Whether deployed as a backup or deep concealment sidearm for law enforcement personnel, or used by consumers for every-day carry, the new Law Enforcement M&P40 Shield Ported pistols combine modern-day function with superior design and control. These new models retain original design features that have helped to solidify the M&P Shield’s reputation in the marketplace as a reliable and accurate self-defense firearm.
Engineered on a high-strength polymer frame measuring .95-inches in width, the Performance Center M&P Shield is standard with a 3.1-inch factory-ported barrel. The new barrel along with the pistol’s three precision cut ports across the top of the stainless steel slide aid in reducing muzzle flip and improve the ability to remain on target after firing. The new M&P Shield pistols have been further updated with fiber optic sights and an enhanced trigger.
This is an outstanding firearm in general! The Performance Center upgrades that come factory installed are comparable to the Dillion Precision Trigger kit, upgrade minus the actual trigger itself. Quick reset compared to the Standard Version of the S&W.40 Shield.
The Hi-Viz sights are great for daytime shooting, or in a well lit area at night. I've actually seen some of these Hi-Viz front sights disappear during shooting due to the ported slide & barrel. Which is why I gave a 4-Star Rating. I upgraded my S&W.40 PC Shield w/ TruGlo TFX Tritium & fiber optic sights. For personal preferences. The recoil & muzzle flip is moderately decreased due to the ported barrel & slide. However, when firing this weapon at night it will blind your night vision. Not NVGs if in a non-illuminated area due to the ported barrel & slide. This firearm consistently & reliably fired without any issues whatsoever. Ranging from 165 gr flat nose White-Box & other brass cases FMJs. I.e. Speerman, Federal etc... Personal defense rounds also preformed superbly! I personally feed it Hornady Critical Duty 165gr rounds. And I'm consistently blowing out the X@15-yds on a 12x12 paper target.
Just FYI: I personally upgraded the Guide Rod to a DPM Recoil Management System, {$80}, and have replaced the magazine base plates with anodized Aluminum base plates. {6-Round magazine extended base plate & the 7-round magazines non-extended standard extension base plates}.
I have & will continue to carry this firearm as my secondary CCW & I have no qualms about trusting my life with this handgun!
Also, for all you S&W M&P Shield
Lovers out there. You cannot switch this trigger system out for an aftermarket upgrade. It is already upgraded minus the actual standard Shield trigger itself. And this is due to the roll pin holding the take down pin in place. Where as the regular Shield has that removable clip. The Performance Center Shield does not.