Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: M&P9 Shield
Type: Compact (CCW) handgun
Caliber Reviewed: 9x19mm A.K.A. 9mm Luger, 9mm Para, or 9mm NATO.
Other Calibers: .40 S&W
For years gunmakers and gunsmiths have had various answers to the challenges of creating a a compact and concealable firearm. In the 18th Century there was the pocket pistol:
Now in the 21st century, gun makers enjoy better technology. The Smith & Wesson M&P9 Shield has a lineage of quality behind it. The M&P semi-automatic weapons system has been around since 2005. The Shield has been around since 2012, and is an excellent example of a single stack magazine fed firearm.
The value of this gun is high. You are acquiring a Smith & Wesson handgun, one of the pinnacles of firearm quality. I purchased mine for $371.00 at a big box sporting goods store during a holiday sale. Frankly, I prefer buying from local mom and pop shops. Unfortunately, sometimes that isn’t always possible. Two magazines come with the weapon: an eight round extended magazine and a seven round flush carry magazine. I did buy a new case for this gun as I don’t like my guns residing in cardboard ‘pizza boxes.’ I like my guns in hard plastic or wooden cases.
The three dot sights provide excellent target acquisition. The grip angle is comfortable with a good texture, and the trigger has a crisp break and a fast reset. This is an excellent carry compact handgun as it rides in a Patriot IWB holster nicely or in a variety of other options available. How does it shoot?
Range Report: I put this target ten yards down range. I used a mix of handgun ammunition mostly full metal jacket: Sellier & Bellot 115 grain, Federal 115 grain, and American Eagle 124 grain. Recoil was manageable in each of these ammunition types. I also ran a row of five Hornaday 115 grain Jacketed Hollow Point American Handgunner Defensive rounds through this gun. I did not have a single Failure to Feed, Failure to Eject, or any malfunction whatsoever in the three hundred or so rounds that I put through this weapon.
Cleaning: Not as fun as shooting the gun, but it is necessary. It is similar to a Glock’s breakdown and easier than a 1911s.
My Take: Invest in a piece of American history for recreation and protection. Consider an M&P Shield. The author’s preference is not to have an external safety on a firearm unless it is single action only. This gun has a variant with a thumb safety for those who prefer it.
Further Reading:
brandonchoveydotnet 
4 thoughts on “The M&P9 Shield Reviewed by Brandon C. Hovey”