NRA Gun of the Week: Smith & Wesson M&P45 Shield Pistol

by
posted on July 30, 2016
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
The Smith & Wesson M&P line of striker-fired, semi-automatic, subcompact pistols in 9 mm and .40 S&W was a huge success. For 2016, the company upped the ante. Recognizing market demand for a concealable .45 ACP, Smith & Wesson has incorporated the chambering into its M&P Shield series. The single-stack pistol has a 3.3” Armornite-finished stainless steel barrel that provides excellent accuracy especially for a small defensive handgun. Lying comfortably in the hand and anchored by aggressive stippling in the grip area, the polymer-frame pistol has an overall length of 6.25” and is just less than 1” in width. Fine three-dot sights and a great trigger, combined with quality manufacturing, make for a capable and reliable defensive pistol.


Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson
Model: M&P45 Shield
Caliber: .45 ACP
Action: recoil-operated, striker-fired, semi-automatic center-fire pistol
Frame: polymer
Finish: black Armornite
Slide: stainless steel
Barrel: 3.3”, stainless steel
Magazine: detachable box; six- and seven-round capacity
Sights: dovetailed three-dot configuration
Trigger: 5-lb., 11-oz. pull
Weight: 20.5 ozs.
MSRP: $479

Latest

Taurus 817 01
Taurus 817 01

The Taurus 817 Is Back

The Taurus 817 revolver hasn't been available since the early 2000s, but now, it's back and features several notable updates.

NRA To Hold World Shooting Championship In Indiana

Registration is now open for the eighth NRA World Shooting Championship, which is sponsored by Walther Arms and will be held at Camp Atterbury, Ind., from September 30 to October 4.

Gun Of The Week: Springfield Armory Prodigy Compact 3.5” AOS

For this episode, we’re on the range with a double-stack, M1911-style handgun that’s more compact and lightweight than we’re used to seeing. This is the Springfield Armory Prodigy Compact 3.5” AOS chambered for 9 mm Luger.

The Armed Citizen® Aug. 1, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Budget Pistol Rigs With AIM Surplus

It's still possible to pull together a budget-friendly, name-brand pistol rig for $300 to $400, if you play your cards right.

Nextorch Celebrating 20th Anniversary—A Timely Preparedness Reminder

Nextorch North America is celebrating the company’s 20 years of providing lighting solutions for consumers, law enforcement professionals and military forces around the world.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.