Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus
Best-selling concealed carry pistol with 13+1 capacity in a slim single-stack-width frame
- Price
- $499
- Weight
- 1 lb 4.2 oz
- Calibers
- 9mm
- Rail
- none
- Best For
- concealed carryrange training
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Key Highlights
- •13+1 capacity in slim frame
- •Flat-face trigger with tactile reset
- •Performance Center OR variant available
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Smith & Wesson M&p Shield Plus 9mm 3.10in 10+1 13+1 Armornite Stainless
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Overview
The Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus is one of the best-selling concealed carry pistols in America, and for good reason. It packs 13+1 rounds of 9mm into a frame barely wider than a single-stack, making it one of the highest-capacity slim carry guns available. The Shield Plus improved on the original Shield with a redesigned trigger featuring a flat face and crisp tactile reset, improved grip texture, and an optimized 18-degree grip angle.
At just 1 inch wide and 20.2 ounces unloaded, the Shield Plus practically disappears in an IWB holster. The 3.1-inch barrel keeps the overall length compact at 6.1 inches while still delivering reliable 9mm terminal performance. Both flush-fit 10-round and extended 13-round magazines are included from the factory.
The Performance Center OR (Optic-Ready) variant adds a slide cut for direct-mount micro red dots, a ported barrel and slide for reduced muzzle rise, and a fiber optic front sight. For shooters who want a proven, affordable carry gun with excellent capacity-to-size ratio, the Shield Plus is hard to beat at $499.
Key Features
- 13+1 capacity with extended magazine
- Flat-face trigger with tactile reset
- 1-inch slim profile for effortless concealment
- 18-degree grip angle for natural point of aim
- Aggressive grip texture without being abrasive
- Performance Center OR variant with optic cut and ported barrel
- Both 10-round flush and 13-round extended magazines included
Capability Profile
0-10 Scale Across 8 Axes
Pros
- +13+1 capacity in a frame barely over 1 inch wide
- +Flat-face trigger is one of the best in the micro-compact class
- +Sub-$500 price point makes it the best value CCW option
- +Proven M&P reliability with millions in service
- +Both 10 and 13-round magazines included from factory
- +Performance Center variant adds optics and porting
Cons
- −Base model lacks optic-ready slide (need PC variant)
- −No accessory rail on standard model
- −Aftermarket ecosystem smaller than Glock or SIG P365
- −Grip texture milder than some competitors
- −Sights are adequate but not night sights
Detailed Specifications
- caliber
- 9mm
- Barrel Length
- 3.1 inches
- Overall Length
- 6.1 inches
- weight
- 20.2 oz
- width
- 1.0 inches
- capacity
- 10+1 flush / 13+1 extended
- trigger
- Flat-face striker, ~5.0 lb pull
- barrel
- Armornite-finished stainless steel
- msrp
- $499
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