Julie Golob does a better job of introducing the new model:
NEW! S&W M&P 9 Shield Plus | JulieG.TV - YouTube
And, The Truth About Guns (TTAG):
S&W M&P Shield Plus : TTAG Range Review - YouTube
And
NEW! M&P Shield Plus...The Best Shield For Carry? - YouTube
My summary:
Capacity increase is achieved primarily by widening the lower part of the magazine to a true double stack instead of just a staggered capacity. This keeps the top of the magazine thin, so the top end of the gun stays the same as previous editions—including fitting 1.0/2.0 holsters.
The wider grip is actually a plus as it fits most hands better than a straight grip—it fills the palm better. Texture is reduced from 2.0 edition, better than 1.0.
Trigger is vastly improved. No longer hinged or curved. Lighter pull. Audible and tactile reset.
Slightly extended mag release.
Higher capacity mags have tight springs, both for loading and insertion. Slide retraction may be harder due to increased friction from upward pressure of tightly sprung mags.
Slide release (Yes, Virginia, none other than S&W rep Julie Golob called it a release as she used it as a release, like many competitors) remains stiff, but as discussed here many times it can be adjusted through judicious polishing.
Somehow the new gun is slightly lighter when empty, so the carrying weight increase is not huge.
In truth, I see significant but relatively small changes that make this the best Shield yet. It is still so very similar to its beloved predecessors, but better trigger and increased capacity. What’s not to like?
NEW! S&W M&P 9 Shield Plus | JulieG.TV - YouTube
And, The Truth About Guns (TTAG):
S&W M&P Shield Plus : TTAG Range Review - YouTube
And
NEW! M&P Shield Plus...The Best Shield For Carry? - YouTube
My summary:
Capacity increase is achieved primarily by widening the lower part of the magazine to a true double stack instead of just a staggered capacity. This keeps the top of the magazine thin, so the top end of the gun stays the same as previous editions—including fitting 1.0/2.0 holsters.
The wider grip is actually a plus as it fits most hands better than a straight grip—it fills the palm better. Texture is reduced from 2.0 edition, better than 1.0.
Trigger is vastly improved. No longer hinged or curved. Lighter pull. Audible and tactile reset.
Slightly extended mag release.
Higher capacity mags have tight springs, both for loading and insertion. Slide retraction may be harder due to increased friction from upward pressure of tightly sprung mags.
Slide release (Yes, Virginia, none other than S&W rep Julie Golob called it a release as she used it as a release, like many competitors) remains stiff, but as discussed here many times it can be adjusted through judicious polishing.
Somehow the new gun is slightly lighter when empty, so the carrying weight increase is not huge.
In truth, I see significant but relatively small changes that make this the best Shield yet. It is still so very similar to its beloved predecessors, but better trigger and increased capacity. What’s not to like?
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