So VERY much of that decision is personal.
If you can, find a gun range that will rent one to you.

One of our sons is a LEO. He changed departments a few years ago, and the current one issues Glocks.
His previous one allowed choices, including the M&P9. I have been a Sig man since the early '80s and poo-pooed anything striker fired. (Yeah, I know, now Sig makes one.)

I taught him to shoot, Sigs, of course. So one day we are at the club, me with my Sigs, he with his M&P, along with a friend from the department. They sounded as though they were firing full-auto while I plunked along, and were eating the centers out of targets at 25 meters. Humbling.

So I got a M&P in my favorite caliber, 357Sig. I shot it very well. For a couple reasons, I am now favoring striker-fired guns. I have since picked up a M&P9 Pro. Little bigger gun, still an excellent home defense cartridge.

I also put a Streamlight on a mount from Safariland, one with "on", "flash" and "strobe". The mount puts the button on the rear right at my thumb. Love it, and I can use it on either gun.

NOTE: You ABSOLUTELY MUST train (test fire) with the gun with the light installed because it can affect function.

It's my opinion that you should also have tritium sights, even if the only thing you think they are good for is finding your gun in the dark. *I* think they are worth a whole lot more.

Welcome to a world with a cornucopia of choices!

I don't know you either, but the answer is the same as if you asked 'which should I buy first'

I think the smaller gun has fewer downsides in the HD role than the fullsize has downsides in the carry role.

Great advice, McE. Just passed this advice along to three civilian workmates last month. Two listened, third just texted me from the LGS getting his compact. I tried to explain the natural instinct of wanting to carry small...sleep full--and have options.

An earlier member posted and questioned how many posters are claiming they're rolling around work places in their business attire with hand cannons hanging off waist bands or strapped to their bellies...it is beyond me how they do this and effectively/efficiently remain prepared and tactical. What really kills me are the Guys carrying alongside their Johnson. I wouldn't make it through a meeting #1 or an afternoon full of seated emails and office calls. Talk about uncomfortable...yikes--good luck with that.

It truly is a matter of personal option, confidence, comfort-level, and training. Everyone is different.

For concealment, I can barely get away with a baby Glock in a suit...and typically downsize to a single stack slimline in a CBST quickly if I am bouncing around without a blazer or suit coat. I work in a downtown building, take metro transit, and live in a large metro neighborhood--it's a dynamic environment. I require multiple tools for the gym, shopping/dining, driving, camping, home defense, business travel and office work. Weather and attire is always a factor. I've never been able to find the "one" that does it all...or maybe that's my excuse?

Been carrying on/off duty since 1989 -- there are no magic beans. I don't like to settle. Good luck everyone, YMMV.

It's a great choice for both, which is why I made it mine ... I have several holsters to CCW for it, but my favorite is Kramer. It's a versatile, sturdy rig and seems to disappear under almost every clothing option (including t-shirts). Don't forget a good, dedicated, gun belt. Eighteen rounds and a Surefire at night make it perfect for an easy, reliable, and comforting home defense tool.

Inside the Waistband Holsters IWB

Just realized I had posted this list of potential CC pistols, sorted by height, in another forum.

Hope it is of use to the OP or others looking for a CCW:

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Take your time, fast. J.Hughes

Great work, Llando88.

Hence, my revised short list, in order of preference:

Walther PPQ M2, Length 7.1" Height 5.3" Barrel 4.0" Width 1.3" 15 Rds
Glock 19, Length 7.4" Height 5.0" Barrel: 4.0" width 1.2" 15 rds
HK VP9, Length 7.3" Height 5.4" Barrel 4.1" Width 1.3" 15 rds*
M&P FS9, Length 7.6" Height 5.5" Barrel 4.3" Width 1.2" 17 rds*

I would carry any gun on that list.

I'm also on the hunt for a smaller CCW, but my issue is I'd like a smaller version of my game (Steel Challenge) gun, which is the VP9. So, I'll be waiting for HK to release the VP9SK at SHOT in January (so I hope, lol.)

