919-388-1991
Since being introduced in 2012, the S&W M&P Shield in both 9mm and .40 caliber has been a huge success for S&W. However, that didn’t stop Shield fans from asking for a version of the Shield in a larger caliber. In the summer of 2016, S&W answered those requests by introducing a version of the M&P Shield chambered in 45 ACP.
Scroll down to see all the S&W M&P Shield 45 holster models we offer
Although the 45 ACP Shield isn’t exactly the same dimensions as the 9mm/40 cal versions, it’s only slightly larger and wider than the 9mm version. In terms of actual dimensions, the 45 version is only about half an inch longer (a 3.3” barrel versus a 3.1” on the 9mm version) and less than ¼ of inch wider (no doubt to address the more powerful 45 ACP caliber), and the grip is about half an inch longer than the 9/40 models. The 45 version only weighs 2 ounces more than the 9/40 versions. Another noticeable difference between the 9/40 versions is the texture on the grip. On the 9/40 models, only the palm swell area is textured, but on the 45 model, the entire grip is textured.
One concern S&W had with the 45 version involved the felt recoil and muzzle flip associated with the more powerful 45 caliber coming out of a pistol the size of the Shield. Range reports seem to indicate that the 45 caliber version is more than manageable in that area.
Much like the 9/40 versions, the 45 caliber variant of the Shield comes with 2 magazines (and some with 3 magazines), including a 6+1 version and a 7+1 version with an extension. Currently the Shield 45 is only available in 4 versions:
Here questions that we have seen so far regarding holsters for the S&W M&P Shield 45:
#1 – Will a Shield 45 fit in a holster made for the 9/40 version?
The answer is no, because the 45 version is slightly longer and wider than a 9/40 version.
#2 – Do you offer any Shield 45 holster models?
Yes, we do. Any model listed below is available in a Shield 45 holster version.
#3 – I have a MP Shield 45 version with a thumb safety, but don’t see any holster models specifically offered to fit the thumb safety version?
That is correct because the thumb safety is so small it doesn’t affect the holster fit an all. A Shield version with a thumb safety fits in a holster produced for a regular Shield 45.
#4 – I’m looking for a holster for my MP Shield 45 that has a retention strap. Do you have anything that would work?
Most any holster listed below is available with an optional thumb break (also called a retention strap) that can be added to the holster (for a small additional fee).
#5 – I see you carry the Don Hume brand of holsters, but don’t see any Don Hume listed for the Shield 45 model? Why is that?
That’s because, at the time of this writing, Don Hume wasn’t offering any holsters to fit the Shield 45 just yet.
#6 - I have the regular M&P Shield in 40 caliber. Do you offer any holsters to fit the 9/40 versions of the Shield?
Yes, we carry a full line of holsters for the M&P Shield in 9/40 versions and those can be seen by following this link: S&W M&P Shield 9/40 Holsters.
#7 - Do you offer any M&P Shield 45 IWB holster models?
Yes, we carry a number of IWB holster models below that are specifically made for the Shield 45 version.
Any model listed below is available in a S&W M&P Shield 45 holster version.with or without a thumb safety: