How do they differ? Besides the looks and backstraps what is different ? Are the m&p worth the extra cash? I've narrowed down my next gun to the m&p 9 , xdm 9, or the sw9ve.

What is the intended use for the new gun?

I have no issues with sigmas. Especially for target. I even carry my 40VE from time to time. I like the ease of field stripping the sigma over the M&P.

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- The Federalist #46 -

I also have the Sigma 40ve. Its great for me, i just ran 250 through her yesterday. It performs just great, not one problem with it. I am looking at the M&P 40 compact for a carry gun.

I like the grip on the M&P better, but the SW9VE has also gone "bang" and hit near point of aim with every trigger pull.

This for daily carry I was looking at the m&p 9 full size. My only concern is the constant problems I have read about

from what i have seen for pricing the sigma is a great value dollar for dollar.
i had the same 3 on my shopping list plus the glock 26. the glock did not fit me so i looked at the other 3 but settled on the mp9c as i wanted something small to easily carry. for me it was down to the xd or the mp and the mp compact had slightly more rounded corners then the xd. close the eyes, pick it up. point and see if it feels good and points right for you.

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A cubicle is nothing more than a padded cell without a door.

What were the problems ?

I have 2 M&P's a FS and a Compact and have thousands of rounds through them with 0 malfunctions. I'm sure like anything that's mass produces there could be some that have problems but with S&W excellent customer service I wouldn't worry about it. The M&P's with their 3 different backstraps are great for getting a good grip to your hand and the trigger on the Sigmas suck in my opinion. I've had both and the M&P trigger is far better than the Sigma and the M&P just flat out shoots much better. Is it worth the extra $, I think so. Check out Buds, they have great prices on the M&P's $499.00 delivered.

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/i...Path/21_39_850

Well that's why opinions are opinions and not facts.

I don't find my M&P40c's trigger to be that much better than my SW40VE. As far as how it shoots, I have the same grouping with both. I am a revolver shooter longer than semi autos, so I'm used to heavier DA triggers... especially the 642.

I personally like the feel of the Sigma in my hand better, and like I mentioned before, field stripping the sigma is quicker and easier.

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- The Federalist #46 -

The M&P's come with 3 different back straps so they're adaptable to many more peoples hands. I use the small back strap to get a better grip on the gun, the Sigma doesn't allow you to do this..1 size fits all.
Also, field stripping the M&P is as easy as locking the slide back, rotate the takedown lever, squeeze the trigger and the slide comes right off the frame ETA...15 seconds

Does the M&P no longer require the take down tool? Mine does. The use of the take down tool is a huge set back for me. No tools required for the Sigmas.

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- The Federalist #46 -

Do you have one of the first models off the assembly line?
I've had mine almost 3 years,and the only "take-down tools" are my hands and
I don't need to pull the trigger to field strip it.
Also, no malfunctions to date.It eats whatever I feed it.

Mine are "older" yes. Honestly this has been one of my major gripes for all the time I've owned them!

You DO realize don't you that you may have just cost me a few hundred dollars? Since I may go out to purchase a newer M&P.

I still maintain that I totally enjoy and appreciate my Sigmas as well though, and for the cost it's a great gun.

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- The Federalist #46 -

You and me both! I've always hated the take down tool on M&Ps. I bought a used one recently that has it and it's the biggest drawback for me.

Mine is the " newer" M&P so I think that's why you don't need the tool. Although S&W doesn't show this in their manual, I found this info. on another forum and tried it and it worked. I do know someone who just keeps a long tooth pick handy instead of using the take down tool.

By take down tool are you referring to the tool in the butt of the gun that you must remove to change the grip?
Sorry I am confused???
Can someone post a pic of this take down tool?
Thanks
G

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**Big Dog Grips**

"....squeeze the trigger....." That's exactly why the takedown tool exists, so you don't have to squeeze the trigger. Smith and many other manufacturers have seen owners/users have accidental discharges from there still being one in the chamber when someone pulls that same stunt.

You may wish to bypass it, but please don't tell someone else to do so. It isn't what's called for in the manual and every M&P has had and still has the tool.
Let the owner decide for him/herself if that's something they wish to risk.

