by American Rifleman Staff - Friday, May 20, 2016

Just announced at the NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Louisville, Ky., Smith & Wesson Corp. is now offering its popular M&P Shield pistol in .45 Auto. The new M&P45 Shield features an overall length of 6.45” with is standard with a 3.3” stainless-steel barrel, and contains features familiar to the original Shield, including an 18-degree grip angle, aggressive grip texture and front cocking serrations. Its one-inch profile also makes the pistol ideal as a backup sidearm or personal protection firearm.

“Our new M&P45 Shield takes personal protection to the next level by offering all the M&P features our customers have come to trust, combined with .45 caliber power,” said Jan Mladek, general manager of the M&P brand. “Well over 1 million consumers and professionals have chosen to 'Shield themselves' with the slim, concealable and powerful M&P Shield pistol. The new M&P Shield in .45 AUTO provides that extra level of confidence.”

M&P45 Shield Highlighted Features:

Lightweight, unloaded weight of less than 20.5 ozs.

Slim, .99" frame width

Compact and concealable with 6.45-“ overall length

Aggressive grip texture

Front cocking serrations

Armornite durable corrosion resistant finish

Includes 2 magazines, 6 and 7 round capacity

MSRP: $479

To see the M&P45 Shield in action, please visit smith-wesson.com/mpshield