( 5 out of 5) Excellent Carry Pistol & Shooter

by Adam from Winamac, IN on March 7, 2016

I was fortunate enough to be able to shoot 3 of 4 concealed carry pistols I was considering purchasing. The fourth I only held/dry-fired with a snap cap. I was looking at 9mm only as this is the best capacity vs. power self defense round in my book.



I planned on buying a Glock 43 initially. Luckily, I was able to shoot the Shield 9mm, the Glock 43, and the Walther PPS original version. I also took a look at the LC9s Pro and dry-fired it. The trigger felt light for a CC weapon and the grips didn't fit my medium hands as well the Shield. The Walther was just okay and took last place in my comparison. It was mediocre in every category. Being a lefty, I thought I would like the paddle mag release better, but I hated it as well as the high bore axis and terribly blocky feeling grips.



Second place was shared by the G43 and the LC9s Pro. I felt like both of these were solid performers and would be a great option for concealed carry. However, I didn't care for the trigger weight and field stripping of the LC9s Pro and I HATE the sights Glock puts on their pistols. The Glock felt too small for my hands as well.



In any case, the metric that sealed the deal on the M&P Shield was when I shot it. My accuracy and comfort with this pistol was head and shoulders better than either of the other two pistols I shot.



There are only two VERY minor dislikes with the Shield. 1) the magazines - they are difficult to load and expensive. I do like that 7 or 8 rounds are options though. 2) The magazine and slide releases aren't ambidextrous for us lefties. Obviously these are minor enough dislikes for me to purchase and be very happy with the pistol. Also, the safety was in a place that a lefty would struggle with it when needed, so I ordered the no-safety version. The grips could stand to be more aggressive, but a quick call to Talon will remedy this.



It is a pleasure to shoot, fit, finish, and materials from S&W are great. In the future, I may add night sights and a laser/light combo. Neither of which is real necessary, only add to an already great pistol. The price and shipping from SOS were good.