As for ease of takedown, I field strip all my M&Ps in less than 15 seconds, including getting the tool out and using it to trip the sear deactivation lever on the M&P series. It's nothing. If you don't wish to take the tool out, use a pen, a fingernail, anything, but trip the lever and you won't have to "squeeze the trigger" to take it down.

Regarding Simas vs M&P...two different animals. Sigmas were designed to compete with Glock (so much, in fact, that Smith got sued by Glock). It's an OK entry level semi auto that has had it's run of issues. Some do...some don't. That's where Smith's outstanding warranty comes in. M&Ps aren't immune to problems. One of my 9 compacts was sent in because it had fail to eject issues, its sights were WAY off from the factory and the trigger was grittier than most M&Ps. By the way, I have four of them and I use 3 of them almost daily for training. My full size is just over 8 months old and has 10,000+ rounds through it with no issues. On the other hand, that 9c came back with new sights, trigger work, some barrel/ramp work and a new extractor. I have night sights on it and a Crimson Trace grip. It's now my favorite. I use the CT laser grip to teach sight control. There's nothing better than to watch someone try to keep a laser pointer still while they smoothly squeeze the trigger.

In any case, see which one fits you better. That's the first step. I'd venture to say theM&P does, as it does the majority of hands. Then, go make every shot count at the range. Don't just throw rounds downrange. A waste of time, money and effort.

Be safe-(and use your sear deactivation lever and follow the manufacturer's instructions for your pistol. They're there for a reason.) I've included a pic of M&P field stripped. Tool slides up into the back of the butt of the grip. It doubles as the thing that holds the removable/interchangable backstrap on. Drop the magazine, pull the slide back, triple check to make sure you've cleared your pistol, turn the tool 90 degrees and pull it from the frame (they're tight when they're new). With the end of the tool, push down the small yellow wire-like piece in the chamber. That's the sear deactivation lever. Rotate the external takedown lever to the 6 o'clock position. Carefully release the slide. It comes right off. Use a finger to depress the spring, remove it and the barrel. That's it. Literally 15 seconds for me. For someone that's never done it and is doing it in the dark...maybe a minute.


BJ

Attached Images

	take down tool.jpg (11.7 KB, 114 views)
	field stripped M&P.jpg (56.7 KB, 177 views)

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NRA Cert Instructor, M&P owner

I kind of thought this may be the case. Do you have any newer M&Ps? Do they all still require the takedown tool?

They've always had it...every one...still do.

bj

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NRA Cert Instructor, M&P owner

Why bother with the take down tool, just use a pen, pencil or your finger.

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I shoot, therefore I am.

I use a ball point pen or my finger on my M&P's. It is very fast and I experience no problems doing it.

John!

So them all the m&ps have the tool in the handle?

Yep, all of em. And how do you use your finger? Mine just dosn't bend that way.

On the differences: fit and finish is a little more precise on the M&P (not to say the Sigma is just thrown together), different sights, and the trigger pull is longer and harder on the Sigma (but still good, and adds to safety in my opinion).

I had to make this same choice when I was looking for a carry gun, and came home with the M&P40c, no regrets. Now I'm thinking of getting a Sigma to go with it

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Fast is fine;accurate is final

The actions are different. The SIGMA series is a true double action only so each pull is long and heavy.

The M&P is in its ready condition with the striker (firing pin) partially pre-loaded so that the trigger pull is not as long and no where near as heavy.

It is easier to learn to shoot with a lighter trigger pull.

The M&P is, in my mind, the preferred choice over the 9VE.

Get both. Really.

My next gun is going to be the M&P.....

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Don't look, reload and shoot!

What is the pro series? Are they worth the extra cash?

Also do the compact mps accept the full size mp mags of the same caliber?

Yes they do, VERY handy at the range. You can also get the grip extension to make it more comfortable. This setup makes for a good HD gun too, dual purpose.

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Fast is fine;accurate is final

the sd9ve is the best bang for the buck gun ive bought in 40yrs. its got everything i want when im in the house. i have a shield on order. i appreciate the comments on the finer nuanced differences from others tho as it may affect my future purchases