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Take your time, fast. J.Hughes

I'm back in the hunt, Llando88...

My new short list is:

Walther PPQ M2
Glock 17
Sig Sauer P320 Carry
M&P FS9

Regarding the M&P FS9, I'm concerned about two things: 1) long-range accuracy, and 2) quality control (it has been reported that there may be an issue with defective barrels).

Are you familiar with these issues?

Not sure what your level of accuracy desired is but in my humble opinion (from one still learning and who has ****** eyes) up to at least 10 yds-- if I can be pretty good with it then one with real skill and experience should really shine. Pics attached were at 8 & 10 yds; i cant speak for long distance but considering these are more of a defensive handgun seems for what they are made to do they can do quite well..
I've only had my FS since summer but hundreds of rounds with zero issue so far should account for something. Seems I've read that SW did some upgrades to the compact and FS models over the past year or two on barrels, etc but long term MP owners can add probably more info there.

Attached Images

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This thread has a good set of posts by Randy Lee of Apex on FS9 accuracy:

Accuracy is coming: Apex M&P Barrels

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Take your time, fast. J.Hughes

Hmmm... Your results at 8 & 10 yards look good, Ranger17 - and you make a good point about accuracybeing measured at combat distances. I guess the term "tack driver" doesn't apply to the M&P9 FS. I read a story where a woman was hitting a steel plate at 80 yards with her M&P9 Shield; I figured that the M&P9 FS should be able to duplicate that feat.

Zero issues over 100's of rounds sounds good, so it gets plus for reliability, too.

"SW did some upgrades on barrels, etc."; now, that doesn't give me any warm fuzzies.

I'm new to the world of pistols, so I'm reading and listening and asking alot of questions, trying to get educated, in order to not make a bad decision on my first gun.

One thing that I don't want to do is dump more money into a new gun. It seems that gun makers should get it right out-of-the-box, or am I expecting too much?

And you believed that story? Oh right, it was on the internet so it must be true.

Jerry m of smith doing it at 200 yards

In that case, I'd get a Glock, or a P320, or a Walther PPQ, or an HK VP9.

Then start spending money on ammo and training.

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Take your time, fast. J.Hughes

Here's my thinking: If a bullet can travel a straight line for 100 yards, then it would have travelled the same straight line for combat distances and beyond (supposing that combat distances are +/- 50 feet).

A bullet is hitting off center target at 20-30 feet isn't very reassuring. So I guess I would prefer what is commonly called a "tack driver"?

The HK VP9 is too pricey for a first gun, and probably more gun than I need; the others re within my willingess to spend.

No offense here but I dont think you have any idea what youre talking about?

If think even hi points shoot accurately to a close enough MOA at 20 to 30 ft and even 50ft. If youre shooting off center at thosr distancrs its most likely your shooting with todays pistols not the gun.

Perhaps not - that's why the question gets asked. I'm new to this game, so my knowledge and familiarity with performance is not that of a seasoned veteran.

That said, these posts ought to be edifying, not condescending and inflammatory. Such responses do little to further the cause of gaining knowledge...

When you can consistently place 10 rounds of SD ammo in a 4" average group on a B-8 repair center 2 hand unsupported at 25 yards, this will all be true. Otherwise, the margin of error induced by the shooter will dwarf the potential mechanical accuracy of the gun, by an order of magnitude.

My humble opinion that you should pick any good, service pistol that your shoot comfortably, and take quality training to get better at shooting it.

Then, buy training ammo. By the case. Join IDPA or USPSA. Shoot Steel Challenge.

The M&P Full Size 9 will meet your needs, out of the box. Other options out there will also. I've mentioned a few. All of them will work. All of them will shoot inaccurately if the shooter makes an error. The gun will be way more accurate than the typical new shooter.

Oh, and my VP9 was $599 out the door in March. This was the normal sales price at my LGS.

Good luck.

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Take your time, fast. J.Hughes

I DO like the M&P 9 full size, especially the price. What I don't like is what I read about the barrel issues. Have you heard of any recent issues with the M&P 9 full size?

