Hey all. Brand new shooter here. Got my SW M&P9 FS about a week ago. Went to a range today for the very first time in my life. Shot about 80 rounds. Was exciting. I am a horrible shot but 10 yards away had some pretty good groupings...now i gotta work on my 20-25 yard shot. But that will take time and practice. I was pleased with my shot for it being my first 80 rounds ever fired. First of many. Love the gun BTW

I tried some shots at about 20 yards...and it was hard for me to come close to the middle ( all over the place ). I was pulling the trigger with entire hand rather then JUST the finger ect. Not enough pressure on left hand ect. Will learn in time!

Showed my father my groupings from far out and he could tell the gun was moving before me pulling the trigger. I was anxious

Live here in MA so we can only have 10 clip mags

Congratulations, you will get better with practice. That was my 1st M&P pistol also.
Do some searching on this forum. Probably a training course from a local trainer would be a good investment.

i am deff thinking about it. Joining a range here soon with indoor and outdoor ranges. Will probally take some there

Oh i know i will get better. Can't expect to be a semi pro 80 rounds in...maybe 1000 in

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M&P9 FS APEX Kit

Welcome. I got my FS 9 in February (was my first pistol and new to shooting then as well). I go to the range once a week and usually shoot about 150-200 rounds, and just wanted to let you know that you do get better with practice. I usually shoot at 7-10 yards, i don't see a reason to shoot a self-defense pistol at 25 yards personally. I fell in love with shooting and now have three M&Ps (FS9, 22 & 40C with a 9C barrel that i swap out to use 9mm ammo). Find as much ammo as you can afford and shoot as much as you can.

I ended up adding the APEX poly trigger because it feels better to me but wait to modify until you have a 1000-2000 round through it (just my opinion). Have fun & shoot safe!

Welcome and congratulations on choosing the M&P 9. Yes practice is the key and there is a lot of good information here.

I went to the range yesterday and my first mags grouping was awful as I wasn't focusing on the trigger squeeze and was jerking the trigger in anticipation of the recoil. After that, I got my act together and my groups were much better.

Hope you find your M&P to be a fun and reliable pistol!

Yeah i think i was jerking the trigger as well getting ready for the recoil. This is going to be an expensive hobby if i like it this much after 1 day of shooting!

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M&P9 FS APEX Kit

One of the ways that I keep the costs down is to buy practice ammo from Freedom Munitions, IQ Metals, and Selway Armory. I try to not pay above .25/round for my practice ammo and I send back my used brass for credit.

Congratulations on the M&P9FS great gun, you will and are really going to enjoy it. Take some time and read the internet on proper stances and grip and you will be there really soon. Good Luck amd welcome to the S&W club

Welcome. When it comes to the expense of my hobby I tell my wife it's a lot cheaper than golf - so far that seems to be working.

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Old Cop
LEO (Ret.)

Funny. I am a golfer. But work at a course and i get free golf

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M&P9 FS APEX Kit

Ya i am saving all my spent casings for $$

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M&P9 FS APEX Kit

Yes, shooting is expensive, but it doesn't have to cost a mint to get better. Dry practice is the key.

Check out this thread. There's a bunch of good info in there even if I do say so myself:
Coach: Why am I Shooting Low and Right? (Lefty)

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Freedom isn't free.

Rastoff (as usual) is on the money. Another thing to consider is to get some training. I know training is expensive. I'm married with four kids and I'm no financial expert, so I know all about limited budgets. At the same time, there is absolutely nothing that can replace an experienced, quality instructor to get you pointed in the right direction.

When I was learning to play guitar, I taught myself from age 15 - 21. Then I started taking lessons at 21 and got so much better in such a short period I kicked myself for not getting lessons sooner. I promise it is the same thing with firearms.

Find a reputable instructor (this is important) and save for a basic class. Before you know it, you'll have taken other courses and you'll have confidence and skill, all while having a great time. I've never had a "bad" day training.