Shield 9 Plus, what benefit?

[gunny4053]

I have a Shield 9 2.0 waiting to come home, but the shop took in a couple Shield 9 Plus guns, one is a PC version. Other than the extra rounds in the mags, are there any additional benefits which make the Plus worth swapping with the standard 2.0? It would cost me another $100 over the cost of the standard model to pick up the Plus and another $40 above that for the PC, so about $469 for the PC. I looked at the specs on-line, but prefer hearing from those who have or have used both.

 

[USMCshooter]

Better grip, more capacity, more recent design not enough for $100?

 

[MSD2343]

Much better trigger also.

 

[Hawg Rider]

I have a 9mm PC Shield Plus, and it's one of my EDC guns. I think it's a fantastic pistol- smooth tuned action, great trigger, ported barrel and slide, and fiber optic sights. I've never had an issue with this handgun or the magazines, and it's extremely accurate for a short barreled pistol. I think it was worth the extra $.

 

[Marshal Tom]

I have handled and shot all but the PC version. I owned and carried an early 1.0 for many years. I never leave my guns alone so I added night sights, an Apex Duty/Carry Kit, Talon Grip and had several Mags for it. It was as good except for the increased capacity as all the newer iterations but if I were to be buying a new one at this point, it would probably be the PC. The Shield is great but I have found a couple of others that i like better and have switched to.

 

[murphydog]

It's a personal decision. Some like the thinner grip frame of the original Shield, but the extra capacity and nicer trigger of the Plus are definitely pluses if it fits you. I have seen the Plus at very close to the selling prices of the standard Shield but have not looked at the PC version.

 

[gunny4053]

Better grip, more capacity, more recent design not enough for $100?

Not if those things listed in the product description don't translate to real world use, hence the reason I ask to hear from folks who actually have or used one. Grips are a wash since the 2.0 has the same grip texture, same grip angle, as the Plus, and the difference in girth isn't significant.

I generally carry a 5 shot revolver, so extra rounds are a bonus, but not a deal breaker. Has changing the gun and/or the magazines to get those extra few rounds in there created feeding issues? Is a full mag harder to seat in the gun?

Although I like the new style trigger, the trigger pull didn't feel tremendously different. For that extra hundred bucks, or close to it, I can install an Apex trigger kit in the 2.0.

At that point, it comes back to the extra capacity.

Now on the PC model, there's still the concerns above, but we're adding the porting, which I know works well and can justify the extra cash. For their price on the PC, I'm saving $300 between a new one and the used standard 2.0 and about $160 on the used PC. So, the PC is the better choice.

Off the subject a little, Marshall tom, what can you tell me about the Apex duty/carry kit and its performance? I'm considering one for my M&P .45.

 

[murphydog]

To me, the extra grip frame width on the Plus makes a noticeable difference in comfort and controllability from the single stack version.

 

[Marshal Tom]

Not if those things listed in the product description don't translate to real world use, hence the reason I ask to hear from folks who actually have or used one. Grips are a wash since the 2.0 has the same grip texture, same grip angle, as the Plus, and the difference in girth isn't significant.

I generally carry a 5 shot revolver, so extra rounds are a bonus, but not a deal breaker. Has changing the gun and/or the magazines to get those extra few rounds in there created feeding issues? Is a full mag harder to seat in the gun?

Although I like the new style trigger, the trigger pull didn't feel tremendously different. For that extra hundred bucks, or close to it, I can install an Apex trigger kit in the 2.0.

At that point, it comes back to the extra capacity.

Now on the PC model, there's still the concerns above, but we're adding the porting, which I know works well and can justify the extra cash. For their price on the PC, I'm saving $300 between a new one and the used standard 2.0 and about $160 on the used PC. So, the PC is the better choice.

Off the subject a little, Marshall tom, what can you tell me about the Apex duty/carry kit and its performance? I'm considering one for my M&P .45.

I have put the Apex triggers in two of my M&P's and other after market triggers in several striker fired guns. I put the Apex Flat Faced forward set trigger in my M&P Compact 2.0. Both were very good improvements over the
curved stock trigger. They reduce the take-up and over travel and have a shorter reset. I lent my shield out to many folks to trying to select a carry or HD gun and all liked it. I think I misstated in my last post and said that I would select the PC over the Plus. I would purchase the plus if I were doing it now. As Murphydog stated, the slightly wider grip frame of the plus feels better to me as well.

