A few years ago(or so it seems) I saw a YouTube video featuring the new M&P Shield and said to myself, "I must have one". Well, today I finally took the plunge and bought one in 9mm with thumb safety. Why did it take me so long? I guess I was saving the best for last! I have had the opportunity to own and/or shoot several different brands of 9mm that fall into the sub-compact genre and have to say that S&W has really hit a home run with the Shield. From its good looks, to its ergonomics, and very manageable recoil, I have never been happier with a gun in this class. What else can I say? It's a keeper.

I bought a new S&W M&P9 Shield (without TS) in May, 2015. I hated it!
I could not rack the slide, break down and re-assembly was almost impossible, (for me) and the trigger pull was hard.
I could not shoot it very well and was so aggravated with it, that I was going to part it out! (the barrel alone was selling for
more then $255.00 on fleaBay). After I put the first 50 rds. through it, I noticed what looked like rust in the barrel!
I took it back to the LGS&R and showed it to the RO. He promptly told me that it was copper fouling not rust and that after I cleaned it with a solvent and brush, and shot another 100-200 rds. it would be fine.
I am very glad I did not part the gun out, as it is now my favorite. It has over 980 rds. through it and shoots very well.
The trigger pull is good, I can rack the slide, lock it, release it, (sling-shot) and break down & re-assembly are much easier! I can even load the magazines by hand. (I have the Uplula but don't need it)
I must agree with the majority of Shield owners' The shield is a clear winner! I think you will never be disappointed
with your choice of hand gun.

mb

Congratulations on finally making the move, you have chosen well! The Shield is, indeed, an excellent mix of size and power.

Do yourself a favor, if you don't have really strong hands buy an Uplula mag loader. You may want one even then, those magazines fight back.

Keep it clean and lubed per instructions and shoot the heck out of it!

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Jim - M&P Pro 40L/Shield 40

Welcome to the club. Enjoy your shield. I, too, love my 9

Congrats on your new Shield.. I have had my 9mm Shield a few months ,my first S&W and wont be the last! Look into the UPULA Loader and Talon Grip Tape. Two good extras

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9mm Shield

Yeah, loading those mags is something of a fight alright. I'm sure they will loosen up a bit over time. If not, I will buy a mag loader. I have been thinking of getting a loader anyway.

I too am a new Shield 9mm user. Been handgunning for 32 years and just acquired my first Shield last week. Smith and Wesson hit a home run with this little gem!!!!

I bought the .40 Shield a few months back, and liked it so much I recently picked up the 9mm Shield.
Both are without the thumb safety, and both are keepers.
Just have to figure out a holster now.

Love my Shield 9mm. So many things are right with this gun and it's a dream to carry. It's funny, all my 3rd gens now sit in the safe rather than seeing any carry duty. If I'm not carrying my Shield, then it's my 642. Funny how things change.

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Still carrying my S&W 642

Great choice. I really like mine as well, and not just as a carry piece. You might want to consider the Apex trigger enhancement....after a trip to the range I figured why not make a great gun near perfect? Added night sights as well. I'll probably never get my money out of it, but that's just fine. I've got a gun that I'll use for years and so will my kids.

Good shooting.

My first few trips to the range with the new Shield 9mm were a bit disappointing. No, I did not have any malfunctions. I just could not seem to hit the target where I wanted too. I guess I have been spoiled by my CZ 75b, as that gun is a tack driver. However,my next couple of range trips with the Shield were much better, this after using a different style of target. Once I came to realize that the Shield is a self defense weapon at SD ranges as opposed to a bulls-eye shooter at longer ranges, I have been very happy with it. I shot it side by side with a borrowed Sig P938, and my hits were nearly identical. 12 rounds each. The target on the left is the Sig, Shield on the right.

A grand slam at that!!