Hello everyone. This is my first post here.

I am relatively new to guns in general. I have taken an 8 hour safety course and have been to the range a couple times with rentals. I have also obtained my CPL.

I'm now getting ready to purchase my first handgun and I've narrowed my focus to a few M&P and Glock 9mm models. I'd rather an S&W from a style and overall feel point of view.

I am primarily looking for a gun for Home Defense but I am also interested in possible CC. I'm wondering if there are models that fit both of these applications? If so, which would you recommend? Or is it more common to have two different guns for these jobs?

Thanks for your help!

Eventually you may want multiple guns - most of us do. However, as a beginner, you're best suited with one gun that suits you well and putting further cash into ammo for more practice and training. If it fits your hand well, the M&P 9c is comfortable for range, has decent capacity, and is fairly easy to conceal. I always recommend 9mm as the caliber for a first gun because ammo is affordable and available for practice, and modern 9mm hollow points are extremely effective for defense.

I usually recommend a .357 mag revolver for home defense (The original Point & Click interface for all skill levels). Everything is application driven and no one gun will fill all applications.

However if I had to pick one gun for home defense and carry it would be a toss-up between the M&P 40 full-size and the M&P 40 compact.
The full size can be hard to conceal (I don’t open carry); but it can be done.

The Compact is a little easier to conceal for carry and can use full size 15 round mags when in a home defense application.

We have all been through this and it’s why we have several guns. Good luck with your new, very expensive, hobby.

40S&W is just my personal preference I haven’t owned a 9 in 20 years. Use whatever caliber you feel most comfortable with and can afford to shoot…. a lot.

Welcome to the forum hope you learn much and feel at home here. I bought my first auto in 1982 before that it was all revolvers 38 caliber as well as a 357 Magnum while in the US Navy. My first auto was a Smith & Wesson Model 59, then a couple of years ago while working in another part of town I was passing a gun store everyday to and from work so I decided to have a look around. The M&P9 caught my eye and just the feel of the gun was enough to make me go ahead and buy it.

If you get the opportunity then I would buy the new M&P Shield in 9 millimeter, but they are hard to find and the 40 caliber are even harder to find. I do not own a Shield YET, but it is only because they are so hard to come by, my local gun store has my telephone number and will call me as soon as they get one.

This weapon is quite small and will conceal well and with a decent factory hollow point with at least 115 grain bullet it is a great defensive round. Also great is Speer Gold Dot 124 grain hollow points or Magtech 124 grain hollow points!

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

A 9mm. is hard to beat for a first handgun. I think the compact MP9 would be a good choice for carry but for home defense get a short barrel pump shotgun.

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LIVE FROM THE DAWGHOUSE

The M&P9c is a very versatile gun. You can use the 12 round mag for concealed carry and use a full size mag with grip extension for home defense. It also has a rail for to mount a light/laser.

You indicated an M&P as a possible choice. I think the M&P 9 compact is an excellent choice.

It is easy to conceal and you could buy a full size 17 round magazine and use an X-Grip adapter for home use. IMO, a full size grip is important for a house gun.

If a spouse/girlfriend will have access to the gun then you will have to consider her thoughts as well. But again, the 9 compact will probably suit her just fine.

I agree what others have said about getting the M&P9c and getting the X-Grip adapter and full size mags. Best of both worlds, you have a carry gun with the 12 round mags and a home defense gun with full size mag. Can't go wrong.

Finding a good all-around pistol, as mentioned is a tough decision.
Since you narrowed it down to either a Glock, or an M&P, rent both again, together if you can, so you can do a side-by-side comparison and see which is more comfortable for you to shoot. While some take to the Glock grip angle very easily, others can transition to it very easily and others hate it.

If you decide to go S&W, you've already read all the raves about the Compact.

If you end up going Glock, many agree that the G19 is their best All-Around 9mm. Also... While Glock doesn't have a compact system that comes with 2 mags (flush & extended), with the G26, you'd have a very good 10 round Carry pistol and you could use G19 mags with an extension sleeve (similar to the M&P9c with X-Grip).