Thanks, Llando88.

Not that would prevent me buying one.

As an owner, there is a lot I like about the M&P. Squeeze = Bang. Comfortable ergonomics. Great customer service. Good aftermarket support for parts, sights, holsters, mag carriers. Accurate enough. Simple manual of arms.

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Take your time, fast. J.Hughes

Yes, but he's not human, everyone knows that.

TelGuy53, the 9FS will work well for both home defense and concealed carry. The grip angle, interchangeable back straps, low bore axis, and a trigger that will smooth out after firing all contribute it's appeal. I have a 45FS, a 9FS, and a 9c. I used to carry the 45 all the time even when off the clock even when I had a Glock 27 because the 45 handled better. I carried it in a Milt Sparks Summer Special II, which is one of the most time-enduring designs because it is comfortable as well concealing the pistol quite well. I now carry the 9FS concealed in a Milt Sparks OWB backed up by a 9c on my ankle. Off the clock, I mostly carry the 9c anymore. A 9c is a decent pistol for concealed carry, but my opinion is based on experience with a lot of handguns over the years. With decent gunleather and realistic expectations that includes attire, there is no reason a full size pistol cannot work as a daily concealed carry gun.


My advice to you is to go with what you keep leaning toward - the M&P 9FS. When the gun comes home, read the instruction manual first, then clean and lubricate it according to the instructions. Don't try to shoot it dry or you'll run the risk of malfunctions that may turn you off to that model. Next, outfit the pistol for the mission. For concealed carry, you need good gunleather - sturdy belt to support a quality holster, either IWB or OWB. Inexpensive rigs or synthetics, in my experience, do not conceal as well as a quality, well-designed leather rig. You're the one who has to wear it, however, so you have to shop around. Custom leather makers such as Milt Sparks are a good investment in the long term. For home defense, you need to have a good light source to go with your gun. A bright handheld LED or weapon mounted light will work. Whichever one you choose is based on your experience and budget. For weapons mounted, I prefer Surefire because they dismount much quicker than a Streamlight TRL. Extra magazines can be acquired through retailers such as Quantico Tactical at reasonable prices. I'm not a big fan of a manual safety on a pistol not originally designed for one, so that has to be based on your preferences. After you get set with whatever pistol you buy, consider a second, even if the exact same make and model. There are variables you can't control that may leave you without a pistol available to you unless you run back to a gun shop.

Good luck with it.

Well i didnt think my post was condescending? Thats why I said no offense and then explained why.

A lot of good information in the thread to chew on, and I'll try to give my perspective on your question. I don't think the M&P FS9 is your best option for both CC/HD. I think it would be a good choice for home defense, but to me, it's just too large for an all-around CC gun.

Sure, some guys pull it off, but you will end up not carrying the gun much because it's just too big. That is not a good CC situation! A good holster definitely helps (Milt Sparks VMII are great), but again, the FS9 is tough with light clothing. I'm tall and in shape, and it's still tough to conceal that size gun.

The guys telling you that you are better having the right tool for the job are correct. You'd be better off with two separate guns, or get a smaller one if you insist on having just one. An M&Pc just makes much more sense for a combined Cc/HD gun. Not the right forum to say this, but the Glock 19 is an excellent dual purpose choice, and the one I chose over the M&P. I still own the M&P, but it sits in my safe. I'd also choose a Glock 17 over the FS M&P...

You said the G19 was too small for you. Do you have huge ham-hands and it just doesn't work for you, or is it that you just prefer a little larger grip handle? I prefer a little larger grip myself, but make the smaller ones work in order to have a good concealed carry gun. I find with the G19, the grip is actually a decent size for how concealable the gun is... It really is a good size/firepower/CC combo.

As for safety, or no safety, IME it's all a matter of practicing with what you have; you can make anything work. For carry, I prefer no external safety. I usually go with a Glock or a DA/SA gun, but also carry a Colt Defender.

