The video focuses on the new Smith & Wesson M&P9 Shield Plus as a subcompact concealed carry option. The Shield Plus is presented as an evolution of the original M&P Shield 2.0, with the key change being magazine capacity. The older single-stack M&P 2.0 Shield offers eight rounds in the magazine and one in the chamber. The Shield Plus, by contrast, uses a double-stack magazine holding 13 rounds, for a total of 14 with one in the chamber, while maintaining a very compact footprint. Barrel length remains about 3.1 inches, keeping the pistol in the subcompact category. The Shield Plus is positioned alongside competitors like the SIG P365 and Springfield Hellcat in terms of size and capacity.
The discussion shifts to seasonal concealed carry, noting that shorts and T-shirts make hiding larger pistols more difficult. A Glock 19 is used as an example of a capable but bulkier carry gun. The Glock 19 shown has a 15+1 capacity and is outfitted with a flashlight/laser combo and a red dot optic, making it effective for low-light use and shooting with night vision, but harder to conceal under light clothing. The need for a slimmer, less obtrusive pistol leads back to the Shield platform. The Shield Plus offers increased capacity over the original Shield while remaining easier to conceal than a fully accessorized compact like the Glock 19.
The Shield Plus retains many familiar M&P Shield 2.0 features, including a 3.1-inch barrel and similar overall dimensions. Light slide serrations at the front and more pronounced serrations at the rear provide basic manipulation surfaces, though the front cuts appear largely cosmetic. The pistol can be configured with or without a thumb safety, and other Shield variants are available with options like fiber optic sights or Crimson Trace lasers. The example shown is carried in a We The People holster originally designed for an M&P 2.0 Shield with a laser, yet it still fits the Shield Plus adequately once the retention screw is adjusted. This illustrates that existing Shield holsters may work with the Plus, though minor tension adjustments can be necessary.
Appendix inside-the-waistband carry is demonstrated as the preferred method for this setup. The pistol is positioned at the front of the waistband, with attention paid to belt thickness so the gun does not press uncomfortably into the body. The importance of practicing the draw with actual clothing is emphasized. During practice draws, the shirt can snag on the sights or holster if not lifted high enough, which could be critical in a high-stress situation. Regular dry fire practice is recommended to rehearse clearing the garment, establishing a firing grip, and presenting the pistol without looking down. The segment underscores that effective concealed carry requires familiarity with the holster, clothing, and pistol combination, not just owning the firearm.
The Shield Plus is then taken to the range for live fire on steel targets. Attention is given to the trigger’s feel and reset. The trigger has a relatively flat face and a short take-up before the striker releases. The reset is described as functional but not especially crisp or pronounced, despite Smith & Wesson’s claim of a noticeable and audible reset similar to the M&P 2.0 line. For everyday carry use, the trigger is considered adequate out of the box, though there is mention that some shooters might choose to polish it or explore aftermarket options. The magazine’s bright orange follower is highlighted as a useful visual indicator during chamber checks, clearly showing when the pistol is empty. Magazines drop free reliably, and the slide locks open on an empty magazine as expected.
Control placement on the Shield Plus is discussed, particularly the slide release. Its position works well for the shooter shown, who does not inadvertently ride the lever with the thumb, allowing consistent slide lock on empty. This is contrasted with a Glock 19 that has an extended slide release. On that Glock, the natural thumb position rests on the extended lever, preventing the slide from locking back after the last round. Adjusting thumb placement off the lever restores proper function, illustrating how small control changes can affect reliability in use. The segment reinforces the value of both live and dry fire training to identify such issues. Practicing reloads, slide lock behavior, and trigger manipulation with the actual carry gun helps ensure that the pistol operates as expected under stress.
A closer comparison is made between the Shield Plus trigger and the original M&P Shield 2.0 single-stack trigger. The Shield Plus uses a flat-faced trigger with an integrated safety that hinges from the lower portion of the trigger shoe. Proper finger placement on the lower section is required to disengage the safety and allow the trigger to move. The original M&P Shield 2.0 shown uses a more traditional blade-style trigger safety, a design that has become common on many striker-fired pistols. Both triggers have some take-up before the break and a reset that is audible but not especially sharp. The Shield Plus trigger is characterized as acceptable for concealed carry, with no claims of match-grade performance. The comparison highlights that while the mechanisms differ slightly, overall trigger feel between the two Shields is similar in practical use.
The final section compares the grip dimensions and capacity of the single-stack M&P Shield 2.0 and the double-stack Shield Plus. The original Shield 2.0 uses an eight-round single-stack magazine, resulting in a very slim grip profile. The Shield Plus, with its 13-round double-stack magazine, has a slightly thicker grip, but the difference is modest in the hand. The Shield Plus is noted as impressively compact given the increased capacity. Smith & Wesson includes two magazines, including a flush-fitting option aimed at maximizing concealability. Even with the flush-fit magazine, the grip still allows a full firing grip without the pinky hanging off, which is a common issue with many subcompact pistols. This balance of capacity, grip control, and concealment is presented as a key strength of the Shield Plus design.
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