Kentucky Armory Club

Took the M&P shield to the range today for a test. Finally a sub-compact gun reasonably priced with all the features of full size for conceal carry. The pistol is very easy to control even with the flush mag and a 2 finger grip. Frame has nice grip but could use a more aggressive texture. Overall melted/rounded corners, nothing sharp or sticking out to snag. The finish is the S&W melonite with uber positive fish scale cocking serrations and easy to target 3 dot sights. A huge plus from S&W is that 2 magazines are included, 7 round and 8 round extended. The manual safety is not an issue, use it if you want or not, will not accidentally engage/disengage. I fired 50 rounds of wolf steel case, 50 rounds of tula steel case and 20 rounds of federal HP plus a hand full of reloads without a problem. I would have posted my target but it was just a big hole where the bullseye should be, OK and a couple of flyers. The trigger is a little stiff, S&W claims 6.5lbs, has a little grit to the trigger (firing pin block safety needs rounding *hint to S&W*) but crisp and predictable break with positive reset. Carried it around all day in a well used Milt Sparks IWB holster and it was easy to conceal and comfortable.

Pros:
Price $399-$449
REAL SIGHTS upgradable to hi viz or night sights
Small size but easily handled
comfortable to shoot
2 magazines 7+1 & 8+1 capacity of 9mm
Striker fired and good trigger
Manual safety for those who need/want it
VERY durable melonite coating
Made in USA

Cons:
Trigger could be smoother, (firing pin block safety has sharp corner) easily rounded to fix *hint to S&W*
Grip texture could be more aggressive (personal preference)
Odd hole in grip (ala glock - personal preference) going to make a plug

Conclusions:
S&W has a winner on their hands. Pistol ate and spit out everything I fed it. I shot approximately 135 rounds and hands felt fine, try that with some compacts/sub compacts. From when I first heard about this pistol I wanted one, when I handled one I bought it on the spot.

Very nice, I played with this thing earlier when Nemo stopped by work to gloat about going to the range... I have some pictures I can post up for you.

These were taken this morning. His shield next to my full size m&p .45

Nice. I've been impatiently saving money for one of these. Just when I think I have all my immediate wants covered, along comes something else.

Cheapest I've seen one in Louisville was $409, and as high as $439.

How does the size compare to the LC9?
I really like my LC9, but I'm a big fan of the M&P line...
Anyone have one they can take a pic with and compare the two?

This guy is annoying and long winded but does a thorough compare..

" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[youtube]ES4j0ix-NGA[/youtube]

Good find...thanks for sharing!

The LC9 is borderline big to fit in my front pocket IMO...the LCP is a true front pocket pistol...I carry the LC9 IWB and it works better that way.
The trigger does suck in the LC9, but the smaller size and a tad lighter...I may stay with the LC9, I really do like it overall.

Saw one today for $399.

gruntmedik wrote:Saw one today for $399.

Where?

From Fobus...

The 9mm Shield holster already exists. Its the one for Walther PPS / CZ 97B / Taurus PT-709 Slim. They are just making new labels for the packaging to add the shield in. I ordered one last night. I'll confirm when I get my holster and gun.

KYgundude wrote:

gruntmedik wrote:Saw one today for $399.

Where?

In E-Town. Forgot the name of the store, but it's down by the hospital. Something Express.

It's $369 at Whittakers.

costellow wrote:It's $369 at Whittakers.

I vowed I'd never buy a gun again from whitakers.....but this is tempting.

costellow wrote:It's $369 at Whittakers.

Hmmm, and my MIL lives in Owensboro.

Same bullshit as Kel-tec. Nobody can get the damn gun. I sold my carry gun 2 days after the thing came out and have been waiting for one to come in since. Nobody has one (including Whittakers) and nobody can get them. Per 111 their suppliers are telling them they have none are waiting for them from Smith.

I sure hope my gun comes in before Obama gets re-elected and decides I can't have it.

Still can't find one.

How does the size compare to a Glock 27 or 26?

Next wrote:How does the size compare to a Glock 27 or 26?

[youtube]ib3bz1OTWmQ[/youtube]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=

Damn you're fassssst.

They laughed at me at 111 when I asked if they had a Shield in stock today.

Thinking you want to buy this gun? Don't waste your time. You will need to be very lucky or pay a ridiculous price when Crookbrok....errr Gunbroker gets one. I have already paid for mine. It was going to be in next week ( This was nearly 2 weeks ago ). They can't get one. They say their distributors tell them they can't get them. I called S&W just now and was told that depending where in the queue the gun stores order is, I could be looking at weeks to months before I see my gun. He said they are nearing 10 thousand on back order.

Eventually I am going to get too pissed off to wait and just ask for store credit and buy a Kahr or something. This blows bigtime. I now seriously regret selling my M&P 9c. I made the mistake of assuming S&W had the foresight and infrastructure to handle the business. Instead, it appears they hired the leaders of Kel-Tec to help them plan.

You can just buy mine. I haven't had time to shoot it and it cost me like 408 with tax. Just let me know as i want to move the money to a new lower receiver. It is 9mm