Crimson Trace Green Laser

[jdandy]

This is my next purchase for my Smith & Wesson M&P 9mm Shield, the new Crimson Trace green laser. I am waiting on the Hidden Hybrid Holster combination package to become available with the inside the waistband Kydex holster that is molded for the Shield with the green laser installed. Perfect for night defense of the home or anywhere else there might be low light. Even better, the green laser is much more visible and brighter in daylight than the red laser. Crimson Trace has developed a partnership with Smith & Wesson to manufacture this laser and the red version for the M&P 9mm and .40 caliber Shields. I am looking forward to getting this laser and new holster as soon as Hidden Hybrid Holster has the package available.

[SHV]

I really like how the laser is integrated into the "system"; a para-axial laser that isn't hung on a rail is really nice. I looked at a 9mm shield last week, seems like a nice carry pistol. Have you fired the .40 and is there any reason to get the model with the thumb safety? "Plastic" guns still feel odd but I'll get over it. :>)

Steve

[jdandy]

Originally Posted by SHV

I really like how the laser is integrated into the "system"; a para-axial laser that isn't hung on a rail is really nice. I looked at a 9mm shield last week, seems like a nice carry pistol. Have you fired the .40 and is there any reason to get the model with the thumb safety? "Plastic" guns still feel odd but I'll get over it. :>)

Steve......."Plastic" is a bit of a misnomer in describing this gun. The polymer frames on modern pistols are extremely durable and high strength. The slide, barrel, slide rails, and trigger mechanisms are all high strength metal. The Smith & Wesson M&P Shield is a high quality, easily concealable weapon that is reliable. I have fired over 300 rounds through my 9mm Shield without a single hang up.

The M&P Shield is my first polymer gun. Like you, I had a preconceived notion that polymer guns were more a gimmick than a truly dependable weapon but now that I own and use the 9mm Shield my attitude has taken a 180 degree turn. The Shield means business. It sits comfortably in your hand, shoots well with one or two hands and is accurate. Three inch groups at 25 feet are no issue. It is light to carry and I forget I am even wearing it most of the time. It is thin enough to easily conceal in an inside the waistband holster, even under just a t-shirt.

I selected the 9mm version of the Shield for the readily available 9mm ammunition and the moderate recoil. The 9mm round in hollow point (I use Hornady Critical Defense HP) delivers all the stopping power a person needs. Several of the federal agencies, including the FBI are returning to 9mm from .40 caliber. In addition, the 9mm Shield magazines load 7+1 and 8+1 rounds where as the .40 cal magazines load 6+1 and 7+1. The Shield comes with both size magazines. Smith & Wesson has also done an fine job with the trigger on the Shield. Typical trigger pull is 6lbs-10oz or slightly lighter from the factory. This can be further improved with an Apex Duty Carry Trigger Kit if one chooses to upgrade. The thumb safety comes on all Shields. I don't use it since the Shield is striker fired and also employs a trigger safety. The front and rear sight are full sized and very good. The front sight can be drifted if necessary and the sights can be removed if other sights are your choice. It has been on the market for two and a half years now and there are plenty of aftermarket upgrades and options available for the M&P Shield.

If you are interested in a reliable, concealable, single stack weapon, I can highly recommend the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield. It is a fine concealed carry weapon that will change your thinking about polymer frame guns.

[SHV]

Thanks for the follow up. I don't have a problem with polymer framed pistols other than the weight feels "odd". I have a Glock and it still feels odd even after 2 years and an FN Five-seven on order. I will likely buy a Shield in 9mm with the green laser. My local gun shop has Shields with and without the thumb safety.

M&P SHIELD - Smith & Wesson

Steve

[jdandy]

Steve.......I appreciate the information on the Shields without the thumb safety. I stand corrected.

[SHV]

Does it make a difference with a striker fired gun if you don't use it? I'm not sure why the option is offered.

Steve

[jdandy]

Originally Posted by SHV

Does it make a difference with a striker fired gun if you don't use it? I'm not sure why the option is offered.

Steve

Steve.......I believe the safety is provided so the gun can be sold in states that may require a safety as well as a loaded cartridge indicator. Now that I know S&W offers the Shield in a version without the thumb safety, I would still purchase one with the thumb safety. It is an option that can be used or not. The actual safety lever sits very close to the frame, snaps briskly into both the On and Off positions, and is not a nuisance to comfort. In addition, should I ever decide to sell the Shield, having the thumb safety might be something another owner may wish to have. I doubt seriously that I will ever sell this gun. I like it a lot.

[SHV]

"I would still purchase one with the thumb safety. It is an option that can be used or not."
******
Thanks...I was asked which one that I would want and said "without", but after thinking about it, I couldn't think of a reason of why not to have the safety. It is small and not intrusive, which seems to be good if it isn't routinely used.

Steve

[Masterlu]

I have a green laser on a few of my newer weapons, and much prefer it over the more conventional red one.

[ths61]

Green lasers are also better than red ones in daylight situations.

I have a Viridian Reactor Green Laser with the magnetic switch and matching magnetic pocket and CrossBreed Supertuck IWB holsters. The laser is automatically turned off once the firearm is holstered and turned on when drawn.

The trigger guard attachment makes the inside of the trigger guard a little smaller for fat fingers.

It looks like the laser is a little closer to the barrel on the CrimsonTrace version which should keep the elevation calibration a bit closer to zero at differing distances.