Images by the author

When the S&W Shield came out in 2012, I don’t think shooters out there had any idea it would be accepted the way it has. It was a bit of a gamble. The micro-9mm market was thriving, and S&W gambled that the Shield was a great ticket in their entry into it. They were correct.

The Shield has gone through several versions since its introduction. Its ergonomics were strengthened, making it feel and fit better in the hand. Other features, such as sights and caliber offerings, were upgraded. The Shield Plus came out in 2021 and increased capacity from 7- and 8-round to 10- and 13-round.

The Shield X came out earlier this year, which offered an optics-ready platform and a better grip, among other features. We have today a Shield X Carry Comp with a slot cut in the barrel and slide, in the form of a compensator. I do believe they got it right.

Before we go on, let’s look at the specifications.

As you can see, this pistol is a definite upgrade over previous Shields. Even discounting the compensator cut, you still have an improved trigger, night sights, an optics cut for an RMSc/K footprint red dot, and increased capacity.

This pistol has one 13- and one 15-round magazine. Those capacities are starting to impinge on the compact-sized 9s. You get a lot of rounds in a small package.

Photos

Here you go…

The muzzle cut is prominent but not overly large.

You have a tritium front sight and a U-notch rear.

A flat-faced trigger helps, as does the short reset. We’re talking about a 4.5-pound trigger pull here.

The grip is just about perfect. You have texturing that really sticks the gun in your hand but isn’t abrasive.

Barrel flutes: nice touch

Shooting The Shield

I took the gun and an assortment of Black Hills ammo – they supply ammo for my reviews, for which I am grateful – to my brand-new, handmade shooting bench in my backyard range. 

One of our sons’ father-in-law is a former Army officer, an expert woodworker, and a shooter of the big .50 BMG. He’s built a few more benches like this, and I was surprised and blessed when he and my son backed his truck up, and they offloaded this custom, 200-pound, left-hand shooting bench. It’s solid and will provide years of stable shooting. He said he would provide blueprints if anyone is interested.

Anyway, I shot the following loads:

• Black Hills 115-gr FMJ
• Black Hills 124-gr JHP
• Black Hills HoneyBadger

Here are some representative 15-yard targets…

As I am slowly finding out, the zippy HoneyBadger (no typo, that’s how they spell it) proved to be the most accurate. You have a machined, solid copper bullet stepping out at about 1400 fps. It cuts through ballistic gel like nobody’s business.

It’s a bit odd that the absolute fastest, meanest load of the three shows the best accuracy and closeness to point of aim. This load is the most accurate 9mm load I use in my reviews, and I love it. You have reduced recoil because of the lighter bullet. You also have the bullet striking very close to the point of aim.

But, even with the lighter bullet,  you still have major energy being released into the target. It’s a win-win. It’s a great carry load.

Field-Stripping The Shield X Carry Comp

There are no secrets here… It’s an easy takedown. Here’s how:

1. Pull the mag and empty the chamber.
2. Lock the slide back.
3. Rotate the takedown lever 90 degrees clockwise.
4. Release the slide, press the trigger, and remove the slide.
5. Separate the barrel and spring. Clean, and reverse to reassemble.

Do You Need This Pistol?

Obviously, that’s a question for you, not me, but I will say that if you are in the market for a Glock-19-sized compact pistol or smaller, you might want to try this Shield. Its micro size fits very well in the hand, and the tacky grip will keep it solidly there. Stick in the 15-round magazine, and you have that G19-style capacity without the extra bulk. 

For those who like red dots, you’re in luck here. Add an RMSc/K sight and maybe a weapon light below (I just reviewed some very reasonably-priced light/laser combos from HiLight Tactical, a great place to look for that light), and you’re good to go. The Shield has earned high marks over the years as part of S&W’s M&P series, and this Performance Center model has features galore. I saw it online at several vendors for $649, which means it’s available. 

S&W has upped its game with the introduction of this pistol. The muzzle cut definitely helps tame recoil, and even if you use the stock sights, you’re in business… those night sights just “pop”. Add in the 13/15 round capacity and the great trigger, and you have a combination in a carry gun that should serve you well. This gun gets high marks, and rightfully so. It’s a good choice for a micro-sized carry 9mm… check one out at your local gun shop. You might like what you see!  

Links To Items Used In This Review 

• Birchwood Casey Shooting Bags Filled, $40
• Birchwood Casey Eze-Scorer 8 Inch Bull’s-Eye Target, 26 Targets, $9
• Birchwood Casey Range Cleaning Kit, $60
• Black Hills Ammunition
• Caldwell Ultimate Target Stand, $33
• Clear Ballistics Gel, various prices
• GPS Medium Range Bag, $150 
• UpLULA universal pistol magazine loader, $35
• Walker Game Ear Firemax Active Hearing Protection, $160 
• Wheeler Trigger Pull Gauge, $88