After several years and multiple attempts, I finally gave up on ever getting used to the Glock grip. Switched to XD's, and thought I'd found the answer - reliable, accurate, and fit my hand well right out of the box. My only complaints with the XD's are: the high bore axis, which makes the pistols "blockier" than I like for carry, and which is not condusive to natural pointing (for me); and the grip safety, which I don't care for in a defensive handgun.

Then, I shot a friend's M&P 40 FS, and think this platform may give me the best features of both the Glock and XD lines: a great, customizable grip, no grip safety, and a lower bore axis, with great accuracy and reliability and acceptable SD capacity. I currently have an XD9Sc and an XD45c - and so would be interested in the M&P9c and M&P45c for comparison (and yes, I'll shoot both before I buy either.) I shoot both XDs pretty well, so the M&Ps will really have to impress me to induce me to make the switch.

Here's what I'm looking for in both models: no internal lock, no mag disconnect and no thumb safety. Both would be used for CCW, so reliability is paramount. From searching this forum, I can foresee an Apex duty/carry kit in the 9c, and I see XGrip makes a mag sleeve for using full capacity mags in the 9c, for a CCW reload.

My main concern is whether there are any issues with either of these models I need to be aware of, from a reliability or durability standpoint? Frame rails? Magazines? I seem to recall some issue with early M&P's (rust?), but can't recall exactly what that was or how it was resolved. Are there any generations of either pistol that are more or less desireable, and why?

Thanks in advance.

The current crop seems to have the teething issues under control, so go for it!

Just buy one. You wont regret it.

Great time to buy one. Prices for new ones are in the mid $400's in several places, and most of the comments here will tell you it is a great gun. I have a 9FS and looking into a 45.
Just me, but I do not like the fit of the compacts and the short grip on the compacts, but the 45 midsize grip does feel good, and seems about the same size as the 69 series guns.

The triggers on the 45 models are not that great. Definately consider an Apex kit for it. I sometimes carry a full size M&P 40 and a 40C. I like the magazine capatability. Either way you can't go wrong.

I just got a M&P 9c, and love it. Fits my hand perfectly with the medium sized grip, points great and is very accurate. Put WWB, Fiocchi and Federal 115gr. FMJ and Speer Gold Dot 124 gr.JHP through it and it functioned flawlessly.

I bought the M&P40 for competition and it is phenomenal. I decided to go for the M&P9 for less recoil and cheaper shooting. My wife shot the 9mm and has claimed it for her own. So I just ordered a new 9mm and decided to replace my XD40 SC with the M&P40 compact. All in all that should tell you how I feel about the guns. They are reliable. A few 1000 rounds thru the 40, easy to maintain, with the Apex upgrades that I have not even tried yet they should be absolutely fantastic. I think S&W has hit a home run with these guns and they are the first guns that I have heard "many" Glock guys switching to.

I came from a G17 to the MP45FS and MP40C. Main thing I liked about the G17 was extremely high confidence it would go bang each trigger pull. Both of my MPs now have that same level of confidence, after several thousand rounds through them. I find this most key for home defense or carry.
After that, MP is all gravey. Bore axis for recoil control, great fit and feeling in hand. Trigger could be better, but this gun is half the cost of HK or Sig. I do not mind the investment or donation to Apex.

I think you'll find that most M&P-ers who respond to your post will be heavily biased and lean towards positive feedback. The majority of those who do post on this S&W (sub-)forum, needless to say, are very favorable and satisfied with their M&P's, notwithstanding the OEM/stock trigger.

I would suggest that you search out other sites/forums in order to obtain feedback from owners/shooters who weren't so happy with their M&P, if there are any. That way you will be getting a more balanced opinion/picture with regard to M&P's prior to your purchase.

Aside from the issues you listed with your XD's, I would think long and hard about exchanging pistols that you have grown accustomed to.

Oh, did I mention that I LOVE my 40c? It's equipped with CTC laser grip, no manual safety and it's my full time CCW / home protector. Nearly put 700 rds through it so far, and not one hiccup.

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MotorCityGun

I was looking at one of these today at my favorite 'toy store', and if I can sell my 239 on consignment I will bring one home. - 'ole joe

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Semper Fidelis
West Virginia

I would buy an M&P 40 and 40C. Then go buy a Storm Lake 9MM barrel and/or a 357 Sig barrel for each gun.

Now you got 4 or 5 guns instead of 2.

Been there done that Glock to xd back to Glock and Just got my M&P pro with the 4.25" Barrell with night sites will get to shoot this weekend the m&p feels the best of any gun I have handled.

I have the M&P pro with 4.25" Bbl with night sights (40 cal) and have about 600 rounds through it so far no malfunctions of any kind. I shoot it better than the Glocks, sigs and HK's I own,which surprised me a bit. The gun (for me anyway) feels better In my hand than the others which is probably why I shoot it better. I think you'll enjoy your gun Smith seems to have a winner here.

Thanks for all the input - as someone pointed out, I did expect the replies to heavily favor the M&P, but also figured if anyone had a strong feeling against any aspect of the design, I'd hear it here - folks who are big fans of any manufacturer are often the most disappointed and vocal when that maker does something not quite up to par.

