Mrlizzard, you need to buy your pistol depending on the type of competitive event you plan on attending. An M&P is not a competition pistol for any venue where accuracy is at a premium. What we are talking about here is the level of accuracy we expect in a service-type pistol. The debate is whether the M&Ps are providing that, and as you can see, we even have some debate about whether we should be talking about 2.5", 3"-4", approx. 4", 4"x4" (Colt's standard, BTW, for the new Marine Corps' 1911) - or just what?

Sorry you are having so much trouble with your M&P but it does sound like you are not quite used to its trigger just yet. BBS1 pointed out that the triggers on the striker-fired guns are a different kettle of fish for those of us who have been shooting since shortly after the last ice age. Given your background - and mine - he may have a point.

Hope you get things straightened out. If in doubt, get a couple different, experienced shooters to try you gun and see what they can do.