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.
With a pocket of cash, family in tow and a mind for machining, Irish-born James Reid's foresight led him and his Knuckle Duster revolvers into the annals of firearms history.
Alongside Winchester's iconic lever-action and bolt-action rifles, the company has been an innovator in centerfire cartridge design for nearly as long as the company itself has been in existence.