M&P 9 new vs. old barrels

hokiefyd · Mar 30, 2015

I am considering purchasing a FS 9. Whether or not I get one with the H trigger bar is not a big concern to me. If I find a good price on a used one, I could simply replace the trigger bar with the newer one, and/or install some Apex parts.

But the barrel is more of a concern. I understand the new barrels have either one or two dimples on the bottom of them (old information). But one YouTube review I watched this weekend said something that I hadn't heard before. It said that they added a slight "bell bulge" to the muzzle end of the barrel to improve fit at the end of the slide, similar to how the Shield's barrel is. Is that true? Is that another indication of a newer barrel...this bell bulge at the muzzle end?

Llando88 · Mar 30, 2015

Not sure, I understand the dimples actually relate to the machine that produced the barrel, not necessarily it's age. But this is just based on what I've read.

Accuracy with the FS9 seems to (still) be hit or miss. Many have no issues, but I still read reports of accuracy issues from time to time. Hard to tell, this being the internet and all.

Not heard about this concept of a new "bell bulge" though. Could you expand on where you saw this?

Beretta Dawg · Mar 30, 2015

Llando88 said:
Not heard about this concept of a new "bell bulge" though. Could you expand on where you saw this?

I have heard the same thing. The place I saw it was on a video posted on youtube on the Mrgunsngear channel about an LE version that was out during the middle of last year. I'll post the link below.

I do agree with everything you see on the internet just causing confusion. I have been trying to decide on which handgun to buy next. I have shot all three and considered it basically a tie, and have gone to various sources on the internet to try to make the decision. Trying to muddle through all the stuff to make a decision can drive you crazy.

https://youtu.be/02Lo2qpvu5k

Bkreutz · Mar 30, 2015

hokiefyd said:
I am considering purchasing a FS 9. Whether or not I get one with the H trigger bar is not a big concern to me. If I find a good price on a used one, I could simply replace the trigger bar with the newer one, and/or install some Apex parts.

But the barrel is more of a concern. I understand the new barrels have either one or two dimples on the bottom of them (old information). But one YouTube review I watched this weekend said something that I hadn't heard before. It said that they added a slight "bell bulge" to the muzzle end of the barrel to improve fit at the end of the slide, similar to how the Shield's barrel is. Is that true? Is that another indication of a newer barrel...this bell bulge at the muzzle end?

The "dimples" are not a way to tell the twist rate of a barrel (as Llando88 already said

). The reason for the change in twist rate is to stabilize heavier bullets (147gr and up). All of the aftermarket barrels are the same twist as the older S&W barrels (1:18.5 or 1:20 instead of 1:10 for the new stock S&W barrels) and they do quite well in terms of accuracy (if the shooter does their part

). Every S&W barrel that I've seen has the "bulge" at the muzzle end, so using that to determine twist is maybe not a good ideal. If you're looking at used guns, and the seller will let you, you could either bring a cleaning rod, an eye loop and a patch and pull it through the barrel counting the rotation, or..... you can do it visually. looking through the barrel (with it out of the gun obviously

) following one land with your eye, see how far around it goes. On a FS (4.25" or 5") the land will go almost half a turn on a 1:10, while the land will only go 1/4 of the way around on a 1:18. Hope this helps.

hokiefyd · Mar 30, 2015

Thanks guys. Yes, that is the video review I saw.

I've tried a couple of full size 9mms. I started with a CZ P-09. Nice gun, very accurate...but it felt very plastic and the slide was hard for my wife to rack. I sold that and looked at a LOT of guns. I didn't care for the Springfields. I wasn't fond of the Glocks. I ended up buying a steel CZ 75, but I haven't really "clicked" with that gun either. In fact, the trigger really wore my finger during firing.

I go back to the M&P FS. I enjoy my Shield so much, I feel that the M&P is probably what I should buy. I just want one that's going to shoot straight. I suppose one option is to buy a .40 trade-in at Buds and buy a Storm Lake conversion barrel and a few magazines. I don't shoot much .40, and prefer 9mm for a number of reasons.

I wonder why the accuracy of the 9mm seems to be hit-and-miss...or is at least reported as hit-and-miss.

dougb1946 · Mar 30, 2015

The people who can shoot it well don't post any complaints. I am not a great shooter, but on a good day, the gun still shoots better than I do.

