First Gun: Question First 5 Accessories/Extras

Zepoll · Sep 1, 2011

Picked up my M&P9 yesterday and am very happy with it.

This is my first owned handgun, so there are a lot of things that I need to buy to get up to speed. I was hoping to get some input,and recommendations, from other M&P owners (or pistol owners in general) about some good products.

Here is what I have on my list of next items to buy (in no particular order):

Gun Vault: Probably just a small one for my one hand gun. I'm not trying to protect against burglars, just my kids curious fingers.

Belt/Holster: I'll eventually apply for my Carry permit. My state is a "shall have" state meaning we all can have one unless you've done something to take it away. But I really feel like I should get spend at least 1,000 rounds together with my gun, and take a basic tactics class or something first. So for now I just want an outside the waist holster to carry while I'm setting up/picking up targets out in the woods and what not.

Cleaning/Care Kit: I assume you can just buy these as a kit and not have to build your own.

Range Bag/Gear: Other than a nifty bag to handle your gun, ammo and magazines, what else do you take to the range.

Ear Protection: I wear glasses already, but would love some input on comfortable, effective, ear protection.

And lastly..

And probably most importantly...

I'm going to need a cool Smith & Wesson shirt. Anyone found any really cool ones?

Thanks for your input.

WashMP9 · Sep 1, 2011

Gun vaults are nice to have.
For holster,you need to decide outside or inside waist band. leather or kydex or hybrid. Your heads gonna explode.
for cleaning all you need is a rod,brush, jag, patches and some CLP like weapons shield.
Range bag?they are nice to have,but any ol backpack or tool bag will do. I have a big Midway one and it sits around as its too big to lug around all the time
Ear protection? for muff I would get the Howard Leight Impact. For plugs, the Surefire E4's.

I would suggest that you don't just go out and buy a lot of stuff. There are lots of people that when they first get a gun, go out and spend a lot of money on useless stuff.

clockworkjon · Sep 1, 2011

I bought a small Stack-On mini storage safe safe that will hold a few guns and some ammo Got it at Cabelas for about $75.
http://www.cabelas.com/product/Shooting/Gun-Storage/Gun-Safes%7C/pc/104792580/c/104730480/sc/104369580/Stack-On-Mini-Storage-Vault/708358.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse%2Fshooting-gun-storage-gun-safes%2F_%2FN-1100213%2FNs-CATEGORY_SEQ_104369580%3FWTz_l%3DSBC%253BMMcat104792580%253Bcat104730480&WTz_l=SBC%3BMMcat104792580%3Bcat104730480%3Bcat104369580

Holsters, what a can of worms! There's a million of the damned things out there and everyone prefers a different one. I got a Bladetech OWB kydex with my M&P Carry and Range kit, and just bought a Crossbreed Supertuck Deluxe for CC. Did a ton of homework, went with Crossbreed mainly because of good reviews on this forum.
http://www.crossbreedholsters.com/SuperTuckDeluxe/tabid/90/List/0/ProductID/1/CategoryID/1/Level/1/Default.aspx?SortField=ProductName,ProductName

As far as cleaning, I started off with a kit from Hoppe's. Came with the rod, patches, solvent, and lube. Also have a Hoppe's Boresnake for quick post-range cleaning.
http://www.hoppes.com/products/kits_pistol_kit.html
http://www.hoppes.com/products/ca_boresnakes.html

Just bought a Midway Compact Competition Range Bag and I love it. Used it as a carry-on for a recent work trip and it was great. Repacked it with my range gear and everything fits great. The bag looks good and is VERY sturdy. I was using an old messenger bag but I like organization and pockets for everything. I also carry a small screwdriver to adjust the rear sight on my Buckmark, a pen to make notes on the targets, and hand wipes because cheap ammo is dirty.
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/default.aspx?productNumber=939167522

Pretty much any earmuff you buy from a hunting/shooting supply store will get the job done. Don't use earplugs myself.

And here you go...
Product: Smith & Wesson Full Front M&P Logo Tee Shirt

JarE-3 · Sep 1, 2011

2 things you forgot:

1. Lots of ammo (some for SD, some/lots for practice)

2. Extra mags (they're cheap and it never hurts to have some stand-bys)

TDC · Sep 2, 2011

Just a "heads up." Take it from a long time shooter using the small calibers up to the 500 Mag -- don't skimp on ear protection!! For your sake and you kids if they go shooting with you.

