Issue 04 Preview – Defensive Shield M&P Shield Louis Atherden 1 Comments, Join the Conversation At RECOIL, we review every product fairly and without bias. Making a purchase through one of our links may earn us a small commission, and helps support independent gun reviews. Learn More A recent trend developing in the handgun market is concealable polymer-framed single-stack pistols. Although they are designed to be small and lightweight for concealed carry, these little guns can also pack a fearsome punch, when called upon to do their duty in unexpected, dangerous situations. One of the newest models to hit the market is Smith & Wesson's M&P Shield. The striker-fire Shield is available chambered in both .40 S&W and 9mm; we focus on the latter. As shooters of the full-size M&P45, M&P9 and long-slide version M&P9L, we are already familiar with M&P pistol family. We were interested in seeing how the newest and smallest member of the lineup translated. The Shield definitely looks like it's from the same lineage of the rest of the M&P pistol line. Its stainless steel slide is Melonite-coated and features beveled sides, as well as Smith & Wesson's distinctive scalloped cocking serrations at the rear. Contained within the slide is a 3.1-inch stainless steel barrel, which features the same finish and a guide rod with a captured dual-recoil spring. From personal experience, we've found Melonite to be very durable, after accidently dropping an M&P slide on a concrete floor, the finish was unscathed. For the rest of this article, subscribe digitally here: RECOIL Issue 4 Why you can trust RECOIL Since our founding in 2012, RECOIL remains the premier firearms lifestyle publication for the modern shooting enthusiast. We deliver cutting-edge coverage of guns, gear, accessories and technology. We go beyond basic reviews, providing no B.S. buyer’s guides, hands-on testing and expert analysis on everything from firearms and survival equipment to watches and vehicles. Our reviewers are the backbone of our operation and come from diverse shooting backgrounds: Former law enforcement, military veterans, competitive shooters, seasoned hunters and plain old firearms enthusiasts. Furthermore, we’re not just gun experts, but dedicated journalists who adhere to the strictest standards of our profession. At RECOIL, editorial independence is the foundation of everything we publish and the cornerstone of reader trust. Our editors, writers and content creators make all editorial decisions independently, free from outside influence. That boils down to: advertisers don’t dictate our coverage, the outcomes of our reviews or what we recommend in our buyer’s guides. First and always, our commitment is to our audience—ensuring every review and article is accurate, unbiased, and driven by real-world experience. Whether you’re selecting your next firearm, upgrading your gear, or exploring the latest innovations in the shooting world, RECOIL provides the trusted insights you need to make informed decisions. Learn more about our Editorial Standards and how we review products. NEXT STEP: Download Your Free Target Pack from RECOILFor years, RECOIL magazine has treated its readers to a full-size (sometimes full color!) shooting target tucked into each big issue. Now we've compiled over 50 of our most popular targets into this one digital PDF download. From handgun drills to AR-15 practice, these 50+ targets have you covered. Print off as many as you like (ammo not included). Get your pack of 50 Print-at-Home targets when you subscribe to the RECOIL email newsletter. We'll send you weekly updates on guns, gear, industry news, and special offers from leading manufacturers - your guide to the firearms lifestyle.You want this. Trust Us.
Does anybody know where I can find aa back-up " Captured " spring/guide rod assembly on the internet for my brand new 40 cal ( Smith/Wesson ) " Shield ?" It would be greatly appreciated....God bless. Damon/Tampa, Fl
