the New M&P Shield

[TECHsan2013]

I have had my CHL for almost two years now. At first I carried a Deringer Snake Killer, didn't much like it since it was literally a brick in my purse and I prefer semi-auto. Then about 5 mo ago, I switched with my dad and am now carrying a Glock .45 compact version. I am seriously looking into the new Shield in .40 but don't have much to compare it with as I am new to the CHL community. My big questions are 1) ease of use and cleaning, 2) comfort in shooting, 3) durability since I will be carrying it on me and my purse so it will get a bit dirty and such. Anyone with insight or maybe even another option for a good semi-auto that is good for conceal carry as well! Thank you in advance!!

tldr: is M&P Shield good for a girl who wants to conceal carry??

 

[MacDanny]

I have a Shield 40. To answer your questions: 1) They are easy enough for me to clean. It's one of the reasons I went with S&W. I'm relatively new to handguns and I picked care/maintenance up fairly quickly. 2) Comfort in shooting is unreal. To me. I've shot 40s - Glocks and Springfields mostly - and was concerned about the size of the Shield. Surprising how well it handles. It is snappy, but not what I thought it'd be. I was very excited after my initial range sessions but after about 100 rounds things changed. 3) Durability is unknown for me. Haven't carried it since it is back with S&W, which brings me to the bombshell...

Some of the Shield40s had a problem with the mag release, mine included. I wish someone told me prior to my purchase, so am paying it forward. It seems isolated to the DXV, DXW and DXX serial numbers from an informal poll on-line here, so be wary. I just called S&W today and learned that they had fixed the issue and I'd receive mine back this Wednesday. I'll report back if the issue is fixed in the original thread (M&P forum, something like "Shield 40 mag-drop poll").
Most on this forum that have a lot more experience than I are very confident that S&W will fix the issue. Some even posted pictures and instructions about what/how to do it. I don't have the luxury of that kind of perspective so can't offer you anything but what I've heard.

To be fair, I have heard nothing but positive about the Shield9s. Absolutely nothing negative.

Hope that is helpful. Good luck.

 

[GKC]

I have a Shield 9mm, and so does my wife...we love them. I think they are the perfect carry gun, except for pocket carry. They are just a little bit too big for pocket carry, IMO, especially with the 8 round magazine (which I prefer) but for IWB/OWB or in the purse (my wife) they are great.

If you are used to cleaning a Glock, then the Shield is every bit as easy...a Glock may be a little easier to detail strip, but for regular field strip and cleaning I think the Shield is easier (I always have trouble with the take down levers on a Glock, unless I install extended ones.) The lever on the Shield is far better to me.

Glocks (except for the 36) are all too thick in the grip for me (small hands) but the Shield is the most comfortable polymer pistol I have ever held.

S&W has great customer service, and will take care of any issues that may arise. You can read a lot more about the Shield in the M&P subsection.

 

[TECHsan2013]

thanks to both of you, I really look forward to actually getting to hold one soon!

 

[Doug M.]

I have seen pretty hard guys' reports on the Shield on a more or less closed mil/LE forum, and the feedback on the 9mm version has been overwhelmingly good. I am waiting for the LE version without the thumb safety, but plan to buy one once I get a chance to shoot/test it. I'm pretty off my gun buying right now, investing my discretionary cash in ammo, but this will be an exception.

 

[robkarrob]

I have the 40 and it is a great gun. Anyone not wanting the safety, it is easy to eliminate. If you completely remove it you have the empty opening in the frame from the removed lever. To keep the lever, just bend the blocking bar that blocks the trigger bar tail from entering the sear housing opening. A very easy modification. I recommend the Shield to all.

 

[Blueface2]

I have the nine.
Can't say enough good things about it.
Carry it daily.
Shoots with minimal recoil.
Easy to clean.
Very reasonably priced.

 

[Blueface2]

I have seen pretty hard guys' reports on the Shield on a more or less closed mil/LE forum, and the feedback on the 9mm version has been overwhelmingly good. I am waiting for the LE version without the thumb safety, but plan to buy one once I get a chance to shoot/test it. I'm pretty off my gun buying right now, investing my discretionary cash in ammo, but this will be an exception.

Doug,
The safety on this gun is so low profile that if you don't want to use it as I often don't, you don't engage it and won't even know it is there.
I kind of like the idea of having it in case I ever do want to engage it.
In fact, being so "don't even know it is there, but you have it if you need it" was one of the selling points for me.
The way this gun feels in hand, in waist and at range when firing it truly make it a very special weapon.
What an awesome job by S&W.

 

[sipowicz]

Just be careful with that style trigger in a purse....make sure you use some kind of holster secured inside your purse...you don't want an eyeliner catching inside the trigger guard when you need it in a hurry...

 

[Doug M.]

Blueface2, if I were right handed I would be more inclined to the positive you advocate. It's not at all crazy, but for a left handed person there would be additional drawbacks.

 

[Blueface2]

Blueface2, if I were right handed I would be more inclined to the positive you advocate. It's not at all crazy, but for a left handed person there would be additional drawbacks.

Ahhhh......yup. Being righty, forgot the other side.