The Firing Line Forums

Go Back   The Firing Line Forums > Hogan's Alley > Handguns: The Semi-automatic Forum

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Old October 5, 2012, 07:56 AM   #1
Mrgunsngear
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 13, 2011
Location: Carolina
Posts: 3,415
S&W Shield 9mm 1K Round Review



The Shield is one of the, if not the, most talked about handguns within the shooting community this year. The trend for small carry guns in 380 seems to have been set aside for compact single stack 9mm guns. The Shield certainly isn't the smallest of the "pocket 9s" but it may well be the best. I've shot the Nano, Solo, PF9, PM9, P938, PPS, LC9, and own the CM9... if I had to pick one of them it'd be the Shield. Here are some reasons why:

Pros:
-Reliable. I just passed the 1K round mark with this gun using everything from steel cased Russian ammo to quality JHPs it's never missed a beat
-Shootable. Of the guns I mentioned above, the Shield is the easiest to shoot well. Many of these small guns tend to jump around in your hand causing the shooter to re-grip halfway through the magazine; the Shield doesn't seem to have that problem
-Lightweight. It comes in at 19oz unloaded
-Great finish. The melonite (68 HRc) finish is top notch. With over 1K through the gun it shows less signs of wear than my SIG P229 did after 200 rounds.
-It's the smallest range gun I've used to date. What I mean by that is it's not a chore to shoot for an extended session like many other carry guns. (The PPS does hold its' own in this regard).
-It comes with usable sights. I replaced my sights with Trijicon NS but the factory 3 dot sights are easy to use and better than most guns in its' class.
-Cost. I got mine for $389 OTD right when they were released and used the Nation's Finest rebate (they used to honor it for the Shield but no longer do. They now have MIL/LE pricing however) for an additional $50 off.
-Value. For the cost above you get a well built, seeming very durable firearm that carries extremely well. Due to this, demand is currently exceeding supply and they're hard to find.
-Lots of aftermarket support from Apex parts to night sights to holsters.
-Comes with two mags (some of the competitors don't); a 7 round flush fit and 8 round extended mag.
-It has by far the best out of the box trigger of any gun in the M&P lineup; the reset isn't faint like the rest of the series. My trigger breaks consistently at 6lbs.
-You don't have to pull the trigger for disassembly. That's important to some people so I mentioned it to me but I don't mind pulling the trigger (as you'll see in the video below).
-Fish scale serrations allow for a positive purchase on the slide when manipulating the weapon.

Cons:
-Right side only controls. If you're a lefty you likely won't appreciate that.\
-External safety. I'm in the camp of the people who do not like external safeties on a striker fired gun. That said, it takes an intentional sweep to put it in the 'on' position and I worry little about it accidently coming on (has never happened yet). Also, for those who like external safeties it's still a con. Reason being it's small and difficult to manipulate... likely more so under stress. I think they tried to compromise here and missed both ways.
-It's larger than some of its' competitors. I don't find it to be a pocket gun (I know some do) unless I'm wearing cargo pants/shorts.

Here's a video with some shooting from the 12m line, a size comparison with a couple carry guns, demonstration of disassembly and assembly of the gun, a quick discussion of the guns' pros and cons, and some chronograph testing with some popular defensive rounds:

Shield HD Review Video Link

Chrono numbers:

Hornady 147gr TAPs: 894 fps, 261 ft/lbs energy
Federal 124gr HSTs: 1016 fps, 284 ft/lbs energy
Speer 124gr Gold Dots: 1076 fps, 319 ft/lbs energy


__________________
Mrgunsngear Youtube Channel

Last edited by Mrgunsngear; October 5, 2012 at 08:10 AM.
Mrgunsngear is offline  
Old October 5, 2012, 10:04 AM   #2
fender1974
Senior Member
 
Join Date: April 16, 2009
Posts: 134
And I just picked up a CM9 recently.... Might have to add this to the rotation as well. Thanks for the review after putting 1k rounds through her and carrying for awhile.
fender1974 is offline  
Old October 5, 2012, 10:26 AM   #3
Kevin_d77
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 13, 2012
Location: SW FL
Posts: 953
This will.be my next purchase. Will actually probably pick up two since this is the only gun we have found that fits my wife's tiny hands properly! She said if we get her that, she will spend more time at the range with me! Sounds like a win/win!

Glad to hear the positive reviews!
Kevin_d77 is offline  
Old October 5, 2012, 11:13 AM   #4
Downeast
Member
 
Join Date: August 8, 2012
Posts: 24
Thanks for the detailed review. I'm really interested in one of these but still have yet to see one in person
Downeast is offline  
Old October 5, 2012, 12:33 PM   #5
Rodger_p
Senior Member
 
Join Date: December 15, 2004
Location: East TN.
Posts: 207
The longer I have mine the more I appreciate it.

