I agree with you on the sights. Having blacked out rear sights helps to find the front sight post so much fast. You dont have the distraction of extra dots in the back. Especially if they are the same color.
I've been around guns since the early 1980s. I'm also a Army veteran. I dislike any fiber optic sight for a defense, duty, CCW, military sidearm. Fiber optic systems can snap, crack, wear out, then you are =÷&+... get steel type high quality night sights. I do like the Truglo TFX pro sights but that's a rare exception.
Standard M&P line that trigger grit feeling can easily be fixed. On the trigger bar the striker safety lifter (lack of a better description) is rough. Use little 2000 grit sand paper or emery cloth and polish that lifter. My M&P 9 Pro Series had that gritty take up that drove me nuts. Quick easy fix.
CLplusP What happens if you use your firearm for self defense with the Apex trigger? Will the lawyers take you apart for it ? S&W should install a better trigger.
For that price, I will just carry the 4 inch 2.0 compact and deal with the thicker grip and "less tuned" trigger, but thanks for the review, keep 'em coming
Rich Smith, I totally understand how you feel, but it Smith's defense, it is a Performance Center model, one worth looking at as a range toy or even a competition model. The way things are going in the single stack world, there should be a division for single stack small framed guns in competitive shooting.
I handled one at the gun shop and it feels really nice. For me, the lack of an accessory rail is a bit of a miss. At my local shop, the optics model is selling for almost $860. That's a lot in my opinion for a 6-8 round gun... Thanks for another informative video!
My wife and I recently purchased two of the M&P Performance Center M2.0! We love them and have been out to the range a few times and are pleased with the accuracy we have achieved! This is especially true for my wife who is a first time handgun owner and user. She still struggles a little with the slide to chamber the first round but I’m sure over time the slide will loosen up! I use a speed loader for the magazines as the spring tension is fairly strong but it doesn’t take long to load.The cleaning kit is really nice and comes in handy after returning from the range. I have the tritium night sights which are not as distracting as the ones shown in this video! I rate this an excellent concealed carry handgun !
From what I see I love it. A 4" barrel and a concealable grip is the way to go when needing to conceal but not wanting to lose out on bullet performance. Hell, I almost want to buy it, but I just dont like the price.
Very good point Josh! It shows in the accuracy. The thing drives nails. I agree about the price though a few have mentioned they’ve seen them going for the mid 400s, so that’s at least a little better, lol. Thank you and cheers brother!
These are out of this world with TR-Enabling 40-357 Sig extended and ported barrels. My personal CC. It’s a plus one round in factory mag with a simple MagGuts mag spring.
Love this version however I will be purchasing the optics ready model. I have been asking for a 4 inch shield for 2 years so I have to buy it now. The only thing I wish they added in my opinion is a rail for tactical lights and chainsaws! 😂. Enjoyed the video !
It will be outstanding when Smith uses the 45 Shield platform in 9mm & 40 to gain the capacity to 9 or 10 rounds in 9mm & 8-9 in 40. But I am thrilled they brought out the 4".
I would almost agree with you. I definitely would if I didnt already have a shield or p365, but having a longer barrel doesnt affect concealed carry but width does. I would prefer all guns be at least 4". Just an opinion
@@jamesdees6166 too real. as a woman, much of my wardrobe just isnt as loose as typical men's clothing. it's essential that my gun be thinner, even if that means giving up extra rounds. it's a heavy price to pay but still worth the thinness of single stack. also i agree, 4in is a must. to me, it seems like it provides more accuracy without really any downside.
I have owned a Smith & Wesson M&P Shield since its Inception to the market. Owned both gen 1 and currently carry a 2.0 plus I've had the pleasure I'm having all three available calibers. Smith & Wesson MP Shield is a solid concealed carry gun and one that's I have no reservation and using it to protect only myself but my principal. A handful of of my fellow EPO'S carry a MP Shield depending on mode dress for our given duties that day. I will agree with you sir that this was developed to directly compete with the Glock 48 of which I also own and think there's a pretty darn good piece. Also like you sir I absolutely detest fiber optic sights I think they're nothing more than hot garbage. Good review as always keep up the good work sir and thank you for your effort.
