NGD: S&W M&P Shield (9mm)

richardlpalmer · 10-31-2012, 05:19 PM

Man, this gun has taken "forever" to get. They came out in April. Since then I've been on no less than 3 lists to get one. I even got on Cabela's list, willing to pay full MSRP because they were going to stupid prices on gunbroker and/or amrslist.

Anyway, enough ranting -- time for some raving!

How about some pics, first?

Oooooooh, a box!

And a gun inside (weird to me that S&W uses paper like that wrap it in)

Comes with 2 magazines (7 & 8 round extended)

I put a couple hundred rounds through it today and thought it shot great. There are no adjustable backstraps like the other M&Ps, so you get what you get.

Obviously it's a small gun. But it's substantial enough that it doesn't feel overly small. I don't particularly care if my pinky is on the grip so I was happy with either magazine. It isn't the grippiest gun I've held but it wasn't slippery or anything like that. I did order some Talon grips though because I think they'll help it out.

The trigger was really nice. Smooth, no grittiness and a nice break. It's a heavier trigger than what I'm use to shooting; according to S&W it's 6.5 lbs. But I didn't really notice any difference.

The slide serrations are nice. As thin as the slide is, they're a help (at least for me) and I think they look cool.

The slide release and safety are very low profile -- which I like. But the safety isn't the easiest to operate quickly for me, primarily because it doesn't protrude much. My other M&P has a traditional 1911 style safety and is super easy to use -- but then again it does stick out.

Every shot went bang. No FTFs. No FTEs. The recoil assembly is a double spring system over a steel guide rod (thought it might be plastic like the Glock) which I believe contributes to the subdued recoil.

Sights are nice and bright, steel, white dot, dovetailed and adjustable front.

Anyway, there you have it -- my initial take on the S&W M&P Shield (9mm)...

mjn · 10-31-2012, 09:24 PM

I've been looking at that and the Sig P938...

Thanks for the review!

richardlpalmer · 10-31-2012, 11:13 PM

I've wanted a P238/P239 for summer time. Recently got to play with the P938 and think it's also pretty awesome. The size is definitely different though...

sunofnun · 11-01-2012, 09:56 AM

sweeeet!!! nice shoooter there dick.

ironmike86 · 11-01-2012, 03:53 PM

I've been looking also. Where did you finally get one from?? The store??

mjn · 11-01-2012, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by richardlpalmer

I've wanted a P238/P239 for summer time. Recently got to play with the P938 and think it's also pretty awesome. The size is definitely different though...

I honestly haven't looked at the specs on the S&W.. how does it compare size-wise to the 938?

GixxerPete · 11-02-2012, 08:24 AM

I've also been looking at the SIG P938, and the Shield, and the XDs. Decisions, decisions...

FLIPEXED · 11-03-2012, 12:54 AM

I love carrying my M&P9C.... this thing looks awesome! I might have to look into it... anyone want to buy my LC9 :)

mjn · 11-03-2012, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GixxerPete

I've also been looking at the SIG P938, and the Shield, and the XDs. Decisions, decisions...

I've been looking at that new XD-S... 45 cal, and small!

richardlpalmer · 11-05-2012, 07:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mjn

I honestly haven't looked at the specs on the S&W.. how does it compare size-wise to the 938?

Quote:

Originally Posted by GixxerPete

I've also been looking at the SIG P938, and the Shield, and the XDs. Decisions, decisions...

Obviously different calibers and sized guns, but here's a video doing a comparison. I also like the 938 but think I'm looking for a 238 first...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S3hff9fFWkw

richardlpalmer · 11-05-2012, 07:52 AM

I actually just sort of lucked into it. Like I said, I was on a variety of lists just waiting. I found one online that a guy bought, put in his safe and hadn't used yet. He wanted $500 for it, which is $50 more than MSRP. My thought process was that's what I would have paid at Cabela's once I added on tax.

Anyway, just keep your eyes open. I was watching some gun sale sites and found one at under MSRP. But of course once I called on it found it had been sold within a few minutes of the ad being placed...

richardlpalmer · 11-05-2012, 07:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mjn

I've been looking at that new XD-S... 45 cal, and small!

Yup, I want one of those, too.

Oh, and here's another video, comparing those.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdIs1BxcqbA

ducrider · 11-06-2012, 09:10 PM

found a shield at fred meyers for $410

ducrider · 11-07-2012, 10:55 AM

now I wish I would of picked up the shield instead of the xds

richardlpalmer · 11-07-2012, 01:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ducrider

found a shield at fred meyers for $410

Which FM? And was it in 9mm? Hell, I'll go grab it this evening. :)

ducrider · 11-09-2012, 05:47 AM

fred meyer in southern Oregon, 9mm

mjn · 11-09-2012, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ducrider

now I wish I would of picked up the shield instead of the xds

You have the XDS in .45? You don't like it? Why?

richardlpalmer · 11-09-2012, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ducrider

fred meyer in southern Oregon, 9mm

Oh, that's not very close to me... :)

ducrider · 11-09-2012, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mjn

You have the XDS in .45? You don't like it? Why?

