4006 vs. M&P 40

[guntherapist]

I like both of these pistols and am leaning to the M&P, mostly for its action and mag. capacity. But the 4006 is a solid stainless steel gun, and that is desirable to plastic.
11 rds vs. 15 rds
DA/SA vs. striker
Are there any significant comparisons that I am missing?
Thanks

 

[guntherapist]

I like both of these pistols and am leaning to the M&P, mostly for its action and mag. capacity. But the 4006 is a solid stainless steel gun, and that is desirable to plastic.
11 rds vs. 15 rds
DA/SA vs. striker
Are there any significant comparisons that I am missing?
Thanks

 

[handgunner356]

Weight. You're looking at about 45oz-to-28oz loaded. I actually find the 4006 easier to shoot well myself, but I've never made a big deal about "trigger transition". I like the extra weight, but then again I'm not carring it 24/7. I don't suspect than one will wear out that much faster than the other, givien proper maintance they should both last well over the 50,000rd mark.

 

[Bullitholz]

I own both types of pistols but not in .40 caliber. They are both great and the M&P is no less a quality firearm than the 4006 is. The only real difference, as previously mentioned, is the weight. If your going to carry a gun every day the M&P would win hands down. Both are durable and hold plenty of rounds for any situation you might encounter.

 

[growr]

I own 2 4006's and an M&P 40....my opinion would be to get both! You will NEVER regret it. That way you can carry the M&P and shoot the heck out of your 4006 and it will still look near unfired!
Randy

 

[SPEEDGUNNER]

I too own one of each, and BOTH are a hoot to shoot! The M&P is much easier to carry (profile and weight) but a solid +1 to shooting the 4006 and never wearing it out. The full stainless construction sure tames the .40 S&W round. From a carry standpoint gotta like 15+1 in the M&P.

 

[guntherapist]

I very much like the idea of having both. I'll probably start with the M&P since my local gun shop has one on the shelf.
Is the 4006 still being made?
Thanks,
Randy

 

[tinfinger]

Essentially, the 4006 is out of production. I think they recently made a run of integral-railed 4006 for CHP, and if you are willing to sign a big enough contract they could do another run. But that's probably not going to happen. Now is the time to get a 4006; the trade-ins floating around are excellent values and I doubt very many have much wear on them or problems. You'll be able to get an M&P any old time.

If your primary intention is carry, the lighter weight of the M&P may make more sense. If this is a range / home defense / fun gun, I say go with the 4006.

 

[Munsterf18]

The design, ergonomics and weight of the M&P is great. I think S&W got this one right.

There's a reason the world is shifting over to the polymer pistols, and the M&P is a super example of it. Go shoot one at a range, I think you'll love it.

Munster

 

[18DAI]

Go with the 4006. Reliable and accurate with a nice trigger out of the box. Regards 18DAI.

 

[briarjumper12]

Originally posted by tinfinger:
If your primary intention is carry, the lighter weight of the M&P may make more sense. If this is a range / home defense / fun gun, I say go with the 4006.

I too own a 4006 (since 1996) and over the last 2 yrs have picked a M&P 40 and 40c. What tinfinger says is right on. For carry the M&P, for shooting pleasure, bedside gun..the 4006.

 

[tinfinger]

Originally posted by Munsterf18:
There's a reason the world is shifting over to the polymer pistols, and the M&P is a super example of it.

Munster

Please don't get me wrong; polymer pistols are nice and offer certain advantages. I like mine! But the biggest reason the world is shifting to polymer pistols is that they are cheaper to make. I picked up a 4006 just cause it was offered to me at too good a deal to pass on, and was really impressed with the old school manufacturing that goes into one. This is a serious piece of forged and machined (the MIM parts in the later models can be forgiven) steel. This type of gunmaking in auto pistols is rare now (most metal framed pistols are investment cast - nothing wrong with that - but it ain't forging) and will only become more so.

 

[Mack]

I have been thinking long term and hard use lately. My feelings are this, if you want a handgun to use for 10 years of light to medium use the polymer is fine. Yes I know a lot of police use the polymer handguns, I also notice they seem to replace them every few years. I wonder how many will still be usable 50-100 years from now? I have a 1911 made in 1917 and a 1917 that went to England for WWII and while not my first choice for self defense if needed I feel both would be up to the job. Recently I am always on the lookout for 4000 series S&W's, SS for .40 and 45, alum is OK for 9 MM. YMMV.

m.

m.

 

[spottwd]

As I just posted on another thread, I have fired both the 4006 and FS 40. While the 4006 may be more robust because of its weight and materials, I've found that it beats up my hand after awhile. Not so with the M&P.

Could be just me. I've had trigger jobs done on both pistols.

If you're thinking about carry, you really do have to think about the weight and capacity.