The hard part is seeing which system is more comfortable for you to shoot, train with and actually carry.

Hey! Thanks so much to everyone that has replied so far.

I am strongly considering the M&P9c and was pretty set on it until S&W came out with the Shield. I'll admit I am getting caught up in the excitement about it!

I like the Shield's small size. I'm also intrigued by the word of mouth that it has a great trigger. My problems with the Shield are that I feel it is specifically targeted at CC. Also, since they are scarce right now I would be hard pressed to find one to rent let alone buy.

As other's have pointed out I have more options with the 9c (greater default mag capacity, ability to use full size mags, lights, lasers, etc.). I have also actually shot the 9c and liked it just as much if not a little more than the Glock 19.

I'm wondering about the trigger though. Most people I've seen in YouTube videos talk about how much better the Shield's trigger is compared to the 9c. Some people have claimed that this new trigger would be implemented on the rest of the M&P line. When I called S&W they flat out denied that there was a difference in trigger at all so I don't know what to believe.

Ok, well, I think I have a little more thinking to do but appreciate the warm welcome and help with this.

Buying a compact gun of any brand as long as it is Glock or Smith & Wesson is a great idea for the fact that if you plan to conceal carry your firearm then compact like the G19 or sub compact like the G26 makes sense in the fact that you can always use a larger magazine when needed but with the full size guns this is not an option.

I started a thread about this very subject Why should you buy a compact M&P if you click the link to that thread you will get even more information as well as opinions about this subject. I am still waiting for me to be able to get a 40 caliber Shield here locally, but they are almost impossible to find at all at least here in my area!

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

There is only one home defense gun, a 12 Gauge shotgun. A pistol is nice to be able to grab if surprised etc, but depending on a pistol as your first line home defense gun is a mistake. Buy the M&P to carry, but spend another $350 on a Mossberg 500 or a Winchester Defender, otherwise you are under armed.

I agree with whoever said a .357 for a HD pistol. They can lay uncleaned or oiled for a year, collect dust etc and still go bang. They are simple to use and bleary eyed nighttime wake-ups make simple the best idea.

Every man ought to own a 12GA pump, a .22, a .357, a 9mm and an AK-47 as an initial start-up entry into the shooting world. They are the simple basics that once mastered allow you to competently move into more advanced weapons.

JMO...

Welcome to the Forum, it's always to see a new shooter join the ranks!!

I just went through the same thing. After the first of the year, I decided I wanted to purchase a handgun, primarily for home defense. At first, I thought I wanted a Glock but at the suggestion of the gun shop salesman, I decided to try the M&P, also. Since they had both guns for rent, I fired both and the clear choice for me was the M&P 9mm. It just felt better in my hand and my wife could grip it better than the Glock. It's not really a "concealed carry" gun but that's not what I bought it for. That being said, I am now looking at a SHIELD for concealed carry. I highly recommend firing all your potential choices and choose the one that works best for you. Cheers!

+1 on the above

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John 3:16, Carry Everyday!

If I was starting from scratch I'd go with a mid-sized S&W M&P with frame mounted safety.

However it's a little late for me to switch horses midstream having spent an LEO career with Glocks and an IPSC "career" with 1911's.

I've T&E'd the M&p's and liked them. I'm one of the few who likes a frame mounted safety.

At this time I usually carry a Govt Model 1911 in the winter and a Glock 26 in the summer and a New York reload of a J-Frame.

Emory

I do own a pump 12 gauge Mossburg Cruiser and yes as far as home defense it is spectacularly effective but so is having a 45 or 40 nearby in your nightstand or under your pillow in some sort of holster or even better in a holster that hides hanging off your bed. The AK47 I am not so sure about because of the range and power of that weapon it is more for warfare than home defense, and talk about over-penetration and where the bullet goes after the initial target?

But the OP was asking about a handgun for HD I suppose he already has one 12 gauge shotgun of some sort so I responded with handguns for HD which at the minimum I would choose a 9mm with a decent round capacity!

