What does the Shield Plus offer that is not already present in the M&P Compact?

Randy

Found this article when I was researching the same thing before getting a Shield Plus.

SW M&P 2.0 Compact vs Shield: Which is the better choice?

A smaller and lighter gun that is easier to carry.

I have a 2.0 compact which I like and told myself I would find a way to carry it. But I don't. Compared to my Sig P365 its is thicker, longer and most importantly, when fully loaded 50% heavier.

The original 1. compact is smaller and lighter than my 2.0 compact, they changed the definition of compact when the 2.0 series came out. And the Shield Plus is a couple of ounces heavier than my P365. But regardless of whether you are referring to the original or 2.0 Compact the Shield Plus would be easier to carry.

If you do not mind carrying the compact the only benefit of the Shield Plus is I hear the trigger is much better but I have never shot one. But that's a big if.

One advantage of the 2.0 Compact is that you can use fullsize mags as a backup, although this doesn't help much if you live in a mag restricted state (like I do).

As Dave says, S&W changed the naming from 1.0 to 2.0. I have a 1.0 Compact which is equivalent to the 2.0 subcompact.

I don’t consider the compact/plus a fair comparison.

Instead the 9 subcompact, Shield plus would be more accurate.

The 9sc will be about 5ozs heavier but can accept all M&P mags and allows one to adjust grip size.


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I carry an M2.0 Compact 9mm daily, and have owned the Shield 9mm although not the Shield Plus. I can’t imagine switching from the Compact to the Shield for a daily carry gun because I see the smaller guns that are so popular these days as too much of a compromise for me as an EDC gun. The way I look at things, I spent a career carrying a full sized pistol as an LEO, and was forbidden by policy from carrying only a tiny little gun. There are reasons for that.

First, I demand that my carry gun be equipped with a weapon light. Next, I find that a grip that accommodates my full hand, gives me better control over the gun. The added slide length/sight radius help with accuracy, the extra weight helps tame recoil and makes fast follow up shots easier. The longer grip of the gun also helps in faster, more secure presentation from the holster for me than trying to get ahold of a nub of a grip.

I try to picture what types of scenarios might result in me needing to draw my gun, and while a small gun will work just as well as a bigger gun for a lot of them, I always picture myself in the local Wal-Mart when some looney toon decides to walk in and start shooting. I want to find my way out of that store with my family, and that might require engaging the shooter(s). How long is an aisle in your local Wal-Mart? Which gun would you want in your hands if that was the fight you had to take part in?

I carry the gun I’d want to have with me if a fight were imminent. I’d rather carry a long gun obviously, but that’s simply not an option. I do carry lesser guns when I absolutely have to, but I want a big gun when I need a gun, and I’m willing to use a good belt/holster combo, and dress around my firearm in order to do so.

Don’t get me wrong. The Shield and Shield Plus are good guns. But, as a tool for self protection, I personally prefer more gun than that.

The Shield is more comfortable to me and the Plus isn't much different in feel. The Shield is soft shooting and accurate. The Compact feels like a chunk.

Same here, in fact my Shield was my EDC for quite a while.

Yes the 9c is bigger but (IMHO) it's not anymore difficult to conceal than the Shield was.

I used to carry a spare extended mag, no I carry 15+1.

Oops...Double-Tap.

Mighty, thanks for a career of protecting all of us.

The Shield + is hard to compare to all those older guns.
It is: soft shooting, accurate, 13+1, and very reliable.
I think it may replace the compact at some point. When I had my Shield 1.0 & 2.0 I looked longingly at the 3.6 Compact. Not now. For someone not on duty, with an extra mag, 27 rounds should be good. The + is a small, big gun (that I love).

I think the biggest difference is weight. I have 1.0 shield and 2.0 3.6” 9c. I pretty much carry the shield with the 8 round mag so my pinky fits. Which has the same grip length as the 2.0 9c.

I shoot the 9c more accurately and the recoil is totally different and milder on the 9c. I also like the aggressive grip on the 2.0 9c versus the 1.0 shield.

But carrying the 9c is a tank due to its weight.

I won’t be buying a shield plus. Because I already have the std shield. I may buy another 8 round mag and two magguts +2 springs. That would give me for about $100 a total carry of 21 rounds. The shield plus would only give me what 4 additional rounds and WAY more than $100 invested. Granted I would have an additional gun! 21 rounds Seems more than adequate to me. Keep the 9c for home and when I hunt (have large timber wolves where I hunt deer) and mostly stand hunt so not much walking where weight is an option.

I do love shooting the 9c better.

My 1.0 compact is very accurate, easy to shoot. That’s hard to beat. The shield is good too, and btw the 39 carries and shoots as well as the others.


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I also have the 1.0 compact 40. At one point I had a shield but I found I could carry the compact concealed just as easily. When comparing them side by side there wasn’t that much of a difference in size between the two.

I ended up selling the shield because:

I was more comfortable shooting the compact.
The compact could use full size mags with an adapter and I could get .357 and 9mm barrels for it.
I had more options for red dot sights since the compact has a wider slide.

The pic is of the compact with a 9mm conversion barrel and a RMR type 2 on the slide milled by DP Custom works.

