Now, on a firearm related note…anyone have any direct knowledge of the S&W M&P 9 Shield? I’ve read the reviews, handled one at the store and am seriously considering picking one up to use as an EDC. I don’t mind that it has less round capacity than my current .45, I like the concealability that I get with the size.

I own one. On the plus side, it is more accurate than it’s owner, and has never mis fired in the few boxes of white box target ammo that I have put through it. I got it on sale for a very reasonable price, and it fits my hand well. 

As far as concealed carry goes, there are 9mm pistols that are not much bigger than the average .380. The 9mm M&P Shield is not one of them. I don’t own one, because I don’t carry concealed, but a friend is very happy with his  .380 M&P that he carries in an ankle holster. He says that he can empty the mag into a 4 inch target at 25 ft, as fast as he can pull the trigger. In Mass, the law requires a safty, so many .380s are not sold here, but he would have bought the S&W anyway. He carries his with a round in the chamber (thumb safe “on”). My only major beef with the subject 9mm M&P, is the need of some type of tool to field strip. Needing to reach down deep, inside, to flip a little green lever, with a small screw driver, is a real PITA. For me, I like to give a pistol a first quick cleaning while still at the range. I clean the 9mm M&P, on a pad, on a bench, indoors, under bright light.

I hope that this helps.