Is the Smith & Wesson M&P 9 Shield Plus Worth It?: Detailed Review

The micro-compact 9mm pistol market gets more crowded every day. Manufacturers race to pack more rounds into smaller packages without sacrificing performance. Smith & Wesson joined this competition with their M&P 9 Shield Plus.

This updated version brings 13+1 rounds of 9mm firepower to a compact frame that barely grows from its predecessor. But does it deliver on its promises? Is it worth your money?

Let's break down everything about this popular concealed carry option to help you decide if it belongs in your holster.

Key Specs & Features

Specifications:

• Width: 1.1 inches
• Length: 6.1 inches  
• Barrel Length: 3.1 inches
• Height: 4.6 inches
• Weight: 20.02 ounces
• Capacity: 13+1 rounds

Features:

• Flat trigger bow for improved finger placement
• Extended magazine option
• Enhanced grip texture
• Clean 3-dot sight system

The Shield Plus manages to pack these impressive specs into a package that's only slightly larger than the original Shield, yet offers up to 5 or 6 more rounds, depending on whether you're comparing it to the original 7+1 or 8+1 magazine configuration. That's a huge upgrade for a carry gun.

Fit, Feel & Ergonomics

Picking up the Shield Plus reveals a gun that feels purposeful in your hand. The grip texture hits a perfect balance – rough enough to help manage recoil but not so aggressive it'll wear through clothes or irritate your side during all-day carry.

For smaller hands, the 10-round magazine creates a compact grip that's easy to manage. For medium to larger hands, the 13-round extended magazine makes a huge difference in comfort and control.

The beavertail extends deep enough to protect your hand from slide bite – a common problem with compact pistols. Even users with larger hands report the Shield Plus accommodates them well, though the extended magazine becomes almost essential for proper grip.

When it comes to concealment, the Shield Plus excels. At just 1.1 inches wide, it disappears under a t-shirt in an appendix carry position. As per the test conducted by experts,  AIWB Hidden Hybrid Holster showed the gun has just enough grip size for a solid draw without being bulky.

Shooting Performance

The Shield Plus delivers impressive accuracy for its size class. At 7 yards – a common self-defense distance – three-shot groups typically measure between 1.5 and 2 inches. That's excellent performance from such a compact pistol.

The trigger deserves special mention. It travels a couple millimeters before hitting a clear wall, then breaks crisply at around 4 pounds of pressure. The reset happens quickly with both tactile and audible feedback – exactly what you want in a defensive pistol.

Recoil management varies significantly between the two included magazines. With the flush 10-round magazine, users with larger hands may struggle to control muzzle flip, as the pinky finger hangs off the bottom. The 13-round extended magazine makes a night-and-day difference, allowing full hand contact and much better recoil control.

According to our research, we’ve found that the Shield Plus is often reported to remain comfortable even during high-round count sessions. Its grip texture, moderate weight (around 20 ounces), and overall ergonomics are frequently highlighted by experienced shooters as contributing to reduced hand fatigue and it is a well-balanced option for those looking for compact performance without sacrificing shootability. 

What Sets It Apart?

The Shield Plus lands in a "just right" category for size, weight, and capacity. Go much smaller, and the gun becomes harder to shoot accurately. Go much larger, and you lose the concealment advantage.

Experienced shooters praise this gun for working well during long days at the range. The shooting community reports it handles many ammo types without problems. Both 115-grain ball and 147-grain hollow points feed smoothly through this platform. This consistent performance matters a lot for defensive firearms. You need to trust your gun will work when facing high-stress situations. A weapon that functions every time builds confidence in your defensive tool. 

The drawing experience also deserves mention. The grip offers just enough surface area to establish a firm grip on the draw, without the bulk that makes bigger guns harder to conceal. This balance makes the Shield Plus exceptional for everyday carry.

Who Should Consider It?

The Shield Plus makes perfect sense for concealed carriers looking for an everyday gun that disappears under light clothing. Its 13+1 capacity removes one of the biggest complaints about compact pistols – limited ammunition.

People with small to medium hands will find the Shield Plus comfortable with either magazine option. Those with larger hands should definitely opt for the 13-round extended magazine for best results.

First-time gun buyers should also consider the Shield Plus. Its manageable size, reasonable recoil (with the extended magazine), and straightforward controls make it accessible to newer shooters. However, it's worth noting that some models do not include a manual safety, which may be a consideration for those who prefer or require that feature for added peace of mind. Yet it packs enough capacity and performance that experienced users won't outgrow it.