Attached Images

A49761EC-8D25-4BCB-A17B-A1BCBF4128FF.jpg (113.3 KB, 26 views)

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M&P 45C, M&P 40C w/ 357 Sig

You can buy the 2.0 compact in a 3.6" barrel and theres a link below that compares the two. Personally the shield is not a good pocket pistol and the Compact of a better IWB pistol so How about you figuring out it the slightly larger and 8oz heavy compact 2.0 is worth owning for YOU. Both make a 4" version too

I have a 4" 2.0 compact OR and TS ready that may be a carry option one day but for me I still carry a full size LW Commander in 45acp and I have a 15 shot 4.24 m&p 40sw handgun while I carry both in a MTAC iwb holster 3:00 . If I need a smaller pistol we have a old m&p9c and a kimber ultra 9mm . Maybe my wifes p365xl with a wilson grip module , maybe . Not a shield .

funny how some are saying that the compact is to heavy, I carry a 9mm shield when I need something to deep conceal mostly in the summer when clothing is light, I carry a 40c when clothing gets a little heavier, spring and fall, then in the winter when clothing gets heavy with a few layers out comes my favorite pistol to shoot and thats a full sized cz 75BD now thats a heavy gun but carry it just fine. All are carried in a milt sparks VMII at 3 oclock with a very good belt.
the cz does get a little heavy at the end of the day, however it might not be comfortable, but it is comforting to know I have a gun I shoot very well.

I would personally go with the compact over the shield. I like the grip better on the compact. In my experience, all of the M&P pistols carry pretty well with a good holster and belt. I’m 5’6 and 155 lbs, I carry a full size (4.25”) M&P 9 Pro in a blackarch protos-m, with a crossbreed leather belt, no imprinting , no discomfort. If you really want a subcompact, I’d recommend a sig p365 or if you don’t mind spending the money, an HK p2000sk.

After reading this thread I didn't want to start a new one as I would expect someone on here would be able to answer what I was wondering about. Found a tremendous deal on the M & P 9mm Sub Compact (12+1, 3.6" barrel) to replace my Glock for everyday carry.
The current model has the curved trigger. Is Smith and Wesson planning on introducing the straight trigger on all new production M & P models in the future? Not a deal breaker for me but mostly curious about this. Thanks to all.

Maybe that's the problem. I tried some conventional belts I already had and bought a few "good stiff gun belts" that were recommended on forums. But found all the belts stiff enough to support the weight of my 2.0 Compact were so uncomfortable that I avoided carrying. With something the weight of my Glock 43 or Sig P365 I can use a more flexible and much more comfortable belt. Maybe its my physique. I am 5'11" and weigh about 170 pounds which isn't fat but don't lift weights and have a sedentary job.

What type of belt are you using? Maybe I haven't found the right belt.

They're not saying. But all the models introduced this year have the flat trigger. That included the optics ready 4" Compact.

But I don't see an optics ready Subcompact or even an optics ready Compact with a 3.6 inch barrel listed on their website.

If it was me I wouldn't wait. A Subcompact with the flat trigger might show up next week but might not ever be made if S&W decides the Shield Plus fills the role of a small gun so well the Subcompact is redundant.

I have a gen 1 Shield and a 4” compact; both in 9mm. They are very different guns. The Shield is a true compact, the Compact is a very slightly smaller full size gun. For EDC, I carry the Shield 90% of the time.

For belts, I’ve found infinitely adjustable the way to go. I have Wilderness Tactical belts, the “Instructor” model. Uses a threaded buckle backed up with Velcro. Quick to adjust, comfortable, and holds any gun well either on the belt or pocket carry.

So far I have used a 25 year old JayPee double thick belt and its still a good blet and do to the low price of the day I bought a second one . Its was a stiff belt and did have some break in but a great belt no longer available . My wife has a nice embossed BeltMan belt with a stiffener added and it also needed time to break in . I'm not a fan of fixed possition holsters like the oh so loved my many milton sparks summer special . I rather use a one of a few hybrid designs . Kydex body so reholstering in easy and adjustable for height and cant so I'm not locked in to a best carry possition and height BUT you still have to take tyhe time to find that just right for you carry position . For me thats 3:00 . I can carry a commander or a 4.25" M&P with a dot optic on it and both carry the same under a shirt and my arms aids with concealment and easy to draw seated or seat belted in a car by clearing your shirt tail .

I will say there is NO best handgun for carry and NO best holster . Just understand with pocket carry you can not draw seating down and there are restrictions to handgun size pants style so I'm going to use a IWB with a handgun I can shoot and control very well .

Dave Lively
I am currently using BIGFOOT GUN BELT with stiffener. I have had this belt for a little over 2 years and it is holding up nicely. My 40c holster is about 14 years old and showing wear but still as good as the first day.

I also use a bigfoot belt. Double leather with metal insert stiffner. The area for the buckle holes do not have the metal strap. It is comfortable. The only “problem” is the thickness of the belt and some IWB clips are stretched wide open and not always close completely. Have to ensure the hook/lip on the clip engages the bottom edge of the belt.

I can use a standard dress leather belt for my shield. But use the Bigfoot belt for my 9c 2.0.

Oh. Also the thickness of the Bigfoot belt also some pants belt loops are not spacious enough for the belt to slip through. But most pants and jeans seem to work fine.

Thread drift - @Wireguided Marine - how do you like the work done by DP? Did they cut the back of the slide for a Glock rear sight?

Back on topic - I have a Shield +, a 4" PC Shield + a MP 2.0 3.6".
All are fantastic guns and I could be happy carrying each. SW has done a great job of incremental improvements in grip texture and now triggers.

However I find the 3.6" gun to be the best shooter and slightly better ergonomically for me. If SW would come out with a improved 3.6, OR gun I could settle on it, but I'm not confident the 3.6 OR gun will be a reality with the new optic ready Shield .