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

Don't get me wrong, I was not speaking to the AK as a HD gun, but as a primer for becoming a knowledgeable gun owner. The AK is a fun/shtf gun, not a HD gun, neither is the the .22.

I was addressing the newbie aspect more so than the handgun choice.

Welcome aboard.

It all depends on your budget. For the first handgun, a 9mm is just fine. I personally prefer .40S&W.

If your budget allowes you to get more than 1 handgun, I would advise to do so. If not, go with a M&P9c and get some good ammo.

To have a 12ga shotgun for home defense is always a good help.

Remember, you can never have enough firearms at home

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Jorge

I wouldn't say the Shield has a great trigger, but rather a decent trigger. Is it better than the regular line of M&P, yes.

Don't get discouraged about the M&P9c's trigger. It's not terrible like a Sigma. Plus you have the added benefit of adding aftermarket parts from Apex. A huge advantage.

If I were you I would go with the M&P9c. Shoot it awhile and then if you want "great trigger," go with Apex parts. Cannot go wrong.

Ah how I envy you.I bought my first handgun over 30 years ago and I still remember how much I enjoyed the research and selection process and the excitement of finally going and buying it and taking it to the range.It's still a lot of fun but there's nothing like your first.

I think you have got a lot of good advice in the previous posts.I am a revolver guy and a big fan of the .357 revolver as a great all around gun for a new shooter or a veteran.The thing is when you start talking about concealed carry most .357s that conceal easily are smaller framed guns and don't absorb recoil as well as medium framed guns that are a little harder to conceal and are heavier.I suggest to rent a 686 or something around that size and see what you think.You may find it's not the best all around gun for you right now or you might.Either way they are awful fun to shoot.

I also believe a striker fired compact 9mm would suit you well.They are a lot cheaper to shoot and with an extended mag are very versatile.You are looking at quality firearms and I really don't think you can make a bad decision.One of the good things about guns is if later on down the line you're not enjoying one as much as you would like quite often you can sell it for a large percentage of it's purchase price.Or if your like a lot of us just go buy another one.You can never have to many guns.

Enjoy the process,practice a lot,and stay safe.

Make sure and let us know what you get(pics are good) and give us a range report.Welcome in advance to the wonderful world of handgun ownership.

Well I swapped from Glock to M&P and have not looked back. I have a full size M&P 9 and love it. In a comp-tact MTAC holster it conceals fine for me. My wife is wanting a semi-auto pistol now and we went to the range and rented a M&P 9c and a Glock 26 and she said the M&P won for her hands down. Now that the shield is out she is wanting to try it. If I was to get another Glock it would be a G19. I believe it is there best one.

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M&P 9 because 'Merica.

You guys are awesome! I don't think I've ever gotten so much response from any question I've ever posted in any forum.

Thanks for the additional tips and info. I'll definitely weigh this in my decision and let you know what I eventually do.

I disagree with the comment that "there is only one home defense gun, a12 gauge shotgun..." While a 12-gauge may be the ultimate, if you are new to guns and can only afford one, the best one for you is the one you shoot best. As a first gun, ideally, a .357 magnum medium frame revolver with a 4" barrel is hard to beat. You can practice with lower powered .38 Special ammo, or even use a good +P lead semiwadcutter hollow point for defensive use. Ideally, you would want a 12-gauge at some point, but again, it's not optimal in certain home defense situations. If you know you have an intruder in the house, you call the police, grab your 12-gauge and ensconce yourself in a "safe room" and wait for the cavalry to arrive. But you can't be calling the police for every "bump in the night" you hear, and there are times you may feel the need to investigate (not the greatest idea, but sometimes necessary). If that becomes the case, a shotgun is rather unwieldy to try to maneuver with, in addition to handling a flashlight, cell phone, etc. That's where the handgun shines.

There are many books and articles written on the subject. I'd suggest you do a search and read as much as you can on the subject, then make a choice that is right for you.

