Is The New S&W Shield Plus Worth It?

Concealed Carry Needs and Shield Plus vs Original Shield

The video opens by positioning the Smith & Wesson M&P9 Shield Plus as a warm‑weather concealed carry solution that balances capacity and concealability. The host explains that when wearing shorts and a T‑shirt, a slim pistol is easier to hide than a bulkier setup. The Shield Plus is compared directly to the original M&P 2.0 Shield, sharing a similar footprint and a 3.12‑inch barrel but offering a significant capacity boost. Where older subcompacts and single‑stacks lagged behind, the Shield Plus delivers 13+1 rounds in a compact package. The discussion contrasts this with a heavily accessorized Glock 19 running 15+1, a red dot, and a light/laser combo, which becomes difficult to conceal without printing. Emphasis is placed on realistic carry needs, the trade‑off between features and bulk, and why a higher‑capacity micro‑compact like the Shield Plus can be more practical for everyday concealed carry in lighter clothing.

Holsters, Appendix Carry, and Dry Practice with the Shield Plus

Attention shifts to the Shield Plus’s design details and how it fits into existing gear. The pistol closely resembles the M&P 2.0 line, with light front slide serrations that are largely aesthetic, functional rear serrations, and a chamber indicator. Its standout feature remains the 13‑round magazine capacity in a compact frame. The host demonstrates that a We The People Kydex holster originally made for an M&P 2.0 can be repurposed for the Shield Plus by adjusting the tension screw, accepting a small amount of play for secure retention. Appendix inside‑the‑waistband carry is shown, with specific focus on muzzle direction, belt thickness, and ride height. The importance of dry‑fire draw practice is stressed: clearing the cover garment cleanly, avoiding snagging the shirt on the sights, and drawing without looking at the holster. Initial live‑fire shots follow, with the trigger described as acceptable for everyday carry, though the reset feels less pronounced than marketing claims suggest. The bright orange magazine follower is highlighted as a useful visual aid during chamber checks.

Magazine Follower, Slide Lock, and Control Layout Comparisons

The review then examines the Shield Plus magazine and controls in more detail. The bright orange follower stands out clearly through the ejection port, making it easy to confirm an empty magazine during press checks. The last‑round slide lock is shown to function reliably, reinforcing confidence in the pistol’s basic mechanics. The host compares slide release placement and behavior between Smith & Wesson M&P pistols and Glock models. Extended slide releases and certain thumb positions on Glocks can prevent the slide from locking back, while the Shield Plus layout tends to avoid that issue. This leads into a broader point about grip refinement and thumb placement, best developed through consistent dry‑fire practice. By repeatedly running the gun empty and observing slide lock behavior, shooters can adjust their grip to maintain control without unintentionally riding the slide stop. The segment underscores that understanding each platform’s control geometry is crucial for reliable reloads and consistent performance under stress.

Trigger Design, Single-Stack vs Plus Grip, and Shooting Impressions

Focus turns to the Shield Plus trigger system and how it compares to the standard M&P 2.0 and the original single‑stack Shield. The Shield Plus uses a flat‑faced trigger with noticeable take‑up, a defined wall, and a clean striker break, but the reset is described as somewhat muted and less tactile than expected. Its safety mechanism uses a rear latch‑style trigger safety, differing from the M&P 2.0’s flat blade safety that demands more precise finger placement to disengage. The host notes that the Shield Plus trigger feels well‑suited for concealed carry, balancing safety and shootability. Shooting the original single‑stack Shield back‑to‑back, the host comments that recoil and overall feel are similar, but the grip profiles differ. The single‑stack frame is notably thinner, while the Shield Plus grip is only slightly thicker despite housing a staggered‑column magazine. This modest increase in girth yields a substantial capacity gain, making the Shield Plus feel like a natural evolution rather than a bulky departure from the original design.

Flush Mag Ergonomics, Capacity Priorities, and Shield Plus Role

The Shield Plus grip and magazine options are explored further, emphasizing real‑world ergonomics. The pistol ships with an extended 13‑round magazine and a flush‑fitting 10‑round magazine. With the flush mag inserted, most of the shooter’s hand still fits on the grip, with minimal pinky overhang, preserving control while maximizing concealability. Live‑fire testing with the flush magazine shows that it drops free cleanly on reloads and that the last‑round slide hold‑open continues to work properly. The host notes needing to hold slightly low on target, possibly due to adapting to the trigger characteristics or sight picture. The discussion then returns to capacity as a central factor in concealed carry decisions. The Shield Plus offers 13+1 with the extended mag and 10+1 with the flush option, giving carriers flexibility. The host stresses that no one else should dictate how many rounds an individual “needs” for self‑defense, framing the Shield Plus as a strong choice for those who prioritize higher round counts in a compact, easily concealed handgun.

SCAR 17 Giveaway, ATV Shrapnel Souvenir, and Future Explosion Plans

In the closing portion, the video shifts from pistol review to promotional content and community engagement. Viewers are introduced to a major giveaway featuring an FN SCAR 17 chambered in 7.62 NATO, outfitted with a Trijicon VCOG optic and a TangoDown vertical grip. The prize package also includes Guard Dog body armor, with a plate carrier, armor plates, and a helmet. As a unique bonus, the host shows a small metal fragment identified as part of a wheel spacer blown off an ATV during a previous explosion, signed by Braden Price and offered as a memento. Viewers are encouraged to visit Braden Price’s channel, watch the related video, and help it reach 100,000 likes. Hitting that milestone will trigger a planned follow‑up stunt involving a much larger 500‑pound explosive charge instead of the earlier 100‑pound blast. The segment concludes by directing viewers to classicfirearms.com for multiple giveaway entry methods and a brief sign‑off.