M&P Shield (gen1) to Shield Plus transition

[palmetto99]

I have had an original Shield 9mm for 6+ years and it has been my summer carry for most of that time. I like the form factor and consider the capacity good. (I use to carry a j-frame a lot during the summer).

I was lucky recently to win a Shield Plus (still waiting on the transfer) and was wondering if anyone here had made the switch from the original (or 2.0) to the Plus and what your observations might be?

Thanks.

 

[Peak53]

I just did the same thing, although the Shield Plus was a birthday gift, but "free" nonetheless. Now outfitted with tritium night sights and is thumb safety free. The most noticeable thing aside from the additional capacity is the flat trigger (with trigger safety) which is way smoother than the 1.0. I like it a lot and quickly sold the old one to a friend.

 

[Bumpus13]

I made that same switch last summer.

I came for the extra capacity, but I stayed for the better ergonomics and trigger.

My 1.0 hasn’t left the safe since.

 

[Goldstar225]

After a year of debating myself on the swap an opportunity came to get the "bug out bag" that came with five magazines and night sights. That pushed me over the edge.

I didn't make the swap for the capacity (that was just icing on the cake) but because I liked the fit of the grip better. The 2.0 was and is a good gun, the plus is just a bit better for me.

 

[Goldstar225]

Double post deleted

 

[Shield 9 WV]

I have the Shield9 v1 w/safety. EXCEPT for capacity, it's the perfect gun for me. People can complain about the trigger all they want but the bottom line is I can shoot with great accuracy. That's the purpose of any gun, to be reliable and hit whatever you're aiming at.

I got the Shield9 Plus /no safety when it came out. I didn't like the sandpaper-like grip and it was bigger in my hand than the Shield although not by much.

I then got a second Shield9 /no safety with the bugout Bag bundle. It has tritium night sights which I really like and I am tricking it out with a pic rail to hold an Olight Baldr min, 600 lumen light with integrated green laser.

The first Shield Plus will be my EDC, the tricked out Shield Plus a nightstand gun. I am selling the original Shield9. I want two guns with the same mags so I don't can't get confused.

 

[Shield 9 WV]

I have the Shield9 v1 w/safety. EXCEPT for capacity, it's the perfect gun for me. People can complain about the trigger all they want but the bottom line is I can shoot with great accuracy. That's the purpose of any gun, to be reliable and hit whatever you're aiming at.

I got the Shield9 Plus /no safety when it came out. I didn't like the sandpaper-like grip and it was bigger in my hand than the Shield although not by much.

I then got a second Shield9 /no safety with the bugout Bag bundle. It has tritium night sights which I really like and I am tricking it out with a pic rail to hold an Olight Baldr min, 600 lumen light with integrated green laser.


The first Shield Plus will be my EDC, the tricked out Shield Plus a nightstand gun. I am selling the original Shield9. I want two guns with the same mags so I don't can't get confused.

 

[S&W Fan]

I also went from the original to a Plus. The sole reason being the slightly wider grip. Made all the difference for me. I also put the HiViz sights and Talon rubber grip wrap on it, those are the only changes.

 

[m&p2.0fdethumbsafety]

m&p 2.0 3.6 inch optics ready is probably better than the shield, nearly same size, a bit thicker, but 15 rounds native capacity and a full 3 finger purchase on the grip with no fear of jamming your palm between the magazine and the grip like in those segmented grip magazines used by the shield

 

[Shield 9 WV]

After a year of debating myself on the swap
an opportunity came to get the "bug out bag" that came with five magazines and night sights. That pushed me over the edge.

(snip).

Me too, for all the same reasons.

 

[The Mighty S&W]

So far, the Shield Plus has managed to avoid my grasp. I’ve owned the original Shield 9, the Shield .45, a Shield EZ in .380, several different original M&P’s in 9, .40, and .45, the Bodyguard .380, an M2.0 Shield 9mm, and an M2.0 Compact 4 inch 9mm. In my experience there isn’t a bad one in the bunch. Those with an “M2.0” designation have been a bit better than those without in my opinion.

In terms of handling, the biggest differences between the original Shield and the Shield Plus are going to be a slightly larger diameter grip frame and a significantly improved trigger. Some would say that the texture of the grip on the M2.0 Shield is pretty aggressive but as someone who owns the M2.0 Compact I don’t even consider the grip on the Shield to be mildly abrasive.

