NRA Gun of the Week: Smith & Wesson M&P45 Shield Pistol

American Rifleman Staff

posted on July 30, 2016

Videos News Reviews Handguns Semi-Auto Handguns NRA Gun of the Week

Support NRA American Rifleman DONATE

** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

The Smith & Wesson M&P line of striker-fired, semi-automatic, subcompact pistols in 9 mm and .40 S&W was a huge success. For 2016, the company upped the ante. Recognizing market demand for a concealable .45 ACP, Smith & Wesson has incorporated the chambering into its M&P Shield series. The single-stack pistol has a 3.3” Armornite-finished stainless steel barrel that provides excellent accuracy especially for a small defensive handgun. Lying comfortably in the hand and anchored by aggressive stippling in the grip area, the polymer-frame pistol has an overall length of 6.25” and is just less than 1” in width. Fine three-dot sights and a great trigger, combined with quality manufacturing, make for a capable and reliable defensive pistol.

Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson
Model: M&P45 Shield
Caliber: .45 ACP
Action: recoil-operated, striker-fired, semi-automatic center-fire pistol
Frame: polymer
Finish: black Armornite
Slide: stainless steel
Barrel: 3.3”, stainless steel
Magazine: detachable box; six- and seven-round capacity
Sights: dovetailed three-dot configuration
Trigger: 5-lb., 11-oz. pull
Weight: 20.5 ozs.
MSRP: $479

Latest

6 Reasons Why You Should Have a Good Gunsmith

Not every gunsmithing job needs to or should be a DIY job, and it pays to get to know a good gunsmith and develop a relationship with that person. Here are six reasons why.

News, Tips & Techniques

New for 2026: Breda's Victoria Over-Under Shotguns

While it's a historic Italian firearm brand, Breda guns have long been elusive in the United States. This year, Breda America is adding to its lineup of shotguns with the Victoria family of over-unders.

News, Guns

President’s Column | President's Confidential Survey

President's Confidential Survey

News, President's Column

I Carry: A Look at Today's Latest Duty Holsters

Duty holsters have their place, particularly in law-enforcement and security circles, and they do provide some benefits to civilian users, too.

Reviews, News

Political Report | Oregon’s Hunting, Fishing, and Agricultural Gambit Accelerates the End Game

Gun control activists have become increasingly emboldened. The shift from targeting the margins to challenging the mainstream signals nothing is off-limits. Gun bans are being aimed at the most popular firearms in America. Now, even hunting—which survives in countries that ban defensive gun use—is being targeted.

News, Political Report

ACGG Creates Doug Turnbull Firearms Restoration Arts Grant

The American Custom Gunmakers Guild Foundation announced the introduction of its new "Doug Turnbull Firearms Restoration Arts Grant," which is an expansion on the foundation's mission to support gunsmithing education in the United States.

News