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

I Have This Old Gun: Colt Detective Special

One of the iconic revolvers of the early 20th century is Colt's compact Detective Special, which became popular on the commercial market and was featured widely in film noir from the 1930s until the 1950s. But the road to the Detective Special wasn't the typical route for a new firearm.

News, ARTV

The Real Deal: Mauser's M98 Das Original

In a world of modularity and strict cost-cutting, fine wood and machined steel firearms like the Mauser 98 are disappearing. The Mauser company is making sure the design lives on with the M98 Das Original.

News, Guns

’Merica! | America 250th Products from the Firearm Industry

From guns to knives to storage and beyond, show how your heart beats true for the red, white and blue as we celebrate 250 years of independence, liberty and patriotism with this assortment of commemorative products.

News, Gear

I Have This Old Gun: Witness to the Revolution

It is likely this Long Land Pattern Brown Bess was surrendered by British troops at Saratoga, then used to arm Americans in their fight for liberty before subsequently falling into private hands. Today, it remains as one of a scant few British muskets with a direct tie to the events of the American Revolution.

News, I Have This Old Gun

Don Troiani Illustration with Pattern 1756 Long Land Musket

Rideout Arsenal Leaves Virginia

Rideout Arsenal recently announced it would be leaving the hostile political environment of Virginia for the Second Amendment-friendly state of Georgia.

News