 

[gunny4053]

Thanks for the info, greatly appreciated.

 

[Goldstar225]

I had the Shield 2.0 when the plus came out. I debated with myself for about a year over whether or not to change over. I really liked the 2.0 but the slight increase in the grip size of the plus appealed to me. what pushed me over the edge was the opportunity to get the "bug-out bag" kit with 1 X 10 round and 4 X 13 round magazines. Holsters are the same, concealability isn't compromised but the feel in my hand is improved. It's been just as reliable (100%) as my 2.0 was and in my hands slightly more accurate which I attribute to the fit of the grip. Getting a full 13 round magazine to lock in place with the slide forward is a bit of a push but I carry the 13 round magazines downloaded by one round (as I have all staggered magazines for the past 30 years) to ensure positive engagement.

I have no regrets about adopting the Shield plus.

 

[peterGun]

I bought a plus OR so I could try an optic, like the gun especially since I’m a lefty.

Now if Smith would offer an aftermarket plus trigger for my Shield40 2.0 I’d be satisfied


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[gunny4053]

Yeah, I called S&W and ask if it was possible to update the trigger on my M&P 2.0 with the new style trigger shoe. CS politely informed me they do not offer that service.

I took another look at the PC Plus yesterday, and honestly don't feel a significant difference in the grip. If I go with the Plus, I'm sure I'll just spend the extra and buy new. Both of the used guns have the thumb safety which I dislike. In fact, I may drop the 9mm all together and add a Shield .45 to the family. The M&P .45 and the 4" PC ported 2.0 Shield .45 have proven extremely accurate and comfortable to shoot, so why not stay with what works?

 

[gunny4053]

Just an update if you hadn't seen the other thread. I actually wound up picking up a 1.0 Shield 9 and a 2.0 Shield 9 for just over $400 for the pair. Both shoot extremely well, fit my hand and my holsters, and are more than accurate enough to get me out of trouble. I may get a plus down the road, but for now these are fine. In fact, I'm carrying the 1.0 with a Strike Industries +2 mag extension and will be adding a Talon Pro grip as soon as it arrives. For what I paid, I can afford to do some upgrades, so I may do either the M Carbo or an Apex duty/carry kit on the 1.0.
Here's twin 1.0 and 2.0.

 

[rwsmith]

I have often wondered....

...what the difference beween these pistols was. I have a couple of EZs but as far as the 2.0 and the 'Plus', I wasn't sure. I've a 'plain old Shield' that I like just fine, but maybe one day I'll get to hold and maybe shoot the others.

 

[Capt29]

I have the Shield 2.0, and just brought home the 4" PC Plus, the trigger on the PC is a galaxy away (better) from the 2.0 trigger. The 4" Shield is very nearly a duty weapon in all respects (except for the lack of thumb safety) and is still very concealable. Recalling that I worked a long time as a Chicago Cop with a 6 shooter and 6 extra rounds in a really crappy pouch, I feel well armed with the plus with 13 rounds on tap. Like a lot of folks, I load the magazine fully then chamber a round leaving the mag underloaded by 1 round. The British SAS used to do this with the BHP (as did I), and they kind of knew what they were about.

 

[AppStFan]

Congrats on the Shield 1.0 and 2.0. You got a steal on two great pistols. I currently have three 1.0 Shields, two 9mm and a .40. Every time I think about getting rid of them I realize I wouldn't get much for them with everyone wanting the newest and latest and greatest. I have been thinking about picking up a Shield Plus optic ready due to my aging eye sight.

 

[RobzGuns]

Just an update if you hadn't seen the other thread. I actually wound up picking up a 1.0 Shield 9 and a 2.0 Shield 9 for just over $400 for the pair. Both shoot extremely well, fit my hand and my holsters, and are more than accurate enough to get me out of trouble. I may get a plus down the road, but for now these are fine. In fact, I'm carrying the 1.0 with a Strike Industries +2 mag extension and will be adding a Talon Pro grip as soon as it arrives. For what I paid, I can afford to do some upgrades, so I may do either the M Carbo or an Apex duty/carry kit on the 1.0.
Here's twin 1.0 and 2.0.