Grab the currently available package deal that comes with the optics ready Shield Plus, factory night sights, five magazines, and a nylon carrying bag then let us know what your thoughts are. I strongly suspect that you’ll be pleased with the purchase.

 

[lkabug]

I have Shield 9 v1, Shield 9 v2, and the Shield Plus. The Plus quickly became my go to 9mm Shield. I shoot it as well if not better then any Shield I own. I'm considering acquiring a second one.

 

[USMCshooter]

I have Shield 9 v1, Shield 9 v2, and the Shield Plus. The Plus quickly became my go to 9mm Shield. I shoot it as well if not better then any Shield I own. I'm considering acquiring a second one.

That's why I bought two. As they say- 2 is 1 and 1 is none.

 

[Marshal Tom]

I purchased a V-1 early on when they were much more than they were later on, I think $428ist out the door. I then put an Apex carry kit in it and night sights on it. I also have eight mags for it because I got some cheap and some for free. It also has a Talon Grip. I have handled the Plus and like it better for both the capacity and the slightly larger grip but have not made the switch since I have so much in my Shield and would loose a bunch if I sold it. Mine also has the safety that I don't use and would have preferred one without if I had had the option at time of purchase.

 

[palmetto99]

Well, I picked up my PLUS model from my FFL a couple of nights ago and so far, I'm impressed. I won it as as part of a drawing for a match I participated in a couple of weeks ago and all I knew was that it was a Shield Plus. no other info. Turned out to be the optics ready slide, factory night sights, factory FDE cerakote and two extra 13 rd magazines. I do like the sights and the texture on the grip frame is much better than my original (which has a Talon grip tape on it). The grip does fill the hand much better. Will run it this weekend to see if it's a keeper. Thanks for the input.

 

[The Mighty S&W]

Well, I picked up my PLUS model from my FFL a couple of nights ago and so far, I'm impressed. I won it as as part of a drawing for a match I participated in a couple of weeks ago and all I knew was that it was a Shield Plus. no other info. Turned out to be the optics ready slide, factory night sights, factory FDE cerakote and two extra 13 rd magazines. I do like the sights and the texture on the grip frame is much better than my original (which has a Talon grip tape on it). The grip does fill the hand much better. Will run it this weekend to see if it's a keeper. Thanks for the input.

Congrats on what sounds like a fantastic score. I’ve yet to try the Shield Plus but unless they really did something wrong when increasing the capacity, I can’t think of anything not to like. It also sounds like the setup you got is a primo specimen with all the bells and whistles. Toss a red dot and a light on that pistol and I’d say you’d have an ultimate carry/night stand gun.

 

[Instructor9]

I am very much considering a bug out package. I have a v1 .40, and a Plus that’s not OR. I like the Plus very much, but I also like my little .40 with the Hogue sleeve. I have previously owned 2 Glock 27’s and the little Shield tames the .40 so much better!
Now, for you guys that have put a RDS on their Plus, which one did you go with?
Looking at S&W’s site is kind of confusing on which RDS’ will fit!

 

[cma_g21]

...I didn't like the sandpaper-like grip...

Although the Shield Plus is my EDC, I'd almost forgotten how much I hated the grip texture. Before carrying I added a Traction Grip (similar to Talon grip) and it feels much better to me. YMMV

 

[haywood]

I inherited the first gen Shield 9. After years of mostly shooting and carrying revolvers, I decided to give it a try. I was impressed and added it to my carry rotation. It came with Two 8 round mags and a 7. That and a J-Frame with reloads for backup is plenty of ammo for me.

 

[palmetto99]

I am very much considering a bug out package. I have a v1 .40, and a Plus that’s not OR. I like the Plus very much, but I also like my little .40 with the Hogue sleeve. I have previously owned 2 Glock 27’s and the little Shield tames the .40 so much better!
Now, for you guys that have put a RDS on their Plus, which one did you go with?
Looking at S&W’s site is kind of confusing on which RDS’ will fit!

I have started looking into an RDS for the PLUS. From what I gather, the S&W Shield PLUS and earlier versions use a cut format for a specific brand (which I think is ironically branded shield) and that foot print may be carried over in the new Crimson Trace RDS. That said, it appears that you can purchase adapter plates for different foot prints. I have had good luck with C+H plates for Glocks.