First Thoughts on the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus / Equalizer Magazine 9mm 15rd – 9mm Caliber, 15 Rounds, Black, OEM Origin
The Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus / Equalizer Magazine 9mm 15rd – 9mm Caliber, 15 Rounds, Black, OEM Origin promises to boost the firepower of two already popular and concealable pistols. Coming directly from Smith & Wesson, it ensures reliability and perfect fit, something crucial for both everyday carry and range use. This magazine attempts to balance increased capacity with minimal impact on concealability; a feat many strive for but few achieve seamlessly.
As someone with over a decade in the tactical gear realm, I’ve seen countless magazine extensions and aftermarket solutions that promise the world but often fail to deliver. My primary need was a reliable way to increase the round count of my Shield Plus without sacrificing its slim profile, a common problem for EDC enthusiasts. The appeal of a factory-made solution was strong, offering a level of assurance aftermarket options simply can’t match.
Upon receiving the magazine, my initial impression was positive. The polymer floor plate with finger extension felt robust, and the black finish mirrored that of my Shield Plus slide, ensuring a cohesive look. Picking it up, it felt substantial, certainly more so than the flush-fitting magazines, but not unwieldy.
Compared to aftermarket magazine extensions I’ve used on other pistols, this Smith & Wesson magazine seemed inherently more trustworthy. I opted for this magazine over a similar ProMag option, prioritizing the peace of mind that comes with an OEM product. My first impression was one of cautious optimism – excited to see if it lived up to the hype, but also wary of potential feeding issues that can plague high-capacity magazines in compact pistols.
Real-World Testing: Putting Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus / Equalizer Magazine 9mm 15rd – 9mm Caliber, 15 Rounds, Black, OEM Origin to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus / Equalizer Magazine 9mm 15rd – 9mm Caliber, 15 Rounds, Black, OEM Origin primarily at an outdoor shooting range and during several force-on-force training sessions. Range conditions varied from sunny and dry to slightly drizzly, offering a glimpse into its performance in less-than-ideal circumstances. The magazine was easy to load, though the last few rounds required a bit of extra effort, typical of new, high-capacity magazines.
In terms of ease of use, it integrated seamlessly with my Shield Plus, requiring no modifications or adjustments. After the first few magazines, loading became smoother. My initial concern was potential feeding issues due to the increased capacity, but thankfully, the magazine functioned flawlessly.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Smith & Wesson 15-round magazine has proven remarkably reliable. There are only minor signs of wear and tear, primarily around the magazine release point, which is expected. Cleaning is straightforward, requiring only a quick wipe-down with a cloth and occasional lubrication of the spring.
Compared to some of the aftermarket magazines I’ve used in the past, this Smith & Wesson OEM magazine significantly outperforms them in terms of reliability and durability. The Smith & Wesson magazine has consistently delivered smooth feeding and reliable lockback, even after hundreds of rounds. My previous experiences with cheaper magazines often involved frequent jams and failures to feed.
Breaking Down the Features of Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus / Equalizer Magazine 9mm 15rd – 9mm Caliber, 15 Rounds, Black, OEM Origin
Specifications
The Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus / Equalizer Magazine 9mm 15rd – 9mm Caliber, 15 Rounds, Black, OEM Origin boasts several key specifications that contribute to its performance. It is chambered in 9mm Luger caliber, ensuring compatibility with the Shield Plus and Equalizer pistols. The magazine has a 15-round capacity, a significant increase over the standard 10 and 13-round options.
The magazine’s body is constructed from precision-machined steel, providing excellent durability and resistance to deformation. Its black finish offers corrosion resistance. The extended floor plate is made of durable polymer, which adds comfort and a secure grip during mag changes. These specifications matter because they directly influence the magazine’s reliability, longevity, and overall user experience.
Performance & Functionality
The Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus / Equalizer Magazine 9mm 15rd – 9mm Caliber, 15 Rounds, Black, OEM Origin excels in its primary role: providing increased capacity without compromising reliability. Feeding is smooth and consistent, and the magazine locks back reliably after the last round.
The magazine’s biggest strength is its perfect fit and reliable function in both the Shield Plus and Equalizer pistols. One area for potential improvement is the initial stiffness of the spring; however, this improves with use. It absolutely meets and exceeds expectations for an OEM extended magazine.
Design & Ergonomics
The magazine’s design prioritizes functionality and ergonomics. The steel body ensures robustness, while the polymer floor plate offers a comfortable grip. The weight is noticeable compared to the smaller magazines, but manageable.
The magazine is relatively user-friendly, though loading the last few rounds can require some effort. The numbered witness holes allow for quick visual confirmation of round count. There isn’t a significant learning curve beyond familiarizing oneself with the slightly increased length.
Durability & Maintenance
Given the steel construction and durable polymer components, the magazine is expected to last a long time with proper care. The black finish provides decent corrosion resistance, but regular cleaning and lubrication are recommended, especially after exposure to moisture or harsh environments.
Disassembly for cleaning is relatively straightforward, requiring only basic tools. The magazine is designed for easy maintenance. With routine care, this Smith & Wesson magazine should provide years of reliable service.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus / Equalizer Magazine 9mm 15rd – 9mm Caliber, 15 Rounds, Black, OEM Origin doesn’t come with any additional accessories beyond its standard configuration. Customization options are limited, as it is primarily a capacity upgrade.
The magazine is compatible with standard magazine pouches designed for double-stack 9mm magazines, although some adjustment may be needed due to its extended length. Being an OEM product, it’s designed to work seamlessly with existing Smith & Wesson accessories.
Pros and Cons of Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus / Equalizer Magazine 9mm 15rd – 9mm Caliber, 15 Rounds, Black, OEM Origin
Pros
- Provides a significant increase in capacity (15 rounds) compared to standard magazines.
- Maintains the reliability and functionality expected from OEM Smith & Wesson magazines.
- Offers a comfortable grip and improved handling thanks to the extended polymer floor plate.
- Features numbered witness holes for quick and easy round count verification.
- Offers seamless integration with both the Smith & Wesson Shield Plus and Equalizer pistols.
Cons
- The increased length may affect concealability for some users, depending on their carry method.
- The magazine spring can be stiff initially, making it slightly harder to load the last few rounds.
- Slightly heavier than the factory 10 and 13 round magazines, although this is a minor factor.
Who Should Buy Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus / Equalizer Magazine 9mm 15rd – 9mm Caliber, 15 Rounds, Black, OEM Origin?
This magazine is perfect for owners of the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus or Equalizer pistol who prioritize increased capacity for range use, home defense, or open carry. It’s also ideal for shooters who want a reliable OEM magazine that ensures consistent performance and functionality.
Those who should skip this product are individuals for whom concealability is the absolute top priority, as the increased length may make it less suitable for deep concealment. Also, those on a very strict budget might explore cheaper aftermarket alternatives, though reliability may be compromised. A must-have modification for this magazine would be a quality magazine pouch designed for extended magazines, which can aid in quicker reloads.
Conclusion on Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus / Equalizer Magazine 9mm 15rd – 9mm Caliber, 15 Rounds, Black, OEM Origin
The Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus / Equalizer Magazine 9mm 15rd – 9mm Caliber, 15 Rounds, Black, OEM Origin is a well-designed and reliable upgrade for Shield Plus and Equalizer owners seeking increased firepower. The price is justified, considering the quality of construction and the peace of mind that comes with using an OEM magazine.
I would definitely recommend this magazine to anyone looking to enhance the capabilities of their Smith & Wesson pistol. It strikes a good balance between increased capacity, reliability, and manageable size. Invest in your preparedness – upgrade to the 15-round Smith & Wesson magazine today!