I apologize if this has been brought up before, but i did a search and could not find any information. I currently own a .40c which I really like it and use it for HD. I take it to the range and shoot it every time and it is very accurate for it's size. I am now considering buying a FS or a 5" Pro in 9mm for more economical range shooting. I probably will not compete but will shoot around 100 rounds each week. What are the advantages or disadvantages for each for this purpose? The 5" is really hard to find right now so I have a little time to make a decision.

If your not going to use for any type of competition, I would go with the FS. The 4.25 full size will be just fine for what you are talking about doing. Aside from the 5" barrel, the Pro has a "target" style trigger, and has been optimized for target shooting.

If your not going to compete, go for the 9L over the Pro, you get the 5" barrel without the changes to the triggger.

__________________
Gerry

agreed with the above. if you're not shooting competitively, just get a FS. thats what i have and I shoot about the same amount as you indicated above. happy shooting

__________________
HOOCH

I agree.....my only problem is it took me two months before I could find either one. I found the Pro first so I jumped on it. I wanted the 5" barrel and finally got one yesterday.

__________________
Get off my lawn.....

I was at a local shop the other day and asked about getting a 9mm Pro model. According to them, current delivery time is sometime after February 2012, although the price is outstanding! If you're not into competition, the standard FS should do what you want...

__________________
Gary

I prefer the 5" barrel, just for the extra sight radius, even on a non competition gun. The 9L is sometimes a better option than the Pro. Why pay for the enhanced trigger of the Pro, when you can install an Apex trigger kit, or send the gun to a reputable M&P gunsmith (i.e. Dan Burwell) and have a much better trigger than the factory trigger. Remember, there is no way the factory is shipping a gun with a true target tuned trigger. The lawyers just won't let it happen. Even if you don't shoot competitively, the longer sight radius and a finely tuned trigger will make an afternoon of plinking or paper punching a lot more fun.

So, does anyone know where there is a 9L for sale?

Last place I saw advertised was Bud's gun shop online.

__________________
Gerry

You might try Mace Sports in Mebane area or Colfax Gun and Ammo in Colfax.

This thread made me chuckle. I too wanted a 5 in gun. I hunted for a "L" anything. To this day I have not seen one available and very few listings. I knew I was going to add the Apex Tactical stuff. Had to buy a Pro 9mm with FO front sight. Changed that sight to an adjustable one and the Apex stuff. Beginning of 2011 I found a 40 S&W M&P S&W Pro. Put Apex stuff in that one too. They are competition guns. I would have gotten "L" models if I could have found one. Saved money. Having fun with both. Shoot the 9mm in USPSA Production most. Got to find time to shoot the 45 acp I got first of all of them.

__________________
old not on active duty Marine

Good luck....until S&W gets off their butt and ships some to the distributors it will be dumb luck to find one. It's why when I found a Pro Series on Saturday I jumped on it. I didn't want to wait 6 months or so. I spent two months looking. If I find one I'll send you a PM.

__________________
Get off my lawn.....

I found a 5" 9mm Pro today for $605.00. Good deal? Wasn't really impressed with the trigger in dry firing, long takeup like my 40c.

Bud's has a special edition M&P 40 L in stock (P/N 151006) for $499. If the caliber change isn't a problem, this might be worth a look. If you want, you could also buy a replacement barrel in 9mm and some 9mm mags, and have a 2 caliber gun. Apparently you can go from 40 to 9 but not the other way.

Pro. Gives you better sites, better trigger. I have the 5" Pro, it just plain rocks.

Mine was $565....got a $75 discount because I joined the range/store that was selling it...so it cost me $490.

MP's are still as bit scarce right now.

the takeup is part of the striker fire process. Yes it's long...but you get the feel for it after 1000 rounds or so. I don't even notice mine anymore. I do like the Pro trigger better...much softer pull.....

Does the m&p pro have any differences from the 9L besides the trigger?

Sights.
Night sights on the 4.25" , Fiber optic front and target rear on the 5"

__________________
M&P .40, M&P 9c & Shield 45