Smith & Wesson M&P 9 Shield Plus 9mm
Model: 13246
Smith & Wesson M&P 9 Shield Plus 9mm
Model: 13246
Full Specifications
About This Firearm
The Shield Plus fixed the original Shield's biggest problem: capacity. The first-generation Shield held 7 or 8 rounds in a single-stack magazine. The Shield Plus packs 13 rounds into a frame that is only 0.1" wider at 1.1". At 20.2 oz and 6.1" overall length, it carries like the original but holds 5-6 more rounds. Smith & Wesson shipped over 2 million Shields between 2012 and 2020, and the Plus updates that platform without abandoning the design that made it popular.
The 4.5 lb flat-face trigger is the lightest in the subcompact class. The Sig P365 runs 5.8 lbs, the Glock G43X pulls at 5.4 lbs, and the Canik METE MC9 comes in around 5 lbs. Owners describe the Shield Plus trigger as having a clean break with minimal take-up, which is unusual at any size class and rare in a subcompact. The manual thumb safety on model 13246 is optional; model 13249 ships without it. The 3.1" barrel is shorter than the Sig P365 XL at 3.7" and the G43X at 3.41", which means slightly more muzzle velocity loss with defensive loads.
Holster selection for the Shield Plus is second only to Glock. If you plan to carry appendix, the 1.1" width and 4.6" grip height tuck flat, and the 20.2 oz weight is manageable for all-day wear. Pair the flat trigger with a consistent draw stroke and this gun rewards you with fast, repeatable shots. Most owners report breaking the gun in within 200 rounds of mixed ammunition.
Best For
Strengths & Limitations
- The 4.5 lb flat-face trigger is the lightest in the subcompact 9mm class. The Sig P365 runs 5.8 lbs, and the G43X pulls at 5.4 lbs. Owners consistently describe the break as clean with minimal creep.
- 13 rounds in a 1.1"-wide frame at 20.2 oz. That is 3 more rounds than the Glock G43X in a package that is essentially the same width and only 1.5 oz heavier.
- No accessory rail for weapon lights. The Glock G43X has a slim mounting rail, and most competing subcompacts offer some rail option. Home defense use without a light requires a separate handheld flashlight.
- No factory optic cut on the base model. The Performance Center variant adds one, but the standard Shield Plus requires aftermarket slide milling to mount a red dot. The IWI Masada Slim and Ruger MAX-9 ship optic-ready at lower weight.
Category Rankings
How the Smith & Wesson M&P 9 Shield Plus 9mm ranks among subcompact 9mm Luger handguns.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Shield Plus come without the thumb safety?
Yes. Smith & Wesson sells both versions with identical specs. The no-safety model is number 13249; the safety model is 13246. Both have the same trigger, capacity, and dimensions. If you prefer passive safeties only, order the 13249. Most dealers stock both, but check before assuming your local shop has the one you want.
How does the 3.1" barrel affect defensive ammo performance?
The 3.1" barrel loses about 75-100 fps compared to a 3.4" barrel depending on the load. Federal HST 124gr runs roughly 1,100-1,125 fps from the Shield Plus versus 1,150 fps from a G43X. That is still well above the 1,000 fps threshold for reliable hollow-point expansion. The velocity loss affects barrier performance more than soft-tissue terminal ballistics at defensive distances.
What is the break-in period for the Shield Plus?
Smith & Wesson does not specify a formal break-in round count. Most owners report the slide and trigger action smooth out noticeably after 200 rounds of mixed ammunition. Some early production units had stiff magazine springs that made loading difficult for the first few weeks. Running the magazines fully loaded for a few days before range use helps. If you experience failures to feed in the first 100 rounds, run another 100 before diagnosing a problem.