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American Rifleman's Joe Kurtenbach takes a look at the Smith & Wesson M&P 45 Shield, detailing several features that distinguish it from the earlier 9 mm and .40 S&W models. Among these changes are a barrel that is two tenths of an inch longer than its predecessors, front fish-scale serrations and a more aggressive grip texturing to better help control the strong recoil of the .45 ACP cartridge. For more information, check out this "Rifleman Review" from a recent episode of American Rifleman TV.
After World War II, the French military was left with a hodgepodge of leftover submachine guns. After several years, the army consolidated on a standard service rifle, the MAS-49, and a standard submachine gun: the MAT-49.