New For 2025: Smith & Wesson Shield X

by
posted on August 6, 2025
** 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. **
SW Shield X 01
Images courtesy of Smith & Wesson.

As one of the most competitive niches within the firearms world, the micro-compact handgun category is a crowded one. Smith & Wesson firmly staked its territory within this category when it released the M&P Shield in 2012. Over the years, the company has continually improved the design, with the updated 2.0 model and the Shield Plus. Lessons learned from both the Shield lineup and the Bodyguard 2.0 series introduced last year have been applied to the new-for-2025 Shield X.

Right side of the Smith & Wesson Shield X pistol.

The new Shield X combines features from both the Shield Plus and the Bodyguard 2.0. A locked-breech, semi-automatic pistol chambered for the 9 mm Luger cartridge, it utilizes the double-column magazines of the Shield Plus. The new pistol feeds from 13-round flush-fit magazines, which requires a slightly longer grip frame, with a 15-round extended magazine also included in the package. The Shield X’s 3.6” barrel is half an inch longer than the Shield Plus and the extra space gives room for an accessory rail on the polymer frame’s dustcover. Its overall length is about 0.75” longer, at 6.87”, and the pistol weighs 20.8 ozs.

Top-rear view of the Smith & Wesson Shield X pistol.
The Shield X is optics-ready and has more aggressive serrations on the slide.

Cues taken from the Bodyguard 2.0 include improved ergonomics, which come from the longer grip frame, undercut triggerguard and extended frame beavertail. Small pistols have minimal purchase on their slides, and the Shield X addresses this by adding more aggressive front and rear slide serrations. Sights are an Ameriglo front night sight, combined with a U-notch rear with a serrated face. The pistol is also optics-ready, using a Shield RMsC footprint with Smith & Wesson’s Clear Sight Cut, which diverts gas away from the chamber for a clear sight picture through the optic.      

Left side of the Smith & Wesson Shield X pistol.
The Shield X is available with (pictured) and without a manual thumb safety. It is also available with restricted 10-round magazines.

The Shield X is available in three configurations—without a thumb safety, with a thumb safety, and a compliant with a thumb safety that ships with 10-round magazines. All three versions of the Shield X have an MSRP of $599. For more information, see the company’s website.

Latest

smith & wesson performance center model 19 carry comp moss
smith & wesson performance center model 19 carry comp moss

Unlocking The Future: Smith & Wesson's "No Lock" Revolvers

The future is shaping up to be a good one for fans of Smith & Wesson revolvers. The iconic American company had released 14 new models thus far in 2025 at the time this was written mid-year. And, with one exception, they have all shared a common feature—no internal lock.

The Armed Citizen® Oct. 6, 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.

FEMA Notes Decline In Disaster Preparedness

A recent report from the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) noted a decline in local government preparedness for natural disasters, putting increased pressure on individuals to prepare themselves for emergencies.

Army Announces Type Classification Of New Infantry Rifle, Machine Gun

In May 2025, the U.S. Army’s Soldier Lethality Project at the Picatinny Arsenal in New Jersey announced the official type classification of SIG Sauer’s M7 rifle and M250 automatic rifle, previously known as the XM7 and the XM250, respectively.

RXR22: Savage Arms Redefines The Budget Rimfire Rifle

Savage Arms has a long history of producing affordable and accurate rimfire rifles, but with its RXR22, the company is bringing a new level of affordability and modularity to rimfire rifle fans.

SARCO: A Lifetime Covered Up With Surplus Firearm Parts

When it comes to selling gun parts and gun-related military surplus, Charles “Cholly” Steen has been at it for longer than almost anyone. It all started when, as a 5-year-old, he began stashing odds and ends in the drawers of his clothes dresser.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.