Went to my local shop yesterday, and picked up my first Smith and Wesson. They had just purchased a dozen and a half law enforcement used M & P 9's, and at the price of $399 which included the Tritium night sights, I couldn't pass it up. Came with one 17+1 mag, and I ordered another while I was there.

Most folks have been saying that its the best deal in the shop...and they moved just about all of them yesterday.

I just signed up at this forum today.

From my very brief browsing expedition this afternoon, I take it that the major areas of disagreement about this piece, are the trigger and the safety mechanism.

What ammo is recommended to keep this beast satisfied?

Thanks in advance, and I hope all had a great Thanksgiving!

Welcome to the forum. Regarding areas of disagreement, remember that there are 4 sides to every topic. One extreme, the other extreme, the correct opinion, and those that just like to bitch. You'll learn to read everything with a big dose of salt. Ammo? I use anything other than aluminum or steel cases (and this statement will likely cause a disagreement)

Welcome. My first striker fired pistol was an M&P9 FS. I still have it.

As Bkreutz says, there's lot's of opinions and no one is shy here about expressing them.

I've shot some alum but no steel through mine. I prefer brass in the 124gr flavor.

Both my FS and Compact have some "upgrades" using newer S&W parts, such as the "H" trigger bar and new slide stop. My Compact has a Performance Center sear. My Shield is completely stock.

I would suggest you buy some ammo, reserve some cash for range fees (if needed), and simply shoot the bejeezus out of it. That way you can determine what you think you need, rather than listen to a bunch of us telling you what you need.

Post a range report when you get to shoot it!!

Congrats on the new purchase and welcome to the forum.
Never shot steel out of, mine have shot some alum and had no issues.

welcome to the forum from NC.

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prepare to defend yourselves

Congrats and enjoy!

In both my full size 9 and my compact 9 i have always shot 115 fmj brass for rangetime. Has been flawless and cheap enough using everything from blazer to umc to herters with 0 issues. I cant speak on self defense ammo as i am still learning on that end myself.
Both of my MPs are stock; with only a couple years under my shooting belt i believe it is more important to become proficient and knowledgeable first before changing out components. So i would suggest to get used to your firearm then decide if a new trigger, etc is right for you and your needs.
Welcome to the forum, it has been quite helpful to me.

Welcome and congrats

Welcome from Indiana! And congrats on the new pistol. My FS M&P 9 has been flawless, regardless of what I put through it-factory or reloads. 115 gr. FMJ is the norm for range/plinking ammo, if you can find some 124 gr. give that a try also. Clean and lube before you hit the range. Might also want to disassemble the mag(s) and give them a swipe also, especially being a LE trade-in. Let us know how she runs-ENJOY!

Welcome to the forum and the brand. I have been a S&W fan since I first started shooting at under 10 years old and their handguns have only seemed to get better since the M39-2 9mm I started with.

Read the forum and read some more, and I'll bet you can find any answer you're looking for, if not post the question, there are no stupid questions.

I have trusted my life with several Smiths so far during my career, a model 39-2, a 915, a 645 and now an MP9c. The 9c is my carry gun for anytime I am off duty.

I tried to keep this short, but alas, I just couldn't. So anyhow, Welcome

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Don

Congrats! If you like police trade-ins, you should check out Budsgunshop.com I picked up a FS M&P 40, three 15 round mags, three backstraps, night sights and hard case for $329. I just saw them the other day for $300ish. As they say "carried a lot, shot a little". While some people don't want or like a .40, the FS shoots really soft to me and barely feels any different than a 9. Just my $.02 though.

Welcome to the forum from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Also welcome to Smith & Wesson ownership. I have never been disappointed with any S&W I have ever owned, and wish I had not parted with those that went by the wayside over the years. I am soon to take ownership of my first S&W semi auto, a 3914. To date all of mine have been revolvers. I hope your experience is as positive as mine has been. The Forum is a great place for an education as well......

Congratulations and welcome to the forum from WI. On ammo, try several and see what you think and more importantly how your new gun handles each.

The depth of knowledge here is fantastic and there is no shortage of opinions from all angles. BUT, watch out...the folks here are enablers...why buy one when you can get both or ALL!