All - I have done a lot of research lately on which handgun I would like to purchase. This will be my first personal handgun purchase. I have narrowed my search down to the M&P 9mm Compact or the Beretta PX4 compact. I realize this is a S&W forum and I might receive some biased advice but I'm assuming there are a lot of people out here with several different makes of handguns. I want the handgun for home protection and a little C&C on trips/vacations. I don't plan on it being a daily carry. Thanks.

Hello Jerben and welcome to the forum from another Okie.
Having owned both guns, go for the M&P. The Beretta does not have adjustable sights and the one I had shot 6" low and 3" left at only 10 yards. Fortunately my LGS took mine for trade on the M&P 9c that I have now. Not sure I would ever own a Beretta again. But, ymmv.

Hard to beat a Glock 19 in this same category.....Try one out before you make your choice.

Have read several reports of the PX4 POI being way off the mark for the first couple hundred rounds but then they supposedly settle in and prove to be as accurate as can be expected for any semi autos in the price range. The M&P has proven itself to be pretty reliable. Depending on the PX4 model, you can opt for the SA/DA version. That might be important to you.

I EDC a 9c and I have shot the PX4c. I would choose the M&P. I cant speak to the acccuracy as I only shot two mags. But it seemed okay. I do own an M9 and it is one of my favorite weapons. It is quite the tack-driver as well.

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Unless Beretta makes a "G" model of the PX4 -- decocker only -- I'd avoid it like the plague as that slide mounted safety is likely the worst design available today. The Army, being more afraid of a negligent discharge than putting the pistol into operation, forced the slide safety/decocker onto the M9 pistol to make it harder to disengage the safety.

The M92G model is wonderful if you must carry DA/SA.

-- Chuck

Beretta did have a "g" version of the PX4. I don't know if it is still available though.

The PX4, like the Cougar that came before it, is easily convertable to "G".

I have owned several polymer handguns and i would have to say for me I like the M&P the best. The ergonomics are great and the accuracy is outstanding.

This is simple get the M&P9C which being an M&P alone is enough for me although I own 3 M&P's they are reliable with great capacity mags and quite accurate plus they feel great to the hand.

I understand I am a Smith & Wesson enthusiast since 4 of my five pistols and even a flashlight are Smiths they are made in the United States and have a lifetime warranty with so far great customer service (I have never had to use it since buying my first in 1982, the Model 59).

I would own nothing other than a Smith & Wesson even though I do have a Glock26 just wanted to try it and now it sits in the gun vault all the time!

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

For a first gun, I recommend the MP9FS. It is just a little bigger than the MP9C but you can still carry it neatly in a waist band holster (Try a Galco WB472. The full size will be steadier and easy to shoot accurately. The MP9C is good for CC but you probably are not ready for that yet considering this is a first gun. Get your CC license and take a course or two, read the laws before taking the gun traveling.

I own a px4 full size 9mm decocker only and also a m&p 9mm compact. I enjoy shooting both guns but i give the edge to the m&p. The m&p fits my hand just a bit better and i shoot it a little more accurately. Both are quality guns but you can get the m&p in .22 cal now to use as a trainer while shooting less expensive ammo. For a new shooter especially this is a big plus.

Thanks for all the advice. It will be helpful when I make my final decision.

Hope you make your decision on the fact that Smith & Wesson is an American company that has been around for quite some time that makes a reliable weapon and has great customer service which I have yet had to use I bought my first Smith & Wesson in 1982 and except for a Glock and a Keltec which I traded for a M&P45 last week along with some extra cash, the Smith is by far the greatest feeling and shooting weapon on the market in the world!

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

your hand will tell you best
i went in to buy a sig or glock and left with a m&p
im not a hard core brand guy to me there are several top brands out their but the feel in your hand is what your lookin for

Go with the M&P. I own both! The PX4 compact is still not broken in after 200 rounds of NATO 124 gr. The compact models have a bad rep for FTF until broken in. I have had zero repeat zero problems with the M&Ps.

I cannot offer a complete comparison as I have the M&P only. I do not see how you can do any better than the Smith though.

Despite the complaints about he trigger, it may be too easy to fire for someone not fully trained and used to guns.
My 9c does not have the thumb safety but I wish it did. I do have the safety on my 45 and appreciate it's extra level of protection. I am used to 1911s though.
I realize I am in a tiny minority who feel this way, but if I had it to do over I would difinitely get the thumb safety. They are admittedly harder to find.

I think Tom Goodrick offeres good advice in recommending a full size over the compact. They really are easier and more pleasant to shoot.

Good luck in your selection whatever it is.

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Nearly Normal Mike, NRA Lifer

I would also say it comes down to the feel in your hand. I always rent to two guns I'm trying to decide between and fire them side by side. I make my decision from there.

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This is a hard choice because I own and like both pistols. The PX4 Compact is larger than the M&P9c but the magazine holds 15 rounds as opposed to 12. Accuracy wise I'd have to give the edge to the PX4, it has a great SA trigger. For concealed carry the edge would go to the M&P9c as it's a much more streamlined design. Try both and see which one you prefer, or do like I did and buy both.

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