Review of the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus
The Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus is a tactical, polymer-framed semi-automatic pistol designed for concealed carry and personal protection. In this review, I’ll share my experience with this product, highlighting its key features, benefits, and drawbacks.
Specifications
- Caliber: 9×19 Parabellum (9mm)
- Barrel Length: 3.1 inches (7.8 cm)
- Overall Length: 6.65 inches (16.9 cm)
- Width: 1.1 inches (2.8 cm)
- Height: 5.5 inches (13.8 cm)
- Magazine Capacity: 13 rounds
- Trigger Type: Single-Stage Striker
- Barrel Type: Tenifer Coated
Handling and Ergonomics
I found the M&P Shield Plus to be comfortable to handle and easy to operate, even for those with smaller hands. The pistol has a natural point-and-shoot design, with an ambidextrous slide release and ambidextrous safety.
- Ergonomic Grips: The gun features textured grips with a smooth, rounded surface that provides a secure hold, even in wet or slippery conditions.
- Gen II Controls: The ambidextrous controls, including the slide release and safety, make it easy for both left- and right-handed shooters to operate the gun.
Performance
The M&P Shield Plus, with its 3.1-inch barrel, is accurate and reliable, with a rapid-magazine change capability for quick reloads in high-pressure situations.
- Accuracy: I experienced excellent accuracy, with 2-3 inch (5-7.5 cm) groups at 10 yards (9 meters) using 115-grain 9mm factory ammo.
- Reliability: The gun functioned flawlessly, with no malfunctions detected during extended testing.
Magazine and Loading
The 13-round magazine and associated tools are easy to manage and load, with a loading capacity that’s both compact and effective.
- Magazine: The included 13-round magazine is constructed of high-quality stainless steel with a smooth, rounded surface for reliability and ease of loading.
- Loading: The magazine comes with a tool for loading, which is simple to use and helps to ensure proper seating of the rounds.
Safeties and Safety
The M&P Shield Plus features a manual safety, as well as a drop safety to prevent accidental discharge.
- Manual Safety: The ambidextrous manual safety is easily engaged and disengaged with the thumb or index finger.
- Drop Safety: The drop safety also helps to prevent accidental discharge when the gun is dropped or slid out of the holster.
Handling and Maintenance
The M&P Shield Plus is a breeze to maintain and clean, with a simple field strip and a smooth, easy-to- clean slide.
- Field Strips: The gun’s slide and barrel can be easily removed for cleaning and maintenance, reducing downtime and decrease reliance on professional gunsmiths.
- Slide: The Tenifer-coated barrel is easy to clean and maintain, with a smooth, consistent finish that resists corrosion.
Pros and Cons
Here’s a summary of the M&P Shield Plus’s strengths and weaknesses:
Pros:
• Compact and Accurate: The M&P Shield Plus is a reliable, accurate, and compact pistol suitable for concealed carry or home defense.
• High-Capacity Magazine: The 13-round magazine provides a generous amount of firepower in a compact package.
• Ergonomic Grips: The textured, rounded grips make the gun easy to handle and operate for both left- and right-handed shooters.
• Drop Safety: The drop safety provides an extra layer of safety to prevent accidental discharge.
Cons:
• No Manual Safety Engagement Indicator: The manual safety does not have a visual or tactile indication when engaged, which may lead to user oversight.
• Limited Customization Options: The M&P Shield Plus has limited customization options due to its modular, proprietary design.
• Higher Price Point: Compared to other options in its class, the M&P Shield Plus has a higher price point.
Conclusion
The Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus is a reliable, compact, and accurate single-stack semi-automatic pistol well-suited for personal protection and concealed carry. While it has some limitations, such as limited customization options and a higher price point, it offers a high-capacity magazine, ergonomic grips, and a drop safety that sets it apart from other guns in its class. Overall, the M&P Shield Plus is an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable, compact, and accurate pistol for self-defense.