I actually prefer the 7 round mag as opposed to the extended 8 round.

Any Shield owners consider trading me my 8 round for their 7 rounder?
Rodger_p is offline  
Old October 5, 2012, 02:25 PM   #6
ShipWreck
Senior Member
 
Join Date: November 9, 2005
Location: Texas
Posts: 1,744
I have 2 and have about 1900 rounds between the pair. GREAT guns. I have never shot a gun this small so accurately before.
ShipWreck is offline  
Old October 5, 2012, 02:42 PM   #7
EAJ702
Senior Member
 
Join Date: December 20, 2007
Posts: 448
Very nice review. Thank you.

The M&P 9C Compact has been my primary carry for the last 4 years.
EAJ702 is offline  
Old October 5, 2012, 03:48 PM   #8
ShootingNut
Senior Member
 
Join Date: December 27, 2006
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 1,475
I'm a big S&W fan, own the M&P .40 in full size and compact.
Love the compact, nice carry and shoots great.
Question, not knowing much yet about the Shield, other than
being thinner is there much difference between it and the M&P compact
series? Overall size about the same?
I know, I need to do some homework on the Shield.
Best regards,
SN
ShootingNut is offline  
Old October 5, 2012, 07:08 PM   #9
checkmyswag
Senior Member
 
Join Date: January 29, 2011
Location: Texas
Posts: 1,328
Good review. I like the 7 round mag too. My thumb lands on the safety just right. Works great for me.

The white hat holster is excellent as well.
checkmyswag is offline  
Old October 5, 2012, 08:46 PM   #10
TX_QtPi
Senior Member
 
Join Date: September 26, 2011
Location: TX
Posts: 101
awesome review. I agree they are great work. (I'm a righty, LOL)
I ended up giving mine to my nephew for his birthday. We spent the day at the range and he absolutely loved it son in one of those moments I told him lets go do some paper work and transferred it to him.

anyway, my question is on your holster. I've seen a couple of those around and am quite intrigued. How comfortable is it? ease of draw and positioning?
I would like to get one but need more info on them.

Sorry to ask, not trying to hijack your thread, just curious. PM me if you like, thanks!
Cynthia
__________________
"The beauty of the second amendment is that it will not be needed until they try to take it."
TX_QtPi is offline  
Old October 5, 2012, 09:36 PM   #11
tomrkba
Senior Member
 
Join Date: November 29, 2011
Posts: 751
Quote:
-Right side only controls. If you're a lefty you likely won't appreciate that.
Not a "con". It's made for me.

The actual problem is the safety on the left side only.
tomrkba is offline  
Old October 6, 2012, 09:37 AM   #12
Mrgunsngear
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 13, 2011
Location: Carolina
Posts: 3,415
Quote:
anyway, my question is on your holster. I've seen a couple of those around and am quite intrigued. How comfortable is it? ease of draw and positioning?
It's the most comfortable way to IWB carry, at least for me. The draw when using a hybrid holster depends on the cut. Most offer a 'combat' or 'fast draw' option that allows for more purchase on the grip during the draw. The downside to that is more of the gun's frame is in contact with your skin. Handguns are an exercise in compromise though...
__________________
Mrgunsngear Youtube Channel
Mrgunsngear is offline  
Old October 6, 2012, 10:43 PM   #13
checkmyswag
Senior Member
 
Join Date: January 29, 2011
Location: Texas
Posts: 1,328
Quote:
anyway, my question is on your holster. I've seen a couple of those around and am quite intrigued. How comfortable is it? ease of draw and positioning?
I would like to get one but need more info on them.
Excellent holster. Draws nice and quick. Interchangeable kydex for other pistols. Highly recommend it.
__________________
No brass. No ammo.
checkmyswag is offline  
Old October 7, 2012, 07:21 AM   #14
Mrgunsngear
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 13, 2011
Location: Carolina
Posts: 3,415
Quote:
Interchangeable kydex for other pistols
Thanks for mentioning that; I should have done so myself. This is the big advantage of the White Hat brand holsters; if you have several guns of similar size it's a big advantage.
__________________
Mrgunsngear Youtube Channel
Mrgunsngear is offline  
Old February 12, 2013, 08:01 PM   #15
+1k ammo
Senior Member
 
Join Date: January 9, 2013
Posts: 235
I know this is older, but since I am waiting for mine to come in, I found this just on google search.

Nice pictures of the gun by the way and very good review. I think this picture is better than the ones on S&W's website.
+1k ammo is offline  
Old February 12, 2013, 10:03 PM   #16
Marquezj16
Senior Member
 
Join Date: April 3, 2011
Posts: 2,088
Why do you do this to me? Now I have to look at one and probably buy it.

