We went to the LGS last night to look at both the Walther PPS and the S&W M&P Shield. She really likes the shield; the slide was easy for her to rack and she likes the ergonomics. She did not like the (blocky) looks of the Walther, although I kind of did. My own impressions.
Shield: larger than it looks in pictures. Still very thin (good for us). I thought the trigger was excellent. Little bit of take-up, then a wall, then a very crisp break. I understand that Smith will be incorporating this new trigger in the rest of their M&P line soon. I don't like the manual safety; I understand they're starting to build them now without the manual safety. Overall, this gun looks and feels more expensive than it is.
PPS: I really liked this one. The slide felt like it was riding on butter...VERY smooth. I liked the red cocking indicator on the back of the slide. I also liked the paddle magazine release. The trigger was a little more mushy in the PPS; I prefer the Shield's trigger. Both guns felt good in-hand, but the Shield felt a slight bit better to me.
The Shield probably has better aftermarket support as well (sights, holsters, etc) and the magazines are appropriately priced (Walther gets $50 for new mags!). Smith also has a lifetime warranty that transfers to all owners as I understand, so if I buy one used, I'd be fully covered.
A LGS has a deal on the Shield right now for $359, but it's the manual safety version. Will have to think about that. And will have to see what I can get for my like-new CZ P-07 that I just bought, but will sell.
Shield: larger than it looks in pictures. Still very thin (good for us). I thought the trigger was excellent. Little bit of take-up, then a wall, then a very crisp break. I understand that Smith will be incorporating this new trigger in the rest of their M&P line soon. I don't like the manual safety; I understand they're starting to build them now without the manual safety. Overall, this gun looks and feels more expensive than it is.
PPS: I really liked this one. The slide felt like it was riding on butter...VERY smooth. I liked the red cocking indicator on the back of the slide. I also liked the paddle magazine release. The trigger was a little more mushy in the PPS; I prefer the Shield's trigger. Both guns felt good in-hand, but the Shield felt a slight bit better to me.
The Shield probably has better aftermarket support as well (sights, holsters, etc) and the magazines are appropriately priced (Walther gets $50 for new mags!). Smith also has a lifetime warranty that transfers to all owners as I understand, so if I buy one used, I'd be fully covered.
A LGS has a deal on the Shield right now for $359, but it's the manual safety version. Will have to think about that. And will have to see what I can get for my like-new CZ P-07 that I just bought, but will sell.