Thoughts on a bedside/nightstand/"go to" gun

[SpartanZeroOne]

I'm new to the forum and have done some searches on the topic and found some useful information... but not enough to make a final decision. I'm still searching and can't make up my mind after several months, so I thought I would create a post and ask the members since most of you have much more S&W experience than I do and probably already own some of these guns.

I'm looking for a dedicated bedside/nightstand/"go to" gun. I already own a M&P FS 9mm and a M&P Shield 9mm and I love them both! Over 1,200 rounds combined through them w/ no issues. That being said, I would prefer something with a bit more power if it is going to be my "bump in the night" gun. My wife owns a S&W 642 and she's fine with it as her bedside gun. I've considered getting a 642 also and as I see it, one of the major upsides of a revolver is the ability to leave it loaded for a long time without worrying about the mag springs losing tension. (I have spoken to several S&W reps about mag springs and was assured that the springs will last anywhere from 1-3 years (depending on which rep I spoke to) if left fully loaded before needing to be changed... but a revolver could probably sit loaded for 20 years, assuming no humidity or other factors, and be ready to go!) I still feel like a .38 with 5 or 6 rounds is a little less power than you'd need for your main home defense gun.

I'm considering either a M&P 40c, a Shield 40 or a SD40VE. I should mention that I live in a state with a 10 round mag limit, so that partly plays into my decision. If I could legally own a 17 round mag for my M&P FS 9mm, that would solve my problem. But since I'm limited to 10, I would like to have 10 rounds of either .40 or .45. I have already shot the Shield .40 and the M&P 40c and I liked them both. I found the 40c a little more controllable, slightly more accurate and a little more comfortable. However, it also costs $75-$100 more. But, the 40c also holds 3 more rounds than the largest capacity Shield .40 mag. Accuracy over distance is not a huge concern for me since most defensive scenarios in a home take place within 10 yards... so the extra inch of the SD40VE's barrel is not a major factor for me.

From my research it seems like the SD40VE is an EXCELLENT value as it can be had for about $300 new online. I have heard that there are some issues with the mags rattling when they are fully loaded... but that if you "down load" them by a round or two, the problem is solved. Does anyone know if this is an issue with the 10 round SDVE/Sigma mags?

So, any thoughts that you folks have would be much appreciated! Please do not mention a 12 gauge as I have already considered that and I feel like I would be more comfortable with a handgun as my main "go to." I have many reasons why I prefer a handgun, but I won't waste time with that here. I am aware that a 12 gauge with 00 buck is arguably the most devastating home defense weapon there is, but I have already decided not to use any of my 12 gauges in this role.

I am hoping to put an end to my M&P 40c/Shield .40/SD40VE debate and decide once and for all which one would serve the role of "go to" gun the best. I'm still open to the idea of a 642 as my "bedside", I'm just not sure it's the best choice. (Just saw the 642 pro series for the first time and the idea of moon clips seems interesting!)

Thanks in advance for all thoughts, feedback and suggestions folks! Your expertise is much appreciated!!

 

[Deadeye Dick]

Cycling magazine springs (loading and unloading) is harder on them than leaving them compressed (loaded) for extended periods. Good quality springs such as those used in the M&P magazines will withstand thousands of cycles before they loose so much memory that they would start to give you trouble so you have little to worry about there.

Either of your existing pistols would serve your purpose however here is some food for thought. Most experts agree that one of the best home defense guns you could have is a short (18-1/2") barreled 12 gauge shotgun loaded with bird shot or one of the specific home defense rounds. Your aim need not be precise since you throwing a spread of many projectiles instead of just one. At across the room distance a solid hit with bird shot will incapacitate the toughest thug yet it's less likely to penetrate interior or exterior walls and possibly hurt innocents on the other side. Just the distinctive sound of a 12 gauge pump being shucked will send most BGs to flight. So I wouldn't be too quick to rule it out.

 

[Beat Trash]

Using modern defensive ammunition, their really isn't any difference of note between the 9mm vs. the 40 s&w. To help put it into perspective, 40 cal translated into the metric system is 10mm. Human tissue is elastic. That extra 1mm isn't going to make any real difference.

You already have two 9mm handguns. I would stay with the 9mm. You are familiar with them.

If you want to get a dedicated "night stand gun", buy another M&P9. Put a light on the gun and you're set.

Practice and train with what you have. Good shot placement and the timely use of appropriate tactics greatly outweighs any perceived advantage by going with a different pistol caliber.

If you really feel the need to get a bit more "power", go with an AR or a shotgun.

 

[zonker5]

I like a .357 revolver beside the bed. Simple to use in the middle of the night with no "is the safety on or off" questions. 6 rounds should be enough.

I also think the .357 is a better round than the 40; had a local cop tell me that he traded off his 40 because "The guy I shot with it didn't die.".

