S&W Shield + XTech +2: More Grip, Faster Reloads, Same Concealment

XTech MTX +2 on the S&W Shield: A Practical Test

Considering options for a quality concealed-carry pistol, I evaluated the Smith & Wesson Shield (9 mm) fitted with an XTech Tactical +2 MTX 9-round extended magazine. The results were clear: the +2 is a game changer. The flush-fit magazine measures 4 1/2 inches, while the XTech MTX +2 measures 5 1/8 inches. The extra length extends slightly below the grip but remains completely concealable in standard clothing and holsters. I used the same holster and carry position for each test, keeping rounds and conditions consistent to ensure an accurate comparison.

Durability and engineering

Beyond the obvious benefits of extra grip surface and two additional rounds, one standout feature of the MTX/XTech magazines is their durability and engineering. The MTX mags use a hardened 17-7 stainless steel spring in a tool-free, user-serviceable design that is built to last. That same spring system works with both the 7- and 8-round Shield magazines, giving real versatility across configurations. You are not just getting a +2 for capacity; you are getting a rugged magazine system designed for long life and easy maintenance.

The drills: concealment to engagement

I ran three practical drills from concealment to test and compare performance: a 6-shot Bill Drill, a 3-shot/reload/3-shot drill, and a 6-target plate rack for transitions.

Bill Drill

In the Bill Drill I drew from concealment and ran six shots to the A-zone in 3.10 seconds with the extended mag versus 3.51 seconds with the flush-fit factory mag. The extended base lets my support hand acquire a firmer and more confident purchase during the draw, which helped me manage recoil and drive follow-ups faster.

Reload and transition work

The reload and transition work showed similar, measurable gains. In the 3-shot reload drill I clocked 4.17 seconds with the XTech +2 and 4.38 seconds with the flush mag. The added surface made magazine indexing and retrieval faster because there is more to grab on the hip. On the plate rack the extended mag cleared six targets in 4.67 seconds versus 5.32 seconds with the flush mag. The extra palm coverage allowed me to transition targets faster and more accurately, producing smoother follow-ups and cleaner target transitions.

Conclusion: definitive upgrade for the Shield

After testing the Shield with the XTech +2 / MTX 9-round magazine across multiple drills and real-world carry scenarios, the conclusion is clear: this is the definitive upgrade for the platform. The extended magazine delivers improved grip, faster reloads, better recoil control, and extra capacity without compromising concealment. It answers the practical questions you take to the range and ends the research. If you want to maximize performance and reliability from a compact carry pistol, the XTech +2 / MTX 9-round extension is a solution that proves itself in practice.