I like the size, I just mostly shoot 9mm, its great for concealed carry, I just cant afford to shoot it as much as I would like to, I guess if I would quit buying 556 I could afford more 45 though. I try to get to the range at least once a week and all this ammo i am stocking up on is getting to be a lot of money, plus I like the way the shield fit my hand a little more

richardlpalmer · 11-10-2012, 11:18 AM

If you end up looking to sell the XDS let me know. I'm selling/trading a Sig P250 Compact (in 9mm) and my intent is an XDS afterwards...

10-31-2012, 05:19 PM	#1
richardlpalmer Sniper Joined: Jan 2009 From: Kirkland, WA Posts: 1,144	NGD: S&W M&P Shield (9mm) Man, this gun has taken "forever" to get. They came out in April. Since then I've been on no less than 3 lists to get one. I even got on Cabela's list, willing to pay full MSRP because they were going to stupid prices on gunbroker and/or amrslist. Anyway, enough ranting -- time for some raving! How about some pics, first? Oooooooh, a box! And a gun inside (weird to me that S&W uses paper like that wrap it in) Comes with 2 magazines (7 & 8 round extended) I put a couple hundred rounds through it today and thought it shot great. There are no adjustable backstraps like the other M&Ps, so you get what you get. Obviously it's a small gun. But it's substantial enough that it doesn't feel overly small. I don't particularly care if my pinky is on the grip so I was happy with either magazine. It isn't the grippiest gun I've held but it wasn't slippery or anything like that. I did order some Talon grips though because I think they'll help it out. The trigger was really nice. Smooth, no grittiness and a nice break. It's a heavier trigger than what I'm use to shooting; according to S&W it's 6.5 lbs. But I didn't really notice any difference. The slide serrations are nice. As thin as the slide is, they're a help (at least for me) and I think they look cool. The slide release and safety are very low profile -- which I like. But the safety isn't the easiest to operate quickly for me, primarily because it doesn't protrude much. My other M&P has a traditional 1911 style safety and is super easy to use -- but then again it does stick out. Every shot went bang. No FTFs. No FTEs. The recoil assembly is a double spring system over a steel guide rod (thought it might be plastic like the Glock) which I believe contributes to the subdued recoil. Sights are nice and bright, steel, white dot, dovetailed and adjustable front. Anyway, there you have it -- my initial take on the S&W M&P Shield (9mm)... Last edited by richardlpalmer; 10-31-2012 at 11:11 PM.

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10-31-2012, 09:24 PM	#2
mjn Marksman Joined: Jan 2009 From: Tri-Cities, Wa Posts: 350	I've been looking at that and the Sig P938... Thanks for the review!

10-31-2012, 11:13 PM	#3
richardlpalmer Sniper Joined: Jan 2009 From: Kirkland, WA Posts: 1,144	I've wanted a P238/P239 for summer time. Recently got to play with the P938 and think it's also pretty awesome. The size is definitely different though...

11-01-2012, 09:56 AM	#4
sunofnun Moderator Joined: Jan 2009 From: s. greenlake bitch Posts: 1,273	sweeeet!!! nice shoooter there dick.

11-01-2012, 03:53 PM	#5
ironmike86 Gunslinger Joined: Feb 2011 From: Seattle Wa Posts: 60	I've been looking also. Where did you finally get one from?? The store??

11-02-2012, 08:24 AM	#7
GixxerPete Sharpshooter Joined: Jan 2009 From: Renton, WA Posts: 772	I've also been looking at the SIG P938, and the Shield, and the XDs. Decisions, decisions...

11-03-2012, 12:54 AM	#8
FLIPEXED Rifleman Joined: Feb 2009 From: Lacey, Wa Posts: 126	I love carrying my M&P9C.... this thing looks awesome! I might have to look into it... anyone want to buy my LC9 :)

11-05-2012, 07:52 AM	#11
richardlpalmer Sniper Joined: Jan 2009 From: Kirkland, WA Posts: 1,144	I actually just sort of lucked into it. Like I said, I was on a variety of lists just waiting. I found one online that a guy bought, put in his safe and hadn't used yet. He wanted $500 for it, which is $50 more than MSRP. My thought process was that's what I would have paid at Cabela's once I added on tax. Anyway, just keep your eyes open. I was watching some gun sale sites and found one at under MSRP. But of course once I called on it found it had been sold within a few minutes of the ad being placed...

11-06-2012, 09:10 PM	#13
ducrider Gunslinger Joined: Apr 2009 From: Canyonville Oregon Posts: 20	found a shield at fred meyers for $410

11-07-2012, 10:55 AM	#14
ducrider Gunslinger Joined: Apr 2009 From: Canyonville Oregon Posts: 20	now I wish I would of picked up the shield instead of the xds

11-09-2012, 05:47 AM	#16
ducrider Gunslinger Joined: Apr 2009 From: Canyonville Oregon Posts: 20	fred meyer in southern Oregon, 9mm

11-10-2012, 11:18 AM	#20
richardlpalmer Sniper Joined: Jan 2009 From: Kirkland, WA Posts: 1,144	If you end up looking to sell the XDS let me know. I'm selling/trading a Sig P250 Compact (in 9mm) and my intent is an XDS afterwards...