First Impressions of Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus 13 Round .30 Super Carry Pistol Magazine
The Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus 13 Round .30 Super Carry Pistol Magazine promises increased capacity and enhanced performance for one of the most popular concealed carry pistols on the market. As someone who has carried a variety of platforms over the past decade, I’m always interested in upgrades and improvements, especially when they address capacity in a subcompact firearm. My initial thought is that this magazine, if reliable, could significantly enhance the appeal of the Shield Plus, and potentially shift my EDC choice.
My search for the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus 13 Round .30 Super Carry Pistol Magazine stemmed from a persistent desire for increased capacity in my concealed carry setup without sacrificing the slim profile of the Shield Plus. I wanted something that offered more rounds than the standard magazines without adding significant bulk. Concealability is paramount, but so is having sufficient rounds in a defensive situation.
Upon unboxing, the first thing I noticed about the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus 13 Round .30 Super Carry Pistol Magazine was its solid construction. It felt robust and well-made, inspiring confidence that it could withstand daily use and abuse. The finish was clean and the magazine seated perfectly into my Shield Plus.
Comparing it to the standard 10-round and 13-round 9mm magazines, the .30 Super Carry version is similar in size to the 13 round 9mm and promises an extra round with the potential of better ballistics for the platform. I considered other options like aftermarket extensions for standard magazines, but I chose this Smith & Wesson factory magazine for its reliability and seamless integration. Aftermarket extensions can sometimes be finicky, and I prioritize dependability in my carry gun.
My initial impression was positive; I was excited to see how the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus 13 Round .30 Super Carry Pistol Magazine performed at the range. The promise of increased capacity in a small package was appealing, and I was eager to put it to the test. If it performed as expected, it would be a welcome addition to my everyday carry setup.
Real-World Testing: Putting Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus 13 Round .30 Super Carry Pistol Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
My first range trip with the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus 13 Round .30 Super Carry Pistol Magazine was at an outdoor range on a relatively mild day. I ran drills focusing on drawing from concealment and rapid target acquisition. I performed these drills on steel targets at 7 yards and 15 yards to test the performance.
The magazine performed flawlessly during my initial testing. I experienced no feeding issues, failures to eject, or any other malfunctions. Loading the magazine was easy, and it seated securely in the magazine well.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus 13 Round .30 Super Carry Pistol Magazine has proven to be highly reliable. I have run hundreds of rounds through it in various conditions, from dry and dusty environments to humid and slightly damp days. There were no malfunctions.
Durability-wise, the magazine shows minimal signs of wear and tear. The finish has held up well, and the spring tension remains consistent. Cleaning the magazine is straightforward; I simply disassemble it and wipe down the components with a CLP.
In comparison to some aftermarket magazines I’ve used in other platforms, the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus 13 Round .30 Super Carry Pistol Magazine significantly outperforms them in terms of reliability and build quality. It provides the same confidence that the factory 10 round magazine does. I’m confident that this magazine will hold up to the rigors of everyday carry.
Breaking Down the Features of Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus 13 Round .30 Super Carry Pistol Magazine
Specifications
The Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus 13 Round .30 Super Carry Pistol Magazine is specifically designed for the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus pistol chambered in .30 Super Carry. It features a 13-round capacity, providing a significant increase over the flush-fitting magazines. The magazine body is constructed from durable steel, ensuring longevity and resistance to deformation under pressure.
The magazine’s silver finish offers corrosion resistance and aids in smooth feeding. The specifications matter because they directly influence the pistol’s overall performance, capacity, and reliability, especially under stress. More rounds in a smaller package allows you to carry comfortably while maintaining a good round count if the need arises.
Performance & Functionality
The Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus 13 Round .30 Super Carry Pistol Magazine performs admirably, consistently feeding rounds without issue. Its design ensures proper alignment and smooth cycling, reducing the risk of malfunctions during critical moments. The magazine spring provides ample tension, guaranteeing reliable feeding even when fully loaded.
