WORK SLOWDOWN ON S&W M&P 40 SHIELDS

[MVEROSTEK]

Just wondering as to why there are so few S&W M&P 40 Shields for sale in and around Arkansas or nation wide for that matter. Supply and demand would dictate increased manufacturing of this item.

I have been trying to purchase one for conceal carry for the longest time. At present, I carry the S&W M&P 40 full size in a Galco Summer Comfort holster. Although comfortable, I would like to downsize to the Shield.

Every sporting outlet and gun store I have tried has been Shieldless! Even at the grand opening of Cabelas here in Rogers Arkansas; they were given only a couple ( 40's and 9mm) for sale and they were sold within the first two hours. Now there is an eight month wait for them. Some dealers have been on a waitng list since the beginning and as of today 09-28-12 have never received a shipment. Even the internet sites have a out of stock/back order on this weapon.

As I first commented, has there been a work slowdown to drive up the prices? I did find one 9mm Shield with a price tag of $509.99. Ouch, talk about price gouging. That price was more than the full size or the compact 40's. Is that S&W idea to short supply to raise the price from a decent MSRP $449.00 to a way higher price?

Has the magazine drop issue caused the manufacturing slow down. According to the reps I have spoke with, there is no real problem to speak of. And if there was, the life time warranty would correct the problem free of charge.

Anyway, I guess I blew off enough steam for today. If anyone has any insight as to way there is such a short supply other than high sales, I would love to hear from you. Thanks for your time, Marty

 

[mrcllusb]

I don' think S&W planned for the Shield to be this damn popular and got caught by surprise.Now they're forced to play major catch up..

 

[240Khon]

I was talking to one of the LGS owners and he told me he received 10 in a shipment and they were gone before hitting the shelf. S&W just added a 3rd shift to keep up with demand of the shields. Don't feel alone I've been waiting 10weeks and on 3 lists to get one.

 

[RussC]

I was talking to one of the LGS owners and he told me he received 10 in a shipment and they were gone before hitting the shelf. S&W just added a 3rd shift to keep up with demand of the shields. Don't feel alone I've been waiting 10weeks and on 3 lists to get one.

I spoke with customer service and Shield production is at capacity. They literally are working 24 hrs per day and shipping out Shields daily.

I am so proud my Shield is made in America.

This demand is creating jobs.

There is a lesson other American businesses can learn from the Shield.

Know what your audience wants and deliver.

This isn't rocket science. A ccw must be reliable and that is where S&W scored with the Shield.

Russ

 

[Fat B]

S&W has taken all of the steps in can without getting over extended. What I mean by that is demand is very high right now. How long will it stay high? S&W's bean counters have decided (or maybe not- I have no idea) that it's more economically sound to add a third shift but not invest in another producation line. If S&W decided to expand further, they'd have to add all sorts of machines, positions, floor space, electrical capacity, offices, bathrooms, etc... Now how long will the demand for the shield be high? What are the projections for long term demand? How long would it take to implement an expansion without sacrificing quality control?

The populatity of the shield is going to be determined when demand levels out and people have an opportunity to hold the shield and compare it to other pistols of the same size. I couldn't do that and bought mine based on reviews and need. I would have loved to hold a shield and an xds side by side but both are scarce and hard to get in the same shop and the same time. The buying frenzy taking place right now is not going to keep up forever. I'm guessing that the S&W bean counters are thinking the same thing. If the demand drops as soon as another line is put in place, S&W will have invested a bunch of money to expand for nothing. Also, I think they'd rather have the shield as something hard to get a hold of rather than have 10 sitting on each shelf waiting to be bought. Then they'd have to lay off a bunch of workers until supplies dwindle and no one wants that.

The real reasons behind it were probably not what you wanted to hear.

 

[yanici]

I fully understand why S&W cannot expand operations. There is a large chance that many people will forgo the wait and elect to buy a competitors gun such as the Ruger SR-9C, etc.

 

[RussC]

I fully understand why S&W cannot expand operations. There is a large chance that many people will forgo the wait and elect to buy a competitors gun such as the Ruger SR-9C, etc.

I am very fortunate my wait for my Shield was the drive to Cabelas's.

Everyone has a different level of patience but for me a handgun is too much money to settle on your second choice.

I really believe good things come to them that wait.

I reflect on my first car. I saved for year working minimum wage jobs through high school so I could pay cash for a nice car that got me through college.and 10 years into marriage. Not having a car payment at that time in my life enabled me to avoid student loans.

Russ

 

[W.E.G.]

The Shield appears to be a solid gun.

The current level of demand for it is just a fad.