ATF · Mar 30, 2015

Get a M&P Pro put a full APEX FSS kit in it and you will have the best bang for your buck.

Llando88 · Mar 30, 2015

hokiefyd said:
Thanks guys. Yes, that is the video review I saw.

I've tried a couple of full size 9mms. ...

Not sure what you are considering, but I was in the market for a new full size 9mm this year. I had purchased my M&P in 2013, and while it was better with the Apex Kit, i was looking for a new experience.

I shortlisted the H&K VP9, Sig P320 and Walther PPQ.

I feel any the ergonomics and out of the box trigger on any of these three is superior to the M&P (and Glock for that matter.)

I bought a VP9 earlier this month and have been very happy with it so far.

I kept the M&P as I quite like how it is setup (Apex DCAEK, 10 8 FO 0.100" front sight).

hokiefyd · Mar 30, 2015

Thanks. I've fondled the VP9 and the PPQ in a local gun shop. Neither interested me very much. The P320 looks fine, but I really like getting a high grip on a pistol and, despite it being striker-fired, the P320's beaver tail really keeps your hand low on the grip. I just love the feel of the M&P's grip...it just sinks into the cup of my hand and feels so natural to me. The only hesitation I have is the rumored potential inaccuracy of the 9mm model. I'm already not a bullseye shooter...how'm I going to get better if my gun's not consistent?

Because my FS 9mm is really more of a range toy/recreational piece, I want to enjoy looking at it and handling it as much as anything else. The M&P has sort of an understated confident look to me. Every time I pick one up at a gun shop, I just want one. And every time I put one in my hand, I just grin. Sort of like the Shield. I find myself just getting it out to look at it more often than I should probably admit to.

As long as I get one that shoots straight, I believe I'll really enjoy it (a FS M&P 9).

MyDads38 · Mar 30, 2015

hokiefyd, What kind of accuracy are you after? If 2"-3" groups out to 15 yards is in the ball park, then I think you can do that with the FS M&P 9-I know I can. I'm no bullseye shooter either (I just tried 22 bullseye last fall) but I used to compete in PPC competition years ago with S&W revolvers. Poly guns were new to me until my first purchase 8-2-2014; since then, I've added 4 more!

Both my SD9VE and 40VE, along with my FS M&P 9, 40 and 45 will all hold to 3"-3 1/2" @ 15 yards as long as I do my part. It's tough at 57 with bi-focals (and needing new glasses to boot). In the 9mm, doesn't seem to matter what bullet weight I shoot-115 FMJ, 115/124 gr. plated or 125 gr. lead RN; they all perform well with no issues. I bought my M&P 9 new 12-22-2014 and the test fire date was 11-21-2013. I have no issues with mine and enjoy shooting it very much! As you already know, they feel very good in the hand.

I have read where some have had accuracy/sight issues, and not just on the 9mm. Unless you practice regularly (dry fire/live fire), it takes some getting used to the platform of striker fired weapons. If you use the basics of good marksmanship, concentrate on your breathing/sight picture/sight alignment; use a stable rest to start with and good quality ammo, I don't think you'll have any issues.

Sorry for the long rant, but I'm an old revolver/1911 guy; and I've learned to enjoy the new poly platform guns

And yes, I am a S&W fan-boy! LOL

hokiefyd · Mar 30, 2015

Thanks, MyDads38. I'm not after any particular accuracy I don't guess...I just read about some that are dead-on and some that aren't. Maybe it's as much the shooter as anything else.

shawn mccarver · Mar 30, 2015

If you want to read accurate info about M&P updates/production changes, go over to Hilton Yam's web site.

MyDads38 · Mar 30, 2015

hokiefyd said:
Thanks, MyDads38. I'm not after any particular accuracy I don't guess...I just read about some that are dead-on and some that aren't. Maybe it's as much the shooter as anything [/COLOR]else.

I think this has a lot to do with it. All of my pistols (SD & M&P) all shoot to POA/POI (for me). I try very hard to be accurate, watch my breathing, squeezing the trigger (not jerking), holding my sights/sight alignment. I've also been using a different grip/hold and trying to get used to using both eyes open. I'm always open to new/different things to try, if it will help me be more accurate in my shooting ability.

I've always been a revolver/1911 guy. Both of these are totally different platforms than poly frame semi-autos. There are adjustments to make from one to the other, some folks have a harder time going from one platform to another. Just my opinion...

M&P 9 new vs. old barrels

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