I totally agree with you Gunny and it sounds like you have an awesome collection! Yeah, the sights were a disappointment for sure. Thank you and cheers brother!
The other reason I like the Shield 4in over the Glock 48 is the Shield remains compatible with all magazines. The 43X and 48 have different frames to accommodate a stagger stack magazine for more capacity. The Shield was already designed that way so the frames remain the same.
I like my smith and wesson 2.0 compact a lot. I don't like the size of the 2.0 shield with a 4 inch barrel or the glock 48 and 43x. I'm carrying the sig p365 with a recovery tactical picitinirail rail adapter. I use a quick detachable olight pl2 mini weapons light on the gun. I carry it in a MIE holster appendix carry holster. I'm thinking about a shield in the 45 acp. I'm not a high capacity must have ccw fanatic. The sig p365 is not perfect, but, after sig got the p365 working right I do believe it's the gold standard all micro ccw are judged by.
I too prefer the original Shield. It’s well balanced and accurate. The 365 is a great gun as well and agree that many will be using it to judge other offerings. Thank you and cheers!
I rented the p365 and I liked it but they didn't have the pinky extension magazine and my hand is huge. I was not really accurate with the p365 wish they had the magazine with the pinky extension but oh well. I went and got me the shield 45 and I'm glad I did super accurate with this gun. If you haven't already bought it you should.
Really wish there was a single stack out there that was fully lefty friendly. Cant imagine adding a slide stop would add too much bulk, and the mag release should at least be able to be swapped just like the other m&p models. Great video as always!
I completely understand Adam. I think the main issue is the small amount of space that single stacks have to work with. Hopefully manufacturers will be able to figure out reliable ways to do it. Thank you and cheers brother!
The gen 1 Shield 9 PC has been my EDC for close to three years now. The trigger take up grit is smooth now. Noticed it was smoother after the first 500 rounds. For a short barrel gun I can shoot it nice. The trigger pull on mine is between 4-4.5 lbs. Got this gun for $420. Great value. Has ran flawlessly.
👍. Right on Kev. I’ve carried my 1.0 Shield since it arrived in the market and it has been flawless as has been a great carry firearm. I have the 45 Shield which is nice but I love my 9mm Shield better for carry for me. My S&W 2.0 compact is one of my favorite firearms in the collection but the Shield is just so much easier to carry.
First video I've seen on it.. so thank you for that. Like you, I'm a big fan of the shield. It has been my carry choice for a good while now. I'm not sure I need a 4" version, but I want one!! Already have plenty of extra mags on hand.
I went to the store to get the 3.6 compact and saw the 4in Sheild and went with it instead. Love the Shield still not sure if it was the right decision but not complaints. The thin grip takes getting used to but great ergonomics and accuracy 👌
You can knock the grip down with sand paper just on side you need and you cant even tell ive done it. I was one of the first people to buy the 45, so early i had to wait for a fix for mag followers knocking mags loose as it swept past release. I was told i was first report as a private customer. I picked it up day 2 and shot it immediately.
I like any SW MP line. I really enjoy my Smith in 3.6 and my AR Smith. The Shield is really popular, I have owned them in the past and my buddy has the PC 1.0 model and it's a shooter. Great quality review as always KS. Thank you.
I know they kept the 7 and 8 rnd mags for compatibility with the original shields, but they missed an opportunity to bring it up to 10. Staggering the rounds a bit more would have provided an 8 rnd flush mag and 10rnd extended with just a bit wider grip. The slide is already wider than the grip on the original.
Magguts plus 2 will get you there useing the 8round mag .. it changes the internals and the baseplate is maybe a mm or 2 longer so it's my preferred ccw carry.😊
@@Cityoftrees1911 maybe I'm confusing it with the EZ version, theynhave different mags, a lot of website state that their mag extensions don't fit EZ mags for some reason.
