M&P 9mm Shield

[Pasifikawv]

I've been in the market for a slim, single-stack bottom feeder in 9mm. Topping my list was the M&P Shield and the Bersa BP9cc based upon research -plus some loyalty to both makers. Swung by my LGS today having cashed my check from Job#2. Side-by-side in the cabinet was one of each.

These two pistols are very similar in size, weight, and function. Also, overall quality in terms of fit and finish seemed comparable. The M&P Shield had a list price of $439. The Bersa BP9cc $449. With haggling, they were identical in price despite the $10 difference in list price.

***Blaspheme alert***

After handling both I decided on the Bersa. I found the Bersa simply felt better in my hand, seemed to ride a little lower when gripped, had a better grip angle (for me, a natural pointer) and the trigger was significantly better. The Shield trigger was heavier, grittier, and with a longer travel. The Bersa trigger was lighter and much more crisp - a very nice an out-of-the box trigger. The trigger and grip angle were the deciding factors for me.

The biggest plus for the M&P Shield was that it did not have the annoying mag-disconnect safety that is standard on the Bersa (for import point?). Also, many others would certainly prefer the S&W Shield grip angle as that is a personal preference and not an indication of quality or function.

Both seemed to be great little bottom-feeders, but in the end, I went with the Bersa. That said, I can easily see why many really like the M&P Shield. Setting aside personal preferences in hand fit/feel and grip angle, and just looking at the fit & function: the two issues were trigger (Bersa wins) and annoying mag-catch safety (Shield wins).

Unfortunately, my shopping and side-by-side did not include any range time. That, too, could make all the difference.

 

[RussC]

Almost have my hands on one for $449 any good bad thoughts on the gun?

I have (2) 9mm and (1) 40 S&W and you could do a lot worst. I never had a problem with 9mm and both have over 1,000 rounds each. The first 40 S&W had the mag drop problem and my new one the sight dots dropped out. I would give it two thumbs up. Just curious are you paying $449.00 for a used one? I saw a 40 at Academy last week for $ 469.00 new. The only reason I would not buy one today is the ammo shortage for 9mm & 40 S&W. I getting the XDS this weekend, I see more 45 ACP ammo on the shelves then the other two. If you get it don't forget Talon Rubber Grips it makes handling the gun a dream.

This to shall pass. There will not be an ammo shortage forever and 9mm will again be less than 45.

Enjoy your XDs. Springfield plans to launch a 9 mm version of the XDs this summer.

I have no plans to switch out my Shield. I have shot 1, 200 flawless light loads.

If I decide to pickup another ccw it may be the Beretta Pico 380/32 for my wife (assuming it really is a soft recoil as Beretta claims)

Russ

 

[Gyrene6891]

I have had my Shield 9 since June 2012. I can say it has performed flawlessly for me. With over 20 years on active duty in the USMC I believe I understand the term "performed flawlessly" as well as most anyone else. I also use the Uplula to load but then I do not HAVE too but it is a lot easier. It is my normal carry weapon, although I try to plan ahead for potential situations so I sometimes carry a M&P40 FS or a SR45. Becauseof some middle age spread I carry in the small of my back, works well and is covered easily yet easy to get to if needed. Yes I do practice drawing from that position. One of the reasons I choose the Shield over others was the fact that when I picked it up (multiple times from different angles) I had natural alighnment with the sights with the way my hand gropped the weapon. So bottom line I would recommend the Shield!

 

[Xtasy]

I have a shield and I am super happy with it. Now the sights are not great and my white dots fell out so I will replace the sights with something better

 

[RussC]

Many people will post about their "flawless" Shield. But I'm here to warn you that most people do not have the knowledge to make that judgement.

Stratajema

Please explain.

Knowledge is clear awareness of a situation or fact.

If you pull the trigger and it goes bang and the weapon cycles another round and the shooter is able to repeat the process in my case 1, 200 times without any variation in the mechanical process I think that qualifies me as a person with a "clear awareness of the situation" (I.e. gun goes bang every time I have pulled the trigger for 1, 200 times)

Flawless is perfect. My Shield in 1, 200 attempts to discharge a projectile was successful 1, 200 times.

Russ

 

[Pointer1]

I have had a shield 9 since March 2013. The only issue is the white dot fell out. Other than that a great gun very happy with my purchase.

 

[2tango2]

Stratajema

Please explain.

Knowledge is clear awareness of a situation or fact.

If you pull the trigger and it goes bang and the weapon cycles another round and the shooter is able to repeat the process in my case 1, 200 times without any variation in the mechanical process I think that qualifies me as a person with a "clear awareness of the situation" (I.e. gun goes bang every time I have pulled the trigger for 1, 200 times)

Flawless is perfect. My Shield in 1, 200 attempts to discharge a projectile was successful 1, 200 times.

