It can be a dangerous world out there, and it only seems like it’s getting worse. Between mass shooter events, everyday violent crime and robbery, and upward ticks in racial or gender-based hate crimes, it’s no wonder that people are applying for concealed carry permits in record numbers.
But for first-timers and experienced users alike, picking out the right concealed carry weapon can be daunting due to the sheer number of options. Enter the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield.
Colloquially known as the shield gun, this compact has picked up a reputation for being the concealed carry weapon for any occasion. But can it live up to that designation? To find out, let’s break down the core qualities that have made it so popular among its proponents.
An Overview of the M&P Shield
The M&P Shield was designed as a sidearm for military and police units back in 2012. That’s where it gets its name, M&P standing for “military and police”.
Despite its martial origins, though, it didn’t take long for the pistol to become popular with civilians. And it’s easy to see why. At that time, most compact pistols built for concealed carry use either made substantial sacrifices in terms of capacity, stopping power, or both.
The M&P line of pistols, however, managed to find ingenious workarounds for those issues, making it an excellent all-around choice for personal defense.
Construction and Use
At 6.1″ in length and weighing a breezy 20.8 ounces, the standard M&P Shield sits comfortably in the sub-compact category.
The original M&P Shield used a stagger-stack magazine that held up to 7 rounds of 9mm Luger in a standard magazine. The M&P Shield Plus, a more recent and popular iteration, up that capacity to 10 rounds, or 13 with an extended magazine, while only making the gun’s profile 0.15″ wider.
In terms of concealment, this change is negligible. 0.15″ won’t make a difference in terms of whether or not a gun disrupts the lines of your outfit.
But that added bit of heft does make the gun less “snappy” and more comfortable to use for extended range sessions than its predecessor.
In terms of defensive loads, you can have the classic shield gun chambered in 40 S&W for a heavier round, at the cost of lower capacity. The Shield Plus lacks this option but, per the manual, will accept 9mm +P loads for increased stopping power.
Concealed Carry for the Shield Gun
With a self-defense handgun, concealment is the name of the game. And with the right holster for shield gun carry and use, you can go about your daily business with no one around you realizing that you’re armed.
That is the important caveat, however. With any concealed-carry pistol, you want to ensure that it’s not only unnoticeable but secured in place until such a time as you may need it. That’s why investing in a quality M&P shield holster is mandatory.
The Shield Pistol Lives Up to Its Name
The shield gun turns out to be an appropriate moniker, as this weapon is the best line of defense most users could ask for. Easy and comfortable to conceal without sacrificing ammo capacity, it takes some of the best benefits of a full-sized handgun and puts them in a compact package.
But of course, it’s important to explore your option before you commit to a major purchase like a firearm. To ensure you find the right defense tool for you, be sure to keep up with our latest gun and defense news and guides.