Unless you want a different trigger, all you may want to swap out is the sear. I did JUST the Apex (hardened?) sear in my original Shield and it is great. As for extra capacity, I got the MagGuts spring kit.

After 6 Months with my OR Shield+, I still shoot better with my original Shield. The wider grip, extra capacity and new Shield+ trigger were (in my opinion) no real 'upgrade' over my Shield 1.0, Apex sear and MagGuts.

On the UP side... The OR shield+ slide with 'Holosun EPS Carry' works on my Shield 1.0.

 

[markmiela]

Get the plus. Better all around with the grip, trigger and capacity.


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[CouchPotato]

I've carried the Shield 2.0 PC for appx 3yrs.

The PC variant has ports that work which give faster follow up shots and also it has a better trigger.

A few months ago I bought the Shield Plus PC for two primary purposes which are increased capacity and increased grip circumference. Both were realized and there's no disappointment.

As a bonus, I was hoping that the flat faced Shield Plus PC trigger would be an improvement over the 2.0 PC hinged trigger. In my specific case, my trigger finger tends to sit high in the trigger shoe due to being broken multiple times and was never properly reset. If not careful, the result is that I fail to completely disengage the inertial trigger saftey which can cause a false wall or failure to fire. With this, the Shield Plus was not an improvement and is arguably worse.

I found that I've grown quite used to the Shield 2.0 hinged trigger, and at the range I can shoot it as well and as quickly as the flat Shield Plus trigger.

During dry fire, I notice that my 2.0 PC is lighter than my Plus PC trigger and this likely is due to the 2.0 PC having nearly 3K rounds through it and probably 10k+ dry fires through it using snap caps.

Primarily I carry in the appendix position.

While concealing when wearing just a t-shirt, I don't carry a spare mag so with the Shield 2.0 I'm limited to 7 or 8 rounds with factory mag options. Aftermarket 10 round upgrades cause loss of concealment due to printing. The Shield Plus upgrades me to 10 or 13 round mags without compromising my ability to conceal it.

With heavier clothing, I'll typically use a Sidecar holster. The Shield 2.0's 7-round mags are too short as a spare mag and the 8rd mag has that extension that slides which complicates reloads. So I'll carry the 2.0 with a 7 or 8 round mag in the gun with a 10 round mag along side of it.

With the Shield Plus and heavier cloths, I can just carry a factory 15-round mag in the gun and completely skip the spare mag, opening the door to more holster options. Otherwise I have a Sidecar holster for the Shield Plus as well and if I want, I can carry 15+15 with factory mags.

 

[gunny4053]

Congrats on the Shield 1.0 and 2.0. You got a steal on two great pistols. I currently have three 1.0 Shields, two 9mm and a .40. Every time I think about getting rid of them I realize I wouldn't get much for them with everyone wanting the newest and latest and greatest. I have been thinking about picking up a Shield Plus optic ready due to my aging eye sight.

I've got one of the OR 4" PC Shields in .45, in fact it's what got me started on my S&W buying spree.

 

[rwsmith]

I'm a lightweight...

I've got one of the OR 4" PC Shields in .45, in fact it's what got me started on my S&W buying spree.

...I only have 8 S&W pistols and revolvers.


PS: Oops, make that 9. I forgot the mod 5903 that I just bought.

 

[gunny4053]

...I only have 8 S&W pistols and revolvers.

Doesn't seem like near enough. I've had a few over the years, several Gen 3's, a 27, a 28, 3 19's, a model 10 HB, and a beautiful little 34 snubbie.

On a side note, I went in and did the equivalent of the Glock 25 cent trigger job on the 1.0 this afternoon. It is amazing what a little fluff and buff does. The trigger is very smooth and crisp after polishing the necessary parts with a trigger pull right at 4.75 lbs. I can only imagine what adding the Apex hard sear would do for it.

 

[hardluk1]

Not sure yet why so many buy some version of the Shield instead of a 2.0 3.6 sub compact . Yes your getting a heavier pistol but more controlable pistol to with a weight of 24.8oz but also a 1/2"more barrel and a 12 round mag . I have one flat bottom mag that makes it the same as the shield from bottom of mag to trigger guard . With the small grip insert its only 1.218 but with a set of traction grip wraps added .

