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American Rifleman's Joe Kurtenbach takes a look at the Smith & Wesson M&P 45 Shield, detailing several features that distinguish it from the earlier 9 mm and .40 S&W models. Among these changes are a barrel that is two tenths of an inch longer than its predecessors, front fish-scale serrations and a more aggressive grip texturing to better help control the strong recoil of the .45 ACP cartridge. For more information, check out this "Rifleman Review" from a recent episode of American Rifleman TV.
Great powers have often used smaller conflicts as test beds for new weapon systems, and also as dumping grounds for obsolete machinery. The Spanish Civil War was one such conflict.