Hi everyone---I'm new to the forum and I'd like some opinions. I've shot several pistols at the range, just to try some out, and I believe I've settled on the M&P 9 compact.
Here are my questions (so far):

I don't know whether to get one with a thumb safety. I like the idea of it, but will it just get in the way?

Do all of them come with the pinky extension on the grip?

I would like one that fires even if the magazine is out--would this be called "no mag safety"?

If I can order the gun with tritium or white dot sights, which would be better?

One more thing...there appears to not be a range kit for the 9mm compact---is this correct?

Thank you for any thoughts and advise you can offer!

I like the thumb safety on the M&P. You do need to train to swipe off the safety but I feel that the extra safety is worth it. A gun that will fire without a mag in does not have a magazine disconnect safety feature. I agree with your choice regarding that feature. Tritum sights are considered an upgrade over the white sights. You have to decide if the extra cost is worth it to you. If you plan to use this gun for self defense then sights that you can see in low light situation is a worthwhile feature.

IIRC, one mag had the pinky extension and one had the flat base, so i ordered pinky ext online.

.........of course this was before i learned that they are free for the asking if you call S&W.

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NRA life member

Most of the M&P9c sets I seen comes with 2 12rd magazines (10rd if you are in restricted area), 1 with the extender, 1 flat bottom.

There is also one configuration that comes with 1 12rd compact, and 1 full size 17rd magazine with a grip extension.

You can also purchase a full size magazine and use it in any of the 9c's, with or without the grip extension. The extension makes the grip feel very comparable to the full size M&P.

I like to use the extender piece if I use the gun to introduce 9mm to someone never shot it before as it gives you a better full hand grip...it's also very similar at that point to the M&P22 version I also have and usually have them shot first to see how they handle the gun.

mine doesn't have a thumb safety...

it was MFG'd in 2009, could that be why?

LOVE the gun though. I can actually carry it all day rather comfortably

Thumb and magazine safeties are options. It doesnt have to do with manufacturing date.

I have the 357c with the safety. I realky like it.

The question on whether to buy an M&P with any of the safeties is really a question each person has to answer. I chose to go without them just because I use my gun for the range and don't keep it loaded in the house. I ALWAYS handle the gun like its loaded and want to train myself this way until it becomes second nature. I guess I didn't want to rely upon a thumb safety. Again, I think it is personal preference. Btw, the one good thing about not having the mag safety is being able to take down the gun without using a tool to push down the sear. You can just dry fire it. Just my 2 cents...

None of my M&P's have the mag safety or thumb safety. I have no kids left at home and I feel self defense weapons should be simple and have the point and pull the trigger arrangement only.

I cut my teeth on double action S&W revolvers and still carry one if the weather or job prohibit a covering garment. Never noticed any safeties on them other than common sense.

I opted for no Thumb Safety (TS). I do not like the feel of the M&P TS... while the TS on a 1911 style gun seems natural for some reason. Maybe that's because the M&P TS is small and dinky

Range kit is for the Full Sized guns only as I recall.

I opted for the Mag Safety (MS) because I did not want that ugly disclaimer on the right side of the slide. I will eventually remove the MS - it's easy - there are YouTube videos that show how. I bought a 45 compact without the MS... the disclaimer is not that ugly after all, but it's not pretty.

-T

There's also an LE/first responder package that comes with three mags - one flat and two with the pinky extension.

My LE pkg one came with 1 flat and 2 w/extension. But the guy did say that was odd.

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

Mine came with one flat and two with the pinky extension, but I really would've preferred it the other way - one pinky ext. and two flat. The flat ones just conceal better for me.

I thought about calling S&W and trying to buy a couple flat baseplates, but I think I'll just buy another mag with the flat baseplate. That way I'll have two of each.

Is an LE package available to anyone?

No, not usually. Either have to be an LE, or current/retired military. There are other criteria. Check out Budspolicesupply.com. They have criteria that, once met, enables you to buy at the LE discount. That's where I just bought my most recent M&P.

-T

Would you like to trade one of your finger extention 12 rounders for a flat plat 12 rounder?

There are some other items you might want with a new semi auto:

• Cleaning kit available at Walmart
• UpLULA speed loader to load you magazines
• Gun wipes available also at Walmart
• Ammo cases to put home defense cartridges in when at the range
• A good holster by Blackhawk or Crossbreed or Minotaur
• Lots of practice ammo
• Good earmuffs for the range

This is just a start but will help you along the way with your new weapon. Also extra magazine would also be a good thing for the range!

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59,M&P9,40,40C,357,(2)45,G26

Thanks Houdini1953! I've already ordered the Uplula, but I'll definitely get the cleaning kit and gun wipes. I'll have to try several holsters, I guess. Are there any particular brands of ear protection that are good? (Other than the $200 stuff!)

Most any ear muffs you can purchase at Academy Sports will work just fine and they can be cheap like 10 dollars or so, the difference is compact size or color, and yes you can get them in pink if you wish but most are black or charcoal but will protect hearing while still able to hear normal conversation!

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59,M&P9,40,40C,357,(2)45,G26

Do you have a Streicher's by you? That's where I got mine.

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

I appreciate the offer, but I'm just going to pick up another mag the next time I'm at my local dealer. They cater primarily to LE and generally have a pretty good selection of mags in stock for the guns they carry.

I got my M&P 9c! Love it! No thumb safety, no mag safety-----sweet!!!

My m&p9c has no thumb safety and i like it that way. I feel that a defensive weapon should be simple to use in a high stress situation. Locating and operating a thumb safety (or any safety) adds an additional step before the gun can be used. Simple for some to do but more difficult when under stress.

My 9c does not have the safety and I'm happy w/o it. I also shoot it better than any other gun I own to include my Glock Model 23, which was my LEO service weapon.

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Old Cop
LEO (Ret.)