M&P vs. XDm

[jkk28]

I am looking to get my first handgun. Thought about getting a .40 cal but am now leaning more towards a 9mm due to price of ammo and easier second shots. I have looked at may guns but think I might have it down to two... the S&W M&P and the Springfield XDm. I like how both feels in my hand. Have only shot XDm as my dad has one of those in a 9mm. I was wondering what you think and which way you would lean and why? What does one gun have over the other?

[Fishinfool]

Have an M&P .45c, and have shot a few XDm's. Both should be reliable, and about equell in accuracy. Triggers vary.

In the S&W's favor, I like the slightly lower centering of the barrel for less muzzle flip, the fact its American made, by a company that has a good reputation for standing behind its product, and the feel of the grip, though that's subjective.

One indicator to look at among similarly priced and featured weapons is which one is more popular with police departments. Few I am aware of use the XDm's.

9mm is a good choice as a first handgun, as ammo can be found inexpensively for practice, and it offers good stopping power with modern loads with a little less recoil then a .40

Larry

[VTHokiesDuckHunter]

I shoot 9mm's, .40 S&W's, and 45's.

I agree that a 9mm is a good one for you to start with. But don't buy into the myth too much about .40's being "snappy" or hard to control. A well balanced .40 is a joy to shoot. And since it is becoming more and more prevalent as a law enforcement cartridge, prices are coming down.

Both the M&P and Springfield are good choices. A great choice, that is often overlooked, is the FNH (FNP9 or 40; and FNX 9 or 40models).

My son just bought one and loves it. Worldwide, FN is used by quite a few miltary and police agencies. (and is the parent company of Browning).

I also think the Ruger SR9 is a very good choice - but would personally pick the FNH first, M&P second, then Ruger.

And maybe you are new to this forum, but a lot of us prefer the metal framed S&W's to everything out there. You might consider getting a good used S&W 6906 to start with. You can find these on GunBroker, from CDNN Sports, and in the classified forums on this site from roughly $300 used to $600 New In Box (NIB)

Either way, good luck and welcome to pistol shooting!

[18DAI]

I'd go with the XDm on trigger alone. Regards 18DAI

[vista461]

I've shot both ,bought an M&P

[toocool]

Let's see, I've had an XD, an XDm, a Browning Pro 9 (basically the FNP), Sig Sauers, Glocks, M&Ps....I still have the M&P (three, in fact)...and none of the others. M&P is the way to go for me.

[Dragon88]

The only polymer wonder I have ever gotten rid of was an XD-45. Traded it at a loss for a Glock 21SF. The heavy slide on the XD sits very high above the hand. This is something which can never be overcome by trigger work, modifications or training, it is the design of the pistol. While they are well made and good looking guns, you will be much better off with the M&P in the long run. Great gun, better shootability and ergonomics, and Smiths lifetime warranty.

[SPEEDGUNNER]

Hmmm....lemme see:

S&W = Made in U.S.A
XD = Made in Croatia

Easy decision.

[Craig19]

See if you can rent both at a range and see which one you like best. Both companies have great CS, you will pay more for the XD, but can't see how you can go wrong either way.