The Smith & Wesson M&P Shield 45 Auto Part 1

I wanted to write about the S&W Shield at an earlier point in time, but S&W never seemed to stop releasing new models long enough for me to jump in. Two 45 Auto versions of the M&P Shield were introduced in May of this year, joining eighteen other Shield models chambered in 40 S&W and 9mm Luger. The Shield product line has been with us since April 2012. Both 9mm Luger and 40 S&W Massachusetts certified models were in place since 2012, California approval was added in 2014.

The 45 Auto version of the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield is very similar to the 9mm and 40 S&W versions within the product line, but different enough in dimensions, weight and aesthetics to warrant its own manual; one for the 45 Auto version and one for the 9mm Luger / 40 S&W versions. You might think of this project as me getting checked out on both and, subsequently, probably spending a little too much time in less than sensational areas.

Picking up each model, they feel quite different even though they are so close in physical size and only differ in weight by 1.5 oz. The stippling on the 45 Auto version grip is significantly more aggressive and if covers a greater surface area than the 9mm version.

Both pistols have a natural point that places sights quickly into alignment. Both pistols have the same comfortable 2.75″ trigger reach and 18° grip angle. While slight, the longer sight radius on the 45 Auto is noticeable. The taller frame and slide on the 45 Auto places it slightly higher in the hand, but changing from one to the other during live fire session required no noticeable adjustment.

Below, the forward portion of the 9mm Shield has only a rotating take down lever relief, but no front cocking serrations like the 45 Auto version.

Below left, the 9mm M&P Shield grip has left stippling coverage than the 45 Auto version, below right. The 9mm version carries stippling up under the trigger guard where it rests on the middle finger. The extended magazine for the 9mm has a two piece floorplate assembly, a single piece floorplate for the 45 Auto. The grip on the 9mm bears the S&W logo, the 45 Auto carries the M&P mark.

Below, a little closer look at the magazines. The 9mm magazines have different sheet metal for standard and +1 designations. The 45 Auto version uses the same sheet metal and utilizes an extended base to pick up the extra round.

Below left, the 9mm M&P Shield frame tang and slide is not as tall as the  45 Auto version, right, and the frame keys differently to the slide.

Below, the scaling to cartridge size is evident with the 9mm on top. Both Shield versions are very compact and about the smallest package for each respective caliber for a balance of concealment and control considerations.

The two subject models have thumb safeties, no magazine disconnect and a trigger safety that requires a finger on the trigger for the pistol to discharge. In regard to the magazine disconnect, I am ambivalent. I see no reason for a pistol to be rendered inoperative with its magazine removed, but having such a feature does not make me break out in a rash. I like thumb safeties. They contribute to handling safety and they can be left unengaged if so desired. The view port in the barrel hood beats the heck out of pulling a slide back to check a chamber under stressful conditions… like when my wife is beating me during recreational target shooting.

Both Shield models have excellent triggers. Light by striker standard, the active trigger motion is only 0.234″ and trigger reset is only 0.125″. Pull is crisp; no mush, no gummy feel and virtually no overtravel. Of the two pistols, the 45 Auto had a better… lighter trigger after a bit of shooting.

Disassembly is a snap. Pull the magazine, chamber check for empty and lock slide back, rotate the take down lever and release the slide forward and off. The captive recoil spring lifts out and the barrel lifts out. I just described ten second of effort. Both Shield version require a bit of effort when racking slides. Short slide pistols of any make have less slide mass to dampen travel. Subsequently, a stronger recoil spring has to manage slide velocity, so they get heavier as barrels and slides shorten.

The fire control pieces and stress bearing rails are carried as a steel module within the polymer grip frame. The barrel is ramped on all models for feed assurance and full cartridge case support.

45 Auto or 9mm Luger… I’m sure we won’t settle that here

Personally, I am not a 9mm Luger cartridge fan. I like the increased bullet weight, the larger expansion and all of the trauma and expansive wound channel that follows the 45 Auto. My conclusions come from a good deal if controlled shooting experiments and results in the field when used on medium size game. Additionally, pistols and revolvers chambered for the 45 Auto round almost always seem to be quite accurate.

I’m saying complimentary things about the 45 Auto so I must hold the 9mm Luger round in distain. Wrong. The 9mm Luger is lethal in a big way, it finds its way into highly concealable and full size firearms and it is often fed from high capacity magazines. So it is only a hair I split that leads me to the 45 Auto.

The Smith & Wesson M&P Shield is a +P firearm and SAAMI +P ammo is available for both cartridges. Smith & Wesson does caution that increased wear and tear results from the use of +P ammo and I would caution that the most effective ammo is not always the one with the highest velocity label. The latter is especially true when it comes to short barrel firearms. Sometimes very high velocity loads are combined with tough jacketed bullets. When pushed through a short barrel firearm, velocity drops to a point where bullets don’t properly expand, so they penetrate like an FMJ.

For people who like the 9mm Luger cartridge and find they can shoot it well, there is that choice in Shield models. For folks like me, there is that choice too. And of course there is the 40 S&W as yet another choice, for folks who find it difficult to commit within relationships. So let’s just say it is me, not you, and we’ll break it off here while I go and scare up some ammunition for live fire.

The Smith & Wesson M&P Shield 45 Auto Part 1
The Smith & Wesson M&P Shield 45 Auto Part 2