Russ

His past posts indicate that he has a loose ejector and has had problems with the slide spring....ok that part I can understand as he is not happy with his Shield....but the other part about people not having the knowledge.....well sounds like he is just flinging stuff off the wall to see what sticks as how the heck does he know what peoples knowledge level is?

 

[RussC]

His past posts indicate that he has a loose ejector and has had problems with the slide spring....ok that part I can understand as he is not happy with his Shield....but the other part about people not having the knowledge.....well sounds like he is just flinging stuff off the wall to see what sticks as how the heck does he know what peoples knowledge level is?

2tango

Thanks foe the insight. We all have bad days and I have been in his shoes with my Kahr CM9 and Beretta Nano and honestly the last thing I wanted to read was someone boasting about how great their weapon is when I wasn't feeling the same love.

To the frustrated Shield owner on this post I hope S&W can provide you the support you need.

Take care

Russ

 

[skypilot7103]

XS big dots on mine make sure to treat it like you own it when releasing the slide. A great gun and accurate to the target with practice. It is a well thought out gun. Muti-holster quick ship holster fits like a glove. That price is a good buy LGS was selling them for that price last fall now has them at $599.00.

 

[RGriff69]

I had a Shield 9mm and got rid of it. I regretted letting it go and picked up another one yesterday. After it gets new sights and I find a good iwb holster, it will replace my xds.

 

[TMAXXII]

The Shield line I've noticed has generated a lot of owner loyalty which I would have to interpret as a very good thing. This particular market segment is a crowded and competitive one for sure. If it were me I'd have a really tough time deciding between the Shield, PPS, and XDs 9 as they are all very, very, close in size. The XDs 9 will be showing up in stores any time now but that may not matter to you.

I guess if it were me I'd have to handle each one and see which felt better in my hand and consider all the other intangibles as I looked them over. Best of luck, from what I continue to read on here the Shield is a great way to go though.

I agree with Shoo2tr. There are a number guns that are basically the same size. I own the PPS 9, Shield 9 & 40 and I would throw in a PM9 (if your budget allows), also the Glock 26 if can handle the extra wieght, which is minor. I am buying the XDS 45, for ammo reasons only. I am not real fond the grip, but I shot one and it is a good shooter. I have not even seen the XDS9 yet, but I have enough 9s and 40s. Like I said earlier, the Shield is great gun, I never had a problem with 9s. As far as the earlier comment, we do not know what we are talking about, I would take that remark with a gain of salt. I think it is great you are researching the gun before you buy, not many do and then end up selling them. I used this forum when I bought my Shield. Good Luck!

 

[srings]

Love the gun...buy it!

 

[igor455]

i ahve read all the posts and it seems that you folks are hapy with the shield. i have one on layaway and wont tell you the price cause all of you will be mad with me. anyone kow how it compares size wize to the old 3913 s and 3953 s. just curious. once i get it ill let you know how i like it. i usually carry a glock 26 all the time now for the last oh 15 yrs or so

 

[BowhuntnHoosier]

Bought one last August at Gander for $449 and carry it every day either by itself or as BUG. Yesterday I was in LGS and found another and just could not pass up on it so I bought it too $450. So needless to say I really like the gun.

 

[okav8tor]

I got mine for $449.00 at Sportsworld in Tulsa ...

 

[NevadaBob]

I'll echo Pasifikawv's comments. Looking for a subcompact. Search narrowed down to the Shield & the Bersa BP9CC. I have several 9mm Smith's and they are excellent shooters. At my LGS, they had the Bersa & the Shield in stock. Bought the Bersa because of its sweet trigger and the way it fit my hand. Took it out to the range this weekend and it is an excellent gun! Has minimal recoil & shoots my reloads all day long. Very satisfied.

 

[TMAXXII]

i ahve read all the posts and it seems that you folks are hapy with the shield. i have one on layaway and wont tell you the price cause all of you will be mad with me. anyone kow how it compares size wize to the old 3913 s and 3953 s. just curious. once i get it ill let you know how i like it. i usually carry a glock 26 all the time now for the last oh 15 yrs or so

I am Glock guy for what it worth. I collected all the 9mm & 40s, except the full size and the Glock 29 for hog hunting. I carried my Glock 27 Gen 4 everywhere and then I bought two new guns, one being the Shields (3) of them and a Kahr PM 9. I carry my Shield 40 everywhere now and trade up with my Kahr. I don't know if says anything about the Shield, but I love mine. I can't say that about my new XDS 45, maybe it has to grow on you.

 

[ColbyBruce]

Igor 455

S&W 3953 and Shield

Shield on top of a Glock 26

Shield on top of a Glock 32

The Shield is basically identical in size and width to my Walther PP .32 a.c.p., but considerably lighter.