So I bought a M&P Shield...

[DRAB_81]

I was halfway out the door at Barnwood Arms (after my monthly range session with Pops), and something told me to check the counter for a M&P Shield. I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw it, and it just so happened to be the 9mm I've been looking for.

The trigger felt pretty heavy to me when I dry-fired it for the first time, and immediately had me thinking about ordering the trigger kit from Apex. The reset is very positive, and has a nice pronounced "click". Once I finally got to shoot it, the heavy trigger break turned out to be a non-issue. I didn't notice the heavy break at all while I was shooting it, and it actually felt perfect for what the gun is designed for. I'll definitely be keeping the trigger stock, like all my Glocks.

One thing I will be doing very soon, is modifying the safety mechanism. I'm going to cut off the striker-block tab, and put the assembly back in. That way no matter what position the safety is in, the gun will fire.

I shot 50rds Federal White Box 115gr FMJ, 50rds Independence 124gr FMJ, and 50rds of my USPSA Production 124gr JHP reloads. Absolutely no problems whatsoever, and it's a really nice shooter.

I knew before I even saw it that the grip would be too slippery for me, but it wasn't as bad as I anticipated. I have a set of rubber Talon Grips on the way, but if those don't cut it, I'll stipple it.

150rds @ 10yds

[Czsp-01-9mm]

Must be in Ripon, nice range and pretty good selection of firearms

[Virus55]

Ive been wanting a shield pretty bad. barnwood has them in stock? Alquist and Elite arms have not even had the chance to order them. what was barnwoods price on it?

[DRAB_81]

Ive been wanting a shield pretty bad. barnwood has them in stock? Alquist and Elite arms have not even had the chance to order them. what was barnwoods price on it?

It was the only one they had, and a couple of the guys didn't even know they had it. From what I understood, they put it in the case that morning, and I bought it at around 7:00 that night. I paid $439 + Tax & DROS.

[Meety Peety]

Nice buy, there was a big focus on one of these last night on TV and I've been thinking about it ever since.. might be my next buy.

[CV62]

Nice!

[Tiberius]

I hate to sound hysterical but . . . be extra careful if you modify the safety as it sounds like you're saying (and I may be getting it wrong). If you end up with an effectively inop safety lever, if you loan the gun to a friend, or someone picks it up at informal range and shoots their toe, I could see them blaming you. Might be better to have no lever at all.

I know, easily avoided by keeping control of the gun. I'm sure it won't be a problem for you, but the combination of the great unwashed masses + lots of lawyers can be a problem . . . .

[InGrAM]

Great idea on disabling the safety, it is not necessary and it just adds complication to the pistol. I would do the same if I bought one.

[DRAB_81]

Great idea on disabling the safety, it is not necessary and it just adds complication to the pistol. I would do the same if I bought one.

Yeah the safety is the only thing I don't like about the Shield, but it's an easy fix. I have read that the safety is difficult to engage, but I was disappointed to find out that it's not hard at all. I thought it would take a lot more pressure, but it's actually pretty easy.

[Gryff]

One nice thing about the safety is that it allows you to holster without possibly getting a case of Glock leg.

Regular M&Ps and Glocks have the nasty ability to get shirt or jacket fabric caught in the trigger guard when holstering. As you push the gun into the holster, the trigger may get pressed (especially with IWB holsters) resulting in a round through your butt or leg. A manual safety gives you the ability to insure that this does not happen.

[viet4lifeOC]

congrats on the new gun.

Still waiting for Turner's to call me to pick up mine.

[DRAB_81]

I hate to sound hysterical but . . . be extra careful if you modify the safety as it sounds like you're saying (and I may be getting it wrong). If you end up with an effectively inop safety lever, if you loan the gun to a friend, or someone picks it up at informal range and shoots their toe, I could see them blaming you. Might be better to have no lever at all.

I know, easily avoided by keeping control of the gun. I'm sure it won't be a problem for you, but the combination of the great unwashed masses + lots of lawyers can be a problem . . . .

I do appreciate your concern, but wherever my guns go, I go.

One nice thing about the safety is that it allows you to holster without possibly getting a case of Glock leg.

Regular M&Ps and Glocks have the nasty ability to get shirt or jacket fabric caught in the trigger guard when holstering. As you push the gun into the holster, the trigger may get pressed (especially with IWB holsters) resulting in a round through your butt or leg. A manual safety gives you the ability to insure that this does not happen.

Given my experience with Glocks (ALL my other handguns are Glocks) & the fact that the Shield has a 6.5# trigger, I'm not worried about an AD/ND while holstering. That's not to say I don't have a healthy concern for it though. I use very deliberate movements while holstering pistols & I see them into the holster every time. Not everyone operates this way, so you still have a very valid point.


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[Legasat]

Congrats on a excellent pistol! I am on waiting lists here.

[bcj128]

I'm selling a couple guns to finance just such a pistol.

[viet4lifeOC]

I'm selling a couple guns to finance just such a pistol.

You're a better planner than me.

I went to Turner's and paid in full for the Shield.

Am "now" in the process of selling some safe queens for it.