Its strength lies in its reliability and capacity. A minor improvement could be a slightly extended baseplate for an even more secure grip. It definitely meets expectations, delivering the promised increase in capacity without sacrificing reliability.
Design & Ergonomics
The magazine’s design is consistent with Smith & Wesson’s commitment to quality and functionality. The steel construction and smooth finish speak to its build quality. The magazine’s weight is negligible, especially considering the increased capacity, and it seats comfortably in the hand.
The magazine is user-friendly, requiring no special tools or techniques for loading or unloading. There’s a slight learning curve in ensuring the magazine is fully seated during rapid reloads, but that’s common with most higher-capacity magazines. This is especially important in a concealed carry scenario, where seconds count.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its robust steel construction, the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus 13 Round .30 Super Carry Pistol Magazine is built to last. With proper maintenance and care, it should withstand years of regular use without significant degradation. Periodic cleaning and inspection of the magazine spring are recommended to ensure optimal performance.
Disassembly for cleaning is simple, requiring only a punch or similar tool to depress the baseplate retainer. The magazine is easy to maintain and repair, with replacement springs and followers readily available if needed. This ensures longevity and continued reliable performance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus 13 Round .30 Super Carry Pistol Magazine doesn’t come with any additional accessories beyond the magazine itself. There are no customization options directly related to the magazine, such as different baseplates or finishes. However, it’s fully compatible with all Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus pistols chambered in .30 Super Carry, and magazine pouches designed for similar-sized magazines should work.
The lack of specific customization options is a minor drawback, but the magazine’s solid performance and reliability more than compensate for it. You can get different magazine carriers to help with concealed carry. The magazine’s primary purpose is to provide increased capacity without sacrificing reliability, and it excels in that regard.
Pros and Cons of Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus 13 Round .30 Super Carry Pistol Magazine
Pros
- Increases capacity to 13 rounds while maintaining a relatively slim profile.
- Factory magazine guarantees reliability and seamless integration.
- Durable steel construction ensures longevity.
- Silver finish provides corrosion resistance and smooth feeding.
- Easy to load, unload, and maintain.
Cons
- Relatively expensive compared to aftermarket alternatives.
- No included accessories or customization options.
Who Should Buy Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus 13 Round .30 Super Carry Pistol Magazine?
This magazine is perfect for concealed carry permit holders, law enforcement officers looking for an off-duty option, and anyone who prioritizes increased capacity in a compact firearm. It’s also ideal for those who value the peace of mind that comes with using factory magazines. The Shield Plus, enhanced with this magazine, is a serious contender in the EDC market.
Those who should skip this product include individuals on a very tight budget who are willing to gamble on aftermarket magazines, and those who are completely satisfied with the standard 10-round capacity. If you are not running a .30 Super Carry pistol, this magazine will not work for you.
A must-have accessory would be a quality concealed carry magazine pouch that fits the slightly extended length of the 13-round magazine. This ensures comfortable and discreet carry. Practice drills are also recommended to familiarize yourself with the slightly different grip and reload techniques associated with the higher-capacity magazine.
Conclusion on Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus 13 Round .30 Super Carry Pistol Magazine
The Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus 13 Round .30 Super Carry Pistol Magazine is a well-engineered and reliable accessory that significantly enhances the capabilities of the Shield Plus pistol. Its increased capacity provides a tangible advantage in defensive situations, without compromising the gun’s concealability. While it’s pricier than some aftermarket options, the guaranteed reliability and seamless integration make it worth the investment.
The price is justified given the quality and performance of this Smith & Wesson factory magazine. It’s a small price to pay for the peace of mind that comes with knowing your firearm is equipped with a dependable magazine. I would personally recommend it to anyone looking to maximize the potential of their Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus in .30 Super Carry.
If you carry a Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus in .30 Super Carry and are looking for increased capacity without sacrificing reliability, the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus 13 Round .30 Super Carry Pistol Magazine is a must-have upgrade. Don’t settle for anything less than the best; invest in your safety and preparedness. Upgrade your Shield Plus today!