NRA Gun Gear of the Week: Shield v. Shield—Concept

American Rifleman Staff

posted on July 23, 2017

Support NRA American Rifleman DONATE

** 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. **

Since its introduction, Smith & Wesson’s single-stack, striker-fired semi-automatic M&P Shield has been among the most popular options for personal defense and concealed-carry firearms. American Rifleman's Joe Kurtenbach has covered, and carried, a 9 mm Shield since the gun’s 2012 debut, and has recently been testing an enhanced Performance Center model. Comparing the original Shield to the newer gun had Kurtenbach wondering if, with a few relatively easy upgrades, he could enhance the base model’s performance to a level of parity.

Additional Reading:
NRA Gun Gear of the Week: Shield v. Shield—Sights
NRA Gun Gear of the Week: Shield v. Shield—Trigger
NRA Gun Gear of the Week: Shield v. Shield—Recoil
NRA Gun Gear of the Week: Conclusion

Latest

New Guns For 2026: A Full Guide

While it’s claimed the firearms industry is experiencing a slowdown, that hasn’t meant a stall to innovation. It means gunmakers are working harder than ever to earn your business.

News, Guns

Rifleman Review: Tikka T3x Ace Target

Tikka's T3x line of rifles has long been a popular option for many hunters and shooters, and recently, the Finnish company has expanded this line with its T3x Ace Target model, which is specifically designed for competition use.

Reviews, News

New For 2026: Bersa BP9 FS

Bersa USA has expanded into many corners of the firearm market in recent years, and new for 2026, the company has now launched its BP9 FS, a new design intended for duty, self-defense and competition use.

News, Guns

Surprising Concealed Carry Statistics

A survey conducted by the Crime Prevention Research Center studied how many likely voters regularly carry concealed handguns, and the results defy expectations.

Armed Citizen, News

I Have This Old Gun: Universal Model 1000 Carbine

To meet the domestic demand for M1 carbines while the original guns were still in government service, several manufacturers emerged, and one of them was Universal Firearms of Florida.

News, I Have This Old Gun

FN Browning Group to Acquire Accuracy International

Accuracy International will join a roster of companies that includes FN America, FN Herstal, Browning firearms and Winchester firearms—among others—in FN Browning Group’s Defense & Security and Hunting & Sports Shooting divisions.

News