Smith & Wesson have successfully shrunk the standard MP pistol without having to reduce power or reliability by launching the MP40 Shield Pistol. Introduced in 2012, this American made firearm is one of their most popular handguns and helped to establish them as a premier maker of concealed carry weapons (CCW) in contest with powerhouses like Glock. Backed by S&W’s lifetime service policy, this gun is definitely worth looking at for personal protection fanatics.
The MP40 was originally built to be used in military and police settings. With it’s reliability and heavy durability, it quickly became a staple around the globe for these agencies as a semi-automatic handgun. The ergonomic controls and 18-degree grip angle help to make the shooting comfortable and stress free, both important traits for high stress situations.
General: The MP40 is a striker fire action weighing in at 20oz. The standard handgun comes with both flush and extended magazine options (6+1 and 7+1 respectively). There is a thumb safety, synthetic grip, and polymer frame, all of which contribute to it’s renowned reliability and durability in harsh conditions. Finally, the white dot sights are known to be some of the best in the industry helping create immensely accurate and quick shots all around.
Trigger: This pistol has the power of a high-speed caliber while maintaining the handling of a smaller chambered pistol. The locked-breech action fires smooth and has manageable recoil for those shooters that need this smaller gun due to stature or skill level. The trigger also has a hinged design and striker-fire action which consistently short pulls measuring at 6.5lbs.
Sights: The sights on the MP40 help to elevate this pistol’s popularity. It is a simple steel, white, dovetailed system which is great for quick-to-point accuracy. It has a low-profile and drift adjustment as well as a square rear-notch for quick alignment and a locking set screw for stability. Additionally, the front sight has a built-in height adjustment to coordinate with different ammunitions.
Mags: In the military or law enforcement, there is a high need to be able to fire quickly and accurately in high pressure situations. This is why the magazines and sight systems on the MP40 are so meticulously designed. The magazines have a reversible catch, and as mentioned before come in flush and extended options. Also, there is a disconnect option for safety, however it’s important to note the gun can still fire w/o a magazine loaded.
Safety: Along with the magazine disconnect safety option, the MP40 also sports a thumb safety trigger. There is a loaded chamber indicator to help prevent misfires, and an articulated trigger safety to help prevent the weapon from firing if it’s accidentally dropped. Users don’t need to pull the trigger to disassemble the weapon.
If you are in the market for an easily concealed, user friendly, professional-grade handgun, then the MP40 Shield Pistol might be the one you need.
