Is the M&P that much better than the SD?

[Urbanhunter]

I'm looking to get an SD9 or 40 just for home defense. I haven't been able to find one to try out, but everyone I talk to says get an M&P instead. Is the SD really that bad or is the M&P just that good. I've shot the M&P and it's really nice but I like the feel and price of the SD.

 

[gsxunv04]

Both are great firearms. If you like the feel and price of the SD, get the SD.

 

[kingcobra07]

M & P

It has to be the price that concerns You because it can't be the feel. I doubt the SD could have better ergonomics than the M & P JMHO. My first pistol was a 9mm sigma, then I got a M & P 9mm, sold the sigma do to feeding and jamming, never regretted getting rid of the sigma. Good luck with Your choice. Stay safe and healthy. kingcobra07

 

[S&W Rover]

I have a SD9, and M&P9, and a M&P40.

The SD9 feels very good in my medium hands, is thinner than the M&P9, and works very well (is reliable and accurate). The trigger is smooth but a bit heavy, as it is designed to be. The M&P triggers are a little lighter out of the box, and of course can be adjusted (the weight lowered and smoothness increased) by adding Apex parts (sear, more rounded striker block, etc.). I have the Apex sear and USB in my 9, and the USB in my 40, and love 'em for it. M&P and SD triggers both improve with firing (or dry-firing with a snap cap).

To me the SD9 is perfectly acceptable -- although I admit it does not have a smooth-as-glass "target" trigger like my Sig P228 or P6. My true comparison point is the late model Sigma I had, which was nicely built but had a trigger that was too long and heavy for me to master well enough to shoot it acceptably; the SD is a major improvement over that Sigma.

FWIW, the SD9/40 does not have a high cool factor, as it gets painted with the Sigma brush -- although this ignores the fact later Sigmas were quite improved. The Sigma's bad rap comes from its early years, although Sigmas still have a rather long, hard trigger -- by design.

Flork, from Apex, is working on some mods to the SD9 to make it a little smoother, but in general it cannot be made lighter in trigger pull.

Here's the key point though -- you can get a M&P9 with contrast sights for $400 at Buds, while the SD9 is $367 or so. To me, that is close enough in price to perhaps go for the M&P 9/40, which is to take nothing away from the SD9/40, which are fine handguns. If I were to go out on a trek in the App Trail for a week, it would be my SD9 I would take with me, leaving the M&P's at home. The SD9 is a thinner, slightly lighter gun that is robust and accurate enough for the job.

I don't think you can go wrong with either one. That's my .02 cents.

 

[M29since14]

I'm looking to get an SD9 or 40 just for home defense...

You say you plan to use the gun "just for home defense." That is what S&W made it for. It is not a target gun (neither is an M&P) and it is not meant to be. The SD should be perfectly adequate. Just test the one you get to be sure it is reliable and shoots to your POA, like you would any other gun.

 

[jppezz23]

I have the SD40.I shoot as well with that than the glock i used to have.I like the gun very much and wouldn't part with it.I have no problem with the trigger.Never tried an M&P but i'm sure it is a fine gun also.

 

[mrsig]

My opinion is that the M&P wins hands down. How many police agencies do you see carrying the SD ?

 

[oldtexan]

I'm looking to get an SD9 or 40 just for home defense. I haven't been able to find one to try out, but everyone I talk to says get an M&P instead. Is the SD really that bad or is the M&P just that good. I've shot the M&P and it's really nice but I like the feel and price of the SD.

I don't own an SD or an M&P so take these observations for what they are worth.

1. The M&P is more lefty-friendly. If you're a lefty that's probably a big deal. If you're right-handed, maybe it doesn't matter at all.

2. The M&P is more accommodating to a variety of hand sizes. If the SD fits your hands, then it's great. But if you have hands that place you at either end of the spectrum size-wise, then the M&P might be a better choice.

3. Right now there is a better availability of blue guns, training barrels, holsters, lasers, a subcaliber version (.22 LR M&P), remotes for lights, etc, for the M&P than for the SD line. My guess is that difference will continue for the forseeable future. If these things matter to you, then the M&P may be a better choice. If they aren't very important to you, then the SD is fine for you.

4. The M&P line is available in a greater variety of configurations. If you want a .45, then the M&P is a better choice. Want a thumb safety? Go with the M&P. Want a Compact version to go along with a full-size or a 5" gun? get the M&P. Don't care about any of that? It's a wash.

5. Money a big factor in the decision? The SD is cheaper.

6. My educated guess is that a .40 M&P would last longer under heavy use than an SD40. The M&P was designed from the ground up as a .40. My guess is that the SD (like the Glocks) is basically a gun designed as a 9mm and then modified a bit to function as a .40. Glocks in 9mm have a reputation for greater longevity than .40 Glocks. My guess is that an SD9 will last about as long as a 9mm M&P; this is just a guess. I also expect an average SD9 to outlast an average SD40. We won't know for sure for a few years. If any of this is true, and you want a .40 that you'll shoot a lot, get the M&P. Want a 9mm? the SD is probably just fine.

