Best full size M&P for low recoil?

[jeffpat]

I'm looking for a full-size pistol with as little recoil as possible, not including 22LR. I wish S&W made a full size 380, but they don't so I'm looking for recommendations from this group. What should be on my short list?

Thanks!

 

[guidedfishing]

Jeff, I think your only option in a full size M&P is a 9mm. If this is for target shooting, any target 115 gr ammo will be as soft as you get.

 

[Cigar Guy]

I have a ported 5 inch M&P CORE. Much less recoil than my son's Glock 17.

 

[zymurgeist]

Try the new polymer ammo. The stuff feels like shooting a .22. I wouldn't use it for self defense but it shoots straight as a laser.

 

[martybee]

M&PFS9. Soft and sweet. It shoots and handles like a dream! I shoot 115gr. ammo.

 

[jeffpat]

Thanks everyone! It sounds like the FS9 is the best M&P choice. Thanks for the recommendation on the polymer ammo. I'll definitely give that a try.

 

[dswancutt]

I would look at one of the 5" barrels, as the added mass helps dampen recoil plus the addition of a slightly longer sight radius. This is just me, but I find 147gr 9mm to be the softest shooting.

 

[rperillo05]

Full size pro series 9mm I had was awesome. Wish I never sold it. It was my favorite hand gun to shoot.

 

[Bill In Texas]

As others have said a FS 9mm is the way to go. If you can find one with a 5" barrel so much the better. M&P's of almost any caliber shoot softer than many comparable guns. This is due to the grip angle and low bore axis.

If you can rent one at a gun store try and see. Our Pro Series 9mm, which is actually my wife's gun, is almost .22ish in terms of felt recoil. Hope this helps!

 

[Woff]

M&Ps may be arguably lacking in other areas but are without a doubt the lowest recoil in guns this side I'd the steel framed cz sp-01. I would however love to see a .380 shield.

 

[czed]

I would look at one of the 5" barrels, as the added mass helps dampen recoil plus the addition of a slightly longer sight radius. This is just me, but I find 147gr 9mm to be the softest shooting.

Same here 147gr is the softest shooting excellent for training newbies.

 

[VaTom]

I know you requested information on full size M&P. The only S&W semi that I have is a Shield 9 mm. All other S&W are revolvers.

However the lowest recoil (and smoothest) full size pistol I have ever shot is the Berretta 92F (9mm) that I have. Mine is a 1985 vintage and made in Italy so I don't know how the more recent made Berettas compare.

I would say a polymer frame pistol will always have a heavier recoil than an all metal one.

 

[CB3]

Don't mean to hijack the thread or lead the OP away from a FS M&P. I have had three M&P 9 FS pistols and they are all very pleasant to shoot. Not like a smaller caliber, but very manageable. I carry one almost every day and shoot the two remaining ones a lot. Good choice.

However, on a direct comparison basis, my previous two pistols were Beretta PX4, one 9 and one .40, Type C. I will never sell these guns. Their mechanical design (rotating barrel), size (like the M&P) weight and ergonomics make them extremely easy to handle. The .40 feels like a soft 9, and the 9 feels like I imagine shooting a .380 would be in the same gun. Yes, that "soft".

I don't know if that is helpful for the OP. Sorry for the bunny trail.

 

[TruckinThumper]

Jeff, I think your only option in a full size M&P is a 9mm. If this is for target shooting, any target 115 gr ammo will be as soft as you get.

Actually.....a big fat heavy 9 is better(less felt recoil) than 115gr.Say a 147gr.

 

[Rastoff]

Browning Hi-Power.

 

[Arik]

380 are typically blowback and have more recoil.

9 has no recoil. Unless you have medical issues I don't see what the problem is. I find Glock to have no recoil and HK USP to have slightly more

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

 

[Rastoff]

No recoil? Exaggerating just a little, eh?

 

[Mac123]

Since you said 22lr is out, what about 22 WMR? Kel Tec PMR 30 has a great stock trigger and way fun to shoot. No it's not a S&W but definitely a fun gun.

 

[boomerguy49]

Google the difference between BLOWBACK (barrel permanently attached to frame, like the Walther PPK) and LOCKED BREECH (separate, moving barrel). The LOCKED BREECH pistols are generally 9mm and up, because of the increased recoil and the design is intended to reduce recoil. There are very few .380 ACP pistols with LOCKED BREECH which would be the least. The only one I can think of is the Ruger LC380 that I would recommend and it isn't full size. The recoil is very small and the trigger is horrible (DA hammer on every shot).
My recommendation is get used to the recoil and practice, practice, practice.

 

[Pisgah]

Google the difference between BLOWBACK (barrel permanently attached to frame, like the Walther PPK) and LOCKED BREECH (separate, moving barrel). The LOCKED BREECH pistols are generally 9mm and up, because of the increased recoil and the design is intended to reduce recoil. There are very few .380 ACP pistols with LOCKED BREECH which would be the least. The only one I can think of is the Ruger LC380 that I would recommend and it isn't full size. The recoil is very small and the trigger is horrible (DA hammer on every shot).
My recommendation is get used to the recoil and practice, practice, practice.

Maybe you'd better Google locked-breech .380 pistols. There are many besides the Ruger, including the KelTec p3at, the Beretta Pico, the Colt Mustang, S&W's own .380 Bodyguard, the SIG p238 -- the list is long.