Originally published in April 2018. Updated February 2026.

Smith & Wesson is continually improving pistols. One example over the years is the Smith & Wesson M&P 9mm Shield 2.0 with Integral Green Laser Sight.
In 2016, Smith & Wesson purchased Crimson Trace, the pioneering manufacturer and developer of handgun and long gun laser sighting systems. Crimson Trace, which is based in Oregon, already made a wide variety of laser sights, but the acquisition by Smith & Wesson allowed them to apply their ingenuity directly to Smith & Wesson products.

The S&W M&P Shield Line of Firearms

The M&P Shield line is the compact, single-stack 9mm version of Smith & Wesson’s M&P line. The Shield puts full-sized power of the 9mm, .40 S&W and .45 ACP calibers into pistols that are easy to conceal and will not become annoying after a full day of carry.

Shield 2.0 Specifications

  • Caliber: 9mm
  • Weight: 18.8 ounces
  • Magazine capacity: 7+1 (flush mag), 8+1 (extended mag)
  • Barrel length: 3.1 inches
  • Overall length: 6.1 inches
  • Height: 4.6 inches
  • Width: .95 inches
  • Construction: Stainless steel barrel and slide
  • Finish: Armonite finish for outstanding corrosion-resistance

The eight-round magazine has a slight extension for a fuller grip. The pistol ships with two magazines — a flush seven-round mag and an extended magazine that holds eight rounds. This striker-fired semi-auto maintains the single-stack design that made the original Shield so popular for concealed carry.

M&P Shield 2.0 Improvements Over the Shield 1.0

Enhanced Grip Texture

The barrel and slide are both constructed from stainless steel. The Armonite finish on the barrel and slide provides outstanding corrosion resistance.

Other 2.0 improvements include a more aggressive grip texture with stippled surfaces that are much like the aftermarket skateboard tape appliqué kits that can be applied to existing gun designs. I found the new grip helped maintain a firm grip and control the shots while firing.

The texturing extends around the entire grip for consistent purchase regardless of hand placement. The grip angle on the Shield 2.0 also promotes a natural point of aim.

Improved Trigger and Controls

The articulating trigger safety has also been enhanced. The M&P trigger is as crisp and close to a true single-action trigger as is possible on a striker-fired handgun. There is about 1/3 inch of take-up, then the actual trigger pull breaks cleanly in the 5-pound range.

The 2.0 series also features an improved tactile and audible trigger reset. Although you won’t notice it in a gunfight, it can be useful for range work and training drills. A version with an additional manual 1911-style safety is available if you want more assurance of safe carry.

The magazine release can be swapped from left to right for left-handed shooters.

The slide features front and rear serrations.
It has basic three-dot white sights with a windage-adjustable rear sight. Night sights are also available as upgrades for low-light shooting conditions.

Integral Laser Features

Rather than being attached to an existing frame, the Crimson Trace green laser is an integral part of the frame. The Shield is also available with the Crimson Trace Laserguard detachable laser, though it is not as compact.

The integral laser Shield will not fit in a standard Shield holster because it increases the size of the frame at the front end of the receiver. This is not a big issue, because holster makers are quick to design new rigs for pistols, especially with the incredible level of popularity the Shield line has.

Laser Operation

While the Laserguard grip turns the laser on only momentarily, the laser switch on the 2.0 with integral green laser keeps the laser on until it is turned off. Pushing the button on either side of the laser turns it on. The next push causes the dot to pulsate, and the third push shuts the laser down.

The green laser is brighter than the red laser version, and it costs about $100 more. A laser-sighted handgun really gives operators a tactical advantage by moving their focus forward and helping them identify their targets.

Maintenance

Batteries are easily replaced after field-stripping the Shield. The takedown lever operates smoothly for disassembly. Field-stripping does not require the trigger to be pulled.

Tactical Advantages

A laser-sighted handgun is a force multiplier, increasing the intimidation level against a threatening opponent. The opponent can see where the bullet will strike if fired because the laser sight removes all the guesswork.

A laser can also be useful in unconventional shooting positions where you may not be able to achieve a traditional sight picture.

