Good afternoon:

I need help making a decision on a potential new (used) handgun acquisition, and I can ONLY PICK ONE of them. Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

I have a chance of buying a used M&P 40 Full size with 1 10 round, and 1 15 round magazine plus case for $400.00. This pistol has the slide safety and is otherwise stock.

I also have an opportunity to get an FNH FN-P 9mm with case, night sights and 3 factory magazines in traded for my Model 6906, factory case and 3 12 round factory magazines + $100.00 to boot.

My arthritis in my hands makes shooting the 6906 a painful experience. I need a semiauto with a polymer frame, and I have a M&P 40C (compact) that I really like and enjoy.

I'm planning on using either of these full-sized guns primarily as a range gun with the hope of eventually trying to shoot a steel challenge match with one of them in the future.

Okay gang, what do you advise and why?

Thanks for your help and advice.

Regards,

Dave

Since I hate real double action in semi-autos except for pocket pistols, I'd go with the M&P.

I just personally like the grip and angle on the M&P.

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Hold my beer and watch this!

All I can say is I love my M&P and I bet you'll love it too.

I had an FNP .40 and replaced it with an M&P .40. Couldn't get used to the DA/SA transition with the FNP. You may not think that its a big deal at the range, but shoot a qual round where you are coming out of the holster and shooting timed strings of fire and the different trigger pulls from first to second round will throw you off.

I was comfortable shooting my M&P 9 from day one, but never got completely comfortable with the FNP, so I switched to the M&P .40.

Since you already have the 40c and only because you have the 40c, I will suggest to go with the FN-P 9. I honestly don't know much about those FN's.

If you were to stick to the M&P 40FS, you could always get that extra 9mm barrel too. I think it's a win either way!

I personally love my M&P 40c. I also have a 9c barrel for it.

I have the FNP 9 and the FNX 9. They are some sweet shooters. For those who do not know, FN makes the Browning Hi Power also. You have a tough choice but at least they are both excellent firearms. The M&P mags will fit in your compact and the controls will be familiar. The FNP 9 is now discontinued so replacement mags may be in issue down the road. I would go with the FNP 9 only if the trade was equitable. I would not pay more than $425 for a used FNP 9 and $350 if it did not have night sights. If what you are giving up is more than this, it is not a good trade.

Thanks for the advice and recommendations thus far. I'm still on the fence, but leaning very strongly towards the M&P 40 FS.

AZ115: I have a 9mm Storm Lake barrel for my 40C, and if I get the 40FS I will probably get a 9mm barrel and magazines to convert it as well. An added advantage of getting the 40FS is that I could use the FS magazines in the 40C, and the holsters and other accessories could interchange or otherwise be used.

Fabius: thanks for your advice about the DA/SA trigger pull. I had thought about it, but did not know it could have that great an impact in competition.

Storm40: great advice about the prices for the FNs - I think I have negotiated a pretty goood deal with the FN-P owner, and he is ready to make the trade. The M&P owner is firm on his price of $400.00 - which I think is very competitive.

Again, thanks for the advice and recommendations thus far, and please keep it coming.

Thank you,

Dave