I have several friends that carry the Sheild. The product line is nice. But, I carry the P365. My sample on one opinion. The 365 has more ammo, more comfortable grip, slightly smaller, super trigger, great night sights. The Best gun will always be the gun you have with you. Very good review, great look at the Sheild.
No shame in the 365 at all! There are some great advantages that the Sig has. It’s tiny and has 10 rounds... no one else is there yet. Well said about the gun you have on you. I couldn’t agree more. Thank you and cheers!
I love my smith&wesson performance center. I have the micro compact one. So it's 10+1 and 13+1, and I got it with the ported barrel and the red dot attachment. This one is the single stack version. There's nothing wrong with this one. But I wanted. More and carry more ammo too!
Hey real quick .. the magguts plus two will have this gun rocking 10 round in the mag. You get all new internals in the mag to make room for the extra bullets.. the spring is a flat spring and follower is aluminum and flat aswell.. the base plate is just a hair bigger than the stock 8 round mags baseplate.. now put it in the 7 round mag and you have a 9 round mag that's shorter than the 48 in grip... I run mine and love them .. I never had a issue with them .. I have it in my sheild rn for ccw.. anyway I wanted to throw that out there for people to know that they can get 10round into the 8round mag by putting the magguts plus 2 in it.. it makes it such a awesome ccw..and thank you for getting the 4in sheild I am so happy Smith&Wesson came out with this and have mine on back order!!! Thanks so much 😁😎😎🤗🤗
The N8 2 holster is awsome you wont feel anything on your body and they are cheap , but i have had them put holes in my t shirt but in hand they feel awsome my 2.0 grip wore down after awhile just right .i will be replacing my sights soon i like blacked out rear sights .my performance center is the plus it doesnt have a hinged trigger i always get them cofused with the 2.0 and the plus .
Good review I'll probably wait for the price to drop I made the mistake of purchasing my shield 2.0 at full retail $450 then a few months later it dropped to $350 I'll probably go with the optics version but a good comparison with this new one might be vs Bersa bp9cc
I carry this as my on duty back up as well as it is my off duty carry. Mine is the .40. It shoots smooth, light weight and I really like it. My gripe about the sites is that they are useless for night shooting. I will change them at some point for night sights.
@ColtDeltaElite10mm prior to the Shield my backup was a Rock Island .38 revolver. When carrying on duty as a back up I use the smaller mag and off duty I switch it out fot the extended mag.
Saturday morning releases are great. My new job doesn't leave time during the week to keep up with all the super content I like to watch. If the left side grip texture rubs, why not knock the center (fat) part down just a tiny bit with a file or super fine sand paper? That part of the grip doesn't add a lot to the hold for most people. Save the grip tape for covering up that Caution label. 😏
Thanks Frank! Glad this works well. I like the time slot as well. Leaves more time for me to answer comments in between filming. Great idea on the sanding and I may end up doing that. Trying some grip tape to see how long it lasts though. Probably will come off in a few weeks, lol. Cheers brother!
I own both a shield 1.0 and just bought a 2.0 pro. 3.5 inch. I also own the Glock 43x. I've found the the 43x is a chunky monkey compaired to any shield. I've carried both and have a much, much easier time carrying the shields. The 43x is just slightly thinner than the 19. Might as well go with the 26 or 19 if you love glocks.
That’s awesome! I too find the Shield to be very easy to carry. Agreed that the 26 or even 19 would be a great option compared to the 43x. Thank you and cheers!
Excellent review! As for me, I still love my Original Shield w/Apex Duty Kit and already have two Compact 2.0 in 3.6" and 4". So, I only see this gun as a direct threat to the G-48. With MagGuts, it's only one round difference, but, of course you could do the same to the 48...so a never-ending battle.... But, it just goes to show...when you have a good design to begin with, how easy and quick it is to tool-up a new gun. Btw, KS: the frame looks identical to the "regular" Shield, so can you interchange slides like G-48 can?
Thanks Mean! I do agree about the original Shield and don’t see this replacing it any time soon. The 3.6 has really impressed me by the way. Doing work with it and the X Compact. Well said about retooling. I think we are going to see more of that in the coming years. Yes, I do believe you can change them around. Cheers as always brother!
