Smith & Wesson M&P9 Shield Plus 9mm
M&P Shield Plus · Semi-auto striker-fired pistol
Price pending
Prices pending
Caliber9mm Luger
Capacity10+1 (flush) / 13+1 (extended)
Barrel3.1 inches
SystemStriker-fired, recoil-operated
SightsTritium night sights (orange ring front, tritium rear)
RailNone (trigger guard mount only for lights)
Weight19.3 ounces (empty)
Overall Length6.1 inches
Height4.6 inches
Width0.95-1.0 inches
TriggerFlat-face striker, ~5 lb 10 oz pull
Overview
The Shield Plus modernizes a proven CCW platform with double-stack 13+1 capacity in a slim, 1.0-inch-wide profile, pairing excellent ergonomics and a flat-face trigger with true optics-readiness—making it one of the most capable and affordable micro-compacts on the market.
Who it's for: Beginners and experienced concealed carriers seeking maximum capacity in a truly pocketable 9mm, especially those wanting factory optics compatibility without gunsmithing.
Pros
- 13+1 capacity (or 10+1 flush) in a slim, highly concealable profile—same width as the single-stack Shield M2.0
- Excellent flat-face trigger (lighter and shorter than previous Shield models) with natural 18° grip angle for intuitive point-of-aim
- Optics-ready from factory with RMSc footprint (Crimson Trace, Shield RMSc/SMS, Vortex Defender, and some others fit direct or with simple plate adapters)
- Comes with quality tritium night sights and low-profile thumb safety for consistent carry
- Exceptional reliability and aftermarket holster ecosystem—one of the best-selling concealed carry guns with extensive support
Cons
- Optics mounting can be finicky: factory RMSc cut has rear lugs that interfere with Holosun 407K/507K (requires adapter plate, gunsmithing, or modified RMSc optics like EPS Carry)
- No accessory rail—only Streamlight TLR-6 (trigger guard light) option; no standard rail-mounted lights possible
- Small trigger guard becomes even tighter with TLR-6 mounted, challenging for shooters with larger hands during draw
- Stiff factory takedown lever can be difficult to manipulate without tools; trigger guard prints noticeably with extended 13-round magazine
What to look for
- Variants: Standard (iron sights), Optics Ready (RMSc cut—check for factory stock, cheaper than buying slide cut aftermarket), and Performance Center (ported barrel, extended sights). All use Shield Plus-specific holsters and magazines.
- Optics strategy: Crimson Trace CTS-1550, Shield RMSc with glass, or Vortex Defender mount directly to the factory cut. For Holosun 407K/507K or EPS Carry, budget for an adapter plate (~$30–40) or send slide to a gunsmith for $150–250 remilling.
- Magazine compatibility: Shield Plus mags (10 and 13-round) do NOT fit Shield 1.0/M2.0 frames. Conversely, older Shield magazines do not work reliably in the Plus. Always buy at least one spare Plus magazine.
- Holster fit is critical: Generic 'Shield' holsters designed for 1.0/M2.0 do NOT safely retain the Plus. Verify 'Shield Plus' or 'Shield 2.0 with 13-round mag' compatibility in holster product names.
- TLR-6 light clearance: The trigger guard becomes very tight with the light installed; dry-draw practice with your holster before range trips. If you prefer more lumens, consider rail-equipped compacts like the M&P 2.0 Compact instead.
Watch the reviews
- S&W M&P Shield Plus 1000 Round Review: The Best Micro Pistol Honest Outlaw
- M&P Shield Plus hickok45
- Can You Co-Witness on the S&W Shield Plus with Holosun Red Dots? Freedom Gorilla