I'll have to wait for a bit though.

Another great review BTW.
Marquezj16 is offline  
Old February 12, 2013, 11:12 PM   #17
thinktwice
Senior Member
 
Join Date: August 22, 2007
Posts: 293
Nice review I have been wanting to get one also, but you can't find them around here (Charlotte, Concord, N.C.) Gun show here this weekend, but I really don't expect to find one there either, but you can bet I will be looking. I do own Kahr's little CM-9 and have 1150 rounds through it and it also has never missed a beat. Never even had any problems during Kahr's break in period.
thinktwice is offline  
Old February 12, 2013, 11:27 PM   #18
Mrgunsngear
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 13, 2011
Location: Carolina
Posts: 3,415
Quote:
Nice review I have been wanting to get one also, but you can't find them around here (Charlotte, Concord, N.C.) Gun show here this weekend, but I really don't expect to find one there either, but you can bet I will be looking. I do own Kahr's little CM-9 and have 1150 rounds through it and it also has never missed a beat. Never even had any problems during Kahr's break in period.
I love my CM9 as well for a summer pocket gun but for IWB I usually go Shield.

I recommend getting on the wait list at Lawmens (the sell Shields to non-LE/MIL in the Charlotte store). You'll get it eventually

I'm a Charlotte 49er by the way
__________________
Mrgunsngear Youtube Channel
Mrgunsngear is offline  
Old February 13, 2013, 01:35 AM   #19
Dragline45
Senior Member
 
Join Date: November 30, 2010
Posts: 3,513
Nice review, I would own one if I could find one. But with the way things are going I don't see that happening soon. I had the chance to pick one up in .40 but I am not really interested in the .40, especially in a compact gun like the shield.
Dragline45 is offline  
Old February 13, 2013, 11:53 AM   #20
breakingcontact
Junior member
 
Join Date: October 25, 2012
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 736
Appreciate the review, but you can only speculate what's a disadvantage for others.

Quote:
Also, for those who like external safeties it's still a con. Reason being it's small and difficult to manipulate... likely more so under stress. I think they tried to compromise here and missed both ways.
I sweep it off without any odd thumb manipulation or even thought. Perhaps it doesn't fit some people well. I have medium-large hands and it works for for me. Not just plinking but drawing and firing quickly as well.

Agree it's not a pocket gun and I like the White Hat holster as well.
breakingcontact is offline  
Old February 13, 2013, 01:17 PM   #21
ShipWreck
Senior Member
 
Join Date: November 9, 2005
Location: Texas
Posts: 1,744
I have 2k thru my first shield now. Great gun. Really surprised at the low recoil for the size - lower than some other double stack subcompacts out there that are slightly bigger.
ShipWreck is offline  
Old February 13, 2013, 10:11 PM   #22
thinktwice
Senior Member
 
Join Date: August 22, 2007
Posts: 293
Thanks plouffedaddy I will give them a try. I know Haytt's has a long waiting list, and his prices are sometimes higher than the manufactures suggested retail price. I have been checking my local gun shop in Concord (Eagles) they are pretty fair on their prices, and have a nice new indoor range, but no Shield's Thanks again.
thinktwice is offline  
Old February 15, 2013, 04:47 PM   #23
tristar viper
Senior Member
 
Join Date: August 8, 2009
Location: Ohio
Posts: 889
I am not a S&W fan, and I will never own one of these guns. BUT....it is very refreshing to see a manufacturer bring out a brand new gun and it's RELIABLE!!! How many times do we see new guns that won't shoot, they have this problem and that, etc etc. Some people except that as growing pains for a new model. I say BS on that. These manufacturers have been building guns forever, yet just about every new gun has troubles of some sort.
The fact this Shield is good right off the bat I say JOB WELL DONE, S&W.
tristar viper is offline  
Old February 15, 2013, 04:50 PM   #24
MercyfulFate
Senior Member
 
Join Date: February 14, 2013
Posts: 138
I wanted a Shield, but they're so backordered in Massachusetts that people that ordered them in October 2012 are just getting them now.

I'll think about getting one down the road, hopefully when the panic buying/shortages start to end.
MercyfulFate is offline  
Old February 15, 2013, 05:31 PM   #25
shafter
Senior Member
 
Join Date: December 23, 2009
Posts: 1,624
I saw a few locally a week ago in MA. They were priced reasonably and felt good in my hand but they aren't what I'm looking for.
shafter is offline  
Reply

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:08 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.7
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
This site and contents, including all posts, Copyright © 1998-2021 S.W.A.T. Magazine
Copyright Complaints: Please direct DMCA Takedown Notices to the registered agent: thefiringline.com
Page generated in 0.10442 seconds with 10 queries