ST911
11-28-13, 22:07
In July, 2013 I began a running review of the Smith and Wesson M&P Shield in 9mm (https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?135400). By grace and happenstance comes now a .40SW M&P Shield for review, so that we may all increase our knowledge base.
Professional users of the M&P full size semi-autos have found this smaller sibling a logical choice for off-duty and as a secondary gun. The commercial market has seen these guns in constant extended backorder for its use as a concealed carry gun. Given that use and demand, I’m hoping to increase my knowledge and capabilities with this system and this sub-type in particular.
For a variety of reasons, I had no interest in working with the .40SW version. However, with my experience with the 9mm Shield, some surplus .40 ammo, and the ability to watch this gun over time, I was curious.
Manufacturer: Smith and Wesson
Model: M&P9Shield, p/n 180020
Serial Number: HPT####
Production Date: 08/12/2013
On the web: http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product4_750001_750051_809559_-1_780153_757781_757781_ProductDisplayErrorView_Y
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/SW%20MP%20Shield%2040SW/40Shield7.jpg
UNBOXING
The Shield ships in a cardboard box, S&W branded. The box contains a simple users manual, a youth handgun safety act handout, gun lock, orange chamber plug/flag, the Shield itself, one 6rd magazine, and one 7rd magazine with spacer. The gun was coated in a typical preservative.
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/SW%20MP%20Shield%2040SW/40Shield1.jpg
INITIAL ACTIONS AND INSPECTION
The Shield was field stripped, wiped off, and lubricated with Slip 2000. Function checks of the safeties and operable controls* were performed and passed. This gun was equipped with a manual safety and no magazine disconnect.
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/SW%20MP%20Shield%2040SW/40Shield5.jpg
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/SW%20MP%20Shield%2040SW/40Shield4.jpg
Steel sights, three dot configuration.
The underside of the slide contained four machined dimples.
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/SW%20MP%20Shield%2040SW/40Shield10.jpg
The underside of the barrel contains a dimple-like strike mark. S&W advises it’s a hardness testing mark.
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/SW%20MP%20Shield%2040SW/40Shield18.jpg
Case support in the chamber:
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/SW%20MP%20Shield%2040SW/40Shield15.jpg
The interior surface of the dustcover contains two molded protrusions which are reported to signify a generation of lower receiver.
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/SW%20MP%20Shield%2040SW/40Shield11.jpg
The magazines are new, and have the same gray stripe across the follower seen previously. The flush fit magazine has a six round capacity, the longer magazine with insert is seven rounds in capacity.
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/SW%20MP%20Shield%2040SW/40Shield19.jpg
The extractor spring has a blue color visible through the gap.
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/SW%20MP%20Shield%2040SW/40Shield6.jpg
Extractor and case rim engagement:
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/SW%20MP%20Shield%2040SW/40Shield16.jpg
The unloaded .40 Shield weighs in at 1lb 4.2oz with the 6rd magazine. The 9mm Shield weighs 1lb 4.6oz on the same scale.
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/SW%20MP%20Shield%2040SW/40Shield2.jpg
The .40 Shield with loaded chamber and 7rd extended magazine, 180gr ammunition, weighs 1lb 9.2oz.
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/SW%20MP%20Shield%2040SW/40Shield20.jpg
INITIAL HANDLING
Like other Shields seen to date, this trigger is gritty with a hard break. After wiping out the preservative and lubing the internals, it was little better. In previous experience with the 9mm, they do polish out a bit with use.
During first handling, the slide stop would not move from its downward position with the magazine inserted or removed. After forcing it upward and working it several times, the range of motion and effort required was normal and it functioned properly.
Otherwise, the .40 is virtually indistinguishable from its 9mm sibling. A 9mm comparison wasn’t available at this writing, but I intend to detail strip the two and compare them further.
