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M&P9 -or- M&P9L??

H

had2

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I had planned on making the full size M&P9 (109301) my first handgun purchase, but am finding it is difficult to come by. However, the M&P9L is available (105301).

The only difference I can see between these is the barrel and slide length (about 3/4" longer on L) and the weight (L about 2 oz. heavier). This would be a SD/target pistol as carry permits are almost impossible to get in NY.

I am not crazy about the appearance of the longer barrel on the L, but I have found it for sale at a discount. Should I wait for the full size or should I go for the L? In other words, am I being silly passing up the available L or should I wait however long it might take to get the FS, even at a higher cost?
 
I've owned a lot of 9mm pistols: Sigs, Glocks, CZ's, and Rugers. I recently bought a new 4.25" M&P9 and I think that it's just about as good as it gets and I personally don't see the need for the longer barrel length. That being said, the additional barrel length will give you a little longer sight radius and may balance better in your hand due to the bit of extra muzzle weight.

If I were looking for the 4.25" but all I could find was the 5", and at an attractive price, I'd buy the 5". I think that selecting a self defense pistol based on aesthetics would be a huge mistake.

If you absolutely must have the 4.25" version, Bud's has them in stock for $478.00 delivered. It's the Massachusetts compliant version with the 10 round mags.
 
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For what its worth, settling for a gun because its available for a good price instead of the one you want only leads to another gun purchase:D

The M&P 5" is meant to compete with the Glock 34 and 17L for the competition shooters. Longer sight radius makes target acquisition a tad quicker. And what makes it a good competition gun also has adavantages as a home defense gun. Good luck with the choice.
 
I have the 9 Pro which has a bit better factory trigger and fiber front sight with a Novak rear.

The trigger in the pro and the sights are not reason enough for the extra money it costs, but the longer barrel and sight radius is enough to notice.

If I had a shot at the 9L for a good price, I would buy it and install an Apex kit.

Since it will be for HD, you could add night sights and an Apex duty trigger.

To ME the 9L is worth it. I am, in my own opinion, a little bit of an above-average shot but not the best in the club.

With my 9 Pro I can make 5 rounds touch about 9 out of 10 times at 15 yards at a decent cadence. 80% of that is trigger control but the speed with which I can do it is owed to the gun itself and that says alot to me.

I have plenty of time behind the 4.25 (full size) and still I confidently recommend the 9L over the 4.25" and the Pro.

-Coupla pennies there; spend em how ya please.
 
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Thanks, Thiokol. I checked out Bud's Guns and they do have the MA version in stock. This version has a mag safety which I do not want. NY has a 10 round max for mags, but no need for a mag safety. Still looking, but thinking about the longer barrel.
 
If you really want an M&P in 9mm (WITH night sights) and are into having a threaded barrel on it, this is a pretty good deal from jetguns.com

I checked the website 6/13/11 at 10:48 EST and verified this price, but I couldn't verify S&H, as I didn't go to purchase (I don't need another 9mm or a threaded barrel) so I'm not sure that there's actually a S&H charge--typically jetguns doesn't charge tax or S&H:

it's tempting for me to pick one up all the same--I'd like to know exactly what night sights come on it--having a gunsmith add decent night sights on after purchase can run $100+ extra alone. I think I'll call them in the morning to find out.

S&W M&P 5" 9MM w/threaded barrel $473+SH
Smith and Wesson M&P 9mm with a threaded barrel and night sights from Jet Guns.

S&W M&P 9mm 5in Threaded Barrel NMS NO IL NS -- for Sale at JetGuns $473.00


If you're serious, I'd move fairly quickly. While these guys almost always beat Buds on price, they don't typically have a lot of volume. Unlike this one, on some guns they may carry a particular model at great prices, but they may not even list it on-line--you have to call. They are reputable and unlike some companies, they don't charge a 3% 'uptick' for credit card payment.

Hope this helps someone one way or another!
 
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