Go shoot your K-frames for a year or so.
If you still want a Shield in a year or so, there should be plenty for everybody.

 

[RobzGuns]

I fully understand why S&W cannot expand operations. There is a large chance that many people will forgo the wait and elect to buy a competitors gun such as the Ruger SR-9C, etc.

If someone wanted a single-stack 9mm, why would they get an SR9c instead? That's a double-stack, more along the lines of the M&P9c. They'd be looking at either the LC9, PF-9, PPS, Nano, or DB9... All of which have been out for quite some time (as has the SR9c) and had many dissatisfied customers. Anyone who might choose one of these, rather than wait for a Shield would (probably) already have one and be considering trading for a Shield. Many have already dumped the models listed above for a Shield.

Many XD fans did get tired of waiting for the XD-S (.45) and got a Shield, but many did pick up an XD-S as well, when it did finally get released.

So... Even if some S&W fans do pick up on some other pistol because they're tired of waiting on the Shield, it's probably simply due to money burning a hole in their pocket and they'll pick up a Shield as well later on.

 

[Lost Lake]

Shields are great for the uniformed!!!


You can buy a 3913 for the same price! Which is worth more????

Get real!!! The 3913 doesn't drop mags! It is unbelievably accurate, and it will increase in value for many years!!!

 

[Dragon88]

Shields are great for the uniformed!!!


You can buy a 3913 for the same price! Which is worth more????

Get real!!! The 3913 doesn't drop mags! It is unbelievably accurate, and it will increase in value for many years!!!

Are you planning to post unhelpful, inflammatory comments in every Shield 40 thread?

To the OP, there is no conspiracy going on to increase prices or prevent you personally from getting a gun. I got my Shield last week and it is great. I paid $335. More people are finding and buying Shields every single day. Your time will come as well.

 

[RockBottom]

Shields are great for the uniformed!!!


You can buy a 3913 for the same price! Which is worth more????

Get real!!! The 3913 doesn't drop mags! It is unbelievably accurate, and it will increase in value for many years!!!

So, you're saying that the Shield is great for people who wear uniforms. Interesting...

 

[espresso junky]

Shields are great for the uniformed!!!


"Uniformed"!? ...Military, police, well dressed person?!

 

[Shark88]

My LGS has 40's in stock right now for $409.99 check out Shydasoutdoorcenter.com

 

[RussC]

My LGS has 40's in stock right now for $409.99 check out Shydasoutdoorcenter.com

Shark88

Do we know if S&W has fixed the 40 magazine drop?

I own the 9mm and I have had zero problems.

The magazine drop reported on this forum alone would convince me to go 9mm.

Russ

 

[Lost Lake]

Are you planning to post unhelpful, inflammatory comments in every Shield 40 thread?

Sorry... I can't help myself. I'm Shielded out!!!

Shield this and Shield that. I'm just balancing the fanaticism with derogatory posts.

I'll try to stop.

 

[MVEROSTEK]

Appreciate all the inputs. Received a email form S&W about the M&P 40 which stated "Hello, The shield currently is on backorder for 4-5 months. We are building them currently and shipping on a daily basis filling the backorders from 4 months ago. Thank You, Customer Service, 1-800-331-0852 ext 4125" Like some said, "Since I don't have money burning a hole in my pocket and good things come to those who wait", I guess I am in it for the long run and will just have to wait for increased production from the "third shift or the fad to wear down". Anyway you look at it I'm here to stay. If there was one thing I learned from being in the US Navy for 24 years is patience!

 

[mrcllusb]

Appreciate all the inputs. Received a email form S&W about the M&P 40 which stated "Hello, The shield currently is on backorder for 4-5 months. We are building them currently and shipping on a daily basis filling the backorders from 4 months ago. Thank You, Customer Service, 1-800-331-0852 ext 4125" Like some said, "Since I don't have money burning a hole in my pocket and good things come to those who wait", I guess I am in it for the long run and will just have to wait for increased production from the "third shift or the fad to wear down". Anyway you look at it I'm here to stay. If there was one thing I learned from being in the US Navy for 24 years is patience!

AMEN To That!!!!!!! I've decided to do the same and just wait for my LE Package's from Buds..

 

[N4KVE]

40 Shields are easy to find in SE Florida. Just go to any gunshow. Here it's the 9mm Shields that are hard to find. GARY

 

[bonjorno2]

bhpolicesupply in merritt island fl has been getting them off and on... leo is about 350 so 370ish otd. Just go to bhgunrack.com and call their leo side. They give the discount to military, security, le, ect... Retired or active they will take care of you!