450+ so far through my Apex-kitted Shield 9, absolutely perfect functioning from the first round. Not a single failure to feed, eject, etc. Ridiculously easy to shoot well. I don't know exactly why the recoil is so soft and "jumpless" for a compact pistol, but it danged sure is. I added the CTC LaserGuard to it, and like it a lot (old eyes). After shooting the Shield for a while, I went out and bought a full size 9 with the Range and Carry kit, a GREAT deal from S&W, especially after S&W threw in the $50 military rebate. The full size is an equally nice shooter (it's also Apex-kitted) with of course even softer recoil, and has equally perfect function so far, but I've only put about 250 rounds through it to date. CTC LaserGrips work wonderfully for the Full Size, almost like Smith built them in. Couldn't be happier, this will be my house pistol, I'm retiring my 342 AirLite Ti.
Just realized this might read like a Shield/M&P shill piece. My apologies. I got too happy about my new pistols, lol.