The NEW S&W Shield X: The Shield Done Right

Smith & Wesson just released the Shield X, and it’s easily one of the most anticipated pistols in recent memory. The new M&P Shield X takes everything shooters loved about the original Shield series and addresses just about every complaint that’s been bouncing around gun forums for the past decade.

SPECS:

Width: 0.9 in
Length: 6.87 in
Height: 4.9 in
Weight: 20.8 oz
Caliber: 9mm
Size: Subcompact
Capacity: 13, 15 rounds
Action: Striker-fired
Barrel Length: 3.6 in
Grip Material: Polymer
Sights: Night sights
Optic Ready: Yes
Safety: Thumb Safety or No Thumb Safety
Color/Finish: Black
Threaded Barrel: No
Barrel Material: Stainless steel
Frame Material: Polymer
Number of Magazines Included: 2

What Makes the Shield X Different

Grip, Capacity, Texture

The most notable change is the grip length. Where the Shield Plus offered a flush-fit 10-round magazine, the Shield X offers a 13-round flush-fitting mag that actually provides a full three-finger grip, as well as a 15-round extended mag.

But Smith & Wesson didn’t simply stretch the grip. They redesigned the ergonomics by slimming the grip down front-to-back, taking inspiration from their Bodyguard 2.0. Now, the grip is just 0.9 inches wide compared to the Plus’s 1.1 inches. Also, thanks to an undercut trigger guard and a deep beavertail cut, your hand sits higher on the frame lowering the bore axis, giving better recoil control.

Speaking of the trigger guard. It now features a squared-off profile, making it slightly larger, and with added texturing. This makes it easier to shoot with gloves on and provides more room for a solid support-hand grip.

The grip texturing pattern has changed too – S&W removed the aggressive middle section that many carriers complained would chew through shirts during extended carry. The new design smoothes out the areas that touch your body for a more comfortable carry.

The 3.6-inch barrel extends about half an inch longer than previous Shield models, which should help with velocity and accuracy. Combined with the improved ergonomics, this makes the Shield X more shootable than any previous Shield variant.

Finally, the Rail

This is huge. The Shield X features Smith & Wesson’s first integrated rail system on a Shield-series pistol. No more dealing with proprietary adapters or weird-looking molded lights. You can now mount standard compact lights like the popular TLR-7 or similar options directly to the frame.

Slide Improvements

The Shield X comes optics-ready with the RMSc/K footprint, which covers most popular micro red dots. The factory sights are a great choice: an Ameriglo Trooper LumiGreen front sight paired with a blacked-out serrated rear notch. This combination provides excellent visibility while co-witnessing properly with mounted optics.

The slide gets aggressive serrations front and rear, carried over from the Bodyguard 2.0. It also features Smith & Wesson’s ClearSight Cut around the optic mounting area, designed to channel gases away from your red dot lens.

The Holster Situation

As with any new gun, holster availability will initially be limited. The dimensional changes mean Shield Plus holsters won’t work, and the addition of the rail adds another compatibility consideration. Major holster manufacturers will undoubtedly catch up quickly, but early adopters might face some wait time for their preferred carry setup.

Some Things to Keep in Mind

The removal of aggressive stippling from the middle section of the grip can become a concern for some shooters – this is the exact area where your support hand fingers naturally make contact. Concealed carriers who’ve dealt with clothing wear appreciate the change, but some people concider this an overcorrection.

Another issue is magazine compatibility. While the Shield X and Shield Plus use the same magazines, the base plates are different. To use Shield Plus magazines in the Shield X, you’ll need to swap out the base plates, which adds an extra step for those upgrading from the Plus.

Some shooters with larger hands are concerned about the shorter trigger reach and narrower grip profile. The Shield X definitely targets shooters who prefer a slimmer feel, which might not work for everyone.

Performance and Reliability

Based on initial range reports, the Shield X shoots exactly how you’d expect a modern Smith & Wesson pistol to shoot – reliably and accurately. The improved ergonomics make a noticeable difference in how the gun handles recoil, and the longer barrel should provide a slight velocity bump over shorter Shield models.

The trigger feels familiar if you’ve shot other M&P pistols. It’s a flat-faced design with the usual safety blade, breaking clean with minimal overtravel.

Video by Smith & Wesson.

How it Stacks Up

The Shield X sits in similar territory to guns like the Sig P365XL and Glock 43X/48. It’s thinner than most competitors but slightly longer and taller. The 20.8-ounce weight puts it in the middle of the pack for this size category.

Compared to the P365 XL, the Shield X is slightly longer but noticeably thinner. The ergonomics feel more refined, and the trigger has that familiar M&P feel. However, the P365 XL has better aftermarket support and a more proven track record.

Against the Glock 43X, the Shield X offers better ergonomics, night sights out of the box, and that rail. The Glock has the advantage in aftermarket support and magazine capacity options (though a standard capacity is 10 rounds), but the Shield X feels like a more complete package from the factory.

The 13+1 capacity might seem conservative compared to some competitors offering 15+ rounds flush, but the Shield X prioritizes concealability and grip comfort over maximum capacity.

Shield X vs Shield Plus

Dimensions and Ergonomics

Shield Plus is compact and familiar, measuring 6.1 inches in length, 4.6 inches in height, and has a width of 1.1 inches. It’s slightly thicker, offering a more robust grip for larger hands.
Shield X, on the other hand, comes in longer and thinner at 6.87 inches in length, 4.9 inches in height, and just 0.9 inches thick. The slimmer design and extended grip provide more comfort for individuals with smaller hands or for those seeking a firmer, ergonomic hold.

Magazine Capacity

The Shield Plus offers 10-round flush and 13-round extended magazines.
The Shield X ships with 13-round flush fit and 15-round extended magazines.

Barrel Length and Recoil Management

The Shield Plus features a 3.1-inch barrel, great for portability and ultra-comfortable carry.
The Shield X steps it up with a 3.6-inch barrel, offering improved accuracy at distance and better recoil management.

Features and Modern Upgrades

Here’s where the Shield X really shines with newly-added features:

Optics-ready slide with RMSc/K footprint.
Integrated accessory rail for mounting lights or lasers.
Enhanced front and rear slide serrations for easier manipulation.
An extended beavertail and undercut trigger guard for better hand placement and control.

The Shield Plus, while reliable and straightforward, lacks these modern upgrades but counters with a fully-textured grip that wraps around for a secure hold.

SMITH & WESSON M&P 9 Shield Plus Pistol

$399.00

Price accurate at time of writing

Shop No Thumb Safety model >>>

The Shield X Comp Version?

Many shooters are taking a “wait and see” approach, expecting Smith & Wesson to release a Performance Center or Carry Comp version within the next six months to a year. Given S&W’s recent pattern of releasing comped variants, this expectation seems reasonable.

SMITH & WESSON Performance Center M&P9 Shield Plus

$839.00

Price accurate at time of writing

The Bottom Line

Smith & Wesson listened to feedback and delivered a pistol that addresses real-world carry concerns. The Shield X isn’t revolutionary, but it’s evolutionary in all the right ways. Better ergonomics, practical features like the rail system, and improved capacity make this a compelling option for concealed carry.

The NEW S&W Shield X: The Shield Done Right