahr CM9, M&P9 Shield, M&P9 (full-size)

M&P9 Shield, M&P9 (full-size)

Kahr CM9, M&P9 Shield

M&P9 (full-size), M&P9 Shield, Kahr CM9

 

[Avery11]

Wow, very nice photos and not a single shot wasted.

I think the CM9 (for me) is just a little too small to be useful while the Shield seems to be right on that fine line of concealability and shootability.

I like the Walther but the mag release is just in the wrong spot.

Is that Talon tape on the CM9? How do you like it for CC?

Thanks again!

A.

 

[TeaQue]

Wow, very nice photos and not a single shot wasted.

I think the CM9 (for me) is just a little too small to be useful while the Shield seems to be right on that fine line of concealability and shootability.

I like the Walther but the mag release is just in the wrong spot.

Is that Talon tape on the CM9? How do you like it for CC?

Thanks again!

A.

Yes I found the CM9 to be a little too small for me as well (without the extended mag.) Its a sweet shooting pistol but I'm selling it to a friend.

I loved the Talon tape. I may add some to the Shield

 

[GaryS]

Thanks for the review and the pictures. It's becoming more and more likely that I'll buy one sometime this year. Assuming they get approved for sale in MA, that is.

 

[TeaQue]

No problem. I was scouring the web for comparison photos before placing my order so I'm trying to return the favor.

 

[kris7047th]

You might have a factory burr to work off for seating a full mag. I have never had an issue with my mags and I load to capacity + 1 in the chamber.

 

[TeaQue]

You might have a factory burr to work off for seating a full mag. I have never had an issue with my mags and I load to capacity + 1 in the chamber.

It only does it when the slide isn't locked back. I've talked to numerous other people with the issue.

It's hard to explain but it doesn't really feel like a burr or the mag getting caught. It almost feels spongy.....now that I'm thinking about it it's gotta be because the mag follower spring is super tight and not broken in because if the mag is empty there isn't an issue. Hopefully it will lessen as the gun is broken in.

Boom, problem solved.

 

[kentuckyrifle]

Thanks for the pics!

 

[macski222]

Could the mag insertion issue be the same issue that the MA compliant 9c's have? S&W changed the follower so that it's a bit taller therefor it makes loading the full magazine a pain. It could just be a matter of taking the mag apart and using a belt sander to take that 1/8th of an inch off of that plastic follower, like I've done with mine in my m&p 9c.
Just a thought.
Awesome pictures by the way

 

[kris7047th]

It only does it when the slide isn't locked back. I've talked to numerous other people with the issue.

It's hard to explain but it doesn't really feel like a burr or the mag getting caught. It almost feels spongy.....now that I'm thinking about it it's gotta be because the mag follower spring is super tight and not broken in because if the mag is empty there isn't an issue. Hopefully it will lessen as the gun is broken in.

Boom, problem solved.

Bet that you nailed the issue. The mags are quite tight to begin with, but do loosen up. My SHield was with a friend who did the trigger work over the first weekend right after I bought it. No doubt that he broke it in pretty good (at least I hope so) Anyways, I no longer have a problem loading that last round like I used to.

BTW .. fantastic pics!

 

[Bikemobile]

I dont see it on cheaper than dirt's website?

 

[TeaQue]

I dont see it on cheaper than dirt's website?

It sold out in like 2hrs. I'd been checking Slickguns | Best deals on guns and ammo posted by users every morning before I left for work and they had just posted a deal so I got in on it!

 

[SteveInAustin]

Range Report

Thanks for the report and the pics. I finally got my new 9mm Shield to the range yesterday to test a variety of ammunition. I shot the following:
Winchester WB FMJ: 200 rounds
Remington Golden Saber 124gr +p: 25 rounds
Winchester Supreme PDX 124gr +p: 25 rounds
Hornady Critical Defense 115gr: 25 rounds
CorBon PDX 115gr +p: 25 rounds

Happy to say the shield ate all the ammo without any FTF or FTE. The recoil is quite manageable on the +p loads with both the 7 and 8 round magazines. It's pretty accurate for such a short barreled pistol. Groupings were more challenging beyond 20 yards, however.

Very happy with this little guy and I'll probably end up buying one for my wife as well.

 

[kris7047th]

Thanks for the report and the pics. I finally got my new 9mm Shield to the range yesterday to test a variety of ammunition. I shot the following:
Winchester WB FMJ: 200 rounds
Remington Golden Saber 124gr +p: 25 rounds
Winchester Supreme PDX 124gr +p: 25 rounds
Hornady Critical Defense 115gr: 25 rounds
CorBon PDX 115gr +p: 25 rounds

Happy to say the shield ate all the ammo without any FTF or FTE. The recoil is quite manageable on the +p loads with both the 7 and 8 round magazines. It's pretty accurate for such a short barreled pistol. Groupings were more challenging beyond 20 yards, however.

Very happy with this little guy and I'll probably end up buying one for my wife as well.

I have been saying for nearly two weeks since it came out that the Shield is a perfect choice for ladies

 

[TeaQue]

My wife hasn't shot it yet but shes handled it plenty and I'm confident she will enjoy shooting it.

 

[Ranger98]

Great Photos !

 

[kris7047th]

My wife hasn't shot it yet but shes handled it plenty and I'm confident she will enjoy shooting it.

Please report back when she does.

 

[xICEMANx]

Thanks for the report and the pics. I finally got my new 9mm Shield to the range yesterday to test a variety of ammunition. I shot the following:
Winchester WB FMJ: 200 rounds
Remington Golden Saber 124gr +p: 25 rounds
Winchester Supreme PDX 124gr +p: 25 rounds
Hornady Critical Defense 115gr: 25 rounds
CorBon PDX 115gr +p: 25 rounds

Happy to say the shield ate all the ammo without any FTF or FTE. The recoil is quite manageable on the +p loads with both the 7 and 8 round magazines. It's pretty accurate for such a short barreled pistol. Groupings were more challenging beyond 20 yards, however.

Very happy with this little guy and I'll probably end up buying one for my wife as well.

Your not going to find many pistols this small that CAN group good at 20 yds. They are simply not ment to be accurate at that distant. The Shield is a defensive pistol meant to be shot 10yds or less. I practice at 7 yds since that is where most encounters would happen. Anything past that and you probably shouldn't be shooting at someone.

 

[butch1942]

Your not going to find many pistols this small that CAN group good at 20 yds. They are simply not ment to be accurate at that distant. The Shield is a defensive pistol meant to be shot 10yds or less. I practice at 7 yds since that is where most encounters would happen. Anything past that and you probably shouldn't be shooting at someone.

I agree,I usually practice at 5,7 and 10 yards, I am going to give the Shield a good look,I'm not very happy with my Ruger LC9!!! I've carried my S&W 60 a lot and I know it will fire.

 

[TeaQue]

Your not going to find many pistols this small that CAN group good at 20 yds. They are simply not ment to be accurate at that distant. The Shield is a defensive pistol meant to be shot 10yds or less. I practice at 7 yds since that is where most encounters would happen. Anything past that and you probably shouldn't be shooting at someone.

Look up Hickok45's Shield review on youtube. He was nailing a gong at 50+yds