 

[Jeff Lynch]

I rented an SD9 and an M&P 9 before buying my first M&P and never really liked how the SD looked or felt in my hand. I also shot with a Glock G19 but hated the grip. The M&P 9 fit my hand so much better than the SD9 and Glock that I made up my mind after only a few shots at the range. Call around to your local ranges and ask if they rent M&Ps. Give it a try before making your decision.

 

[Backon4]

I have a SD40, SD9, Sigma 40V and a M&P 40C. Here is the rundown from an owner who shoots all of them.
Sigma 40: great gun, long hard pull, surprise break, takes time to master
SD9/SD40: Awesome gun, front night sight, standard rail, thin, good trigger pull, somewhat less surprise in break, average reset, much easier to master and very accurate.
M&P 40c:Great gun, good trigger to start, lightens up tremendously with lots of use ( mine went from 7lbs new to 3.5lbs after 1500 rounds or so but has not gotten any lighter in the last 1500 since), nice reset and surprisingly accurate for a compact.

Now which do I carry and keep on my nightstand? Drum roll please!





The SD40, at only about a 1/4 inch longer and 1/8 inch taller (when the 40c has pinky extension) but thinner than the 40c it also packs 14 rounds of .40 and shoots very very well. Also for a personal, home defense gun you want a trigger that is intentional.This will mean less chance of an accidental discharge when your adrenaline is going 1000mph. My M&P has become too hairy for me to feel comfortable carrying but feels great at the range. If the SD fits your hand well then don't be afraid of it. It will do the job and will do it well.

For those of you saying oh but the M&P 40 full is 15 rounds and has swappable back straps, yes you are correct. But it is much larger than the SD, has that pesky beaver tail, and cost another $100 without night sites.

Regardless of mine or anyone else's opinions try to shoot both before you buy. In the end it is what you feel the most comfortable with that will make the biggest impact. I personally would feel safe with any S&W auto on my night stand.

 

[gsxunv04]

Money aside I would roll with the M&P. Police agencies have adopted it for a reason. I have shot nearly 1000 rounds out of the full size 9mm for my job training and am very pleased with the performance. Not one misfire shooting Federal American Eagle. It is a very user friendly firearm, as some have mentioned it offers left and right hand magazone releases and slide catches. We used the model with Trijicon night sights and I highly suggest you get the night sights, especially if intended for HD.

 

[duster78]

The M&P's MSRP is down like $90. It looks like all S&W's are coming down in price. I picked up a NIB M&P and a NIB 442 this weekend, $400 each. CDNN has M&P's for around $399 I think. Might as well go for the real thing. the SD is just a repackaged Sigma. The trigger is a little lighter but not much.

 

[StuperDan]

I bought a SD9. I'll probably sell it and get a M&P9 compact. the compact is about the same size with the extended grip mag, and the gun's guts are a bit more tried and true.

 

[Backon4]

Does anyone not remember the saying KISS keep it simple stupid? The SD is much more than an improved sigma. Owning all of the S&W poly guns I can attest that the SD is in a class of its own. It takes the ergos of the sigma and adds the features of the M&P. The design is simple and is the perfect size. Say what you will with the price of M&P's coming down you can expect these to as well. The trigger is much improved and is a lot lighter than the sigma. Sigma 11-13 and Sd 7.5-8 M&P 6-8. Tell me which it is closer to?

 

[leejack]

I the would add that the SD ergonomics are off the chart.

I can't think of a polymer gun made today with better ergos than the SD.

Just an observation.

 

[oldtexan]

I the would add that the SD ergonomics are off the chart.

I can't think of a polymer gun made today with better ergos than the SD.

Just an observation.

Leejack, please elaborate.

 

[leejack]

Surely; I like the way the SD feels in the hand better than any other poly gun that I have held. To me it feels like a perfect size and fit.

Way back when I bought the sigma, I had my daughter try several guns, and she said that out of all of them, the sigma felt like it was made for her hand. She shoots the lights out with that gun every time, it just fits her. The P95 was way too big for her hand and the G19 grip didn't feel right to either one of us, so I got her the one she liked.

I think the Smiths (all 3 of them) are the best feeling and most natural pointers out there in the poly world.

I just really like the feel of the SD. Everybody's hand is different, so I recommend trying out as many as possible to see what you like best.

Triggers, controls, safetys, etc. are another story, I was simply commenting on the size, feel and pointability of the SD. I like it!

I too am debating on an SD or M&P, either works for me!

 

[crispy]

S&W needs to get the SD price point down to at least $100 less than the comparable M&P.

Bud's has the M&P 9 at $454 and the SD9 at $367. So they're almost there. But if M&P's are going for $400, then the SD needs to be $300...

Of course, that means that the Sigma would need to be $200...

 

[Bad Andy]

Can one of you guys that owns an M&P full size, compact and SD post up a picture of all three together for size comparison? I'd like to see how much taller the SD is than the 9c.

My only issue with the 9c is it's just short enough in the palm that I don't get a comfortable grip.

 

[fx1]

Bought the SD9 16+1 with 2 clips and case for $399 and I love it. Shoots every time, accurate and just feels good in my hand. I'm new to handguns, but have shot rifles and shotguns for over 40 years. Will be getting another, maybe an M&P if the price is right, but I would have ZERO hestitation in getting another SD.

Take care,

fx1