I have agonized over the decission of getting a new HD handgun. I have decided to keep my Glock 19 with CT laser sight and add a M&P 40c to my ranks (109003). Locally, I can get this on sale for $499 plus a third mag right now so it might be the time to "bite the bullet". Being that this will be used primarily for HD and range, I am also looking at tact light/laser combos to install on the rail. I am totally open to suggestions as I have not researchered these much but don't want to break the bank on one. Suggestions are welcome as well as thoughts on the gun itself. The G19 will become my wife's gun and the 40c will be mine. We each also have a Shield in the respective caliber (9mm for her, .40 for me) as a CCW or vehicle carry.

However, right now just looking for feedback on the 40c and light/laser options to make it the best home defense firearm it can be. I understand that handguns might not be the best option for HD (lots of people suggest tactical shotguns) but with small children in the house I need something we can keep in a small safe under the bed with biometric lock for quick access. We need to feel 100% confident these firearms will not find their way into small hands.

Thx...Brian

Don't have much info on the light/laser options, but the M&P40c is a fine handgun. Others will chime in with better information for you.

Streamlight tlr-1s. For around $100 it can't be beat.

Picked it up today. Very nice gun. It does feel different then my Glock 19 for sure. I have not shot it yet but the trigger seems decent. Mthere is a fair amount of travel before the trigger engages but it breaks clean and crisp. I know there was a thread on here some where about Smithmchanging the triggers and to only by the M&P 40c if it was produced after a certain date. I can't remember the date and the spent cartridge that came with the gun has no date on it! Anyone remember what I am talking about? I will call Smith and get a production date from them.

The only thing that bothers me (same with the Shield) is that they include one short mag and one one pinky extender mag. I hate the short mags and will never use them...therefore a useless accessory to me. I need to heal heal up from back surgery, clean and lube the gun and hit the range to compare this to my G19. I will let you know.

Also looking at a Streamlight TLR-4 for this gun. Does anyone know if it will fit in the small accessory rail?

You can get the extender from MidwayUSA for a few bucks. In fact its $1.99. On the 9C and 40C its the same size mag just a different bottom plate. I did it on one of my short mags and left the other flat.

That's a grat option...thx. Ran into one issue. It will not load Hornady CD ammo. We have young children so I prefer to to keep my home defense firearms stored with a full magazine and empty chamber. Our kids are not strong enough to actually rack the slide. With the slide open and full mag inserted the first round feeds great. However, when the slide is closed and I insert the mag it seats fine. When I go to pull the slide back to chamber a round, it gets stuck and does not feed properly. The round jams and I need to remove the mag to clear it. Tried the same thing with Fed Prem PD and no issues. Just strange since the Hornady works fine in my Shiels.

Called S&W and the insist they have not done any trigger mods on the M&Ps recently. Mine eas produced in June 2012

You know as an EMT you can buy from Bud'sPolice and get the same gun with three mags, no shipping and no sales tax for $399 right?

S&W M&P40C 40S&W Fixed Sights NMS for Sale at Buds Gun Shop $399.00

Or with night sights:

http://www.budspolicesupply.com/cata...products_id/82

Or Crimson trace grips:

S&W M&P40C 40S&W 3 1/2 NMS CT Grip for Sale at Buds Gun Shop $548.00


Who qualifies for the LE Discount?

Individuals employed full-time on Police Departments and Sheriff's departments qualify for all manufacturer discounts on this website, BudsPoliceSupply.com
Active Military personnel - all branches
Retired Military personnel - all branches
National Guard personnel - all branches
Military Reserve personnel - all branches
CAP - Civil Air Patrol
Fire Fighters - including volunteers
Paramedics and EMTs
TSA Employees
Commercial Pilots
Federal Flight Deck Officers
Court Judges
District and Deputy District Attorneys
All sworn Law Enforcement Officers - city, county, state, and federal
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All Corrections Officers
State Licensed Security Companies

Yes, i was aware of the Bud' discount but I prefer to buy locally and support my LGS when possible (if it wasn't on sale I may have considered bud's). I got the gun for $499, a spare magazine and he threw in a box of Hornady CD ammo for free so I think I did pretty good. I figure the extra $50 it cost me is only helps the local economy. I am just fine with that. Plus, I still would have had to wait for shipping and pay the FFL transfer fee. That only takes more away from the perceived savings.

You can call Smith and ask real nice for a pinky extension. They will send you one for free. I did that on my 9c when I asked them to send me a new instruction manual.

MN tax is high... Like 7% right? So you paid that too. That's more than a $20 FFL fee.

If I buy at the local guy who doesn't get the LEO discount, I pay $529 plus 5.5% tax ($29) and I get no third mag.
Gun $529
Tax $29
Mag $30

Total price $588

If I buy at from Bud's at LEO pricing I pay $399 plus $20 FFL. $419 total.

When I can save $170 it's worth it to me. I give thousands to local charities every year. I buy all kinds of ammo and targets and stuff from my local gun shops. But when a single purchase (that they tell you they aren't making squat on anyway) can save me $170, well I'll take it.

It's funny how guys complain about the cost of ammo all the time, then some people spend more than they have to on other stuff. Not saying you, but I don't like to spend more than I have to on most stuff. $50 steak, yeah that's okay if it's worth it. Good tequila? No problem. An extra $150 on a gun? No way. Obviously your mileage varies...

WOW--haven't seen that happen for a longgg time.

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Life Mbr:DAV-USMC-DAV-NRA-MOPH

They did it for me also, no problem.

I called...on its way. Thx for the tip.

BTW...my total price including gun, one extra 10round magazine, and a 20count box of Hornady CD plus tax was $536.43. And I got to walk out of the store with it. If the gun was not on sale and i had to buy the "freebies" it would have cost me $676 so I think I did okay.