Smith & Wesson M&P9 Shield Plus
Smith & Wesson, Inc. · Pistol · In Production · 2021
Also known as: Shield Plus, M&P Shield Plus, Shield Plus PC, Shield Plus Performance Center
Overview
The Smith & Wesson M&P9 Shield Plus is a subcompact semi-automatic pistol chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum, introduced by Smith & Wesson in 2021. The pistol features a polymer frame and a stainless steel slide, providing a durable platform designed for years of reliable service in both duty and civilian applications. The 3.1-inch barrel keeps the package compact for concealed carry while still providing adequate velocity from the 9x19mm Parabellum cartridge for effective terminal performance at defensive distances.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 507 g (17.9 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 680 g (24.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 155 mm (6.10") |
| Barrel Length | 79 mm (3.11") |
| Height | 117 mm (4.61") |
| Width | 28 mm (1.10") |
| Action Type | Short Recoil |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Trigger Pull | 27 N (6.1 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 13 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 345 m/s (1132 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 443 J (327 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 25 m (27 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1500 m (1640 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 254 mm (10.00") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Polymer |
| Slide Material | Stainless Steel |
| Barrel Material | Stainless Steel |
| Finish | Armornite |
Calibers
- 9x19mm Parabellum · primary · 9mm NATO — also known as 9mm Luger, 9mm NATO, 9x19mm
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Trigger Safety, Sear Release Lever, Internal Firing Pin Block
- Features: Flat Face Trigger, Tactile Audible Reset, 18 Degree Grip Angle, Enhanced Grip Texture, Takedown Lever, Front And Rear Slide Serrations, Optics Ready Slide
Variants
- S&W Performance Center M&P9 Shield Plus — Performance Center
- S&W PC Shield Plus Ported — Ported
- S&W M&P9 Shield Plus 4-inch — Long Barrel
- S&W M&P9 Shield Plus with Thumb Safety — Manual Safety
- S&W PC Shield Plus Carry Comp — Compensated
Service history
Operators
- U.S. Law Enforcement (Off-Duty/Backup)
- U.S. Civilian Concealed Carry Market · adopted 2021
Production
Production years: 2021-present
The Shield platform has sold millions of units since the original launched in 2012; the Shield Plus is the current-generation model
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Notes
The Shield Plus ships with both a 10-round flush magazine and a 13-round extended magazine. The Performance Center variants offer a tuned trigger, ported barrel and slide, fiber optic sights, and optics-ready slides with various red dot sight options. A 4-inch barrel variant is available for improved accuracy and velocity. The M&P Shield Plus Law Enforcement Only model offers specific features for duty backup use. Smith & Wesson's Armornite finish is a proprietary ferritic nitrocarburizing treatment similar to Melonite/Tenifer. The Shield platform has sold millions of units since the original Shield launched in 2012.
Background
The original M&P Shield was so successful that it became Smith & Wesson's best-selling handgun and redefined the single-stack concealed carry category. The Shield Plus raised the bar by fitting 13 rounds into essentially the same slim frame through a patented thin-wall magazine design, directly answering the SIG P365's capacity challenge.