Considering new CC weapon

[SperlingPE]

I am looking at the Walther PPS 9mm and M&P9.
The M&P would by the 4.25" barrel or the compact. I have not handled a compact yet.
I have a M&P45 full size so the M&P line is not new to me.

The Walther offers a very slim pistol but you give up rounds. For a self defense pistol, however, this may not be that big of a compromise.

Any thoughts from the group appreciated.

 

[JRTinTPA]

I have a M&P9c and have used my friend's PPS 40 at the range. The PPS is a good firearm, and I like the way it shoots. My only issue with it is the mag release. Because Im used to the M&P mag release, the PPS feels awkward. If I were in a sceenario where I had to reload quickly, I would feel more comfortable with the M&P.

If you get a PPS, I would suggest getting a limb saver for it. Makes a huge difference in comfort.

 

[growr]

I would spend a little time and try to find what I and many others on here consider the ultimate CC handgun made by anyone...that being a 3913 S&W. I carry one daily and think the world of it. It is quite slender, ultra reliable, magazines and holsters are readily available, very accurate and just fun to carry and shoot. That is if it will fit you well....
Randy

 

[GaryM&P]

My thoughts (YMMV):

The PPS is not in the same league as the M&P as far as reliability is concerned.

As has been mentioned, the M&P is a much better handling gun. It does indeed reload faster than the PPS.

PPS mags are way expensive compared to the price of M&P mags.

M&P carries more ammo.

The M&P is not hard to conceal at all. I carry a 4.25" gun every day.

 

[twomoons]

AGREED GARY,
SW HIT A HOME RUN WITH THIS GUN.EVERY PD DEPT I KNOW OF out here in or is going to the mp

 

[handgunner356]

I don't think the reliability would be any better or worse with either one. There is no doubt the PPS is more concealable, you're giving up 3-4rds depending on mag/caliber. If you have large hands you'll want the 7/8rd mag for the PPS, they do run $15 more than the M&P mags. I can pocket carry a PPS, something I can't do with the M&Pc. I use my trigger finger on the PPS mag release, different but not a big concern.

 

[agksimon]

There's a little toggle that fits into the backstrap on the PPS. When you remove the backstrap, it disables the gun. Wait till one of the plastic tabs in the backstrap that hold the toggle in place break off, when you really need the gun. When I saw this "safety device", I immediately sold my PPS.

 

[frank_drebin]

The pps suffers from some issues that make it a non-contender for me. The backstraps are flimsy and use a tab that disengages a safety when installed. My first time at the range with my pps the backstrap popped out rendering the gun inoperable. I found that I could hit the gun on the bench with enough force to pop out the large strap without tapping it that hard. The gun also failed to feed at least once per mag for me. No amount of cleaning, lubing, grip adjustments or mag changes helped. The trigger was nice and "Glock like" but the gun itself was not up to par. After my bad experience I started looking on the Walther forum and the pps section was riddled with posts concerning reliability. One actually said "who here hasn't had their slide stop spring break?". It was full of people who had experienced slide lockbacks after less than 100 rounds.

 

[SperlingPE]

I still like the slimness of the PPS.

So if M&P, 4.25" barrel or the compact?
Preferred carry methods are IWB or inside shirt.

 

[Lost Lake]

That slimness won't help while you pull the trigger on a non-functioning weapon as a zombie comes at you....

The compact models are quite versatile when you figure you can add an X-Grip and use a full size magazine to essentially give you a full size weapon for range firing.

You can order the 9mm or .357 barrel from Midway for $66 and drop either one in a .40 cal M&P and have a brand new caliber to shoot.

The M&P comes with 3 mags and a hard case, don't know about the PPS. My brother just ordered his new M&P .40 for $398. It shipped out for free the next day, he'll have it on Monday.

Good luck with your choice! I'd get them both and see which you prefer to carry.

 

[ldhunter1959]

Sterling's options are similar to mine. I am more focused on concealability than round count. Had not read that the PPS 9 was having any significant issues.
I am likely moving from a Taurus PT 709 Slim - I can already envision the comments about the Taurus - gun is back in the shop for the second time in a month.
I have not read much on the reliability of the M&P and will be reviewing those in this forum. I believe, generally, the M&P is less expensive than the PPS.

 

[agksimon]

I am likely moving from a Taurus PT 709 Slim - I can already envision the comments about the Taurus - gun is back in the shop for the second time in a month.
I have not read much on the reliability of the M&P and will be reviewing those in this forum. I believe, generally, the M&P is less expensive than the PPS.

The PT709 needs to have the striker channel kept very clean or you'll get light strikes. Don't use Selior & Bellot ammo, as it has hard primers and you'll get light strikes also. I know from experience, as I had one and sold it.

 

[ldhunter1959]

The PT709 needs to have the striker channel kept very clean or you'll get light strikes. Don't use Selior & Bellot ammo, as it has hard primers and you'll get light strikes also. I know from experience, as I had one and sold it.

Wish light strikes were the issue - failures to eject are abundant on mine - multiple per magazine. gun was sent in previously for FTEs, Failure to Chamber. Good for about 50 rounds and then started up with the FTEs.

 

[Bob H]

9c

I have carried a 9c for more than a year now it conceals easily and is reliable, I have put a lot of rounds through mine with no problems.
However I bought a 3" 1911 Pro and I am being converted.