Testing the M&P Shield 2.0 at the Shooting Range

I took the Shield 2.0 to my outdoor shooting site on an overcast day and brought along SIG Sauer’s 147-grain 9mm V-Crown JHP Elite defense ammunition as the test round. V-Crown ammo is made in a wide variety of calibers and bullet weights.
Initial Performance

The test went off flawlessly. In a previous test of a Shield 9mm, I was unable to load both magazines to full capacity. This time, the seven- and eight-round magazines were loaded fully, although the last couple of rounds required a good amount of effort to load.

That last round into each magazine was particularly stubborn. While the magazines should become easier to load with further use, a magazine-loading tool might be valuable here.

Laser Zero Testing

I did not zero the laser sight before I went to the range. I recommend that you check the laser for zero before you take it to the range. It will be close to being zeroed in, but not perfect.

As it turned out, the laser was not zeroed exactly for my eyes and from distances I intend to use it, but I wanted to see how far off it was. To zero the laser, find the longest distance from which you could possibly engage an intruder in your home, and zero the unloaded Shield for that distance.

A proper laser sight picture should have the laser dot sitting directly on top of a properly aligned front and rear sight.

Live-Fire Results

To test the laser’s zero during live-fire, I started by shooting with the laser sight only. Shooting from 30 feet, the factory alignment resulted in a nice 2.5-inch group 6 inches to the left of my point of aim.

Recoil was very controllable, even with the 147-grain bullets. These loads were likely moving along very close to SIG’s advertised velocity of 985 feet per second, as all the previous SIG ammo I’ve tested has been very close to advertised.

The excellent trigger contributed to the accuracy, and the laser was very visible under the day’s cloudy conditions. There was no noticeable muzzle blast even from the short 3.1-inch barrel.

Iron Sight Comparison

I switched to the iron sights for the rest of the test. Groupings remained about the same size, but they were centered.

The Shield was fired straight from the box without cleaning or additional lubrication, and there were no failures to feed or fire. Unlike older designs from years past, it did not have to be fired extensively to confirm reliability, making it more affordable for the defensive shooter with limited funds for ammunition.

2026 Editor’s Note: What Has Changed Since 2018

Smith & Wesson has expanded the Shield 2.0 lineup since this review was originally published. Performance Center editions with enhanced triggers and ported barrels are now available.

The integral laser versions require specific holsters due to the increased frame dimensions at the front of the receiver, but every major holster maker now offers compatible options. The Shield’s single-stack design keeps it slimmer than newer double-stack subcompacts, which can be a meaningful advantage for inside-the-waistband carry.

While S&W discontinued the 9mm M&P Shield 2.0 with integrated laser, it can still be found from online retailers. The Shield 2.0 without laser in .45 and .40 is still available from S&W, starting at $399.

Is the Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 Worth It?

I am very impressed that Smith & Wesson is striving to improve an already excellent design with not only the 2.0 enhancements but also the addition of a truly integral Crimson Trace laser sight. Both the gun and the sight should give you a lifetime of service.

With a better grip texture, cleaner trigger break and improved serrations, the improvements from the Shield 1.0 address many complaints about the original without changing what made the handgun successful.
For more Smith & Wesson options, see our guide to the best Smith & Wesson handguns for concealed carry or check out our comparison of the best 9mm handguns on the market.

Sources

Smith & Wesson: smith-wesson.com

FAQs

Is the M&P Shield 2.0 a good gun?
Based on range testing, the Shield 2.0 fired straight from the box without cleaning or lubrication and produced zero failures to feed or fire. The trigger breaks cleanly in the 5-pound range, and recoil was controllable with 147-grain defensive loads. It earned a straightforward conclusion: Both the gun and the integral laser sight should give you a lifetime of service.

What is the difference between the M&P Shield 1.0 and 2.0?
The 2.0 brings three meaningful upgrades over the original: a more aggressive stippled grip texture for better purchase under fire, an enhanced trigger safety with a cleaner break and improved tactile and audible reset, and front and rear slide serrations for positive manipulation.

How many rounds does the M&P Shield 2.0 hold?
The Shield 2.0 ships with two magazines: a flush seven-round mag giving a total capacity of 7+1 and an extended eight-round mag for a total of 8+1. The extended magazine includes a slight grip extension for better purchase with larger hands.

Does the M&P Shield 2.0 have a safety?
The standard model uses a hinged trigger safety as its primary passive safety. A version with an additional manual 1911-style thumb safety is also available for shooters who want an extra layer of assurance during carry.