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Gary

I agree that a 9mm is the thing to start with and the one that fits your hand best may be the best one for you. We own several 9's and really like our Shield and the wife will carry it. I happen to carry a Springfield Armory XDM in 9mm when I'm out in my truck but it is very hard to conceal. It sits by my bed and 19+1 is a healthy loadout. I use several handguns for CC and practice with all of them or I won't carry them. I plan on getting anither Shield so I'll have one to carry. The best gun is the one you have at the time you need it.

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S&W M&P Shield 9mm. (2)

While I agree about a 12ga or 357. The man said M&P or Glock in 9MM.

Well if thinking about HD and cc a 9mm would be the best first. but a good .22 would be good for practice. 22 ammo is CHEAP. My first large caliber hand gun was a Glock 17 its a great pistol. But a bit large for cc. So i would say go for a 19. M&P are great but if would be perfect if the trigger was better but hey you can always thow a apex trigger kit on

I'm surprised about people advocating 357 rounds as a good Home defense ammo over 9mm. I'd be concerned about pass through the way homes are manufactured these days.

Not to mention what the flash and noise will do to you in a dark room in a house. I just picked up a M&P 40c and love it. That or a 9c would do well for a home defense/carry gun. You will also have to decide if you want a safety or not. As a new gun owner you may want one.

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Pax Per Potens

Welcome!

I went with the M&P 9c for home defense / carry weapon. For me, this is "it".

My wife uses a Smith & Wesson 649 Bodyguard that she keeps loaded with some .38 +P rounds, but she has the option of using .357 rounds when she gets to be more comfortable with it. She *loves* this gun and will never part with it. For her, this is "it".

I would suggest either (or both!) of these to anyone looking for a home defense or carry weapon.

If you go with a Glock 9mm be sure you research the FTE issues that the newer Glock 9mm's are having.

Some people say that a good 12gauge shotgun is the best home defense weapon that you can get. I do not yet have one, but I plan on adding 1 later this year.

I don't know why anyone would be surprised, it's only been one of the most recommended HD guns for the last 30 years or so by many people. The whole flash and noise thing is *******, look up auditory exclusion. Do whatever makes you happy, whatever you think is right for you.

If you go with a Glock, I also recommend the G19, but I would go with a 3rd gen, 4th's seem to have some issues. But I would seriously look at the M&P's.

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John 3:16, Carry Everyday!

When you think about it though, any round (pistol or shotgun) that's going to give you proper penetration through body tissue is also going to have enough energy to pass through interior walls (2 pieces of drywall 4" apart).

'The Box of Truth' has some great penetration tests. Check out the home defense testing they did, using dry wall.

^^ This. Excellent advice. Best to start with 9mm than a higher caliber that will have more recoil and could result with you developing bad habits. Get with a firearms trainer in your area to learn the proper handgun fundamentals. Take as many classes that you can afford and practice often as possible. Better to learn right from the onset, then to have to correct bad habits later on.

Agreed! The same reason that I have not sold my 3rd gen G19, even though I have switched to M&Ps.

Have you actually fired a 357 at night without ear protection? I have and it does affect your vision and hearing and that was not in a closed environment like a bedroom. I have read about auditory exclusion and night vision and have concluded that a standard pressure 45 ACP is the best choice for me. That has been one of the most reccomended HD rounds for the last 100 years.

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AL
Pax Per Potens

Then you should definitely carry a 45. It's a fine cartridge, if you mastered whatever you shoot it out of. It's one of my absolute favorites and you made a good choice.

I'm not sure if I was clear in my meaning. I meant in a life and death situation it terms of auditory exclusion being a factor, not in a non-lethal scenario.

[QUOTE=Rocketman1974;136515937]Good question, unfortunately there is no way that is not a little bit of trouble. One way would be to gun lock it when you leave, the other, which is my method is a gun safe. When I come home I check the house, still having a gun on me, change my clothes and pull the shotgun and one other out of the safe.

As others have said, I leave my gun on except when I sleep. My family's plan has them moving to one of two safe zones, depending on where the BG's come in at, that have hidden weapons there while I retrieve my long gun, which is not in prominent display in case I can't get to that room, but the BG can.

Others may have ideas as well, hope this helps.

