M&P 9mm FS or Pro or CORE?

[Tony2much]

After a recent flurry of buying several new guns over the past few months, I've been able to convince my dear wife to "allow" me to purchase "just 1 more" (above the table ).

My current M&P inventory consists of a .40 shield, .40 compact, .40 FS and a 9mm shield. The most obvious "need" would be a FS 9mm.

I am looking to use this primarily as a range gun and I'm not really sure which way to go. Should I buy a standard FS 9mm or go with a Pro Series? I am also considering the benefits of going with a CORE and being able to use a red dot sight.

So far I'm leaning towards the CORE, but any personal experience or suggestions are greatly appreciated.

 

[Bkreutz]

I went through a similar situation. I wasn't very interested in optics because I was shooting IDPA competition exclusively (and they don't allow any optics). I ended up getting the 9L Pro Core "just in case" I changed my mind. Now I shoot 80% of my matches with the Core and a Leupold Deltapoint. Sure helps the old eyes see the target. I've got over 40K rounds through the pistol and it's been "bulletproof". (pun intended).

 

[Tony2much]

I went through a similar situation. I wasn't very interested in optics because I was shooting IDPA competition exclusively (and they don't allow any optics). I ended up getting the 9L Pro Core "just in case" I changed my mind. Now I shoot 80% of my matches with the Core and a Leupold Deltapoint. Sure helps the old eyes see the target. I've got over 40K rounds through the pistol and it's been "bulletproof". (pun intended).

At 56 years old, my eyes aren't what they used to be either! I think the optics option may be my deciding factor. I remember reading somewhere in this forum someone saying the CORE with optics is so easy to shoot "it's like cheating".

I'll take any advantage I can get.

BTW. What made you decide to go with the Delta Point? Is it what you would recommend?

 

[Bkreutz]

BTW. What made you decide to go with the Delta Point? Is it what you would recommend?

Leupold reputation and the fact that it co-witnesses with the iron sights. Zeroing consisted of aligning the dot with the sights. I went back and forth between the Deltapoint and the C-More. I chose the Deltapoint because it's overall height off the slide is lower than the C-More. To change batteries in the DP you have to take the sight off the pistol which some think is a negative, but removing 2 screws, replacing the battery and putting it back on is not a big deal (not like battery changes are part of a course of fire). The battery tray on the CMore is why it's taller. I got mine from http://www.okefenokeeoutdoors.com/LEUPOLD-DeltaPoint-Reflex-Sight-Matte-35-MOA-Dot-Cross-Slot-Mount-67435_p_18032.html (it's the cheapest I found at the time, there are 2 options, a 3.5 dot and a 7.5 triangle, I chose the triangle because it's faster to acquire the target but not as accurate)

 

[Tony2much]

Leupold reputation and the fact that it co-witnesses with the iron sights. Zeroing consisted of aligning the dot with the sights. I went back and forth between the Deltapoint and the C-More. I chose the Deltapoint because it's overall height off the slide is lower than the C-More. To change batteries in the DP you have to take the sight off the pistol which some think is a negative, but removing 2 screws, replacing the battery and putting it back on is not a big deal (not like battery changes are part of a course of fire). The battery tray on the CMore is why it's taller. I got mine from Leu Delta Point 3.5 Moa Reflex (it's the cheapest I found at the time, there are 2 options, a 3.5 dot and a 7.5 triangle, I chose the triangle because it's faster to acquire the target but not as accurate)

Thank you for the information and the link!

I think I will eventually end up with this same configuration. It looks to be the best bang for the buck (pun also intended). I'll probably just get the CORE 9mm for now and add the optics when the dust settles. An additional $350.00 purchase after just buying the CORE (and barely convincing my wife of it's "necessity"), may just push her over the edge .

I was also just looking at the Trijicon RMR, but it's a bit more money and slightly larger.

 

[Bkreutz]

Thank you for the information and the link!

I think I will eventually end up with this same configuration. It looks to be the best bang for the buck (pun also intended). I'll probably just get the CORE 9mm for now and add the optics when the dust settles. An additional $350.00 purchase after just buying the CORE (and barely convincing my wife of it's "necessity"), may just push her over the edge .

I was also just looking at the Trijicon RMR, but it's a bit more money and slightly larger.

I had an extra P22 Walther lying around, I sold it and used the funds for the DP.

 

[Mydogmax]

I'm also considering between the 9pro or the 9core. Prices went up on the pro at Bud's by about $40 so the pro and the core are only about $35difference now. I do have a question though... If I bought the CORE I don't really want to spend the money for the red dot sights for a while. How are the regular sights on it. Sans red dot. Are they OK?

 

[Bkreutz]

I'm also considering between the 9pro or the 9core. Prices went up on the pro at Bud's by about $40 so the pro and the core are only about $35difference now. I do have a question though... If I bought the CORE I don't really want to spend the money for the red dot sights for a while. How are the regular sights on it. Sans red dot. Are they OK?

I use the stock sights when I shoot IDPA (ESP but you can shoot SSP if you don't modify the trigger itself) I actually like the iron sights because even though they are taller, the front sight is thinner than the regular models and the rear is the same width. That gives more space on the sides of the front sight and it's quicker to get the proper sight picture (IMO).

 

[Mydogmax]

I use the stock sights when I shoot IDPA (ESP but you can shoot SSP if you don't modify the trigger itself) I actually like the iron sights because even though they are taller, the front sight is thinner than the regular models and the rear is the same width. That gives more space on the sides of the front sight and it's quicker to get the proper sight picture (IMO).

Thanks for the advice. Helps with my decision.

