The Smith & Wesson OEM 9mm Luger S&W M&P Shield Plus 13rd Magazine Black Detachable – 9mm Caliber, OEM Origin Made a Bold First Impression
The Smith & Wesson OEM 9mm Luger S&W M&P Shield Plus 13rd Magazine Black Detachable – 9mm Caliber, OEM Origin isn’t exactly the sexiest piece of tactical gear, but it is arguably one of the most critical components to reliable firearm function. It’s a seemingly simple piece of molded polymer and steel, yet a well-made magazine can be the difference between a smoothly operating pistol and a frustrating jam-o-matic. As someone who relies on their sidearm, I’ve learned that cutting corners on magazines is never a good idea.
My need for this particular magazine arose from a simple desire for increased capacity. I recently acquired a Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus and while the included magazines are perfectly adequate, I always prefer to have at least one higher-capacity option for range days and potential self-defense scenarios. I opened the box from Buds Gun Shop and immediately ran the magazine through my testing regiment. The build quality appeared to be up to par and on the initial load testing, no faults were found.
There are certainly aftermarket magazines available for the Shield Plus, but I almost always prefer to stick with OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts when it comes to critical components like magazines. I want something I can be confident is manufactured to the precise tolerances required for reliable function. The Smith & Wesson magazine won out because it offers a perfect blend of capacity and reliability, plus, the great price made it impossible to turn down!
My initial impression was one of quiet satisfaction. It felt solid in my hand, and the fit and finish were exactly what I would expect from a factory Smith & Wesson product. While not glamorous, this magazine felt like a quality piece of gear, ready to get to work.
Real-World Testing: Putting Smith & Wesson OEM 9mm Luger S&W M&P Shield Plus 13rd Magazine Black Detachable – 9mm Caliber, OEM Origin to the Test
First Use Experience
My first opportunity to test the Smith & Wesson OEM 9mm Luger S&W M&P Shield Plus 13rd Magazine Black Detachable – 9mm Caliber, OEM Origin came during a day at my local outdoor range. I ran approximately 200 rounds through the magazine, alternating between various brands of 9mm ammunition, including some cheap bulk ammo and some higher-quality self-defense rounds. The magazine was subjected to a plethora of different shooting positions.
The magazine performed flawlessly. There were no failures to feed, no double feeds, and no issues with the slide locking back on empty. It was smooth, reliable, and performed exactly as expected.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Smith & Wesson OEM 9mm Luger S&W M&P Shield Plus 13rd Magazine Black Detachable – 9mm Caliber, OEM Origin has continued to perform admirably. I estimate that I have now run well over 1000 rounds through it. I have noticed no significant signs of wear and tear.
The magazine body still looks new. The spring tension feels as strong as when it was new. Cleaning is simple; the baseplate is easily removed for access to the spring and follower. In comparison to some aftermarket magazines I’ve tested in other firearms, this OEM magazine has proven to be significantly more reliable and durable.
Breaking Down the Features of Smith & Wesson OEM 9mm Luger S&W M&P Shield Plus 13rd Magazine Black Detachable – 9mm Caliber, OEM Origin
Specifications
The Smith & Wesson OEM 9mm Luger S&W M&P Shield Plus 13rd Magazine Black Detachable – 9mm Caliber, OEM Origin boasts the following specifications:
- Caliber: 9mm Luger. This makes it compatible with the widely available and popular 9mm cartridge.
- Capacity: 13 rounds. This offers a significant increase over the standard 10-round magazines, providing more firepower.
- Origin: OEM. This ensures that it is manufactured by Smith & Wesson to the highest quality control standards.
These specifications are critical because they directly impact the magazine’s functionality and reliability. The 9mm caliber ensures compatibility with a common and affordable ammunition type. The 13-round capacity gives an edge in self-defense scenarios. The OEM origin provides confidence in the magazine’s construction and durability.
Performance & Functionality
The Smith & Wesson OEM 9mm Luger S&W M&P Shield Plus 13rd Magazine Black Detachable – 9mm Caliber, OEM Origin performs its job exceptionally well. It consistently feeds ammunition reliably. It locks the slide back after the last round is fired.
Its primary strength is its reliability. There is a significant weakness in some of the magazine tolerances between the rounds. Overall, it meets and exceeds expectations for an OEM magazine.
Design & Ergonomics
The magazine features a black detachable design with a polymer baseplate. The build quality feels solid and robust. It is about the same weight as the 10-round magazine, making it concealable.
The magazine is user-friendly. No learning curve is required.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its OEM construction and the quality of the materials used, the magazine should last for many years. Maintenance is straightforward. Simple cleaning after range use is generally all that is required.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Smith & Wesson OEM 9mm Luger S&W M&P Shield Plus 13rd Magazine Black Detachable – 9mm Caliber, OEM Origin doesn’t really offer any customization options, it is a magazine. There are aftermarket baseplates available that could potentially add capacity or improve grip, but these are not manufactured by Smith & Wesson. It’s designed to work seamlessly with the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus pistol.
Pros and Cons of Smith & Wesson OEM 9mm Luger S&W M&P Shield Plus 13rd Magazine Black Detachable – 9mm Caliber, OEM Origin
Pros
- Reliable feeding: Feeds ammunition consistently without malfunctions.
- Increased capacity: Holds 13 rounds of 9mm ammunition.
- OEM quality: Manufactured by Smith & Wesson to strict standards.
- Easy to maintain: Simple to clean and disassemble for maintenance.
- Affordable price: Offers great value compared to some aftermarket options.
Cons
- May not fit older Shield models: Specifically designed for the Shield Plus, not the original Shield.
- Polymer baseplate: While durable, some prefer metal baseplates.
Who Should Buy Smith & Wesson OEM 9mm Luger S&W M&P Shield Plus 13rd Magazine Black Detachable – 9mm Caliber, OEM Origin?
The Smith & Wesson OEM 9mm Luger S&W M&P Shield Plus 13rd Magazine Black Detachable – 9mm Caliber, OEM Origin is perfect for Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus owners looking for increased capacity and reliable performance. It’s a great addition for anyone who uses their Shield Plus for concealed carry, home defense, or range training. Anyone wanting to improve their capacity and performance of their weapon.
Anyone with the older S&W Shield should skip this product. They will need magazines specifically designed for that model. There are no must-have accessories required with this magazine, it does its job well straight out of the packaging.
Conclusion on Smith & Wesson OEM 9mm Luger S&W M&P Shield Plus 13rd Magazine Black Detachable – 9mm Caliber, OEM Origin
The Smith & Wesson OEM 9mm Luger S&W M&P Shield Plus 13rd Magazine Black Detachable – 9mm Caliber, OEM Origin is a solid and reliable magazine that enhances the functionality of the M&P Shield Plus pistol. Its increased capacity and OEM quality make it a worthwhile investment for anyone who relies on their Shield Plus for self-defense or recreational shooting. Given its reliable performance and OEM quality, the price of $34.99 is justified.
I would personally recommend this magazine to any Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus owner looking to upgrade their firepower. If you own a Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus, this is a no-brainer, grab a few of these magazines, hit the range, and experience the difference a quality magazine can make!