So, I may head out to the local gunshow tomorrow and see what I can find, while I can still take advantage of the free magazine rebate.

Can the currently manufactured crop of M&P9c's be had without the internal lock and mag disconnect?

...on the M&P9c. Went to the local gunshow today, and picked up a brand new one for $499 + tax. Ordering my free mags tomorrow, as well as an Apex kit and Xgrip adapters.

This pistol feels great - the medium backstrap insert fits me perfectly, and it points more naturally than any Glock ever did for me. I must admit, it actually feels better than my XD 9Sc in hand, though that may be just a case of the new gun giddies - we'll see.

Thanks for everyone's input. I expect my next range trip may be the final step in my conversion.

I bought the M&Pc in .357 Sig the other week and LOVE it!
I am now selling all of my Glocks.

I have smaller hands and it just feels DARN good in my hand.
The .357 Sig is much more enjoyable to shoot in the M&P over a Glock as well.

After shooting with Dave Bowie last year and running the live fire house clearing exercise with my M1911 (7+1 rounds) I picked up a M&P9 (17+1). Not sure what the Apex parts drop the trigger pull to, but mine, as cleaned up at Burwell's shop, measures 4.25 pounds with the stock, not shortened, trigger pull.

In .45ACP you get 11 rounds in the same size package and the grip is not that much bigger than the compact model when tucked into a good ISWB holster.

Trainers I respect advocate training and duty/carry pistols. The training pistol gets the abuse during frequent 3-day courses, the duty pistol is maintained in as perfect condition as you can with only infrequent firing. The M&P9 and M&P45 make a very nice pair and come from the factory setup identically. The 9mm will save your hand the abuse of 2000 rounds over a long weekend as well as cut your training ammunition costs in half. Maintaining skills is expensive.

-- Chuck

friends, i never thought i would trade or sell my 228 or 226.
but i tell you what, sw has a winner with this gun.and i say that not just about how i feel. my dealer is selling sw guns,mp guns 7 out 10 in his store.and he has all the makes and models available.all the other manufacturers.
i have looked for a ccw gun for years.that would be a fit for me.i tried them all.and they were good guns.the sigs, colts, all of them.and they still are good guns.
but this mp9c i have is just about perfect for me,my hands,my pockets,it just works better than any compact i have had.
i love it.i dont care what anyone says, a sig 228 loaded up is a heavy gun.i have the same amount of rounds in this mp 9c and it feels like the gun is half the size and weight.i have 3 more ordered.i love them. and i did not get any money for writing this lol.i am going to get some ct grips, some holsters,some tac lights for the house gun.
i agree the the trigger could be better,but we know what to do for that.
i wish i could get some info on the mp pro,as a range gun.if the gun is worth the extra money.
thats my 2 cents,.

Congratuations and WELCOME HOME!
I said and felt the same as you did on my first contact with the M&P.
I have not been a fan of S&W until this firearm. (M&P is amazing)
S&W M&P 9MM FS.... and.... S&W M&P 45 COMPACT

I am not a revolver guy, or I would have arrived sooner.
I was a GLOCK guy, and now it just seems silly...

Gald you love & appreciate the M&P as much as WE do. enjoy!

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)))X~ silvercn ~X(((

I think you'll be quite pleased with it, from one local to another My M&P40c has a solid 500rds through it w/o a single failure. I had a full-size M&P40 that I loved, but it just didn't get shot as I always took the compact out (since it's my CCW) so it got traded for one of my "must haves", a 2-1/2" 686

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"I'm your huckleberry."

Everyone in my area kept saying Glock, or Sig, I've always liked S&W and they have always done right by me. The M&P 40 FS is what I bought and absolutely love it. As my wife says I have huge bear paw hands and it fits in there nicely. I did buy the model with the Ambidextrous safety "thumb" and just had a the right side removed by the shop I bought it from, because I found a great deal on CT Laser grips. The feel is great, and it shoots fantastic, just put 100 rounds through on Sunday and will put allot more through it for sure. Oh and I am using the Blackhawk serpa holster which is fantastic, love it. Ammo used was FMJ 185grain, Independence and Fiochi, I believe.

I will probably buy another M&P but not sure which caliber at this point in time. A compact gets lost in my hand so thats out.

Hey, neighbor! My recent awakening to the M&P is kind of like that girl that you passed in the hallway everyday in junior high (didn't call it 'middle school' back then) and then suddenly, one day your hormones kick in, the heavens part, the chorus sings, and for the first time you look at her and realize "dang, she's PERFECT for me - how come I never paid HER any attention before?"

I'm looking forward to this new relationship.

I had been carrying a Glock 23 for years until shortly after picking up an MP 45C in a trade. It had a gritty trigger but after the Apex sear, striker block kit, and a buff job the trigger breaks like glass. If I had to do it again, I would have polished the striker block myself.
Now I also have a MP 40 Fullsize with night sites. I LOVE how the grip feels on that, and now wish I went with the full size MP 45.
Great guns, never had a jam out of either of them, only shoot duty ammo. (.40 165Gr Speer Gold Dot HP and .45 ACP 230Gr Winchester Ranger T regular and +P.)