Smith & Wesson M&P Shield in .45 ACP

by
posted on May 23, 2016
** 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. **
mp45main.jpg

If you’ve been wondering when the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield was going to be released in .45 ACP, wonder no longer.

The M&P is now available, for the first time, chambered in .45 ACP. The M&P45 Shield follows the strict manufacturing guidelines that are in place for the entire M&P Pistol Series. It is a slim, lightweight striker-fired polymer pistol made for concealed carry. The one-inch profile of the M&P45, its optimized 18-degree grip angle, and aggressive grip texture with front cocking serrations provides consumers and professionals with a reliable and simple operation for a concealed-carry weapon.

The M&P45 Shield is 6.45 inches in overall length and has a 3.3-inch stainless-steel barrel. The frame width (without slide stop) is under an inch and it weighs 20.5 ounces. The left side of the frame features a simple takedown lever, flat profile slide stop and magazine release. Just like the M&P Shield line, the trigger on the M&P45 is crisp and quick with an audible reset.

“Our new M&P45 Shield takes personal protection to the next level by offering all the M&P features our customers have come to trust, combined with .45-caliber power,” said Jan Mladek, general manager of the M&P brand. “Well over one million consumers and professionals have chosen to ‘Shield Themselves’ with the slim, concealable and powerful M&P Shield pistol. The new M&P Shield in .45 ACP provides that extra level of confidence.”

MSRP: $479 with a limited warranty and a lifetime service policy.

Latest

firearms on a tire
firearms on a tire

Handguns: Carry Rotation Downside

Back when I first got into the gun business in the mid-1990s, my gun-handling and shooting skills were, to put it charitably, extremely—well, let’s go with “mediocre.”

First Look: Crossbreed Lightguard Holster

Crossbreed has released a holster for pistols with attached weaponlights.

Rifles: Find the Right Ammunition

Sometimes, trial and error is the only way to “fix” a poorly performing rifle.

First Look: Girsan CMX Witness 2311 Pistol

Girsan has removed the grip safety from the double-stack 1911 design in this new pistol.

Tech Wisdom: Snakes vs. Patches

My friend and I have a few different handguns we use on a regular basis. Some are for competition, some are for personal defense, some are for casual shooting and I even hunt big game with a handgun.

First Look: MDT STS Buttstock

MDT's new STS buttstock combines classic looks with modern modularity.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Illustrated delivered to your inbox.