I purchased my first handgun a little more than a month ago,the M&P9 and I love it. I've been going to the range 2 to 3 times a week since the purchase. I am now considering a ccw,but can't decide between the M&P9c,.40c,or .45c. I've been reading a lot of posts on the forum and everyone is very informative. I guess it all comes down to personal preference,but I would like a little personal feedback to help with my decision making. I'd like to hear some of your experiences with these handguns or any suggestions on a different compact.

-THANKS!

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HUTCH II

I would say stick with the same caliber. You can use the full size mags in the M&P 9C with an X-Grip adapter if you want.

If your willing to carry a full size 9MM, then a compact 9MM is logical.

Smith&Wesson M&P | XGRIP

My regular carry guns are a CS9, 908 and 6906 - same manual of arms, same leather. I tend toward the 908, but there are times when the CS9 or 6906 are more appropriate. Kind of options without starting all over.

If I were you, I'd consider sticking with the same caliber and M&P.

YMMV.

Since you've only had a month or so of practice with your first hangun, I think it would be best to stay with the same caliber and manual of arms. The M&P9c would be the best choice.

I believe that any short stroke striker fired pistol requires a holster that does not involve daily re-holstering when putting the gun on or off. That is an invitation to a unwanted discharge.
I like the Galco Triton. Easy on/easy off with the gun still in the holster. In my experience, the full size M&P will hide quite well with this setup. (unless one is the body-hugging spandex type wearer!)

Attached Images

Triton-Sil-1-OL for the M&P.jpg (26.1 KB, 22 views)

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NRA Life Member

not a 45acp auto

HUTCH II,
Let me take different approach that most CCW folks don't consider. That is where do you live? In my state, people wear coats at least 9 mo. of the year. Sometimes they are heavy (ski or leather type) and perhaps a sweater underneath followed by a shirt or whatever. The point being is that you want a caliber that will penetrate the outer layers and into body mass with authority. Shooting 25 auto or .380 would not be the best choice in my opinion. At the very least, a .38sp or a hot loaded 9mm is the minimum.(again, my opinion) I think a .357, 40 or 45 is a better choice, and use quality proven ammo. Any gun however is better than no gun ! Now, if you live in a sunshine state, you don't have to take in account the heavy outter wear in most cases. Your choice for a ccw might be different. Im 30+ years of law enforcement, I have investigated many a shooting. Some walked away, others did not. Those who didn't had a couple of things in common. 1. placement of the round in a killing area 2. a round of such caliber that it did or caused significent body damage. YES, there are exceptions and hard fast rule to dying. But the old famous copper Bill Jordan said it best. "There are no second place winners". Carry something you can shoot and shoot well, and have confidence in your abilties through many hrs. of training. My opinion, others may vary................

My 2 cents: I have pistols in just about every caliber. The reason is availability of shells...even today I can walk into most stores and shelves seem to be often empty of the most popular calibers. If things get bad, to me that is reason to have options. Others may say to buy ahead, yet with range practice I find I always get low on one caliber or another. I really like my 40c in a IWB at 5:00 and thought that finally would be my everyday choice. However I now find myself carrying the BG 380 more often than not in the same location. As far as size of caliber I think it adequate. I've read here that some like to say they practice with the BG out to 20 yards or so. To that I would say in my training most shootings take place within 3 yds in 3 seconds with 3 rounds. For that the BG is more than adequate. Placement is everything. That all being said I would gladly trade for a Sig 238 because of handling and trigger considerations.

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Recovering Pacifist

Want a single stack with the same manual of arms? Wait a few more days for the M&P9 Shield.

In your situation I'd go with the 9c for a compact,but.....as they say,different strokes

Attached Images

shield.jpg (33.3 KB, 22 views)

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Blessed be the Lord,my Rock