For nightstand/bedside gun, I believe an external safety is good option. With a CC, your gun is safely secured on just your body, in a holster, and trigger access is only possible when the weapon is drawn from the holster. This limits potential for AD, and provides the fastest shot without stumbling with a safety lever during a sudden encounter.

For HD, the gun is either sitting on your nightstand or in a drawer in your nightstand, either in a holster or just by itself/no holster. In this environment you need to either draw the gun from the holster with two hands, or reach for and grab the gun, possibly in the dark, possibly in a sleep-confused state. With a striker-fired gun, I would want the safety lever as a positive step to help ensure no ND. Picture fumbling around reaching for the gun n in a drawer, or on the dark, or pulling it out of the holster in an awkward two-handed style. Potential for having your finger go where you don't want it, when you don't want it is there... I suppose getting an M&P with a safety gives you the option of engaging the safety, or not.

Hey, different things work for different people, for a variety of reasons. There is not real "right," or "wrong" answers here, just different opinions from people that generally have experiences to back up those opinions. I always try to be open minded about really listening to those experiences.

Good luck with your choice, and post a picture!

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NRA Life Member

Lots of good stuff, here, walkin' trails. Thanks!

Of the guns that I named, the M&P9 DOES feel the best in my hands.

My bad, ClayCow. My apologies, sir.

I tried the Glock 19, but there's not enough room for my pinky finger, and the finger grooves in the grip don't hit my digits quite right.

The G17 is a much better fit in my hand, but I agree that it IS more than a bit larger.

You have some full sized hands. G43 with pearce grip fits ne perfextly

I carry an FS 9 pretty much exclusively. I don't have any problem concealing it and I don't see it as all that heavy it I carried a 4006 (AKA The Brick) before I switched to the FS.

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Retired Career Security Guard

I've got all three, FS, Compact and Shield. You could CC a full size, but the 17rd mag gets heavy and the full size grip is not easy to conceal. If you wear layers, you can pull it off. When warm weather comes, the more clothes you shed, the tougher a FS is to cover up. Even the Compact can be difficult depending how you dress in the summer. That's how I wound up with a Shield. Regarding external safeties, they're a redundant component IMHO. You don't need one. YMMV.

You must have some big meat hooks! My hands are pretty big and the G19 isn't too small for me.

I live in Colorado and now that the weather allows sweatshirts (I prefer the zipped kind) and jackets I'm back to my fs M&P 9. I carry it in a Galco Avenger and have no issues concealing it with one of these covering garments. I'm 5'9" and 180. I also carry 2 spare mags in a DeSantis double mag carrier. That's a 51 round load out but you never know when a mag will go bad lol.

For years I carried a full size 1911. I like the M&P, it's a 2013 model and no barrel issues what so ever. It's very accurate. I added Ameriglo I Dot night sights and the Apex duty/carry kit. I'm quite happy with it. It's also nearby when I'm home and where ever in the house I am.

Nothing wrong with a FS M&P...

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Jorge

I have both the full size and the compact and as much as I want to carry the full size I end up carrying the compact every day. I have several different holster that fit one of the other and some that fit both. Both are comfortable but the full size just feels like it is printing to me. That's just me and I love both of them so I don't think you could go wrong. The compact has become my sidekick since I bought it and it goes everywhere with me and stays in the nightstand as a back up to fullsize that wears a surefire x300u now.

I went through a similar process almost 2 years ago. Started at the FS because I had bought the M&P.22FS and the 9mm would compliment that. The more research I did, the more I started leaning towards the M&P9c. More research (and it going on sale) lead to the shield. I have a 870 in the house as well, but the Shield is my companion.

As far as "bad things happening during a mag swap." I've never pinched my hands and much to my surprise I'm actually more comfortable with the 7rd magazine than the 8 and I shoot better with it. My son, who loves to shoot and shoots better than me wouldn't touch the 7rd magazine when I first got it now won't touch the 8 and says he also prefers the 7.

For me, the reason for one gun was finances. I fully expect to buy another gun, but wasn't sure when I'd be able to afford it. For the price I got the shield, I couldn't pass it up. I'm just now starting to research my second pistol purchase, and am leaning towards a G19, but I expect that to be months away...maybe as many as 6. Too many kids to support a gun habit.

