New for 2021: Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus

by
posted on March 16, 2021
** 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. **
Smith & Wesson joined the ranks of several other manufacturers in offering expanded capacity inside a micro-compact carry pistol, thanks to the launch of the company's new M&P Shield Plus. The new pistol takes many of the features that gun owners loved about the M&P Shield M2.0 and blends them with a couple of design enhancements that make the gun even better.

To start, the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus features a redesigned stagger-stack magazine that ups flush-fit magazine capacity from seven rounds to 10 rounds. The extended magazine increased from an eight-round capacity to 13 rounds, making this a more capable CCW package than ever before. Despite the increase in capacity, the dimensions of the M&P Shield Plus are only slightly wider than the original M&P Shield M2.0 model, which means that it's still an easy-to-carry pistol. In fact, the Shield Plus is designed to fit all standard M&P Shield holsters currently on the market.

One of the other enhancements found on the M&P Shield Plus is the addition of an entirely new trigger assembly. S&W eliminated its traditional hinged trigger safety, opting instead to go with a blade-in trigger safety like many other models on the market. The trigger's profile has changed drastically as well, now coming with a much flatter face as opposed to the curved bow seen on past models. The trigger also offers a clean pull with a crisp break that aids in accurate shooting.

Multiple models will be available at launch, including optic-ready, Performance Center and manual-safety-equipped pistols. Each of these guns will share many of the features found on the M&P Shield M2.0 models, including enhanced texturing, serrations at the front and rear of the slide, three-dot sights and a 3.1" barrel.

Suggested retail pricing on the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus starts at $553. For more information, watch our video on the M&P Shield Plus above or visit smith-wesson.com.

Latest

Kahr Arms X9
Kahr Arms X9

Review: Kahr Arms X9

When Kahr introduced the 10-round X9, it was first a matter of “about time.” However, after examining the pistol, it’s apparent that the company found a way to catch up with its competitors in a hurry.

Frugal Tactical: Retay USA's RA1522 Line

Largely known for its line of imported shotguns, Retay USA is moving into the tactical rimfire field with its collection of .22 LR-chambered RA1522 guns.

The Armed Citizen® March 9, 2026

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

Firearm Industry Rebound on the Horizon?

Several industry developments indicate the post-pandemic decline in gun sales may finally be coming to a halt. Here's what that means for consumers.

Preview: Adapteur & Silencieux Silencer Adapter

Cleverly designed and precisely made in France by Adaptateur & Silencieux, the Ruger Mark IV, III and II Silencer Adapter allows those classic models to accept suppressors.

Review: Yankee Hill Machine Victra-12 Shotgun Suppressor

Yankee Hill Machine has recently released its Victra-12 shotgun suppressor, which promises to quiet the report of a 12-gauge shotgun while adding less weight than ever before.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.