When I first saw this pistol what I first thought of wasn't the G48, but the Springfield XDs 4.0. They discontinued it in 2018 I think, which is a shame considering there aren't many 4'' single stacks in 40s&w or 45acp.
Nice review! The sights definitely need to go. Still rocking my Shield 9 the 1.0. It’s been a trustworthy ccw and has been my primary ccw since they hit the market. Carry On!
Thanks for the info especially the sight info....I don't like the hinged trigger either but like you state it is nicely done by the performance center so appreciate the info....Nice pistol that should sell good....Good stuff....
Nice Review, I have never liked that sight set up either. I definitely prefer a blacked out rear & FO front. I’m definitely interested in the optic version! Carry on
I actually like the grip. It's a happy medium between too aggressive and not. Perfect for retention. Still comfortable enough. For carry. I like the I feel it. I was carrying a XDS mod 2. Which I love. But sometimes. I would forget. It was there. That 1or 2 second. Oh yeah . I have a gun. Might be the difference. In a gunfight. So I think . For me . They got it right.
I believe that those sights are hi-viz fiber optic sights. They sell blacked out tubes for the rear sights. Easy fix, if that is the case on those sights.
I am new to comments on videos, more familiar with forums, not sure how this works? Trying to respond to Torin R. Do you carry iwb? Love the texture for a nightstand/range gun.
First review I have seen on this one. I been wondering about it for a primary carry option. I have the 5 inch fde. Side note, I was subscribed already and just had to re-sub
I'll definitely be getting one of the base models--astigmatism means the red dot wouldn't be used and I prefer Hackathorn sights. Hopefully Ameriglo decides to make them for the Shield. :/
The real utility of the sear lever isn't in disassembly, it's in the reassembly. If when you go to lock the slide back, in order to raise the takedown lever into its normal position, and you miss the slide release notch or the slide slips out of your oily grip (you probably just got done cleaning it), the slide will go crashing forward with only the collision of the striker and sear with its tiny sear pin to stop it.
It’s very accurate at normal distances and I do believe it’s attributed to the extra length. Slow fire is actually really enjoyable on this one Paul. With better sights, I think it would be a real runner. Thank you and cheers!
KS------enjoyed this video.....I have the PC Shield1.0 and totally love it.....I like the fiber optics....my son has a Sig 365 and he wanted me to get one but I actually like the size of the Shield better
Great review as always I wish instead of a model that came with the optic they would offer a C.O.R.E version. I have a RMR that needs a host after I sold my G19 MOS. Also would.be great if they came out with an optics ready Compact 2.0
Thank you! A CORE version would be very cool. I keep hoping they will do an optic on the 4 inch compact as well. We’ll keep hoping and maybe they will deliver! Cheers!
Great review as always, I have the 1.0 shield and added big dot sights and a trigger job and it works fine for me. I bought the 3.6 9mm and love the 15 rd. compactly. Living in Missouri and the hot summers here I thought concealing it would be a problem but concealment is not a problem. However it would be a good gun to buy if I didnt have the ones I already have.Great review brother.
You're a good shot with this shield 9. Based on your experience with this 9, do you think it would be too much to handle in .40 cal? I think the standard shield (3.1" barrel) in .40 would be a bit too obnoxious for me to love, and I'm hoping the 4" barrel would make a .40 cal more bearable and more accurate.
Tried a Talon Grip but it lasted about 3 months and began coming off. Tried sanding it down a bit twice. Still too much for iwb imo. Eventually sold it, great gun otherwise. Maybe should have tried a Houge grip? Keep up the good work KC!
Talons pealing off is usually from improper installation. Or the firearm sitting in a VERY hot environment for an extended time. I've had the 1.0 shield since day 1 and its only on it's 2nd set of talons
Nice review those are Hivizz sights you can actually get black vials for the rear sights I think. But probably easier to just change then out for night sights.
