Smith and Wesson Semi-Automatic Reviews

Gun Reviews By Women – Smith & Wesson M&P Shield – Sarah

Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Gun Review

By Sarah

 

Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Gun Specifications

Model: M&P Shield

Caliber: 9mm

Barrel Length: 3.1”

Ammunition Capacity: 7 round or 8 round magazine, up to 9 with one in the chamber

Price: $400

 

Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Gun Usage & Features

Primary Use:

Concealed Carry

Are you right handed or left handed?

Right

What features does this gun have that appealed to you?

The size and ability to conceal. I also own a Ruger .357 magnum revolver but it would not have been a suitable firearm for obtaining my concealed carry permit with.

How does it fit your hand, how do you like the sights, how difficult is it to rack the slide, how would you describe the trigger pull, and how would you describe the recoil?

I love the way the M&P Shield feels in my hand. I have long fingers but relatively small palms and it fits perfectly. When I first bought it, I had some difficulty racking the slide and I became concerned that it would always be that difficult, but for me at least that concern was unfounded. If you tilt the gun to its left slide and rack with your left hand on top of the slide and right thumb on the slide lock, it becomes almost effortless with some practice. I have strong hands, but I don’t think it’s as much of an issue of hand strength as some people make it out to be, and rather an issue of technique. I’m not sure whether S&W manufactures a left-handed version or not, and this handgun clearly caters to right-handed shooters with the location of the safety, slide lock, and magazine release. Recoil with this gun is minimal, and the three-dot sights are accurate. I am not as accurate with the Shield yet as I am with my .357, but I think that will come with more range time. Magazine release is easy, though actually loading ammo into the magazine can be somewhat tough on your fingers. I like that the Shield already comes with two magazines.

How reliable is it?

I have only put about 250 rounds through it thus far, but so far it has been very reliable and I have had no issues with it.

Any problems with any type of ammunition?

No, though I haven’t tried putting cheap ammo through it yet. Thus far I’ve only used Remington ammo with this particular handgun.

Does this gun have any specific ammunition requirements? If so, please explain:

No.

What do you dislike about shooting this gun, if anything?

I do not have any major (or minor) qualms with this handgun so far. Its slim profile makes it easy to conceal in a waistband holster, and it is relatively lightweight (19oz), nor does it feel cheaply made. Again, the only initial issue I had was racking the slide, but this became much easier with use and practice.

Would you recommend this gun?

Yes.

For someone considering this gun, what would you tell them?

I would highly recommend this gun for concealed carry, though I would also strongly advise you to try it out at your local range before buying. The slide is difficult to rack for some and can be a point of major frustration.

 

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2 thoughts on “Gun Reviews By Women – Smith & Wesson M&P Shield – Sarah

  1. Dave G. says:

    @ Sarah:
    “…actually loading ammo into the magazine can be somewhat tough on your fingers.”
    What you need is an UpLULA magazine loader. I checked and was surprised that the TWAW Store does not carry this item, but you can get it at almost any gun shop. The UpLULA handles everything from 9mm to .45 ACP. It has a metal finger that pushes the magazine spring down so your fingers don’t have to. Then, you just insert the next round above the metal finger. I won’t go into the details here, but when you see it, it will be self explanatory. It is inexpensive and easy to use, and I have been using one for years. I keep one UpLULA on my dresser and one in my range tackle box.

    1. Carrie Lightfoot says:

      Hi there,
      here is the link to the Uplula on the TWAW site Click Here

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