I notice there are two different areas for pistols with the M&P series having it's own. I only know my shield at this point so what is the major difference between the two lines...M&P and non M&P?

In semi-auto pistols, the M&P has its own sub-forum. The M&P line is the premier polymer framed line and includes Shield.

There is another sub-forum for SIGMA and all of its variants over the years (now known as SD Series).

The other sub-forum includes all of the earlier metal framed pistols including the Models 41 and 52 target pistols, the 1st, 2nd, 3rd Gen Service Autos, the PC models, and the 1911s, the other 22s, and everything that is not polymer framed, whether current production or discontinued.

Look up S&W 5906 and it will give you a good idea of their previous guns

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