I’m diving into a head-to-head comparison of two popular handguns on the market: the Taurus 709 Slim Vs S&W M&P9 Shield Plus.
I’ve had the privilege of testing both guns out in the field, putting them through their paces to see which one comes out on top.
In this article, I aim to share my firsthand experiences, focusing on the performance, handling, and overall feel of each firearm.
| Feature | Taurus 709 Slim | S&W M&P9 Shield Plus |
| Caliber | 9mm | 9mm |
| Overall Length | 6.25 inches | 6.1 inches |
| Overall Height | 4.5 inches | 4.6 inches |
| Width | 0.95 inch | 1.1 inches |
| Barrel Length | 3.0 inches | 3.1 inches |
| Weight | 19 oz. | 16 oz. |
| Capacity | 7 + 1 rounds | 10+1 rounds, 13+1 rounds |
Overview of Taurus 709 Slim
The Taurus 709 Slim is a sleek, compact handgun designed for concealed carry. It’s lightweight, easy to handle, and offers reliability at an affordable price.
Specs
- Caliber: 9mm
- Overall Length: 6.25 inches
- Overall Height: 4.5 inches
- Width: 0.95 inch
- Barrel Length: 3.0 inches
- Weight: 19 oz.
- Capacity: 7 + 1 rounds
Overview of S&W Shield
The Smith & Wesson M&P9 Shield Plus is a trusted name in the compact firearm category, known for its robust construction and reliable performance, making it a favorite among concealed carry practitioners.
Specs
- Caliber: 9mm
- Overall Length: 6.1 inches
- Overall Height: 4.6 inches
- Width: 1.1 inches
- Barrel Length: 3.1 inches
- Weight: 16 oz.
- Capacity: 10+1 rounds, 13+1 rounds
Features Comparison of Taurus 709 Slim VS S&W Shield
1. Ergonomics and Handling
Taurus 709 Slim
The Taurus 709 Slim excels with its ultra-slim design, making it incredibly comfortable for concealed carry, particularly for individuals with smaller hands.
Weighing in at just 19 ounces, its lightweight nature enhances its portability, without compromising on grip stability, thanks to the well-designed ergonomics and aggressive slide serrations.
Furthermore, the inclusion of a manual safety adds an extra layer of security for the user, enhancing its appeal for those who prioritize safety features in their carry weapon.
S&W Shield
The S&W Shield differentiates itself with a grip that’s slightly wider than the Taurus, offering a more substantial feel that might be preferred by shooters with larger hands.
Despite its slightly lighter frame at 16 ounces, it maintains a balance of comfort and control, supported by pronounced slide serrations for reliable operation.
Winner
When comparing ergonomics and handling, the Taurus 709 Slim slightly pulls ahead due to its slim profile, light weight, and the consistent inclusion of a manual safety across all its models.
This combination offers a blend of comfort, ease of carry, and safety that narrowly outshines the S&W Shield, making it slightly more appealing for those with specific ergonomic preferences and safety considerations.
2. Trigger Quality
Taurus 709 Slim
The Taurus 709 Slim boasts a unique trigger system that offers both single-action (SA) and double-action (DA) capabilities, providing a crisp break in SA with the added reassurance of a second-strike capability in DA.
This feature can be incredibly beneficial in high-pressure situations where a follow-up strike may be critical. The dual nature of the trigger system introduces a learning curve but offers versatility that can be advantageous in a defensive context.
S&W Shield
The S&W Shield, in contrast, offers a consistent and smooth trigger experience with a notable break and reset, lacking the SA/DA capability but excelling in reliability and user-friendliness.
Its predictable trigger behavior makes it a favored choice among a wide range of shooters, from beginners to seasoned enthusiasts, who appreciate the straightforward and reliable shooting experience it provides, especially during prolonged use.
Winner
The S&W Shield emerges as the victor. Its consistent, smooth, and predictable trigger pull provides an exceptional shooting experience that is both reliable and conducive to accuracy, outperforming the Taurus 709 Slim in terms of overall user satisfaction and confidence, despite the latter’s unique SA/DA functionality.
3. Accuracy and Performance
Taurus 709 Slim
The Taurus 709 Slim performs commendably in the accuracy department for a compact firearm. Its design and barrel length are optimized for defensive shooting ranges, where it demonstrates respectable accuracy.
However, the factory sights are somewhat basic and may limit the weapon’s precision capabilities, especially for those seeking to engage targets at more challenging distances or under less-than-ideal lighting conditions.
S&W Shield
Conversely, the S&W Shield benefits from a marginally longer barrel and superior stock sights, which collectively contribute to enhanced accuracy straight out of the box.
Shooters tend to find it easier to achieve tighter groupings with the Shield, even when extending the range beyond typical compact handgun distances.
Winner
The S&W Shield stands out as the clear leader in accuracy and performance.
Its blend of ergonomic excellence, advanced sighting options, and a slightly longer barrel grants it a distinct advantage in precision shooting capabilities over the Taurus 709 Slim.
This superiority in delivering consistent accuracy across a range of conditions solidifies the Shield’s position as the preferred choice for those prioritizing performance in a compact handgun.
Pros & Cons of Taurus 709 Slim
Pros
- Slim and lightweight, ideal for concealed carry.
- Manual safety for added security.
- Affordable price point.
Cons
- Limited aftermarket support.
Pros & Cons of S&W Shield
Pros
- Robust build quality and reliability.
- Superior ergonomic design for enhanced grip and control.
- Upgraded sight options for better accuracy.
Cons
- Slightly higher price point.
Similarities between Taurus 709 Slim & S&W Shield
- Both chambered in 9mm, making them ideal for self-defense.
- Similar overall lengths, making them both compact and concealable.
- Both offer models with and without manual safeties.
- Comparable in width, fitting comfortably in various holsters.
- Each has aggressive slide serrations for better grip during slide manipulation.
Differences between Taurus 709 Slim & S&W Shield
- The Shield offers upgraded sight options, while the 709 Slim comes with basic sights.
- The 709 Slim is slightly slimmer in width compared to the Shield.
- Weight difference, with the Shield being lighter than the 709 Slim.
- The 709 Slim features a SA/DA trigger, while the Shield operates on a consistent striker-fired mechanism.
- Price variation, with the 709 Slim generally coming in at a lower price point compared to the Shield.
Final Verdict
After putting both the Taurus 709 Slim and the Smith & Wesson M&P9 Shield Plus through rigorous field tests, it’s time to draw a conclusion.
Both handguns have their merits, showcasing unique features that cater to different preferences and needs.
However, after careful consideration and based on my personal experience in handling, trigger quality, and accuracy, the Smith & Wesson M&P9 Shield Plus emerges as the winner in most comparisons.
FAQ’s
Is there a difference between a M&P and a shield?
Yes, the M&P line and the Shield are both part of Smith & Wesson’s offerings, but the Shield is specifically designed as a more compact and concealable version with unique ergonomics and textures compared to the broader M&P series.
S&W M&P 2.0 Compact vs Shield: Which is the better choice?
The choice between the M&P 2.0 Compact and the Shield depends on your need for size and concealability versus handling and capacity. The 2.0 Compact offers more capacity and a fuller grip, while the Shield is slimmer and more concealable.
Is M&P Shield better than Glock?
The M&P Shield and Glock 19 cater to different preferences; the Shield is highly accurate and more concealable, while the Glock 19 provides a larger capacity and is easier to handle due to its size, making recoil management better.
What’s better Smith & Wesson or Glock?
Choosing between Smith & Wesson and Glock depends on personal preference, as both brands offer high-quality firearms suited for various purposes. Handle and shoot both to determine which feels right for you.
