M&P 9 vs. Springfield XDM 9

[jsr]

First, let me apologize in advance for asking something that's already been asked and answered lots of times. I know that asking for help in choosing between these two has been asked and answered many times — here, on XD Talk, The Firing Line, and elsewhere — because I've read them all. I doubt that anyone has anything new to say, but since I STILL can't make up my mind I can't help asking, both here and on the other forums too.

I have a Glock 26, and and am interesting in moving on (and perhaps up), adding a full size, and ... well, do I really need a reason? Either would be used for trips to the range and bedside stand duty. If I carry, it will not have to be concealed — I'll put it in a camera bag or computer bag or, on a rare occasion, in an oversized, baggy coat pocket.

I won't have the opportunity to shoot either, but I've fondled both a very nice bitone XDM 9mm and and also very nice M&P 9mm (no mag safety), side by side, at my favorite local shop. I was able to (easily) switch the M&P grit to the small backstrap while the XDM had the medium. I'm sure if I get the latter I'll switch to the small, but even though the grip comparison was largely apples to oranges I admit to being surprised that the M&P didn't feel quite as much better than the XDM as I'd expected. But still, better, even a little better, is still better.

Dry firing both, I couldn't tell enough difference between the triggers to have a preference (though that probably says more about me than about the two guns).

In part because it was a bitone, which I don't care about one way or the other, the XDM was almost $200 more expensive than the M&P ($688 vs. 499, before any bargaining, so I may be able to get one or both of these down a little).

If the Obamanuts pass new anti-"assault" weapon legislation, either/both of these pistols would probably almost qualify as a good investment (as I write the market has fallen over 400 points today; so maybe anything out of the market would be a good investment). But I don't think I can afford to get both right now (see market comment above).

So, with apologies again for imposing on you all with an old question, I'll appreciate what anyone has to say.

[jsr]

First, let me apologize in advance for asking something that's already been asked and answered lots of times. I know that asking for help in choosing between these two has been asked and answered many times — here, on XD Talk, The Firing Line, and elsewhere — because I've read them all. I doubt that anyone has anything new to say, but since I STILL can't make up my mind I can't help asking, both here and on the other forums too.

I have a Glock 26, and and am interesting in moving on (and perhaps up), adding a full size, and ... well, do I really need a reason? Either would be used for trips to the range and bedside stand duty. If I carry, it will not have to be concealed — I'll put it in a camera bag or computer bag or, on a rare occasion, in an oversized, baggy coat pocket.

I won't have the opportunity to shoot either, but I've fondled both a very nice bitone XDM 9mm and and also very nice M&P 9mm (no mag safety), side by side, at my favorite local shop. I was able to (easily) switch the M&P grit to the small backstrap while the XDM had the medium. I'm sure if I get the latter I'll switch to the small, but even though the grip comparison was largely apples to oranges I admit to being surprised that the M&P didn't feel quite as much better than the XDM as I'd expected. But still, better, even a little better, is still better.

Dry firing both, I couldn't tell enough difference between the triggers to have a preference (though that probably says more about me than about the two guns).

In part because it was a bitone, which I don't care about one way or the other, the XDM was almost $200 more expensive than the M&P ($688 vs. 499, before any bargaining, so I may be able to get one or both of these down a little).

If the Obamanuts pass new anti-"assault" weapon legislation, either/both of these pistols would probably almost qualify as a good investment (as I write the market has fallen over 400 points today; so maybe anything out of the market would be a good investment). But I don't think I can afford to get both right now (see market comment above).

So, with apologies again for imposing on you all with an old question, I'll appreciate what anyone has to say.

[NCTexan]

I can't give a direct compare with the M&P since it has been months since I shot one. When I shot one, I liked the grip but did not like the trigger stroke.

Last week I looked at an XDM 9mm and liked it enough to take it home with me. I've been very pleased with the accuracy on my two range trips. The first five rounds out of the gun produced a nickle size group at 7 yards. I was a little was surprised at my first offhand results. The gun will definitely put them where you squeeze them.

So far at 250 rounds... it's had no hiccups.

The trigger has smoothed out a little, but I just sent it into the Springfield custom shop to get a competition action job done. I'm pleased with the sights and I'm leaving them alone.

I'm gotten pretty spoiled shooting my S&W 952-2 and Model 41... but I have high hopes for the XDM when it returns in about two weeks.

A couple of good features that I discovered are the highly visible and tactile loaded chamber and cocking indicators.

BTW, I actually prefer the looks of the M&P, but I am very please with my purchase so far.

[Olduke]

I had an M&P9c and sold it due to the fact that the grip angle wasn't right for me and the dang thing bit me while shooting it for break in...much like the 1911 prior to the beavertail. I now have a Springfield XD9 Subcompact with grip extension mags. It has a much better grip angle for me and the recoil is not any where near your hand. There is nothing against the M&P other than it didn't fit me as well as the XD. I bought both, so, to me they are good pieces. One just wasn't right for me and it might be good for you..

[Jim Watson]

I got a Plastic M&P during the two magazine AND $50 rebate program and really like it. The trigger pull was tougher than the average XD, but I spent my rebate with Dan Burwell, who fixed that.

[OKFC05]

For the criteria you've outlined, I'd get an M&P9 Pro, hands down. Add a comp tac strong-side holster, and you are ready for anything up to and including IDPA SSP and USPSA Production competition. The Pro comes with the fiber optic sight and a factory trigger job, nothing left to do but shoot it.

[HOUSTON RICK]

M&P9

[gglass]

M&P 9 and smile all the way to the bank.

[growr]

I own both and my M&P .40 is now my main match gun and has over 5000 rounds through it. Keeps on getting better and better. No need for someone to do an action job....just shoot it alot! You will not regret purchasing an M&P......They are THAT good!
Randy

[Preacherman1973]

I am sure you have already made your purchase by now but for what it is worth I have had my M&P 9c and LOVE it! On our guys night at the range my gun gets passed around just as much or more then the XD. I have put over 1200 rounds through it and not a hiccup yet. I can group 12 rounds within 6-8" of bullseye at 50' feet with it.

[Gorme]

I went through this same process and have come to this conclusion: Springfield and S&W both make good guns. Get the one that feels the best in your hand, the one that you pick up and say "ahhh..." If you have a chance to rent and fire both, it's always a good idea to do that. Chances are it'll just confirm what your gut told you all along.

[moonshinew]

You'll always get basically the same answers as above...because they're all valid.

But for me personally, I was hesitant after reading the stories of the M&P's trigger but figured I would try it out anyway. With no work done on it at all, it has smoothed up tremendously just by firing the snot out of it.

There are a lot of personal reasons why you might choose one over the other, but I wouldn't let the M&P's trigger be one of them.

HTH

[bellacorse]

I'm no shooting expert, but I did shoot my friends brand new XDM9 today with different loads side-by-side with my M&P9.

Sorry gang, but I prefer the XDM. Seemed lighter in my hand (same # of rounds in each) although I have no idea how they compare on a scale. The recoil was noticeable crisper than my fairly new M&P and the backstrap safety is a brilliant idea IMHO. My friend paid $595 OTD.

[guntherapist]

My hang up about the XDM was 'Croatia' stamped on it.
I got the MP 40.