 

[mbliss57]

I use a 638 with a CT laser and a sig P6 with night sights as a back up.
My wife uses her M&P shield with night sights.
I also have a shotgun loaded in a closet. But my go to is the 638 with +P and the CT. I feel the CT will make the intruder think about wether he should stick around..(he has no idea what's on the other end of the laser.) But for offense I am well armed with 5 rounds of 38+P and can hit where my laser points even if I am knocked down or around a corner.
Basically in a night stand situation use what you are comfortable with and have practiced extensively with.

Edit: We have grown children who bring their little ones around alot. So we are careful to lock all "nightstand guns" in the safe when they come over. The only issue with it is remembering to re-arm the nightstand..many times I forget. But the children are our prime responsibility..I apologize for a little thread highjacking... but does anyone have a solution to that as well? besides just remembering

 

[dullh]

I use my full-size M&P9 in this role...it has a CT Lightguard flashlight on it...if I'm roused in the middle of the night I don't want a small handle to fumble with. The full size grip, flashlight and 17+1 capacity takes care of any conceivable situation I can come up with.

 

[epj]

My nightstand gun is a M&P FS 9mm with CT laser.

 

[g8rb8]

I one way or another I'm going to repeat what others have said. The officers in the conceal carry class I attended cited the 15% hit rate I've seen before regarding shooting in a stressful situation. This statistic would seem to give a shotgun better odds of a hit. I would venture a guess that a pump shotgun is the best combination of reliability and best chance of a hit compared to a semi-auto shotgun or the double barrel shotgun recommended by Joe Biden. Because of the 15% hit rate, if you use a semi-auto pistol or revolver, consider either an extra magazine or speed loaders or two revolvers ("New York" reloads).

 

[Florida J Frame]

My TRR8 gives me revolver dependability, 8 shot capacity, .357 or .38+P fire power and a rail to mount a light and or laser. I think it's the best nightstand gun available. It is also backed up by a 20" Ithaca with 8 rounds of 00 Buck. No little ones in the house.

 

[Rastoff]

The only issue with it is remembering to re-arm the nightstand..many times I forget. But the children are our prime responsibility..I apologize for a little thread highjacking... but does anyone have a solution to that as well? besides just remembering

Yes, this...

 

[DocSunShine]

Leaving mags loaded will not harm them, the discussion should end there. Keep your mags loaded with confidence.

 

[MichiganScott]

Put night sights and a light on the 9FS and load it with a good 124gr. JHP and be done with it. That's exactly what's in my bedside drawer.

A 649 would be a step backward as far as a nightstand gun is concerned, and I carry one daily as my self defense pistol.

 

[Doug M.]

The "A" answer: Wear one pistol when the little ones are or might be there, lock up the others.

The mag issue is as stated - I doubt leaving mags loaded is a problem, although I had some issues with my old USP.

My "go to" HD firearm is an AR with Aimpoint H1 and a Surefire Fury light. Superior ergonomics and ballistics for home defense, although I always have at least one handgun loaded and near (because they are more convenient). My Mossberg 590 has not yet been tested, but is set up pretty much the same except I could not get a flashlight for it yet. I plan to go with the new Surefire 600 lumen forend when I can. It will be loaded with 000 most likely, as the distance across any shot to be fired in the house is no more than 15 yards. It's actually a poor choice now due to the nature of one of our dogs, whose inherent response to a stranger would be a leap into the line of fire, which would suck.

Pistol: given the realities of NY politics, mag capacity laws and your existing familiarity with the 9mm variants of your pistols, I would stick with the proven platform. With good ammo, there is no real difference in performance between the common service autopistol calibers, so investing in another pistol and caliber is not a good use of your money. Spend the same money on ammo and training.

If you really want a dedicated pistol for that role, I would consider a second Shield 9mm, with a RDS milled into the slide (contact Mark Housel at "www.landmprecisiongunworks.com") and a Surefire X300U mounted (assuming the pistol and light are compatible, which I have not considered). I assume you already have a good flashlight or twelve.

Layers of defense that discourage visitors and intruders are a good first step. Fencing lighting; large loud alert dogs (most dogs are a zillion or two times as aware as we are, and a good deep bark of a large dog is attention getting, even if he is a face licking goofball - you have not been awakened until the bed is shaking from the vibrations of the growls of an alerted dog); good locks on the doors and windows.

 

[SpartanZeroOne]

Thanks for all of the thoughts and suggestions!! I have learned a lot from what everyone has shared thus far. I half expected to be reprimanded for not looking elsewhere on the forum because "this has been asked 1,000 times!" I see that occurring quite a bit on some other forums so I was a little hesitant to post my question. I appreciate everyone's pleasant, detailed responses so far.

