I have no technical problem with Glocks. They are well functioning firearms, and Gaston’s invention changed the way pistols are made and marketed. I own several. With that being said, I don’t like shooting or carrying them as much as I do other handguns. It isn’t a quality problem. They just don’t feel right in my hand.
My preferred handgun is the Smith and Wesson M&P series. I own them in multiple models and calibers: M&P, the M&P 2.0, the Shield, Shield EZ, and the Shield Plus. I have them in .380, 9mm, .40S&W, .357Sig, and .45ACP. I’ve even been considering a 10mm. Still, I think that Smith & Wesson hit it out of the park for concealed carry when they came out with the Shield Plus. I own several or three of them.
I did a review of a Performance Center Shield Plus about a year and a half ago. Smith and Wesson hit a home run with this handgun. It may very well be the ultimate concealed carry handgun. A micro compact 9mm holding 10, or 13 rounds, and it is the same size as 8 shot 9mms. Smith and Wesson also sells magazines for the Shield Plus that hold 15 rounds. The only real issue is that the pistol with a microdot installed isn’t always convenient for EDC. It won’t fit in my Vaultek Slide, and I had to have a Milt Sparks holster custom made to fit it. For that reason, I also have a couple without the microdot sight on them. The Shield Plus comes in a few versions.
- The Shield Plus without cut for microdot is currently selling for less than $400.
- Cut for a microdot, it can be found for less than $450
- The comped and ported version with the Crimson Trace microdot is less than $830.
If those prices aren’t low enough, Smith and Wesson is offering a $50 rebate for every Shield pistol sold during November and December. A new quality EDC handgun for $350? Yes, please. (I just got one with the microdot slide cut for $400, after the rebate. I paid for it with a cashback credit card, so that cuts the price down even more.)
Disclaimer: I don’t advertise, and receive nothing for my reviews or articles. I have no relationship with any products, companies, or vendors that I review here, other than being a customer. If I ever *DO* have a financial interest, I will disclose it. Otherwise, I pay what you would pay. No discounts or other incentives here that you can’t get. I only post these things because I think that my readers would be interested.
8 Comments
it's just Boris · November 11, 2023 at 10:30 am
We are in a golden age of firearms. While examples as the above abound, it’s not just pistols; it’s also rifles (especially the AR platform, but also Ruger 10/22 clones, bolt actions galore, etc.), “clone” shotguns, ammo, and perhaps especially, optics. Ammo is pricier than one would like; but it’s available in plenty, almost regardless of caliber.
Phrase stolen by me from “Guns and Gear Review Podcast” co-host Tony; I don’t know where he stole it from.
Joe Blow · November 11, 2023 at 11:38 am
AAAAnnnnnnddd, they are an American Company, not Austrian, who just opened up their new HQ a hop, skip, and a jump down Rt 321 from me in Maryville, TN!
They got a lot of tax breaks and built a brand new building and everything. Hiring a lot of CNC type positions(~$24/hr) and paying $15.50/hr for Joe-factory workers to assemble guns. My Gawd… paid 15 bucks an hour to build AR’s and pistols and… Healthcare and retirement and PTO and all that, too. Pass a drug test and background.
EN 2 SS · November 11, 2023 at 5:44 pm
I’ve owned several S&Ws revolvers over the years, top notch pistols. Don’t own any listed in your post, but don’t doubt all are among the best available. The perfect, aimed at what I see when I pick it up without any grip adjustments, is the Sig P 365. Pricy? Yes, but a perfect fit for my hands.
Divemedic · November 11, 2023 at 8:13 pm
I haven’t shot a 365. I used to compete in IDPA matches with Sig 229s in blackened stainless. I switched to the M&P because the trigger pull is more consistent.
Matthew W · November 12, 2023 at 8:12 am
Glocks are supposed really tough guns but I’m with you in that it doesn’t feel right in my hand either.
I have 2 S&W M&P’s and the EZ 380 is my edc.
If I had the money of another gun, the M&P 9mm would be on the top of the list or a 9mm carbine
Anonymous · November 12, 2023 at 12:14 pm
Troglodyte Mike here, Still carrying my 1990, early gen 2 G19. Something about “if it’s broke…if it ain’t broke…” oh wait! I picked up a 1969 4 inch, Colt Trooper, tightest revolver I’ve ever examined seems unfired. Super trigger, super accurate, unfortunate bluing from neglected, improper storage (that’s why it was affordable).
Jonesy · November 12, 2023 at 3:53 pm
I agree with you on the shield and shield plus like….great guns. The only problem I can find is the grip spacer they use for the extended mags….that thing can float, and occasionally make the mag difficult to seat under pressure.
Divemedic · November 12, 2023 at 4:19 pm
Try gluing it in place with gorilla glue.
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