I think the need to redesign the grip frame just a touch so it can accept 10 or 11 round magazines to compete with the Hellcat and P365. Smith needs a high capacity micro 9mm.
As always great video. I ended going with the Glock 17 full size and the CZ PCR D as my compact version. Shooting and feeling the S&W was something I could not get used too. The Glock 17 Full size was great. But the compact Glock, S&W and a couple of others could not match the feel and shooting of the PCR D. Either way KEEP ON ROCKING! BTW, I will stick with the double stacked magazine pistols. I had a single stack Sig P225 and traded it in for the CZ 75 SP01.
That’s awesome on the 17 and PCR! Those PCR’s are awesome. No shame in the double stacks. There’s a real advantage to having a full grip. Thank you and cheers CJ!
CJ Moore I, too, just got a PCR and I feel like a light has been turned on for me. I thought that my Shield with Apex trigger and Ameriglo sights could not be beaten, but I am loving the CZ. Thicker, but a better gun.
The 3.6 is awesome. I’ve been playing around with one for an If I Could Only Have One coming up. It’s tough to decide between this and the 48 to be honest. Both have their merits. Thank you and cheers Alaskan!
I like the Shield-- good shooter and reliable. What I don't like is how it feels like a really ergonomic piece of cement in my hand. My PPS doesnt feel like that, but at a similar price point, caliber, & reliability... fwiw
I just picked up the optics ready non ported 45 PC. Love the 1911 thinness but modern pistol design. Makes a commander size 1911 obsolete for me. Having trouble finding a holster though but have sent some emails to the various kydex shops.
@@jerickomoreno3066 Big NO. Acctually just recently went looking again online. I had a local Kydex shop turn a OWB and I put clips on it. Not very comfortable. If you find an IWB for the 4" optic model, will you let me know
I love my 2.0 Shield, in fact I just got a second one just last week, my local FFL hasn't received the performance center model as yet to my knowledge, I was just there last Wednesday. I'm going to have to call them to see if they have them yet, I know Cabela's has it but they are selling at MSRP even though they will price match. Anyhow as always, great review, and as always thanks for sharing your thoughts and experience. This gun will be mine soon I'm sure with one change off the top, Night Sights for sure. I'll be looking for a tritium option. P.S., Have you checked to see if the 4" slide will fit on the 3" 2.0 Shield frame, just curious. I'm sure it probably does.
@@KSGunGuy01, I picked up 2 yesterday morning. One is a bare bones w/ the fiber optic sights, BTW I already swapped them out and put tritium on them and the other is ported optics ready. It's 8am here in Cleveland, I'm OMW to the range to break them both in. Have an awesome 4th bruh.
I can see how that sight combo could be kind of distracting. Rather than going to the trouble of replacing the entire rear you might try switching from red to green. The SW22 all-green sights are one of my favorites and my wife’s all-time fav. I’m one of those guys who would rather the form factor was more like the G43X. I really don’t like the sloppy feel many extended mags have and always worry this will induce a malfunction, as happened to Justin Opinion recently. The full, but not oversized, grip is what kept me carrying the Kahr CW9 for so long, a gun I admittedly did not shoot well. I don’t feel like the tiny bit of extra grip gives me a print problem at all. And carrying the big blob of pinky rest in a pocket mag holder didn’t seem like the most comfortable. But I found the Walther PPS M2 at such a good sale price last month ($252 shipped) that I gave it a try. I don’t like the voids under my hands on the sides but the trigger is so good that I shoot it much better than the Kahr and don’t feel it needs changing at all. And the extended mag, which is the one I keep in the gun, feels rock solid when inserted. I didn’t wait to see if it ever happens but I’d love to see an “X” model of the Mossberg MC-1. Or PPS. And this Shield would also be an excellent candidate for the X treatment. The regular Shield, too, now that I think of it. Great review, as always!
