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