LIVE FIRE
This range session was intended as a limited preview of the gun to check for any obvious defects. I also wanted to see if there were any major, immediately apparent differences between the .40 and the 9mm variant. Two types of ammunition were selected for their known reliability over time and their demonstrated function in other carry/duty guns. Further, if the gun would not function with these loads there would be no point for me to continue. The loads were:
Federal 180gr HST, p/n P40SHST1
Black Hills Ammunition, 180gr Gold Dot HP, new manufacture
I’ll note that the BHA GDHP is no longer in production, but I maintain a good supply of it. It’s performance in functional aspects is representative of the current Speer loading, as well as that of others who have or are loading that particular bullet.
I also elected to have a second shooter for the initial range session in case of malfunction, to help isolate shooter variables.
EXERCISE 1
Shooter 1
B8 Bullseye, slow fire
@ 25yds, N/A
@ 10yds, 91-0X
Mine
B8 Bullseye, slow fire
@ 25yds, abysmal and discounted in fairness to the Shield due to shooter performance
@ 10yds, 91-3X
EXERCISE 2
D2 from a concealment to a 3x5 index card placed horizontally @ 7yds, 10 repetitions.
Shooter 1
Lowest clean: 6.96
Highest clean: 7.67
Average, all runs: 6.71
Mine
Lowest clean: 2.85
Highest clean: 3.15
Average, all runs: 3.09
EXERCISE 3
D2 from concealment to a B21 repair center, 11x13” @ 7yds, 10 repetitions.
Shooter 1
Lowest clean: 5.07
Highest clean: 5.18
Average, all runs: 4.70
Mine
Lowest clean: 2.25
Highest clean: 3.04
Average, all runs: 2.62
EXERCISE 4
D5 to an IPSC A Zone from concealment, 3yds-10yds.
Shooter 1
3yds, 5.41 -1
5yds, 6.71 -2
7yds, 8.12 -2
10yds, 11.26 -3
Mine
3yds, 2.98 C
5yds, 3.30 C
7yds, 3.97 C
10yds, 4.35 C
SUMMARY
A total of 150 rounds were fired. 80 were the BHA GDHP load, and 70 the Federal HST. There were no malfunctions of any kind during shooting.
The sole mechanical issue with the gun this session was more stubbornness from the slide stop lever upon arrival at the range. The slide stop lever would not move up to engage the slide cutout when retracted. After several attempts, it moved freely and functioned normally as mags were expended. I have not detail stripped the gun yet to further diagnose this issue.
Trigger quality remains poor, but I perceive some smoothing at the end of the day. It remains a trigger that is unforgiving of error and requiring a more deliberate press than others for hits in an interval of time. Shooter 1 was coming from G22/G23 experience, and struggled mightily with this aspect of the gun.
Felt recoil, muzzle flip, and shot recovery time were greater than with the 9mm, but not as much as I expected. Users of highest pressure & velocity 9mm loads in the 9mm Shield might find them similar to these 180gr loads. Felt recoil in the Shield was much more pleasant than in a .40 PPS I’ve fired, my only recent available (though unquantified) comparison.
These increases, even minimal, made the smooth texture of the Shield grip even more apparent with the .40 than the 9mm. S&W must improve grip texturing in both calibers. I recognize that aftermarket options are available, but it is unacceptable as shipped from the factory and is a common complaint.
Ejection was impressive in both height and distance. Most cases left the gun in an arc that was several feet high and right. Ejection was so high at points that the cases landed within the overhead baffle (at ~8ft), rolled down toward the line, then dropped to the floor. I have not seen this from any other gun or caliber fired on the same range.
The sleeve on the 7rd magazine lost enough friction in light handling that it moved with minimal resistance in pockets and mag pouches. It moves back into position with equal ease when inserted into the gun, but is distracting during a reload when displaced. It will be removed in future use.
At the end of the range session, the manual safety had worn off a patch of skin on my thumb due to friction during firing. This also occurred with the 9mm, but to a lesser extent.
The learning curve for the 9mm Shield was noteworthy for me, and the .40 seems a bit moreso. Nonetheless, this range session was not unsatisfying and I’m interested in learning a bit more about the gun.
Further shooting will incorporate high and low velocity 165gr carry and training loads, as well as certain others to be determined. If there is something you are interested in seeing, please feel free to post in this thread and I will consider including it.
