M&P Shield 40 Range Report 6/12/12

[flyandscuba]

Today, I went to a buddy's place from another forum to break in my new Shield 40. Originally, I wanted one in 9mm, but the Academy Sports store here in Pensacola only had one in 40 S&W. Knowing that these are in high demand -- and with the retail price at Academy at $399, I bought it without blinking an eye.

It's definitely a keeper! The trigger on the Shield is much better than the full size M&Ps that I've had previously. Here is a typical group from 21 feet - standing off hand at a decent rate of fire (squeeze - reset -front sight - squeeze -reset - front sight - etc.):

My shooting instructor buddy then put me to the test - he wanted me to shoot a playing card in half edge-wise...aka the impossible shot... He evidently does this with his LEO students to aid in teaching proper trigger control. Always one to try something new under pressure - I didn't disappoint...and actually suprised myself - split the card in two edge-wise with the first shot!

All total - we ran about 300 rds through the pistol - straight from the box (no cleaning, no lubrication -- nothing). Zero failures or malfunctions of any kind shooting CCI Blazer 180gr, 180gr FMJ reloads, or Winchester PDX1 180gr JHPs. Recoil was very manageable - with either the flush or extended magazine in use. The recoil from the increased pressure of 40 S&W over 9mm isn't any concern in this pistol - the 9mm version will only be slightly milder & cheaper to shoot.

My buddy successfully split a playing card at 28 feet - so I had to try it again from that distance... This time it took me three shots to hit the mark!

Not too bad - especially with a new and unfamiliar pistol!

I highly recommend the M&P Shield for a daily-carry CCW in either flavor -- 9mm or 40 S&W.

 

[Dohmein]

Good shooting. I agree, a great carry gun in any flavor is correct..

 

[offensive]

Hmmm, and I was going for caliber consolidation and getting rid of my full size .40 M&P since I got a 9mm Shield.

 

[robrossk]

Great shooting and good pics. I like the playing card idea and will try it.

 

[Jeb21]

Great shooting

 

[Shielded]

Well done, very well done.

 

[insomniac]

thanks for the report flyandscuba!

i've been waiting for a 9 and reluctantly picked up a 40 yesterday. the range/store had just recieved two shield 40's and none of the employees had seen or fired one so we went back and i let them fire it.

we ALL were surprised and felt that the shield 40 was very comfortable and controllable. accuracy was very good at 20 feet and we had no malfunctions. shooting groups into a 4 inch circle at 1 shot per second (max allowable rate of fire at this range) was easy.

so far i'm very impressed with this little pistol. after a few more trips to the range i plan to carry it and put my Kahr K9 into ready reserve i like my K9 but never really got used to the Kahr trigger.

 

[alphie]

Thanks for the report. I've been "eyeing" the shield, but they're a bit hard to find at this point. They show up in the gun store and then they're gone....fast. I'm not in a hurry, so I thought I'd wait and watch the reviews until the market has more available. The fact that they fly out of the gun stores says a lot about the gun. I'm in the process of buying a M&P9c in the next month, so it will be fun to break that one in.

 

[bronco45]

Nice shootin, and I enjoy seeing the success of the Shield. Glad to see a grand old American company rise up because of a superior product at a reasonable price.

I picked up a Shield 40 at a LGS last week liked the grip and size, went back an hour later to purchase it and it was gone. I have a 40c but I think the Shield in a 40 is next.

 

[ET.]

I agree with the positive reports on the 40 Shield. I bought one from my LGS several weeks ago. I took it to the range and it grouped quite nicely at 21 ft. (7 yds). Only problem was it was 4" to the left. I drifted the front sight to the left and brought it back to the bullseye. I've carried a Glock 27 for years so I was familiar with small 40s&w guns. I was pretty sure it wasn't my technique since I also shot several full mags from a supported position and still ended up 4" to the left. For a small SD gun that isn't much of an issue anyway. At some point I might get it checked out, but not right now.

I am just a little ticked off at my LGS for the price they made me pay. They had been selling the 9mm Shields for $399, but when this 40s&w came in, the owner decided to sell it to me for msrp ($449)!!! I paid it, but won't be buying any more guns from them any time soon. I feel abused, but hey, I didn't have to buy it for that price. I just let my desire for the Shield guide my actions instead of just walking away since they wanted $50 more than I thought they should have sold it for.

 

[pyro]

Whats $50 when you get something you want. Nobody is selling them for $399 anymore. Eventually that will happen, but that could be months away. In the meantime you get to go shooting and enjoy your gun. The higher price says the gun is worth more than the discount price.

 

[Horace & Daniel]

Whats $50 when you get something you want. Nobody is selling them for $399 anymore.

You're right. My LGS is selling them for $385.

 

[pyro]

Wow, I guess I better be on the lookout for a 9mm

 

[Prometriclives]

Finally

Just received in my shield 40, and like others was pleasantly surprised with the recoil. I compare the recoil based on my current and all time favorite side arm. This being a 2011 model Walther P99-AS with tritium nite sights. I have to say that I think the Walter has more of a kick. I will have to shoot side by side. I fired 300 rounds today not one issue... Love this side arm, will be my daily carry. The ammo used is as follows. Hornaday critical defense 160 gr FTX. Not impressed for the extra money. Next, Magtech 165 gr FMC. Same results, not impressed but at $18.00 for a box of 50 good price. My favorite ammo is the Winchester ranger both in the 180 gr FMJ and the 180 gr bonded also at $19.00 a box, can't go wrong.