Hearing loss is a sudden and unpredictable thing. It is irreversible when it happens.... Buy the highest decibel rated protection you can find and you'll be good to go....

OKFC05 · Sep 2, 2011

Two comments:
1. Hearing protection needs to be at least 22dBR or higher, and anyone close enough to watch you shoot needs the same eye and ear protection as the shooter. By the way, Brownells has just started carrying electronic ears at around $135 that are the same as Pro Ears that cost twice as much, plus they have Brownells lifetime warranty. Peltor also are popular. What ever you do, don't buy the cheap electronic ones sold in hardware stores for less than $50 if you value your hearing. Good non-electronic ones can be had for $15.

2. For a strong-side OWB that you can use for classes and competition, check out Comp-Tac and Blade Tech. I just bought a Blade Tech M&P comp pac from Brownells that has the holster and mag holders in one package. CAUTION: Never buy a holster for an M&P or Glock that has a strap such that it can get into the trigger guard when reholstering; you can shoot yourself with one of these. The key for safety is that NOTHING goes into the trigger guard except when you're aiming at your intended target. Whatever you get, make it a fitted holster that covers the trigger.

Bicky Robby · Sep 2, 2011

First of all congrats on the purchase and welcome.

In terms of gun vaults, Gun Vault has a wide array choices. I am sure you can find something to fit your needs. Also, go to your local gun store to see other selections and advice.
Gun Safes - Home Gun Safe - Handgun Safes | GunVault

Holsters are a very personal choice. Blackhawk, Blade Tech, Comptech, Galco, Bianchi, Don Hume, Desantis, Uncle Mike's, Gould and Safariland are just a few of the makers. Google each to view their selections.

Basic Gun care can be achieved with a basic kit purchased at WalMart or your local Gun Store. I prefer Hoppes #9 cleaner and related products.

And yes, by all means, invest in training. You have made the decision to own a gun. That comittment requires you to learn how to use it in a safe, effective manner.

In terms of cool S&W tee shirts, try the S&W website for some selections. Good luck.

mkygod · Sep 2, 2011

Howard leight sport impacts are pretty popular. They are good muffs w/ great features. They are rated at 22db.

However, i found them not to be sufficient for indoor usage without additional foam in-ear protection.

murphydog · Sep 2, 2011

Ear plugs and muffs for all shooting, but especially indoors. The electronic muffs don't activate well indoors, and you have to protect not only against the noise from your 9 mm but the guy in the next lane with the 2 3/4" 460 firing full loads just to show off...

Titegroups · Sep 2, 2011

Eyes, ears, no need for electronics and lots of empty brass are what you need.

Jc85 · Sep 2, 2011

to head in a different direction. If your not worried about theft but only keeping your child out. You could take a number of different directions. For instance I have a 2 drawer filing cabinet. It locks and stores my guns and ammo with room to spare. Or Even one of those cheap - 0 lock boxes Vendors use for cash. Easily stored under the bed. I'm not saying safes are not ideal, just something to think about. I'm not concerned with theft either, just keeping my daughter out from my firearms. Also, I would stay away from electronic ear muffs. Not saying people haven't had excellent experiences with them. I just read to many negative reviews on places like midway to ever be sold on a pair that wasn't $200 +. Anything 22db or higher will be just fine. Trust me, you don't want to be in an indoor range and have one of those electronic muffs cut out on you. I't was just me and my buddy at the indoor range and I had half of my muff up so I could talk to him about the different drills we were going to do. and out of no where was this horrific sound.. apparently there was someone in the last stall.. Last time I will ever enter the room with out my head set being completely secured. Don't tell anyone. !

Zepoll · Sep 6, 2011

Thanks everyone for your replies. This was exactly what I was hoping to get out of the post.

I really appreciate the links, and the comments, and I hadn't thought of the whole file cabinet idea. That's a good one. Cause then I can just store all of my stuff in it.

Again, thanks a lot for commenting, and I really appreciate the info.

Gauger · Oct 5, 2011

I got a pair of Allen's ear muffs at the local gun store for $12.00 rated for 26db. They are slim, comfortable and work great.

First Gun: Question First 5 Accessories/Extras

Zepoll

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WashMP9

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clockworkjon

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JarE-3

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TDC

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OKFC05

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Bicky Robby

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mkygod

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murphydog

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Titegroups

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Jc85

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Zepoll

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Gauger

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