Since its introduction, Smith & Wesson’s single-stack, striker-fired semi-automatic M&P Shield has been among the most popular options for personal defense and concealed-carry firearms. American Rifleman's Joe Kurtenbach has covered, and carried, a 9 mm Shield since the gun’s 2012 debut, and has recently been testing an enhanced Performance Center model. Comparing the original Shield to the newer gun had Kurtenbach wondering if, with a few relatively easy upgrades, he could enhance the base model’s performance to a level of parity.
Additional Reading:
NRA Gun Gear of the Week: Shield v. Shield—Sights
NRA Gun Gear of the Week: Shield v. Shield—Trigger
NRA Gun Gear of the Week: Shield v. Shield—Recoil
NRA Gun Gear of the Week: Conclusion
NRA Gun Gear of the Week: Shield v. Shield—Concept
More like this from around the NRA
Latest
Military Armament Corporation Introduces New MAC 9 DS Models
Military Armament Corporation expanded its line of M1911-style, double-stack handguns with its new Double-Stack Duty, D-Comp and Comp designs.
Preview: MTM Case-Gard Ruger 10/22 Extended Mag Can
Made in the U.S.A., the O-ring-sealed Mag Can from MTM Case-Gard stows one of the most important parts of the semi-automatic carbine—the magazine—twelve BX-25-pattern extended magazines, to be exact.
Gun Of The Week: EAA Witness2311 Brat
Built on M1911 principles and imported by European American Armory Corp., the EAA Girsan Witnesss2311 Brat is a unique take on the double-stack, 2011-style pistol.
The Armed Citizen® March 28, 2025
Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.
John C. Garand: His Compensation & Other Accomplishments
Much gratitude has been, and is given, to the man who created the M1 Garand. But folklore suggests John C. Garand did all the work for free. Let us dispel that notion.
John Rigby & Co. Celebrates 250th Anniversary
John Rigby—born in 1758—founded his famed gunmaking firm, John Rigby & Co., in 1775, and year 2025 marks the company's semiquincentennial celebration.
Interests
SECTIONS
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
EXPLORE MORE NRA PUBLICATIONS