I think I’d run into the same issue with all green fibers but I’m not opposed to trying it out. I do agree about a slightly longer grip and we may see more of that as time goes on. Holsters continue to evolve, allowing for more carry options with bigger, thicker grips. I haven’t had issues with extended baseplates but it’s always in the back of my mind. I try to thoroughly test those out prior to carry. I still haven’t done any work with the Mossberg yet but hope to get to it soon, lol. Thank you and cheers Jake!
KSGunGuy Yes, I’m not talking about a gigantic grip, just a little longer. I think S&W hit the sweet spot with the M&P 2.0 Compact and .380EZ; just enough to get all four fingers on without needing the pinky rest.
KSGunGuy May I ask a quick question? (Assumes answer is affirmative) It’s not mentioned in the review but the shadows in your video make it look like S&W made the most rearward serration on the slide raised up a tad, like they did on the 380EZ, emulating the effect of the VP9 “slide wings”. Could you comment? This is one of my favorite features ever and so simple to add I can’t understand why everyone doesn’t do it. I feel the same way about the enlarged front sight dot my FNS9 had; it made the front dot a real focal point. Simple but brilliant.
This has nothing to do with the video really, but you seem like someone I would love to sit down with and have a glass of Cranberry Grape Juice from Ocean Spray. Great video by the way brother 😃
Seems like this is the current trend in the concealed carry market - building on and/or enhancing the slimmed down micros. The advantage the Shield is going to have over the Glock is the likelihood that the four-inchers will also be available in other calibers. Don’t know for sure, but the Glocks are likely stuck at 9mm. Personally, I’m fine with 9mm, but that will help S&W maintain its market share. The other advantage of the Shield, is that even though magazine capacity is lower, magazines should be interchangeable throughout the line - sort of like the Glock 43 - 43X - 48 should have been (my opinion anyway since I have a 43 and have invested into having a bunch of 6-rounders... at least the 43 mags will fit a Mossberg MC1...).
Very well said Rct! I do agree that the single stacks are all the rage right now. That trend will most likely reverse at some point. Thank you and cheers!
I dont know why the 2.0 line did not come with a ambi or converted mag release, 🤔. I owned a "no thumb safety" 9x19mm Shield, 2014 to 2016. I liked it & had no major problems. FMJ or JHP, +P. I did have 1 factory FMJ 9mm snag but I held the pistol at a odd angle which may of caused the flaw. I used Federal HST 124gr +P & ARX Inceptor 9mm for defense.
@@KSGunGuy01 Check out the new hyve monarch trigger for the m&p 2.0 at ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-BS8ca89iFks.html . BETTER THAN APEX!
I forgot to mention your great points about the Performance Center trigger. It seems like every Glock owner pays to change out the trigger from guys I meet at the shooting ranges. I have no need to change the Performance Center trigger. I also opted for the ported version.
Or, you could just add a threaded barrel from SilencerCo to your normal length shield and get almost the same extra length while keeping your existing shield that you probably already upgraded to the Apex trigger with the perfect night sights for your own desire......
Great review. I have four Smith and Wesson Performance Center weapons and have been very pleased. I actually like the textured grip although is can rub on your skin sometimes.
Previously also had a Talon grip on my Sig p320, and it started pealing after 3 months also. Granted I carry ALL the time (unless in "criminal defence zones") so it can get hot and humid in there in the summer. Maybe I installed them not perfectly - followed the instructions?
Can you help my OCD and countersink the screws on your table so you don't scratch your guns? Lol I wonder this every video. Thanks for another great video KS!
Haha! They are actually lower than they appear, thankfully. It’s the only table I’ve built so the next one will definitely be better, lol. Thank you and cheers B!
@@KSGunGuy01 I was just giving you grief. Your table making skills look fantastic! Just like your shooting skills! I cannot wait until you get your hands on a new Steyr pistol. Thanks again!
Yes, another appreciated video. But you think YOU've got OCD: It bothers me that KS always cycles the slide to show trigger reset one last time, then puts the gun back on the table without pulling the trigger one last time to release the striker. Always.
Thanks man. It’s the whole reason I started making videos. I made a table and decided to put it to use, lol. Who knew? I’m excited about the new Steyr as well. Hopefully soon!
