Whats the big deal about the shield
 

I've noticed a lot of people on this forum that are looking to getting one. Or are on a waiting list. But I don't see anything special about the shield. So I was wondering why so many others want one and for what reasons?

The Shield is an excellent CC gun. It is powerful, accurate, disappears super-easy, and feels better in the hand than any other auto pistol I have ever held. It is quite simply one of the finest carry guns around.

On the other side, being striker fired it has a terrible trigger. It's a lot better than the trigger on many other similar kinds of pistols (Glock, Springfield XD, Ruger SR**) and it's as good as most people will ever really need but, it's still not very good.

It is a great gun, but once I got to compare it side-by-side with my M&P compact, there wasn't enough difference in size to justify owning one.

Jmho
 

For me it was the following. I wanted more punch than a .380. I wanted to practice a lot, so needed affordable ammo, therefore 9mm. My personal preference is for striker fired over 1911 or SA/DA. Don't like cocked and locked. I want the same trigger pull on every shot. The small double stacks such as the G26 were just a little too fat and heavy to be comfortable. I preferred the crisp trigger pull of the Shield to the long DA pull of many of the others. I wanted to couple extra rounds an auto offers over a revolver. Also, I may be in the minority, but I like having the option to use a thumb safety, especially if I want to pocket carry. The Shield (with added night sights) in my experience for my needs is the perfect fit.

Also shoots like a larger gun, and has less felt recoil IMHO than other guns of similar size. Great American quality at a great price.

It's a great comfortable firearm to shoot.

But why not get the M&P 9c instead? Is the shield that much thinner to make a difference?

I didn't shoot them side by side, but the shield just seems more comfortable in the hand then the M&P. My father in law bought one and absolutely loves it. If it wasn't so close to two of my other carry pieces, I'd buy one.

Actually the single most criticism of the M&P line is the trigger. Many of us have opted for the Apex trigger kit to alleviate that gritty pull and inconsistent reset.

I was really looking forward to one, until I got my hands on it. Lousy trigger. Bought a Kahr instead.