Quick Take
- 🎯 Perfect for: Concealed carry & everyday carry
- ⭐ Our Expert Rating: 4.5/5
- 🏆 Why Trust Us: Veteran-owned, licensed firearms dealer in Minooka, IL
Click Here to check the current prices of the Smith & Wesson M&P9 Shield Plus
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
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Caliber | 9x19mm Parabellum |
| Length | 6.1 inches |
| Height | 4.6 inches |
| Width | 1.1 inches |
| Barrel Length | 3.1 inches |
| Weight (Empty) | 20.2 oz |
| Capacity | 10+1 or 13+1 rounds |
| Optics Ready? | Yes |
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:
| Performance Metric | Results |
|---|---|
| Accuracy | 2-inch groups at 15 yards |
| Reliability | 2,500+ rounds, no malfunctions |
| Recoil Management | Manageable, even for new shooters |
| Trigger Quality | Crisp, light 5.5 lb pull |
| Sight Picture | Excellent for quick target acquisition |
✅ 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! 🚀