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Old 12-09-2016, 07:22 PM
jeffpat jeffpat is offline
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Default Best full size M&P for low recoil?

I'm looking for a full-size pistol with as little recoil as possible, not including 22LR. I wish S&W made a full size 380, but they don't so I'm looking for recommendations from this group. What should be on my short list?

Thanks!
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Old 12-09-2016, 07:46 PM
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Jeff, I think your only option in a full size M&P is a 9mm. If this is for target shooting, any target 115 gr ammo will be as soft as you get.
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Old 12-09-2016, 08:11 PM
Cigar Guy Cigar Guy is offline
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I have a ported 5 inch M&P CORE. Much less recoil than my son's Glock 17.
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Old 12-09-2016, 08:53 PM
zymurgeist zymurgeist is offline
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Try the new polymer ammo. The stuff feels like shooting a .22. I wouldn't use it for self defense but it shoots straight as a laser.
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Old 12-10-2016, 09:41 AM
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M&PFS9. Soft and sweet. It shoots and handles like a dream! I shoot 115gr. ammo.
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Old 12-10-2016, 10:38 AM
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Thanks everyone! It sounds like the FS9 is the best M&P choice. Thanks for the recommendation on the polymer ammo. I'll definitely give that a try.
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Old 12-10-2016, 10:43 AM
dswancutt dswancutt is offline
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I would look at one of the 5" barrels, as the added mass helps dampen recoil plus the addition of a slightly longer sight radius. This is just me, but I find 147gr 9mm to be the softest shooting.
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Old 12-10-2016, 11:31 AM
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Full size pro series 9mm I had was awesome. Wish I never sold it. It was my favorite hand gun to shoot.
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Old 12-10-2016, 11:40 AM
Bill In Texas Bill In Texas is offline
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As others have said a FS 9mm is the way to go. If you can find one with a 5" barrel so much the better. M&P's of almost any caliber shoot softer than many comparable guns. This is due to the grip angle and low bore axis.

If you can rent one at a gun store try and see. Our Pro Series 9mm, which is actually my wife's gun, is almost .22ish in terms of felt recoil. Hope this helps!
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Old 12-10-2016, 11:48 AM
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M&Ps may be arguably lacking in other areas but are without a doubt the lowest recoil in guns this side I'd the steel framed cz sp-01. I would however love to see a .380 shield.
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Old 12-10-2016, 12:32 PM
czed czed is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dswancutt View Post
I would look at one of the 5" barrels, as the added mass helps dampen recoil plus the addition of a slightly longer sight radius. This is just me, but I find 147gr 9mm to be the softest shooting.
Same here 147gr is the softest shooting excellent for training newbies.
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Old 12-10-2016, 02:28 PM
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I know you requested information on full size M&P. The only S&W semi that I have is a Shield 9 mm. All other S&W are revolvers.

However the lowest recoil (and smoothest) full size pistol I have ever shot is the Berretta 92F (9mm) that I have. Mine is a 1985 vintage and made in Italy so I don't know how the more recent made Berettas compare.

I would say a polymer frame pistol will always have a heavier recoil than an all metal one.
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Old 12-10-2016, 09:50 PM
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Don't mean to hijack the thread or lead the OP away from a FS M&P. I have had three M&P 9 FS pistols and they are all very pleasant to shoot. Not like a smaller caliber, but very manageable. I carry one almost every day and shoot the two remaining ones a lot. Good choice.

However, on a direct comparison basis, my previous two pistols were Beretta PX4, one 9 and one .40, Type C. I will never sell these guns. Their mechanical design (rotating barrel), size (like the M&P) weight and ergonomics make them extremely easy to handle. The .40 feels like a soft 9, and the 9 feels like I imagine shooting a .380 would be in the same gun. Yes, that "soft".

I don't know if that is helpful for the OP. Sorry for the bunny trail.
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Old 12-11-2016, 10:08 AM
TruckinThumper TruckinThumper is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by guidedfishing View Post
Jeff, I think your only option in a full size M&P is a 9mm. If this is for target shooting, any target 115 gr ammo will be as soft as you get.
Actually.....a big fat heavy 9 is better(less felt recoil) than 115gr.Say a 147gr.
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Old 12-11-2016, 10:36 PM
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Browning Hi-Power.
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Old 12-11-2016, 10:57 PM
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380 are typically blowback and have more recoil.

9 has no recoil. Unless you have medical issues I don't see what the problem is. I find Glock to have no recoil and HK USP to have slightly more

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Old 12-11-2016, 11:05 PM
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No recoil? Exaggerating just a little, eh?
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Old 12-13-2016, 11:53 PM
Mac123 Mac123 is offline
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Since you said 22lr is out, what about 22 WMR? Kel Tec PMR 30 has a great stock trigger and way fun to shoot. No it's not a S&W but definitely a fun gun.
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Old 12-24-2016, 08:46 AM
boomerguy49 boomerguy49 is offline
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Google the difference between BLOWBACK (barrel permanently attached to frame, like the Walther PPK) and LOCKED BREECH (separate, moving barrel). The LOCKED BREECH pistols are generally 9mm and up, because of the increased recoil and the design is intended to reduce recoil. There are very few .380 ACP pistols with LOCKED BREECH which would be the least. The only one I can think of is the Ruger LC380 that I would recommend and it isn't full size. The recoil is very small and the trigger is horrible (DA hammer on every shot).
My recommendation is get used to the recoil and practice, practice, practice.
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Old 12-24-2016, 09:30 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by boomerguy49 View Post
Google the difference between BLOWBACK (barrel permanently attached to frame, like the Walther PPK) and LOCKED BREECH (separate, moving barrel). The LOCKED BREECH pistols are generally 9mm and up, because of the increased recoil and the design is intended to reduce recoil. There are very few .380 ACP pistols with LOCKED BREECH which would be the least. The only one I can think of is the Ruger LC380 that I would recommend and it isn't full size. The recoil is very small and the trigger is horrible (DA hammer on every shot).
My recommendation is get used to the recoil and practice, practice, practice.
Maybe you'd better Google locked-breech .380 pistols. There are many besides the Ruger, including the KelTec p3at, the Beretta Pico, the Colt Mustang, S&W's own .380 Bodyguard, the SIG p238 -- the list is long.
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