Replacing sights on S&W Shield

NCWalrus

NCWalrus

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I am looking into switching out sights on an M&P shield 9mm v1.0 and have read these are not as easy as other guns (read Glock)

Popping glock sights in an out have been no problem for me, but I have read that M&P shield sights need to be filed / fitted and not just punched in / out.

Specifically interested in the Ameriglo Hackathorns.

Does anyone on CFF have experience changing out sights on an M&P shield? Thoughts?

Appreciate the help
 
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I’ve done Shield sights a few times, OEM, Trij, and TruGlo. The OEM sights are super tight! They were so tight that I was unable to remove them with punches and had to get help from another member who had a sight pusher. When the sight finally came loose, it popped so loud I though we broke the slide.
Since then, I’ve purchased a sight pusher tool and have done sights on both of my shields as well as other pistols. If you’re on the N side of CLT, I don’t mind helping you out.
 
You want a sight pusher tool.

I've done both of mine and both had the same loud pop when the oem sights broke free.
 
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There's a spring under the rear sight. That will launch if you aren't paying attention.

If you ever want to install an APEX trigger have that on hand and do it at the same time as the sight swap.
 
I let Kroil soak into the sight overnight before using a borrowed pusher.

I didn’t use enough credit card scraps between the pusher and the shoe and buggered up the pusher. Had to replace the pusher shoe before giving it back to the generous lender. Like has been reported here, nothing moved until there was a loud SNAP. It was so loud my wife came running from the other room.
 
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Thanks guys - sounds like a pusher is in order. I have been using mallets and nylon punches on other sight swaps.
 
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I run the Ameriglo Hackathorns on all my M&P's and Glocks, great sights both day & night!

Yes, a sight pusher will most likely be the easiest method for the front sight on the M&P. The last one I did required a 3/8in steel punch and a very solid whack from a 2.5lbs hammer.

The rear sights are stupid simple, just remember to loosen the allen screw and don't let the spring go flying.
 
I knocked my 1.0 Shield's sights out with a brass punch, weren't too bad. Installed Ameriglos, don't recall a lot of fitting, but there's usually a little.

My M&P 2.0 makes everything seem easy in comparison.
 
Mike Joseph said:
You know, I've never actually fired a Shield 9 before. Closest I've gotten is reading articles online... Like apparently the M&P 2.0 is way better and worth it, but these are just internet reviews. Is it really worth it?
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@Starkherz199 used to come to IDPA matches where nearly everyone was shooting full sized guns and whoop everyone's hindquarters with a Shield.

This is before the M&P 2.0’s came out, but I’ve not seen any decent shooters who didn’t have a high opinion of the Shield’s ability to put rounds on target.
 
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I own two. Carry one daily and the other is in my get home bag. I could put a bigger gun in there but can't find a good reason to.
 
Mike Joseph said:
You know, I've never actually fired a Shield 9 before. Closest I've gotten is reading articles online... Like apparently the M&P 2.0 is way better and worth it, but these are just internet reviews. Is it really worth it?
Click to expand...
My 2.0 is a Compact, compared to my 1.0 Shield or FS, oem trigger: better, grip texture: WAY better, accuracy: very similar.

As I understand the 2.0 Shield got the same improvements, honestly the texture may be too much for some people to carry, it snags clothes and can wear on the skin. I don't think the 1.0 Shield's trigger is as bad as the first gen full sizes. That said I'd look at a hellcat or 365 before I ran out to get a 2.0 Shield.
 
The Shield 2.0 is easier to get the sights out than the 1.0. I screwed up the sight pusher shoe getting out the front sight on the 1.0. It is a nightmare. The 2.0 is still very tight...but manageable. Pour some kroil on the sight and let it sit for a couple hours. You can also get some cans of spray freeze. That helps. Otherwise sticking it in the freezer will aid.

I shot a bug match with the Shield 1.0, and 2.0. I came in 1st and 2nd place. The 2.0 was the first place finisher. Shooting times between the guns were nearly identical. The difference was that I was more accurate with the 2.0. The grip texturing makes the difference, as it allows you to manage recoil more efficiently.
It is really much better than the smooth 1.0.
And the stock trigger is better in the 2.0 than the 1.0. I still put the Apex duty kit in both my shields. So, to answer the question...the 2.0 is a no brainer. Get it over the 1.0
 
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