I have read that when your in a real life and death situation your body reacts differently. I understand the hearing is not as affected because of the adrenaline pumping and you become hypersensitive. I'm not knocking the 357 as a great SD round and it's one of my favorites. We all make our own choices based on our own situation. One thing I do like about a semi-auto as a nightstand gun is the ability to have a second magazine ready. It seems like most break-ins these days are 2 or more bad guys.

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AL
Pax Per Potens

I am in a similar situation - new gun owner. I decided to go with a S&W 627 revolver for home defense. In my opinion a semi will add additional complications in a stressful situation (was it loaded, locked, etc?). I think after you gain some experience with hand guns, a semi will probably be a good solution but as a first gun, I think the revolver is a better choice.

Welcome to the Forum!!

A shotgun is a very affective weapon for home defence, but sometimes its not always your best option. It only takes one hand to operate a handgun, leaving your other hand free to open or close doors, light switchs, flashlite, phone, ect. plus the bad guy has less of a chance taking a pistol off you then a shotgun. Every situation is different.

I would have to agree with some of the other posts here, for your current condition, I think the M&P 9 Compact would be a fine choice. The M&P compacts are really not all that small and with the angled pinky extension you can get a full grip on it. 9mm is cheap and you will be able to get a LOT of practice in.

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This Signature is too Short!

Go with what feels best in your hand and what you'll practice with. A couple suggestions. First, practice alot. And not just slow aiming. Practice pulling out your pistol from the holster. Look up "El Presidente" drill and try that out. If you have a smart phone, get a shot timer app, it will let you know how fast your getting.

Also, practice the 3 types of malfunctions. Last, creep around your house a couple times to find the trouble spots and good cover. You don't want to do it for the first time at 3am when you think someone is in your house.

A good pump shotgun is relatively cheap and can't be beat for home defense. There are plenty of good choices out there. A Remington 870 is a time tested excellent choice. I'd much rather shoot a 12 gauge at an intruder than a 9mm.

You wont go wrong with the M&P 9c for CC or home defense. If you really want to cover your bases buy a 17 round mag and a mag extension. Makes range time a bit more fun as less time is spent reloading. At night pull out your short CC mag and insert the 17 round mag loaded with your choice of man stopping ammo and you should be fine.

Either 40c or 9c, as others said get fs mag for night stand an range. I'd opt for 40c that way you can add different barrels such as 9 and 357 sig if you so decide later.

I'm sorry, but whatever you read is highly inaccurate. Auditory exclusion means you won't hear the shot because your mind will be on other things. The damage that can/will occur to your hearing from firing a .357 magnum in the room of a house most certainly will be something you feel thereafter, and most likely for months (if not for the rest of your life).

Pass this by any audiologist and I know what they'll tell you. I'd bet my entire gun collection that adrenaline will have nothing to do with your hearing avoiding damage.

Here is one short story to read:

Active hearing protection for police | American Handgunner | Find Articles

Please pay particular attention to the last few lines.

Stricktly refering to home defence. The 12 ga shotgun is the way to go in my oppinion. The mere sound of the bolt closing will do the job in many cases otherwise you have a pattern that will do the rest. Don't get me wrong I am a handgun as well as long gun enthusiast and keep both within easy reach. I keep my m&p 45c with a laser and tack light close at hand

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1911Pro9 M&P9 40 45c 686.357

That's great information. I appreciate the article link and the new to me information. I do know long term hearing damage can occure with the situation we discussed. I understand the adrenaline rush will cause increased awarness though.

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AL
Pax Per Potens

Both of your choices have smaller models that accept the magazines from their larger siblings and can do double duty. The larger magazines are also fun at the range.

The problems seem limited to the 9mm's. Even then, Hickock45 did a few thousand rounds through the Gen 4 with only four or five failures with bargain ammo. The recoil spring issue was blown out of proportion. Glock haters are just as bad as Glock lovers, so it seems. Since I prefer compacts and subcompacts, the only Glock to appeal to me was the 27. As far as S&W, I only have the Shield 9 but I do enjoy shooting my cousin's M&P 9c.