Total rounds on the Shield this session: 150
Shield cumulative total: 150
Professional users of the M&P full size semi-autos have found this smaller sibling a logical choice for off-duty and as a secondary gun. The commercial market has seen these guns in constant extended backorder for its use as a concealed carry gun. Given that use and demand, I’m hoping to increase my knowledge and capabilities with this system and this sub-type in particular.
For a variety of reasons, I had no interest in working with the .40SW version. However, with my experience with the 9mm Shield, some surplus .40 ammo, and the ability to watch this gun over time, I was curious.
Manufacturer: Smith and Wesson
Model: M&P9Shield, p/n 180020
Serial Number: HPT####
Production Date: 08/12/2013
On the web: http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product4_750001_750051_809559_-1_780153_757781_757781_ProductDisplayErrorView_Y
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/SW%20MP%20Shield%2040SW/40Shield7.jpg
UNBOXING
The Shield ships in a cardboard box, S&W branded. The box contains a simple users manual, a youth handgun safety act handout, gun lock, orange chamber plug/flag, the Shield itself, one 6rd magazine, and one 7rd magazine with spacer. The gun was coated in a typical preservative.
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/SW%20MP%20Shield%2040SW/40Shield1.jpg
INITIAL ACTIONS AND INSPECTION
The Shield was field stripped, wiped off, and lubricated with Slip 2000. Function checks of the safeties and operable controls* were performed and passed. This gun was equipped with a manual safety and no magazine disconnect.
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/SW%20MP%20Shield%2040SW/40Shield5.jpg
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/SW%20MP%20Shield%2040SW/40Shield4.jpg
Steel sights, three dot configuration.
The underside of the slide contained four machined dimples.
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/SW%20MP%20Shield%2040SW/40Shield10.jpg
The underside of the barrel contains a dimple-like strike mark. S&W advises it’s a hardness testing mark.
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/SW%20MP%20Shield%2040SW/40Shield18.jpg
Case support in the chamber:
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/SW%20MP%20Shield%2040SW/40Shield15.jpg
The interior surface of the dustcover contains two molded protrusions which are reported to signify a generation of lower receiver.
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/SW%20MP%20Shield%2040SW/40Shield11.jpg
The magazines are new, and have the same gray stripe across the follower seen previously. The flush fit magazine has a six round capacity, the longer magazine with insert is seven rounds in capacity.
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/SW%20MP%20Shield%2040SW/40Shield19.jpg
The extractor spring has a blue color visible through the gap.
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/SW%20MP%20Shield%2040SW/40Shield6.jpg
Extractor and case rim engagement:
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/SW%20MP%20Shield%2040SW/40Shield16.jpg
The unloaded .40 Shield weighs in at 1lb 4.2oz with the 6rd magazine. The 9mm Shield weighs 1lb 4.6oz on the same scale.
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/SW%20MP%20Shield%2040SW/40Shield2.jpg
The .40 Shield with loaded chamber and 7rd extended magazine, 180gr ammunition, weighs 1lb 9.2oz.
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/SW%20MP%20Shield%2040SW/40Shield20.jpg
INITIAL HANDLING
Like other Shields seen to date, this trigger is gritty with a hard break. After wiping out the preservative and lubing the internals, it was little better. In previous experience with the 9mm, they do polish out a bit with use.
During first handling, the slide stop would not move from its downward position with the magazine inserted or removed. After forcing it upward and working it several times, the range of motion and effort required was normal and it functioned properly.
Otherwise, the .40 is virtually indistinguishable from its 9mm sibling. A 9mm comparison wasn’t available at this writing, but I intend to detail strip the two and compare them further.
LIVE FIRE
This range session was intended as a limited preview of the gun to check for any obvious defects. I also wanted to see if there were any major, immediately apparent differences between the .40 and the 9mm variant. Two types of ammunition were selected for their known reliability over time and their demonstrated function in other carry/duty guns. Further, if the gun would not function with these loads there would be no point for me to continue. The loads were:
Federal 180gr HST, p/n P40SHST1
Black Hills Ammunition, 180gr Gold Dot HP, new manufacture
I’ll note that the BHA GDHP is no longer in production, but I maintain a good supply of it. It’s performance in functional aspects is representative of the current Speer loading, as well as that of others who have or are loading that particular bullet.
