Help me with my M&P Shield, or suggest a replacement

[checkmate]

I was in the market for a new, compact 9mm and ended up purchasing the M&P Shield. I love EVERYTHING about this weapon except for 2 things:
1: Not a huge fan of the trigger (I can deal with this via training or replacing the stock trigger)
2: This pistol shoots CONSISTENTLY low for me. (THIS is the real problem for me)

I'm no stranger to trigger pulls, I don't believe the issue is anything that I am doing as the shooter. If I have a target ranged out to 5 yards, if I aim center mass I'll still shoot a super tight group, but it's a good 4-6 inches directly below my point of aim. I've done a little research and found that a lot of people work their way around this by adjusting their sight picture, covering their target with the front sight instead of aiming the front sight directly below the target. For me, this is a huge deal. I want to see what I'm aiming at, not covering it with the front sight. This pistol has now had around 300 rounds through it, this issue has been prevalent since the 1st round to the last.

So here come my long list of questions:
1: S&W says sights are not adjustable for elevation- is this true?
2: Will replacing the stock sights with different ones remedy this problem?
3: AM I THE ONLY PERSON HERE WITH THIS PROBLEM?
4: Recommendations for a similarly priced replacement (same caliber, close to same size)?

Thanks for the help CalGunners!

[Holding Name 1]

The shield sights were designed on point of aim, point of impact, not lollipop style. Change the sights and you will be fine.

[bigdawg86]

1.) some manufacturers have adjustable sights... Dawson Precision comes to mind, although I do not know if they make them for the Shield.

2.) If you get an adjustable set, sure. If not no. What sight picture are you using? Point of aim? 6 o clock hold?

Edit: I saw the "I want to see what I am aiming at, not the sight picture"... That's your problem. Basic pistol sight picture training will show you that your front sight is what you should be focusing on, not the target specifically... This will naturally obscure the target some. I would suggest getting a front sight with the smallest "dot" and post possible so you can have less target obscured.

3.) Yes.

4.) You mentioned the trigger but didn't ask about it... I highly suggest you look at Apex Tactical duty / carry action enhancement kit and trigger. I have it. It's flawless.

[teflondog]

You can replace the front sight with a shorter one to raise the POI relative to your POA.

[SkyHawk]

File the front sight down, it will raise POI. Or get a shorter front sight or taller rear. And don't buy a Sig unless you plan to replace sights - they also have 'combat' sight picture: POI-POA.

If it was me, I'd file the front sight. Use a sight adjustment calculator to figure out how much to file off, and the depth gauge on your calipers to know when you have filed that much off. Then use a blueing touch up pen on the shiny metal after confirming on the range you have the result you want.

http://www.brownells.com/GunTech/Sight_Correction_Calculator/detail.htm?lid=13093

For instance if you are 2" low at 10 yards (360") and the Shield sight radius is 5.3", you need to file .029" off the front sight to raise impact 2" at 10 yards.

If your front sight has a dot, I would black it out then apply hi vis 2-stage paint to the whole blade, or reapply the dot. Or you can buy a whole new set of sights that may have the same problem for you to fix. The thing is, dot sights are really setup well for combat sight picture, and if you are shooting a different sight picture based on the top of the sights (like lollipop or half bullseye), the dots are sort of a distraction.

[golfrj]

File down the front sight and paint the whole sight white

[SkyHawk]

File down the front sight and paint the whole sight white

Yep, and black out the rear dots.

[pacrat]

Shield was designed to fit a "Concealed Carry" niche.

Sights are regulated like what you want, on 'Bullseye" target guns. [lollypop hold] At 25 yds, [75']. Not defensive carry weapons, designed for "across the room" 5 yd, [15'] distances.

If you don't care for the sights, change them. A shorter frnt sight will raise POI. But I don't think that will make the difference you want at 15'.

JM2c

[skosh69]

I can't help with the sights, but as far as the trigger is concerned, get an APEX kit and you'll be good to go. It really sucks that the M&P line has has crappy triggers. But a new sear block and USB will cure your trigger problems.

https://store.apextactical.com/WebDirect/Products/Details/191855

[cowboy777]

Get an apex kit for the trigger. Get Dawson sights they have a guarantee zero on their sights. They will replace the front sight until it is the right height for your gun.

[Kate]

Yet another +1 on the Apex Trigger. I was ready to get rid of my Shield until I changed out triggers. Now, I think it's great. Is it Sig 229 SRT great? Nope. But fully acceptable. :-)

[Ron-Solo]

Point of impact, point of aim. Learn to shoot it as a combat gun, not a target gun. The trigger will smooth out with use.

[etwinam]

I put tfx sights, apex trigger and may extension on shells as soon as I got it. I have many m&ps and know that these are the are the upgrades I prefer. I love the gun and it's amazing... Try the trigger first. Best of luck

[MCHK]

I have heinie straight 8s on my shield and it shoots POA = POI at 21 feet

[checkmate]

LOTS of great feedback in here, thanks guys! Is replacing the trigger really as easy as the youtube videos make it look? I'll focus on training a little different with the Shield as far as the sights go, also looking into replacements.