I'm going to be changing the sites on my m&p9 with a 10-8 rear and not sure on the front... I bought a hi-viz and a trijicon. What is a better front site or are they pretty much the same?

Also whats the hype on these storm lake match barrels? How do they differ from the stock barrels?

Any information would be greatly appreciated...

TIA Brian

I can't speak to the sights except to say that I really like the fiber optics on my pro9.

I put a storm lake barrel on my full size 9. Since I don't shoot too well I can not compare accuracy except to say that it shoots very well.

What I can tell you is that I shoot only my home cast tumble lubed bullets and the Storm Lake shoots MUCH cleaner than the stock barrel. It must be smoother because almost no leading and easy cleanup. I think I will keep it.

lonnydk

PS: I couldn't complain about the accuracy of the stock barrel either.

lonnydk

The Fiber Optic sight catches your eye as long as there is sufficient light to make the dot glow, and in darkness it is like no sight at all.
The night sight (trijicon) glows from atomic decay and is visible in darkness. IMHO, it offers no advantage in sunlight.
TruGlo offers a combined FO/tritium sight that expands the usuful light conditions for it.

In short, what is your purpose for the gun? Then pick your sight to match.

As far as throwing away a perfectly good factory barrel to put in an identical storm lake unit, save your money. A local shooter bought a high-dollar custom barrel and found it was unreliable due to the tight "match grade" chamber. So he had it reamed for reliability, and after nearly $300 was right back to where he started.

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Science plus Art

As already stated, decide the use for the gun, then set it up to fit the use.

I have 3 handguns, including my M&P, set up with a black rear sight and a red fiber optic HiViz for competition. Two of them have Storm Lake barrels.

Likewise, I have 2 handuns and a shotgun set up for low light with the thought in mind I might need to defend my life during a break in. I have Trijicon's on 1 and Tru-Dot on the other hand gun. Both have stock barrels. I prefer the Tru-Dot over the Trij. Hope this helps a little.

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NRA Certified Instructor

Its going to be used for range use. So, it looks like the fiber optic sight is the way to go. Now as for the Storm Lake barrel, there seems to be mixed reviews... Some say its a little more accurate and runs cleaner, and some say its useless. It might be one of those test it out for myself things, but Id hate to spend the money and its no different then the stock. Why is it supposed to be better... what does Storm Lake claim? I cant find any data........

TIA - Brian

I don't know for sure but I would guess that the reason the Storm Lake barrel is so much easier to clean is because it has been lapped as part of the finishing process. The rough spots that accumulate copper fouling have been minimized if not altogether removed.

After shooting my first hand lapped rifle barrel I was amazed at how easily it cleaned up. In my opinion, a hand lapped barrel, rifle or pistol, is worth whatever it costs simply for ease of maintenance.

Well, here's my take on it based on my experience shooting IDPA SSP and USPSA Production, and talking to our OK competition gunsmith guru before buying my M&P 9 Pro 5".
If everything is GTG, my gun should shoot 3" at 25yd with proper ammo. With my 124gr Precision Delta over Titegroup handloads, it just makes it if I do my part. Sighted at 10yds, it is within an inch to 50yds. I am shooting it bone stock, since it would be pointless to modify it for my intended purpose.
However, some new guns don't do that well, and you can choose skilled custom fitting and crowning of the stock barrel, or buy another barrel. Our OK gunsmith expert can examine the barrel and make a recommendation. Be aware that "drop in" aftermarket barrels don't always fit, and may still need custom fitting. If you want an aftermarket barrel, I'd look at a fitted KKM.

What I'm suggesting is you shoot the stock gun and see if it needs improvement, get an expert evaluation if it is defective, and spend your money where it will do the most good. I've seen many perfectly good guns "improved" by throwing in parts until they were unreliable.

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Science plus Art

go with the Trijicon HD in yellow. you will not be disappointed. I have pics posted on the SIGHTS thread of mine.