This is probably the stupidest question to hit cyberspace. But, I am confused about two designations. I just recently joined the semi auto world, and now own a M&P Shield 9mm and a Bodyguard (380). I am at heart a Terrier addict, but know that S&W has given their handguns M&P designations for YEARS. I thought originally that that meant it was for Military and Police use and that was it. But it seems more than that now. SO! What does the M&P designation mean?

Secondly, what does the "Shield " destination mean? My (9mm is a "Shield", my Bodyguard is not. I have scoured the COSW and cannot find the answer to these two questions.

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Del

M&P is simply an acronym for Military and Police, goes back a long time with Smith and Wesson Brand Pistols.

Shield is not a acronym and means Shield (protect you).

Bodyguard as in guard your body.

Thanks for your reply!
Am I correct to assume then that any handgun that has the M&P designation has been designed with the M&P in mind, or specifically for them and I am the benefactor of that technology or engineering?

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Del

Sort of.

Handguns designed with an eye for LE contract sales generally :

1. Are of a particular size , that translates in real world terms of not larger than a Glock 19 , not smaller than a Glock 19. And porportional weight.

2. Have capability to fit a variety of hand sizes , typically at least interchangable backstraps, sometime entire grip assemblies.

3 . Be in a popular service cal , usually more than one. Typically 9mm and .40 at min, with .357Sig and .45acp following in popularity.

4. Have high visability sights , and usually have factory option for night sights.

5. Have at least pretty good ergonomics for all controls. Be convertable to left hand if not inherently ambidexterous.

6. Have at least reasonably adaquate accuraccy.

7. Be 100% reliable with most ( trying for all ) duty/ defensive ammo.

8. Use a fire control system similar on paper to those already in popular LE usage. Translates to : Fairly long, fairly heavy trigger , for first shot a minimum. Same for rach shot is desired by many LEAgencies , but not all. Most purchasers prefer point and shoot , IF safety is present must be low profile, yet easy to manipulate on purpose , yet not get accidentally bumped.


All the above also would also make the pistol suitable for all around use by Joe and Jane Public , including many self defense roles. Kind of similar to how medimum frame fixed sight .38Special revolvers were very popular with the public as well as LE for several generations.

So then why are all pistols LE Spec ? :

LE AGencies are looking for one size adapts to all. ( Or one family with different bbl lengths ). Civillians buy pistols to fit THEM , and suit their tastes. If somthing fits you , being able to adapt to fit other people who aren't you is low importance. You might prefer ( or be already use to ) a fire control system other than the current flavor of the week for LE Administrators. You might wish a gun size smaller or larger than middle of road to compact-ish. You might wish a cal other than the usual LE Cal.

These are all simply marketing terms by Smith & Wesson. Yes, M&P means Military & Police, and many of the features noted above have been designed-in. However, Smith's "M&P" semi-autos also have a certain look-and-feel to them that Smith is marketing. You'll notice that the .380 semi-auto "Bodyguard" used to be sold as just the "Bodyguard":



A year or two ago, they updated the Bodyguard to become the "M&P Bodyguard", and the gun now shares some visual features of their other M&P semi-autos, such as the scalloped serrations in the slide and the slight recess/cut along the front two-thirds of the slide:



The "Shield" is just the name of the gun model, like the "Bodyguard". Smith has not given the full size M&Ps a model name, and it's sometimes confusing that some of their guns have model names and some do not. It's nothing more than Chevrolet calling their sedan "Malibu". The Shield is Smith's single stack 9mm intended for the concealed carry market. The Bodyguard is Smith's smaller .380 intended for deeper concealment.

They also sell a revolver called "M&P". Their M&P revolvers are .357/.38 Spl. They used to sell a "Bodyguard" revolver as well...not sure if they still do.

Thank you. I think i am beginning to understand it. The Shield threw me a little, I couldn't make it fit anywhere

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Del

S&W began using the designation "M&P" in the 1890s after winning some contracts with both the military and local law enforcement agencies for their mid frame revolvers, the 38 Hand Ejectors. These were the K frame revolvers usually in 38 Special. S&W began calling them the M&P for Military and Police.

The were the workhorse of the S&W line of revolvers. Millions were sold. In 1957 S&W began assigning numbers to all their handguns and the M&P became the Model 10. Now and again some names just stuck around.

So when S&W placed many hopes in the new line of semi auto pistols they named it the M&P.

The names you ask about are like folks said...just names.

tipoc