The main reason I'm hesitant to use a 12 gauge (I own a couple) as my main "go to" "bump in the night" gun is because they are so LOUD! I know most folks agree that you can't beat the racking sound as the universal "Get out!" signal and their power is unrivaled in close quarters, but I don't want to blow out my ear drums and be deaf for the rest of my life in the unlikely and unfortunate event that I have to use a gun to defend my home. I know handguns are loud too... but I can't even imagine firing a 12 gauge inside a house without hearing protection on. I have considered a set of electronic hearing protection to go near my bed as well so I could grab that quickly along with the weapon... but I figure the less things to worry about, the better! As far as a pistol goes, I like how they're more "convenient", can be hidden easier, and can also be easily carried outside when doing yard work, walking the dog, etc. (No kids just yet, so my wife and I can leave our "go to" guns close by) The nice thing about a SDVE, Shield or M&P 40c is I could buy a Fobus (or similar) holster and carry my "go to" gun with me around the property too. It would be a little tougher to do that with a shotgun. I also like the idea of being able to have one hand free with a handgun in the event I want to pick up something, like my Maglite XL50, hit a light switch, etc. Not that one handed shooting is ideal, but even a shotgun with a pistol grip requires 2 hands on it almost constantly to operate effectively.

As some folks have already mentioned, I have considered a 3rd 9mm as my dedicated "go to" gun at home... and I may very well go that route. The idea of a SD9VE has crossed my mind because it seems like a great value. I also thought about getting one of the new 10 round M&P Pro Series 9mm (model #178048) as my range gun and just using my M&P 9 FS as my "go to" gun at home after adding a Streamlight TLR-1 or Surefire. I do shoot the 9mm round fairly well out of my 2 Smiths and I know that the 147 and 124 grain HPs are very effective at their job, just like the .40 S&W round. I imagine even a 115 grain round like the Critical Defense is nothing to sneeze at! To date I have put 115 gr. Critical Defense, 147 gr. Speer Gold Dot, 124 gr. Remy Golden Sabre, and 135 gr. Critical Duty through both my Shield and M&P FS 9 with no issues... they eat whatever I feed them (so far).

As for the SD40VE, I have never shot one, but a friend who lives out of state has owned one for 2 years and loves it. He keeps it loaded with Hornady Critical Defense 165 gr or Hornady TAP and has never had a problem feeding those two rounds. He keeps telling me to get a SD40VE for $300 and I'll be set... but I keep wondering if an extra $100-$140 for a M&P 40c wouldn't be worth it in the long run. I figure why not spend more on your "go to" gun if it's protecting you and your family.

Another friend of mine owns a M&P 40c and when I recently shot that at the range I managed to get tighter groups than with either of my 9mm's! It didn't seem as "snappy" to me as the Shield .40 either... it seemed pretty smooth. I also shot his two .45's (Glock 30S and Ruger SR1911) and I did not do nearly as well with either of those... and they did not seem as comfortable to shoot. It could be partially due to the 40c having a relatively low bore axis. I have always heard that .45's were more "straight back" recoil, and thus, usually more manageable than the "snappy" .40 S&W round. I was surprised that I liked the M&P 40c more than either .45.

 

[SpartanZeroOne]

My TRR8 gives me revolver dependability, 8 shot capacity, .357 or .38+P fire power and a rail to mount a light and or laser. I think it's the best nightstand gun available. It is also backed up by a 20" Ithaca with 8 rounds of 00 Buck. No little ones in the house.

I love the TRR8, but unfortunately at the moment I can't afford to drop $1,000+ on my nightstand gun. I agree though that it is an ideal "go to" gun for so many reasons!! I can afford to spend about $450 max, which is why I'm considering the SDVE, M&P 40c, Shield .40 or a 642/642 Pro Series.

 

[fbcmrjrtykr]

I own the SD40VE and it lives in my nightstand. I've never had an issue with it and find the recoil very manageable. I'm considering a Shield for EDC. Right now I'm leaning towards the 9 for 2 reasons. One, diversity of ammo and; two, I seen a lot of negative posts on the M&P thread about numerous issues with the .40 version. Is the 40c worth the extra $150? To me that answer is dependent on your belief in the quality and ergonomics of the SD40VE. If you trust in both of those (as I do), then I'd spend the extra on quality ammo or a bedside safe (similar to the one shown earlier). Just my $0.02 which, in today's economy, is worth......hmmmm, I might owe YOU.


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[Vartarg]

My guess.....

My guess is that, all things considered, you'd really like to buy a new gun?

My suggestion: M&P .45ACP Compact.....nine rounds, plus a spare mag in the drawer, with a light.

Although I almost always carry a Glock, the 45C is my choice for a nightstand gun.

Best,

George

 

[AGoyette]

You like and are comfortable with 9mm. Nothing wrong with that. I personally love 9mm. For your nightstand gun. I would either put a flashlight on your current FS 9 or if you wanted to go the revolver route.. S&W now makes a 7 shot 9mm revolver. I believe it is model 986. That way you get a caliber you are comfortable with in a revolver, which you expressed in interest in. I have personally played with the 986, the trigger is not that bad, especially for a revolver.

 

[Muss Muggins]

Mine is a Glock 17 with a Glock combination light/laser on the rail. 9mm over .40 all day and twice on Sunday. Less noise, less recoil, and great defensive loads available.

 

[Duster340]

My "Bump in the Night" go-to has been my M&P 40 FS. Though recently I have kept my new Bulldog (.44 Special) near by. It's very handy and I feel comfortable with it in the event things get up close & personal. That said, your 9mm's will fill the bill IMO.

Be well