I also elected to have a second shooter for the initial range session in case of malfunction, to help isolate shooter variables.
EXERCISE 1
Shooter 1
B8 Bullseye, slow fire
@ 25yds, N/A
@ 10yds, 91-0X
Mine
B8 Bullseye, slow fire
@ 25yds, abysmal and discounted in fairness to the Shield due to shooter performance
@ 10yds, 91-3X
EXERCISE 2
D2 from a concealment to a 3x5 index card placed horizontally @ 7yds, 10 repetitions.
Shooter 1
Lowest clean: 6.96
Highest clean: 7.67
Average, all runs: 6.71
Mine
Lowest clean: 2.85
Highest clean: 3.15
Average, all runs: 3.09
EXERCISE 3
D2 from concealment to a B21 repair center, 11x13” @ 7yds, 10 repetitions.
Shooter 1
Lowest clean: 5.07
Highest clean: 5.18
Average, all runs: 4.70
Mine
Lowest clean: 2.25
Highest clean: 3.04
Average, all runs: 2.62
EXERCISE 4
D5 to an IPSC A Zone from concealment, 3yds-10yds.
Shooter 1
3yds, 5.41 -1
5yds, 6.71 -2
7yds, 8.12 -2
10yds, 11.26 -3
Mine
3yds, 2.98 C
5yds, 3.30 C
7yds, 3.97 C
10yds, 4.35 C
SUMMARY
A total of 150 rounds were fired. 80 were the BHA GDHP load, and 70 the Federal HST. There were no malfunctions of any kind during shooting.
The sole mechanical issue with the gun this session was more stubbornness from the slide stop lever upon arrival at the range. The slide stop lever would not move up to engage the slide cutout when retracted. After several attempts, it moved freely and functioned normally as mags were expended. I have not detail stripped the gun yet to further diagnose this issue.
Trigger quality remains poor, but I perceive some smoothing at the end of the day. It remains a trigger that is unforgiving of error and requiring a more deliberate press than others for hits in an interval of time. Shooter 1 was coming from G22/G23 experience, and struggled mightily with this aspect of the gun.
Felt recoil, muzzle flip, and shot recovery time were greater than with the 9mm, but not as much as I expected. Users of highest pressure & velocity 9mm loads in the 9mm Shield might find them similar to these 180gr loads. Felt recoil in the Shield was much more pleasant than in a .40 PPS I’ve fired, my only recent available (though unquantified) comparison.
These increases, even minimal, made the smooth texture of the Shield grip even more apparent with the .40 than the 9mm. S&W must improve grip texturing in both calibers. I recognize that aftermarket options are available, but it is unacceptable as shipped from the factory and is a common complaint.
Ejection was impressive in both height and distance. Most cases left the gun in an arc that was several feet high and right. Ejection was so high at points that the cases landed within the overhead baffle (at ~8ft), rolled down toward the line, then dropped to the floor. I have not seen this from any other gun or caliber fired on the same range.
The sleeve on the 7rd magazine lost enough friction in light handling that it moved with minimal resistance in pockets and mag pouches. It moves back into position with equal ease when inserted into the gun, but is distracting during a reload when displaced. It will be removed in future use.
At the end of the range session, the manual safety had worn off a patch of skin on my thumb due to friction during firing. This also occurred with the 9mm, but to a lesser extent.
The learning curve for the 9mm Shield was noteworthy for me, and the .40 seems a bit moreso. Nonetheless, this range session was not unsatisfying and I’m interested in learning a bit more about the gun.
Further shooting will incorporate high and low velocity 165gr carry and training loads, as well as certain others to be determined. If there is something you are interested in seeing, please feel free to post in this thread and I will consider including it.
Total rounds on the Shield this session: 150
Shield cumulative total: 150