Smith & Wesson M&P Shield 9 Plus Review: The Ultimate CCW

Introduction

At Voodoo Firearms, we take pride in offering detailed, hands-on firearm reviews to help you make the best decision for your needs. Today, we’re diving into the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield 9 Plus Optics Ready, a compact carry gun that builds on the success of the original Shield series.

This pistol packs more rounds, offers an improved trigger, and is now optics-ready, making it one of the best everyday carry (EDC) options available. We’ve put it through extensive testing and gathered real-world feedback from customers and trainers to bring you this in-depth review.

Technical Specifications

Design & Ergonomics

The M&P Shield 9 Plus retains the compact, easy-to-carry profile of the original Shield while making key improvements that enhance comfort, control, and shootability.

✔ Slim & Comfortable: At just 1.1 inches wide, it disappears under a T-shirt but still offers enough grip for good control.
✔ Textured Grip: The grip texture is aggressive enough for solid control, but not so rough that it chews up your hands or clothing.
✔ Improved Trigger: The new flat-faced trigger has a clean, crisp break and a short reset for quicker follow-up shots.
✔ Ambidextrous Controls: The reversible mag release makes it left-hand friendly.

This is a well-balanced carry gun, offering more control than tiny micro-compacts without sacrificing concealability.

Performance & Shooting Experience

We put 2,500 rounds through the Shield 9 Plus Optics Ready, including FMJs, hollow points, and even +P defensive ammo. Here’s how it performed:

✅ Key Takeaway: Accurate, reliable, and easy to shoot, making it a top-tier choice for self-defense.

Optics-Ready – Why It Matters

One of the biggest upgrades is the optics-ready slide, allowing you to mount a red dot sight with no modifications.

🔹 Why does this matter?
✔ Faster target acquisition—just put the dot on the target and shoot.
✔ Better accuracy in defensive situations, especially for new shooters.
✔ Works with popular micro red dots like the Holosun 507K, Shield RMSc, and SIG RomeoZero.

Even if you’re not using a red dot now, having the option makes this gun future-proof.

Carrying & Concealability

If you need a comfortable, easy-to-conceal pistol, the Shield 9 Plus delivers:

✔ Slim profile (1.1 inches wide) means it disappears under a T-shirt.
✔ Weighs just over 20 ounces, making it easy to carry all day.
✔ Works well with both IWB and appendix holsters.

It’s a great option for everyday carry, whether you’re a new shooter or an experienced carrier.

Training & Maintenance

🔹 Training Tips

✔ Break it in with at least 200 rounds before carrying.
✔ Practice drawing from a holster to build muscle memory.
✔ Use dry fire drills to improve trigger control and sight alignment.

🔹 Maintenance Checklist

✔ Clean every 500 rounds or once a month.
✔ Keep the slide and barrel lightly lubricated for smooth operation.
✔ Check for wear on the recoil spring and magazines over time.

Regular practice and maintenance will keep this gun running reliably for years to come.

Pros & Cons – What’s Good & What’s Not

✔ Pros:
✅ 13+1 capacity in a slim frame
✅ Optics-ready for red dots
✅ Great trigger with a short reset
✅ Comfortable to shoot for its size
✅ Reliable with all types of ammo

❌ Cons:
⚠ Snappy recoil—not bad, but noticeable compared to a full-size pistol.
⚠ No manual safety option—some people prefer one.
⚠ Limited optic compatibility—check fitment before buying a red dot.

Bottom line? The pros far outweigh the cons.

Our Take – Is It Worth It?

At Voodoo Firearms, we believe a great concealed carry pistol should be reliable, easy to shoot, and confidence-inspiring.

The M&P Shield 9 Plus Optics Ready delivers exactly that.

✔ More capacity without extra bulk
✔ A better trigger and ergonomics than past Shield models
✔ An optics-ready slide for modern EDC setups
✔ Proven reliability—2,500 rounds, zero issues

If you want a concealed carry gun that’s modern, feature-packed, and easy to carry, this is one of the best options available today.

Pricing & Value

Compared to similar optics-ready concealed carry guns, the Shield 9 Plus is competitively priced.

Click Here to check the current prices of the Smith & Wesson M&P9 Shield Plus

Frequently Asked Questions

🔹 Is the Shield 9 Plus good for concealed carry?

Yes! It’s slim, lightweight, and high-capacity, making it a top choice for EDC.

🔹 How is it different from the original Shield?

The Shield 9 Plus has double the capacity (13+1), a better trigger, and an optics-ready slide.

🔹 Does it handle +P ammo?

Yes, it’s rated for +P ammunition, making it a great choice for self-defense rounds.

🔹 Can I take a CCW class with my Shield 9 Plus?

Absolutely! We offer concealed carry courses to help you master your firearm.

Final Verdict

The Smith & Wesson M&P Shield 9 Plus Optics Ready is one of the best modern concealed carry pistols available today.

✔ More capacity, same slim profile
✔ Optics-ready for red dot users
✔ Reliable & easy to shoot

For beginners and experienced shooters alike, this is a fantastic everyday carry option.

Click Here to check the current prices of the Smith & Wesson M&P9 Shield Plus

Visit Voodoo Firearms

📍 408 W Mondamin St, Minooka, IL 60447
📞 815-218-6620
📧 voodoo@voodoofirearms.com

Let us know what you think of the Shield 9 Plus in the comments below! 🚀