 

[Roger S&W]

Why do a lot (including mine) M&P9 Pro 5'' shoot low out of the box?
I switched the sights to Warren Tactical. No help.
Switched front to 10-44 Performance lower sight. That brought the hits up higher near bulls eye.
But now, shooting way left of bulls eye.
The sights look perfectly aligned with each other.
My gunsmith put them on who always does a great job. He did all my other pistols which all shoot dead on.
What's the deal with the M&P9 Pro 5''?

 

[Bkreutz]

Why do a lot (including mine) M&P9 Pro 5'' shoot low out of the box?
I switched the sights to Warren Tactical. No help.
Switched front to 10-44 Performance lower sight. That brought the hits up higher near bulls eye.
But now, shooting way left of bulls eye.
The sights look perfectly aligned with each other.
My gunsmith put them on who always does a great job. He did all my other pistols which all shoot dead on.
What's the deal with the M&P9 Pro 5''?

Why don't you start a new thread instead of tacking on a post that has absolutely nothing to do with the question that was asked? It's not hard to do, all you have to do is click the "New Thread" button.

 

[Roger S&W]

Why don't you start a new thread instead of tacking on a post that has absolutely nothing to do with the question that was asked? It's not hard to do, all you have to do is click the "New Thread" button.

Nothing to do with the subject? Did you not see the third word in this thread title? It says Pro. I don't know if you need glasses or just need to reduce your arrogance.

 

[erick1987]

Nothing to do with the subject? Did you not see the third word in this thread title? It says Pro. I don't know if you need glasses or just need to reduce your arrogance.

the subject is about what gun to buy. not why yours shoot low.

btw...i love my core 9mm. just waiting for the deltapoint 2 to come out.

 

[Roger S&W]

the subject is about what gun to buy. not why yours shoot low.

btw...i love my core 9mm. just waiting for the deltapoint 2 to come out.

And I'm sharing my experience about one of the three guns he's considering buying. C'mon Erick, don't you flake out on me too.

 

[Jboutfishn]

Been doing a lot of agonizing over the Pro 5" or Pro Core. Without the red dot sight, both can be used in USPSA Production class. I decided on the Pro 5" because it comes with the fiber optic sight. If the time comes when I want the red dot, it can be mounted on the rear dove tail.

 

[Roger S&W]

In all fairness, it may just be me, the shooter. I understand a lot of people shoot the long slide M&P low for whatever reason. And some people shoot it fine. I had my range officer shoot my Pro 5'' right after me. He shot low too. He's no rookie to pistols. Ex-military, former police and current competitive shooter.

 

[forrestinmathews]

FYI from a holster standpoint the pro has a slimmer slide than the fullsize. Found that out trying to buy a holster for my fullsize.

Sounds like you could save yourself a lot of money by buying a 9mm barrel and some 9mm mags and running them in your 40fs. Better yet, buy a 9mm barrel for the compact also and a few xgrips you'll be all set and have lots of money left over for ammo. The 40 and 9mm share the same slide, extractor, and I believe even the same recoil spring. The factory barrels are available from MidwayUSA for 80$ and mags for 35$.
If you don't want the core, you're wasting your money buying another gun. Swap the barrels and buy ammo.

 

[Roger S&W]

FYI from a holster standpoint the pro has a slimmer slide than the fullsize. Found that out trying to buy a holster for my fullsize.

Sounds like you could save yourself a lot of money by buying a 9mm barrel and some 9mm mags and running them in your 40fs. Better yet, buy a 9mm barrel for the compact also and a few xgrips you'll be all set and have lots of money left over for ammo. The 40 and 9mm share the same slide, extractor, and I believe even the same recoil spring. The factory barrels are available from MidwayUSA for 80$ and mags for 35$.
If you don't want the core, you're wasting your money buying another gun. Swap the barrels and buy ammo.

I don't need a 40-9 conversion barrel? Just plop a 9mm barrel into my 40FS, get some 9mm mags and I'm good to go?
No breech-barrel match up issues?

 

[Tony2much]

FYI from a holster standpoint the pro has a slimmer slide than the fullsize. Found that out trying to buy a holster for my fullsize.

Sounds like you could save yourself a lot of money by buying a 9mm barrel and some 9mm mags and running them in your 40fs. Better yet, buy a 9mm barrel for the compact also and a few xgrips you'll be all set and have lots of money left over for ammo. The 40 and 9mm share the same slide, extractor, and I believe even the same recoil spring. The factory barrels are available from MidwayUSA for 80$ and mags for 35$.
If you don't want the core, you're wasting your money buying another gun. Swap the barrels and buy ammo.

That is a great idea, but all I can find in stock are aftermarket Storm Lake barrels and they are considerably more expensive than the stock M&P barrels. Storm Lake also warns about the possibility of "experienced" gunsmith work being required for proper fitment. I would definitely consider buying a FS M&P 9mm barrel and magazines, but I haven't had any luck finding them.

My other concern is, I am looking for more of a specific range/target set-up and worry that I might wind up spending nearly as much money trying to retrofit my FS .40 with a new 9mm barrel, 9mm magazines, better sights, and probably an Apex trigger as I would buying one already designed for my purpose. The ability to easily mount optics and co-witness with it's taller stock sights, makes the CORE even more tempting and further tips the scale in it's favor for me.

I could then possibly swap my FS .40 barrel with the 9mm CORE and have an optic equipped M&P .40 CORE using what I already have (I would think?).

 

[Mydogmax]

I could then possibly swap my FS .40 barrel with the 9mm CORE and have an optic equipped M&P .40 CORE using what I already have (I would think?).

Can't put a .40 in a 9mm slide. Outside diameter is too big.