Like one other guy here I ok with the old stock trigger or the apex curved trigger and hate stright triggers in general . Our small m&p is the old m&p9c or a subcompact today with the 2.0 series .
I did add a apex striker block kit but thats all and did some conector polishing and radiusing well know about in the M&P early years so smooth and lighten the trigger pull . Our today has under 4lb trigger pull .

Learn to pull a trigger like Todd Jarrett and Rob Leatham using a Trigger Sweeping motion where you get off the trigger between shots and length of pull means very little when you carry a well tuned 1911 and a striker fired pistol or a da revolver many guys have as a carry option and sweeping is NOT slapping a trigger .

PSA has a M&P 2.0 9mm sub compact for $399.99 - SKU:12482

Just a moment...

Smith & Wesson M&P 9 Shield Plus vs Smith & Wesson M&P 9 M2.0 3.6" Subcompact size comparison | Handgun Hero

 

[2wheels]

I installed the Apex Duty Carry kit on both my Gen 1 Shield and my M&P 2.0 Compact, both are 9mm. The Apex kit improved the 2.0, but transformed the Gen 1 Shield into a very nice gun.

 

[gunny4053]

Not sure yet why so many buy some version of the Shield instead of a 2.0 3.6 sub compact .

For me, having handled the compacts, sub-compacts, and the Shields, the Shields just feel better. The compacts and sub-compacts never felt, let's just say, right in my hand. I can grab the Shield and shoot it very well no matter which caliber or version (I should note this does not include the EZ's, I actually hate those). With the others, I feel like I fuss with my grip, trying to get it sitting just right and not finding that sweet spot. For a carry gun, when you first pull it from carry, what you have is what you get. If it's not right from the start, then accuracy suffers which isn't what you want if you have to draw.

Short answer, I like many others, like and shoot the Shield better.

 

[hardluk1]

For me, having handled the compacts, sub-compacts, and the Shields, the Shields just feel better. The compacts and sub-compacts never felt, let's just say, right in my hand. I can grab the Shield and shoot it very well no matter which caliber or version (I should note this does not include the EZ's, I actually hate those). With the others, I feel like I fuss with my grip, trying to get it sitting just right and not finding that sweet spot. For a carry gun, when you first pull it from carry, what you have is what you get. If it's not right from the start, then accuracy suffers which isn't what you want if you have to draw.

Short answer, I like many others, like and shoot the Shield better.

If its not right from the start that only means you don't care to put in the practice time to see how you might really like it . Then some guys just like littler handguns I guess .

I always felt if you give me any hand gun and a couple mags to fire I'm good with it , well except a glock or Steyr with that odd grip angle !

 

[gunny4053]

It's not that I don't care to put in the practice time, it's that I don't need to put in the practice time to adapt to something that doesn't work for me when there's something that does work from the start. I'd rather put in the work to improve with the gun I'm comfortable with, which is a better use of my time and resources.

I'm sure I could make a Desert Eagle in .50AE work if I was willing to put in the time to carry a 5lb artillery piece, but why when I have a 20oz Shield that I shoot just fine from the box. If I choose to use something larger than my little gun, I have my 4"PC Shield .45 or my M&P FS .45, both of which fit me better, hence the reason I chose them. I shoot Glocks pretty well too; you should put in the practice time and truly try one....you might be surprised.

Sorry for the dig, I appreciate suggestions from others, I take issue with those who demand I see everything their way, and your post tend to take that tone. Suffice it to say I've tried the sub-compacts and they just aren't what I want. So, no reason to debate this further.

 

[sotexas]

I have a Shield 9 2.0 waiting to come home, but the shop took in a couple Shield 9 Plus guns, one is a PC version. Other than the extra rounds in the mags, are there any additional benefits which make the Plus worth swapping with the standard 2.0? It would cost me another $100 over the cost of the standard model to pick up the Plus and another $40 above that for the PC, so about $469 for the PC. I looked at the specs on-line, but prefer hearing from those who have or have used both.

My wife and I each own a Shield 2.0 PC, Shield Plus PC, The 4" Shield Plus PC and I have a Shield Plus 4" .45 PC. along with the Shield 2.0 PC 3.5" .45acp. Carried the .45acp for years. The Pluses have been very reliable, accurate as hell and easy to carry. To me with each gen of the Shield line has improvements somewhere. Hats off to S&W. I might add I have zero issues carrying either of my 4" Shields and find the .45 easy to shoot and hits what you want. Just my opinion