Without reducing power or reliability, Smith & Wesson have successfully shrunk the standard MP pistol by launching their MP40 Shield Pistol. This American made firearm is one of their most popular handguns on the market and helped to establish S&W as a premier maker of concealed carry weapons (CCW). Backed by S&W’s lifetime service policy, this gun is definitely worth looking at for personal protection fanatics or other civilians looking for a reliable and powerful pistol to add to their collection.
The MP40 was originally built for military and police settings. Thanks to its renowned reliability and durability, it has become a staple around the as a semi-automatic handgun. The ergonomic controls and 18-degree grip angle help make shooting comfortable and stress free, both important traits for high stress situations that military and police consistently find themselves in.
General Features: The MP40 is a 20-ounce, striker fire action pistol. The standard gun comes with both flush and extended magazines, 6+1 and 7+1 respectively. It sports a thumb safety, synthetic grip, and polymer frame, all of which contribute to its extreme reliability and durability in harsh conditions. The white dot sights are known to be some of the best in the industry and help to create immensely accurate and quick shots.
Trigger: This pistol maintains the handling of a smaller chambered pistol but is packed with the power of a high-speed caliber. 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 has a hinged design and striker-fire action with consistently short pulls.
Sights: The sights on the MP40 are one of the main aspects elevating 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. The front sight has a built-in height adjustment to coordinate with different ammunitions.
Magazines: The magazines and sight systems of this pistol are so meticulously designed to account for the need to fire quickly and accurately in high pressure situations. The magazines, both regular and extended have a reversible catch. There is also a disconnect option for safety, but it’s important to note the gun can still fire or misfire without a magazine loaded.
Safety: There are numerous safety features on this pistol to help prevent misfires, again a nod to its design focused on military and police use. Along with the magazine disconnect safety option, the MP40 also has 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 one to look into.
