First off I am new to the forum and personally owned firearms, and this might be lengthy. I am in the Service so not completely out of the loop with firearms. I have been doing my howework on various makes and models of handguns and have decided to choose the M&P. I have never fired any of the models I have looked at, but I have handled many in the store and the M&P out of all of them felt perfect in my hand and from what I have read that is a huge part of which to choose. So here are my questions and I have read a ton so if it is redundant I apologize;

1) I am torn between the 9mm and .40 S&W standard and pro models, other than sights and a slightly lighter trigger is the extra worth it?

2) I have seen several posts about the 9mm accuracy issues, now I know some of it may be garbage, but enough to make me concerned. Should I be?

3)I know the .40 can be converted, so of those that have the .40 have you done this or is it not a concern. And if the 9mm accuracy issue is for real, do you see this when you convert? And I only ask from the price savings of 9mm vs .40.

I think they covers it for now, I look forward to the responses and sorry for being long winded.

I would just go with the standard M&P9. I own three of the FS 9's and have had no accuracy issues with them. The Pro Models do have the night sights and a better trigger but I would take the money I save on the standard and pick up better sights and the Apex DCAEK kit which will make the trigger pull and reset better then the Pro. As to switching between 9mm and .40, just stick with the 9 and figure the whole barrel switch thing out later or just buy a .40 down the road.

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"Serious M&P Addiction"

I would say buy the MP40 FS I have had mine for about 6 months and i just bought the 40 Compact as my back up Good Solid Gun Welcome to the forum

I have a 9fs and it is the most accurate gun I own. Mainly because it is the most comfortable in my hand.

$399 for the LE model with three mags, $455 with night sights. Pro models are $5 or $10 more.

If you want a .40 it's easily converted using a stock 9mm barrel. If you never wanted a .40, just don't get one.

The 9 compact would be my choice for the first gun (I have a lot of M&P's). You can use a full size mag and it's great for range use, then swap in a small mag for carry.

The M&P9 full size sounds like your best bet.

I too would vote for the FS 9. I just don't particularly like the .40. I've tried but just can't warm up to it. At one time I coveted a pro, but I think l be happier with an Apex kit in my standard model. I will probably install a FO front sight in the near future.

Thank you for the input so far guys. Having a 9mm as my primary carry in the Service, that would make sense because I am familiar with it. I was concerned with all the accuracy issue posts, concerning the barrel. I held the 9c w/ compact mag and I could barely get a two finger wrap on the grip. I am sure the ext mag will solve that. And obviously 9mm is cheaper on ammo. I like the idea of swapping barrels for a 3 and 1 . Do any of you guys run the thumb safety? Man this is a tough call.

Standard FS9 w/o thumb safety, install sights and APEX kit of your liking. Believe me, you will like it so much that before you know it, you will have a FS40 and 45. Then a compact model or three. Start thinking about a larger safe!

I highly recommend getting a .40 or .357 because both can be converted to 9mm with a $65 barrel.

I have the M&P Compact with all three barrels, and they all function perfect and are very accurate.

It is nice to have several low cost options.

When you add the extra barrels...

Full size M&P - 3 guns in 1.

Compct M&P with FS mag and X-Grip - 6 guns in 1.

PS: I don't particularly care for the thumb safety, ( it would be better if it were like the Shield safety )but it, and the mag safety, can be removed easy enough.

I have three 9mm sizes, and the pro, is my favorite to shoot. It fit my hand better, then other two, but the shield is great to hold in one hand and just keep pulling the trigger.

Get an X-Grip to use with a full size mag in the Compact.

I bet you'll really like the way it fits your hand.

The accuracy issue is a training issue. If you are properly trained, you can overcome the mediocre trigger pull and reset. You can also drop in a $39 APEX tactical sear to lighten up the trigger pull. Dry fire exercises 100 pulls per round fired is what the instructors recommended at the class I took.

Also go with the 9, bullets are a third cheaper, so you can shoot more, and the magazines hold three more rounds, which also comes in handy if you do any competitive shooting.

I mostly agree with dannybot's post except that I would go for the .40 and then buy a second 9mm barrel and 9mm mags. You can put the 9mm barell in the .40 gun, but you can not put the .40 barrel in the 9mm gun.

For just a little more money you have the option of two guns. I personally prefer the .40 for SD, but then having the ability to practice with the cheaper 9mm rounds will pay for extra barrel and mags pretty quick.

You should be able to get the extra barell and two mags for around $100.

I second FLSTFI's comments. I have a FS .40 and have the extra 9mm barrel and mags. I have over 3000 rounds downrange with the 9mm conversion and not a single problem. Before getting the 9mm mags I was using 9mm out of the .40 cal magazines. It worked pretty well except the last round usually wouldn't chamber.

Regardless which one you buy, I would make sure that you have the 9mm version/option. The ammo is considerably cheaper and much more plentiful. A pistols accuracy comes with a lot of practice, not which caliber you buy.

Thanks for all the advice so far guys. I have been to the shop almost everyday and man is it tough. I know this is a common debate on caliber, so I appreciate the peaceful comments. I have thrown two more in the mix as well now, the Ruger SR9/40c and the FNS 9/40. Price wise the Ruger wins, and it has good reviews. So I am more confused than ever, LOL!