I've been interested in getting a Shield 9mm (if I can find one) but did get to handle a Shield .40. I'm a lefty and I was disappointed to find that I had to transfer the gun to my right hand to lock the slide back. I'm used to shooting a 1911 and working the slide stop with my left index finger, but try as I might, I couldn't find a way to reach the slide stop with the gun in my left hand. Has anyone figured out a way to do it? I'm used to releasing slides with the slingshot method, so that's not an issue, but I really don't want to have to change hands to lock the slide back.
I'd prefer a Shield over a 9c for concealed carry, but may go with the 9c because I'm more comfortable with it

Sorry to say, they are right handed guns. I like you are lefty, and can't even change magazine release buttons. Don't try to release the slide, it hard even if you where righty.
With that, it's still sweet weapon, which you will enjoy shooting.

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USAF/RET. 1966-1990

I am a lefty and manage with the Shield just fine. While it set up best for right handed shooters, I seem to be able to accommodate. I started off shooting handguns with a G19 and was forced to learn how to make adjustments for controls on the right side of the gun. I use my left middle finger for the mag release, manually set the slide and leave the safety in the "off" position (none of my handguns have a manual safety except my Shield). Like anything, it just takes practice. Keep in mind, this is the 1st generation of the Shield so who knows what minor changes they will make in future models. However, the way it is selling now they may not fell the need for changes.

Some gun comps I shoot in,we have off hand shoots. With the Shield (and others),I'll just reach across the top (being it's a shorter handgun) and as I rack the slide back (right handed,thumb to the rear),I use my right finger tip (usually my "attitude finger") to hold/pull up on the slide release and lock the slide that way. Takes some practice,but works. Part of the trouble is that short rack back with the heavy spring and being a short handgun it's hard getting your left finger up to the slide stop. Right handed I can use my thumb to lock it back racking with my left hand. Sure is a right handed world. Hopefully down the road S&W will come up with an ambidextrous set up. Hope this might help.

I just got mine Friday. You're right about the slide stop - right hand only.

Good news for leftys - the mag release is easier to use with my trigger finger than the release on my Glocks.

Better news - the safety is flush and there is no chance that it can be accidently bumped on by a lefty.

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Get off my lawn.

Got to handle a .40 Shield again today and with the heavier recoil spring it's naturally even harder. As far as locking the slide back it was definitely right hand only for me.
I can reach the mag release fine with my left middle finger and the safety isn't an issue because it would remain off.

I still keep coming back to the M&P 9c. I'm comfortable with it, it's readily available and the dealers aren't charging $100-$150 over MSRP like they are with the Shield when they actually have them. I just wish it was closer to the Shield in size.

FWIW, I also got to check out a Sig P938 and, since I'm used to 1911's, was comfortable with it and could operate the slide lock, mag release and thumb safety. The gotcha is the price. MSRP is almost $400 higher and it only comes with one mag!
Too rich for my budget.

I'm a lefty, been shooting " right hand" pistols for 50 years. I never found it a problem, I shoot 2 handed 90% of the time so my right hand is already on the pistol. If you need to lock the slide back I doubt if you are in a life threatening situation. That makes it a matter of convenience rather than life threatening. I enjoy shooting my 40 shield in spite of the minor slide lock inconvenience. Loading those magazines to full capacity is more of a problem for these old arthritic hands.

In all honesty, there is not a lot of difference size-wise between the Shield and the compact. I bought a .40C after I bought my Shield and sold it two days later because it was too close in size to my Shield. I bought a FS .40 M&P instead. The C version has lots of benefits (ambi-friendly) and seems to fill a nice niche. It might be a good option for you. If you have a bit of extra cash, consider picking up a Shield sometime...just to have one��

UpLula. Best money spent.

I totally agree that it's mostly a matter of convenience, but my other handguns are or have been revolvers, 1911 based designs or ambi M&P's. It makes me wonder if it's a good idea to carry a gun that I would have to operate so differently, even if locking the slide back wouldn't likely be part of a self defense scenario. That would be an endless debate though.
I'm still leaning towards a Shield, but the difficulty in finding one and then having to pay a premium for it are making a 9c more and more attractive.

I would also suggest an UpLula loader. I have arthritic hands too and it's made shooting a semi-auto much more enjoyable.

I have an M&P9C and like it quite a bit. It is "fat" however, in comparison to the Shield and other pistols in its niche. I'm a lefty too, and whether it's convenience, preference, or something else - I wasn't comfortable with how "right-handed" the Shield is. I got another manufacturer's sub-compact 9mm pistol that is more ambidextrous friendly and have been very happy with it.

I like my M&P9C too and I'm really happy that S&W did such a great job considering us south-paws with it. It has a slide release on each side, the magazine release is reversible and the version I have has no external safety. Smith unfortunately didn't make any left-hand provisions with the Shield, so I carry the other 9mm more often because of its size and manual of arms. In the end, it comes down to what each individual person is most comfortable with.

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M&PC FS BG Shield+ 642 686+

I wound up going with a 9c today. I went back to my favorite LGS to compare the size of the Shield .40 they had to a 9c and decided there wasn't enough difference to make me want the Shield enough to pay more for a gun with a lower MSRP and right handed slide lock. I think I'll be fine with the 9c and if I still want a Shield, by the time I can save enough to get one, the prices and availability will be at a more normal level.

Congrats on your purchase. I too being a lefty wish the controls were ambi. My problem has been with my Remora RFT holster. Carried front or rear IWB with the Shield, the trim rides directly over the mag release and has popped the mag.
However, as said, the Shield fits the bill for me in what I want as an EDC. The holster I can modify.
I have noticed that the slide is now beginning to release on it's own when I slap a mag in. I suppose I am being too forceful, but it is one less step for me.

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Bob

Congrats...you made a fine choice with the compact.

S&W threw the lefties under the bus with the Shield, no consideration what so ever. I just got mine and can't imagine trying to run it left handed.