Rifleman Review: Smith & Wesson M&P45 Shield

by
posted on July 1, 2020
** 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. **
American Rifleman examines the Smith & Wesson M&P45 Shield pistol in the Rifleman Review video segment above.

Smith & Wesson M&P45 Shield title screen.

Interest in mid-size .45-cal. pistols that use single-stack magazines led to the release of Smith & Wesson’s M&P45. The striker-fired, recoil-operated pistol sports a polymer frame and provides capacity for seven rounds. The 22.7-oz. package is a solid choice for daily carry.

Man wearing a ballcap shooting a pistol on a shooting range.

The polymer frame pistol measures 4.8”-tall by 6.45”-long and is fitted with a stainless steel slide topped with three-dot pattern sights. An Armornite finish covers the pistol. Smith & Wesson provides barrel length options up to 4” and our .45 ACP-chambered test sample measured a scant 3.3”.

On the front and rear of the slide, both left and right sides contain sections of fish-scale cuts to help in manipulation. Contours on the slide’s exterior were also sculpted to smooth the process of holstering the pistol.

Smith & Wesson black polymer pistol disassembled on white background.

Safety features include an articulated trigger safety and an internal mechanism to prevent misfire when the pistol is accidentally dropped. Purchasers may opt for a additional manual thumb safety, which is found on the gun’s left side where the frame and slide meet.

Pistol on cinder blocks.

The black polymer frame of the M&P45 Shield pistol contains an internal stainless steel chassis and sections of wrap-around texturing at its grip. The magazine release provides texturing as well. Six- and seven-round magazines come standard with the M&P45 Shield and each provides marked witness holes.

Specification table for Smith & Wesson M&P45 Shield pistol.

To learn more about Smith & Wesson’s M&P45 Shield pistol, please visit the company's website HERE, and be sure to watch our American Rifleman TV segment above.

Latest

Aiming
Aiming

The Fire Control Sequence: 3 Steps to Perfect Round Placement

If you want to hit your target, you need three things: a gun, a target and a method by which to hit that target with that gun. Shooting well is the result of a specific process.

Why Does the .44 Special Keep Hanging On?

What is it about the .44 Special cartridge that makes it, well, special?

CAA USA Under New Ownership, Consolidation of Manufacturing

CAA USA has been acquired by Plastimold Products, owners of META Tactical, unifying all three brands and their manufacturing capabilities.

A "Shot Heard 'Round the World" Rings Out in Karnes County

As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, communities across the nation are reflecting on the people and principles that have preserved our freedoms for generations. On Saturday, June 27, the Karnes County Friends of NRA did exactly that.

Behind Winchester's New Supreme Long Range Ammunition

For 2026, Winchester Ammunition took a big step forward in its ammo offerings with Supreme Long Range. Unlike previous offerings from the company, this purpose-built long-range hunting and shooting line required the company to invest in an entirely new projectile design: the BC Max bullet.

New For 2026: Magnum Research Suppressor-Ready Desert Eagle .50

With the growing popularity of suppressors, Magnum Research is bringing its iconic .50-caliber Desert Eagle pistol up to date with a suppressor-ready, threaded-barrel version.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.