My PPQ had to go back to the shop after a few hundred rounds. None of my M&Ps have. All this means is what we've all said/read 100 times - anything mechanical can fail and have issues. There are no certainties.

I always thought Glock 17 and M&P 9 FS were pretty much comparable in size.

I have carried my G17 on occasion. It's a little big for my carry preferences, but can definitely be done and it's one heck of a weapon. Awesome HD gun with optional 33 round OEM mags. Mas Ayoob is not a big guy, but carries full size Glocks all the time. Same with Gabe Suarez.

Mr. Teleguy53, no offense, but you are over analyzing. I'd suggest going ahead and getting the full size M&P. It will serve you admirably as a home defense gun and it is less expensive than some of the others you have been looking at. Buy a few holsters, IWB, OWB, maybe a shoulder holster, and try lugging the thing around. If you are lucky, or not too picky about exactly how concealed your concealed weapon is, you will be happy.

Or, if you decide carrying a full size duty pistol around is cumbersome and uncomfortable, no matter what holster you try, you can use the money saved on the original purchase to buy a Shield so you'll have a great home defense gun AND a great carry gun.

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Jim - M&P Pro 40L/Shield 40

OK, took another ride to the LGS - held and dry-fired each of the guns named below.

My revised short list is now:

FNS-9
M&P 9 FS
Ruger SR9

All 3 are in the same ballpark, with regard to size, feature set and cost.

Do any of these suffer from known issues? Is there one which distinguishes itself over the others?

I hope to take advantage of Black Friday!

My obvious choice would be the M&P but if at all possible I would try to shoot all 3.

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Retired Career Security Guard

I prefer the ergonomics of the M&P to the other 2 on your current short list - it feels better to me. However, I don't think you can go wrong with any of them.

I agree. I don't think there's a bad one in the bunch.

I'm leaning toward the FNS-9 - nicely sized for HD/CC.

You might want to see if your preferred accesories are available for the FN (holster, sights). I don't see a lot of buzz about FN's on the web, so I'm unsure of their level of aftermarket support.

Lots of stuff out there for the M&P.

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Take your time, fast. J.Hughes

Handguns are like golf clubs. It's hard to expect one to do everythign.
That said, I would vote with those who have suggested the M&P 9 compact. Much easier ( and therefore likely ) to carry, good accuracy at the range, and just fine for the home protection as well.
FWIW, I've owned every size and caliber of the M&P (including the shield and BG) at some point and still own 6 of them. The 9c is still a favorite and frequent companion.

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Dave

I agree about the potential lack of availability for gun-specific accessories; IIRC, the FNS-9 has only been in production for the past few years.

That said, the FNS-9 is starting to gain traction. and and
It may be a good idea to get in ahead of the curve.

and Yes, lots of goodies available for the M&P...

Don't like my fingers on the mag extension; makes for shaky mag changes.

Gonna look at the M&P9 and SD9VE today or tomorrow. In the end, the S&W brand, and its after sales support, has won me over.

Thanks for all the input. guys.

I carry a full size 9 most of the time. I think the holster is the key to comfort and you may have to experiment some. I use the CrossBreed super tuck and I'm not exaggerating when I say I can carry it all day and not be bothered one bit. I use a CrossBreed carry belt also. I do have a shield but mostly prefer the larger capacity of the full size.

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Endeavor to persevere. <><

Hey, PirateJim, I've been thinking alot about what you've been saying.

I have decided to take your advice and check out the M&P9 Shield as a carry & home defense pistol.

I'm willing to try the Pearse Grip Extender and/or the Shield's 8-round mag (with the built-in grip extension) to remedy my issues with the Shield's short grip handle.

Tomorrow (Wednesday), I'm going back to the LGS to take another look at the SR9 and a first look at the Shield.

I'm also going to start a new thread to get more feedback.

Thanks, PirateJim.

Stay tuned...