Shot my S&W M&P Shield .40 today

[TwistedCopper]

I hate to call this a review, as there are plenty of those out there and all are very subjective anyhow. I will however, share a few observations and impressions from my first outing with my new M&P Shield .40...

I ran several defensive rounds through the Shield. I did not bother with FMJ rounds as I am trying to judge reliability and function for self-defense purposes so I used what made sense. In addition, I shot offhand at 7 yards. This is what I have come to view as a good training distance for self defense, which again is what this pistol is for.

I ran through the pistol the following:
20 rounds of Speer Gold Dot 165 grain JHP
20 rounds of Speer Gold Dot 180 grain JHP
20 rounds Hornady 165 grain FTX Critical Defense
50 rounds of Winchester 180 Grain Bonded JHP
25 Rounds of Remington 165 Grain Golden Saber

All ran flawlessly.

Accuracy was impressive. The few times I shot very slowly to try and be precise, it was precise. What I mean is, for the most part I was shooting defensive drills with quick follow up shots. When I shot for accuracy, it hit where I aimed it. Keep in mind this was only at 7 yards, but the sights were dead-on from the factory.

Recoil... this is very subjective, but I have to say it was much less than I expected. Don't get me wrong, this little powerhouse demands a firm grip, but I will say that the Kahr PM9 I had a while back was snappier. Not sure if it is the extra weight, larger size, or lower bore axis(?) but this thing was not unpleasant to shoot with either magazine. I could rapidly run through both mags and keep all the shots C.O.M. on a standard silhouette target. That means it works

So, in a nutshell, I think Smith has a real winner with the Shield. I'm going to continue to prove it's reliability then make it my every day warm weather carry weapon. I am quite pleased with it to say the least. I have looked long and hard for a Summer CCW that met all my needs and I have finally found that in my little M&P.

TC



First group, offhand 7 yards, 20 shots fairly quick follow up shots (Yes, I know it is a 100 yard rifle target):

Pics of the Shield with my FNP45 for size reference:

 

[Houdini1953]

I did fine yesterday with mine but today I was all to the left of the red but all 50 shots went where they should have just that I was either tired or just not using proper trigger technique.

I think I will try as you did to use self defense ammunition of about 35 rounds and see how it goes with them.

I did yesterday as well as today have the gun to jam after the first shot using the 7 round mag so I'll clean the feed ramp again tomorrow and shoot the last 50 rounds of FMJ and then use the hollow points!

 

[rags]

Good review TC. Thanks!!

 

[TwistedCopper]

I did yesterday as well as today have the gun to jam after the first shot using the 7 round mag so I'll clean the feed ramp again tomorrow and shoot the last 50 rounds of FMJ and then use the hollow points!

That could be the magazine. Check to see if the lips of the mag are the same width as your other mag.

One thing I didn't try because I forgot to do so is to intentionally "limp wrist" it to try to induce a failure. I'll do that next time but with proper hold I had no failures of any kind.

I think the ammo of my choice will be the Hornady FTX 165 grain. It seems to be the hottest of the rounds with Speer and Remington Golden Sabers being tied for a close second. I still wish someone would chronograph different ammo through this thing to compare them...

This makes me wonder why I have never tried a full size M&P. I mean, I'm not ready to even think about parting with my beloved 15 round FNP45 but I have to wonder what it's like to shoot the M&P 45.

 

[Dohmein]

Good stuff and good shooting. This replaced my old carry gun too. Love it

 

[robrossk]

Thanks for the report on the SD rounds and Happy Shooting!

 

[TwistedCopper]

Okay I would like to offer one criticism of the Shield. The rear sight could be smoother at the top where a small overhang covers the rear dots. It's rather pointy for a pistol designed for deep concealment. While carrying IWB it can irritate after a while. A holster that has enough leather or kydex to extend up high enough to cover that would suffice. An open top type like I wore today was rather uncomfortable.

 

[Shielded]

Okay I would like to offer one criticism of the Shield. The rear sight could be smoother at the top where a small overhang covers the rear dots. It's rather pointy for a pistol designed for deep concealment. While carrying IWB it can irritate after a while. A holster that has enough leather or kydex to extend up high enough to cover that would suffice. An open top type like I wore today was rather uncomfortable.

It does kind of dig in, especially when sitting doesn't it. I guess the Shield needs a shield

 

[smithkowitz]

M&P All the way

This makes me wonder why I have never tried a full size M&P. . . . I have to wonder what it's like to shoot the M&P 45.

I've had the M&P45Compact over 3 years now. Took about 3 months to find one back then (5/2009). No one had the Compact version, 4" barrel and 8+1 capacity; in fact, many guns stores didn't even know it existed. I don't have a Shield yet, but the plan is to acquire a 40S&W version, maybe for my gift this coming Christmas. I like my M&P45C a lot, it shoots very well. Not as nice as a 1911 but it's a different animal. The M&P series fits my hand size great with the medium grip, something a Glock cannot do for me. I've shot XD's and FNH, didn't much care for them, M&P's all the way. My first handgun was a Full Size 9mm M&P (before the fire without magazine warning was printed on them). I liked it so much I went on a mission for a M&P9C and M&P45C. Actually found them both on the same day at two different gun stores! Eventually put CTC laser grips on the M&P9C, they'll also fit on my M&P40C if I ever want to change them out. Not long ago I acquired a M&P40VTAC in the Dark Earth finish; 15+1 cap., shoots great too. Sadly, the dual mode sights are worthless at an indoor range with the lights on. Neither the Tritium or Fiber Optic sights GLOW. They work fine outdoors in the conditions conducive to their use (night or day). Other than that, I love the gun and the I think the all Dark Earth finish is fabulous. My M&P45C has the magazine finger extension and (similar to the Shield) it makes it fit perfect in the hand (mine anyway). Just my opinion, but you cannot go wrong with an M&P handgun; guess that's why so many police departments use them now and they're Made in The USA.