Ease of Maintenance

Field stripping the Shield Plus is generally straightforward, though some users have noted that the takedown lever can feel a bit stiff at first. However, this is not a widely reported issue and tends to smooth out with use. 

Beyond this single issue, the disassembly process follows standard striker-fired pistol procedure:

• Lock the slide back
• Rotate the takedown lever
• Release the slide and pull the trigger
• Remove the slide assembly from the frame

Once disassembled, cleaning and maintenance are straightforward with easy access to all critical areas.

By the Numbers (Ratings)

Consistency: 5/5

The Shield Plus fed and fired 500+ rounds without a single hiccup. It digested everything from standard 115-grain practice ammunition to 147-grain hollow points designed for self-defense.

Ergonomics: 4/5

The gun scores high for most hand sizes, especially with the 13-round magazine. The controls are accessible without shifting grip. One point deducted because users with larger hands may struggle with the 10-round magazine configuration.

Accuracy: 4/5

For a compact pistol, the Shield Plus delivers excellent accuracy with groups averaging 1.5-2 inches at 7 yards. The shorter sight radius prevents perfection, but results exceed expectations for this class of firearm.

Customization: 3/5

While the Shield Plus lacks a traditional accessory rail, aftermarket support remains strong. Compatible light/laser units like the TLR-6, optic-ready models, trigger upgrades, and a wide range of holsters give users plenty of ways to personalize their setup. Sight upgrades and holster selections are plentiful, and despite its compact size, the platform supports meaningful customization for most users. 

Value: 4/5

With street prices around $450 - $499 (sometimes lower with rebates or sales), the Shield Plus delivers exceptional value. The included two magazines and proven performance make this a smart investment for self-defense.

Available Upgrades & Accessories

Despite lacking an accessory rail, several upgrade options exist for the Shield Plus:

Lights/Lasers:

The Streamlight TLR-6 offers both light and laser capability specifically designed for the Shield Plus. It mounts to the trigger guard rather than requiring a rail.

Holsters:

Holster makers jumped on the Shield Plus quickly. Options abound for every carry style:

• Appendix carry (AIWB)
• Inside waistband (IWB)
• Outside waistband (OWB)
• Pocket carry options for some users

Sights:

The standard white 3-dot sights work well, but aftermarket options include:

• Night sights with tritium inserts
• Fiber optic sights for faster daylight acquisition
• Red dot optic cuts on certain models—specifically those labeled 'Optics Ready 

These upgrades allow customization of the Shield Plus to match personal preferences without compromising its core strengths.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• 13+1 capacity in a compact package
• Excellent grip texture balances control and comfort
• Consistent performance with various ammunition
• Good ergonomics for most hand sizes with extended magazine
• Easy to conceal with minimal printing

Cons:

• Challenging for users with large hands when using 10-round magazine
• Somewhat snappy recoil, especially with hotter 9mm loads
• Stiff takedown lever makes field stripping difficult initially
• Limited accessory options compared to larger pistols
• No forward slide serrations on some models (though many variants, like the Performance Center and optics-ready versions, do include them) 

Background & Design Evolution

The original M&P Shield became one of the most popular concealed carry pistols when introduced. Smith & Wesson didn't rush to update it, instead taking time to develop meaningful improvements.

The Shield Plus represents a significant evolution with several key improvements:

• Capacity increased from 8+1 to 13+1
• Weight actually decreased slightly (20.8oz to 20.1oz)
• Width increased negligibly (less than 1/10 inch)
• Improved trigger with crisper break and shorter reset
• Enhanced grip texture for better control

These updates maintain what people loved about the original Shield but address its main limitations - particularly capacity. This thoughtful evolution demonstrates Smith & Wesson's commitment to refining their designs rather than making changes just for marketing purposes.

Final Verdict: Is the Shield Plus Worth It?

After extensive analysis, the Shield Plus earns a strong recommendation for anyone seeking a compact 9mm for defensive carry. It finds that elusive balance between small enough to carry comfortably and large enough to shoot effectively.

The significant capacity increase (13+1) puts it on par with much larger pistols yet maintains a size that disappears under light clothing. The improved trigger, excellent grip texture, and consistent performance combine to create a package that's hard to beat in its class.

Yes, the field strip process could be smoother, and those with larger hands should definitely budget for extra 13-round magazines. But these minor issues pale compared to the overall package.

The Shield Plus costs about $499 in stores - a great deal for what you get. Smith & Wesson makes quality guns and backs them with good service, so your money is well spent.

Anyone looking for the perfect mix of size, capacity, and shooting feel should check out the Shield Plus. It beats the original Shield and ranks among the best micro-compacts you can buy today.