Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus 9mm 3.1″ Thumb Safety
Pros & cons
What works
- 20.2 oz unloaded weight — 4 oz lighter than a Glock 19
- 13+1 round capacity — 3 more rounds than a standard Shield
- 1-in-10 twist rate barrel — stabilizes 115gr and 124gr ammo optimally
Trade-offs
- No threaded barrel option — limits suppressor compatibility without $120 aftermarket conversion
- Basic white-dot sights — inferior to tritium night sights in low light, upgrade costs $80-120
- Snappy recoil with +P ammunition — requires practice to manage effectively
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus 9mm 3.1" Thumb Safety?
The Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus 9mm 3.1" Thumb Safety is a micro-compact handgun designed for concealed carry with a manual thumb safety lever. It balances shootability and concealment through a 3.1-inch barrel and polymer frame weighing 20.2 ounces unloaded. Standard features include white-dot sights and a flat-faced trigger for consistent performance.
What is the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus 9mm 3.1" Thumb Safety used for?
This firearm is optimized for daily concealed carry and personal defense, prioritizing concealability without sacrificing capacity. The 13+1 and 10+1 round magazine options provide flexibility for different carry preferences, while the 6.1-inch overall length ensures it remains discreet under clothing. I recommend it for shooters who need a reliable backup or primary carry piece in urban environments.
How does the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus 9mm 3.1" Thumb Safety compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The M&P Shield Plus excels in concealability and rapid deployment, whereas the Stevens 334 Rifle offers superior long-range accuracy and power. At 20.2 ounces, the Shield Plus is over 6 pounds lighter than the Stevens 334, making it far more practical for everyday carry. Choose the Shield for close-quarters defense and the Stevens for hunting or precision shooting.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded weight is 20.2 ounces with a 3.1-inch barrel length and 6.1-inch overall length. The grip width measures 1.1 inches, allowing for a secure hold without printing through clothing. These dimensions make it one of the most compact 9mm options available, ideal for appendix or inside-the-waistband carry.
Who is this NOT for?
This handgun is not suitable for competition shooting or high-volume range use due to its limited sight radius and snappy recoil impulse. Shooters with larger hands may find the grip uncomfortable during extended sessions, and those requiring higher capacity should consider full-size alternatives. If you prioritize target accuracy over concealment, explore options like the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U Shotgun.
What's in the box?
The package includes one 13-round magazine, one 10-round magazine, a cable lock, and owner's manual. Total weight of the boxed product is 2.3 pounds, including all accessories and packaging materials. No additional optics or custom sights are included, so plan for those separately if needed.
Is the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus 9mm 3.1" Thumb Safety worth it at $413.99?
At $413.99, it offers excellent value for a proven micro-compact design with thumb safety and enhanced capacity. Compared to similar models like the SIG Sauer P365, it provides a more traditional safety mechanism at a lower price point. For shooters who prioritize manual safeties and reliability, this is a solid investment.
Key attributes
| upc | 022188884920 |
| manufacturer | Smith & Wesson / S&W |
| manufacturer part number | 13246 |
| action | Striker Fired |
| atf type | Pistol |
| barrel length | 3.1'' |
| caliber/gauge | 9mm |
| capacity | 10+1 |
| color | Black |
| length | 6.1'' |
| magazine included | 1 x 10-Round |
| model | M&P Shield Plus |
| number of magazines | 2 One 10 rd. & One 13 rd. |
| package height | 2.4 |
| package width | 7.0 |
| product type | Striker Fired |
| safety | Yes |
| shipping weight | 2.15 |
| sights | Fixed White Dot |
| sights type | 3-Dot White |
| slide description | Serrated |
| state restriction (ca) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA |
| state restriction (guam) | NO SALE TO GUAM |
| state restriction (or) | NO SALE TO OREGON |
| state restriction (pr) | NO SALE TO PUERTO RICO |
| state restriction (ri) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO RHODE ISLAND |
| state restriction (vi) | NO SALE TO VIRGIN ISLANDS |
| state restriction (wa) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO WASHINGTON |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with aftermarket holsters?
- Yes, it fits most holsters designed for the standard M&P Shield series, including models from Vedder and Alien Gear. Holster compatibility is broad due to its common footprint, but always verify fit with your specific holster model before purchase. Allow 2-3 business days for holster delivery if ordering separately.
- Does it fit in a pocket carry setup?
- No, at 6.1 inches long and 20.2 ounces, it is too large for most pocket carry applications. I recommend inside-the-waistband or appendix carry for optimal concealment. For true pocket carry, consider a smaller frame like the Ruger LCP series.
- How long does shipping take?
- Shipping typically takes 3-5 business days for in-stock items, excluding FFL processing time. All firearms require shipment to a licensed FFL dealer for transfer, which adds 1-2 days for background checks. Expedited options are available for an additional fee.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my hand?
- No, firearms are non-returnable due to federal regulations once transferred. I advise handling one at a local dealer before purchase to ensure grip comfort. The grip circumference is 5.2 inches, which suits average to small hands best.
- Does this work with a silencer?
- No, the 3.1-inch barrel is not threaded, so it cannot accept a direct-mount suppressor. You would need a threaded barrel conversion, which costs around $120 and requires gunsmith installation. For suppressed use, consider a factory-threaded model like the SIG P365 XL.