First gun ordered. Thanks for all the suggestions.

[roadking2007]

I try to avoid MD.

Me too. But I live here, so... [emoji20]



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[stonebuster]

Follow Zed's instructions especially learning your state's gun laws. The mags will loosen up with use and leaving them loaded when they're new will help.

 

[Shield 9 WV]

I am assuming you will be shooting at a range, not your own property. If shooting at your property you would want target stands and targets.

You will need some ammo and it comes in two types, less expensive practice ammo and expensive self-defense rounds.

Get 9mm ball 115 grain ammo and don't get the cheapest stuff you can find. Expect to pay about $20 per box of 50.

Get a box of JHP jacketed hollow point self-defense ammo, $40 for a box of 50.

Get a device like a Magula to help you load your magazines, $25. It doesn't matter how strong you are you can damage the ligaments in your thumb putting in that last couple of rounds because the magazine springs are so stiff when they are new.

You will need at least two holsters but start with one. I prefer outside the waist band because it is so comfortable and can used for CCW or at the range.

I suggest getting a backpack BUG, bug-out bag, aka range bag to keep all your stuff in. Expect to find a nice one through Amazon for about $50

You will need a cleaning kit. You can find cleaning packages at the gun store. Those bore snakes are very popular. $25.

Hearing protection: DO NOT cheap out on ear muffs. The cheap ones will have thin plastic and WILL NOT protect your ears.

I use Howard Leight with the maximum 34 db protection, with electronics, $60. These are thicker and not as cool looking as the Sport models but my hearing is important to me. A 3 db difference between models is significant, it is a LOT more protection. If you don't care about the electronic models then expect to pay about half that.

I got a nice zippered hard case for $20 to keep the ear muffs in.

I use ear plugs and ear muffs together. The ear plugs will have the specs for noise reduction on the package and will cost about $5.

Get shooting glasses if you don't wear regular glasses. $10.

Optional: A gun belt is helpful at the range. It takes the load off your regular belt and can hold your mag pouches and holster. $25 from Amazon.

Optional: Mag pouches for your gunbelt, $12 from Amazon.

Optional: More magazines for a total of 3 minimum, I prefer factory mags. $30 each.

 

[Mystery]

I am assuming you will be shooting at a range, not your own property. If shooting at your property you would want target stands and targets.
...

Thanks for suggestions.
Your price of practice and defensive ammo are double what they are in stores.

I have Howard Leight Sport and I use ear plugs under them.
Have shooting glasses as well.
This gun should come with two magazines.

I'll look into getting other accessories after I get the gun.

 

[rkammer]

I've been monitoring both your original thread and this one and am interested to see what you ended up with. My guess is the M&P compact 4".
I do have an observation though, after looking at your test targets from your original thread. With the grip and/or recoil anticipation issues you seemed to be having, it's significant to me that you shot the Sig P365 much more accurately than all the other pistols. Didn't this get your attention enough to consider it for your first gun? Many people who have shot the micro 9's have said that the P365 is the most accurate and your experience as a new shooter is very telling. (at least to me). Was it comfortable to shoot?

Enjoy your new pistol whichever one you chose.

 

[murphydog]

It's Wednesday...waiting with baited breath for the answer.

Do you have a friend with any pistol experience that would tag along with you to the range? He/she could help with basic maintenance and shooting.

 

[Mystery]

I've been monitoring both your original thread and this one and am interested to see what you ended up with. My guess is the M&P compact 4".
I do have an observation though, after looking at your test targets from your original thread. With the grip and/or recoil anticipation issues you seemed to be having, it's significant to me that you shot the Sig P365 much more accurately than all the other pistols. Didn't this get your attention enough to consider it for your first gun? Many people who have shot the micro 9's have said that the P365 is the most accurate and your experience as a new shooter is very telling. (at least to me). Was it comfortable to shoot?

Enjoy your new pistol whichever one you chose.

The package should be here today.
The P365 definitely felt good but not big enough for regular range practice.
Maybe good option later for conceal.

If you notice in that target, there was only one gun that hit the x bull's eye.

 

[Mystery]

Quick question,
Do I have to inspect the gun before transfer?
It's brand new in the box.

 

[rkammer]

Quick question,
Do I have to inspect the gun before transfer?
It's brand new in the box.

The receiving dealer should let you inspect the gun before you fill out the BATF transfer form and have the background check done. If you see anything wrong with the gun or it doesn't have everything you expect to be in the box, you should not accept it. You should immediately call the seller and tell them the problem. They will tell you how to proceed. But, once you fill out the BATF form and they do the call-in background check, you own it and will have to take up any problems with the manufacturer.

 

[Mystery]

No more suspense... here it is... M&P 2.0 4" Compact with Safety

I ordered M&P 2.0 4" Compact with Safety
I almost ordered a Shield but a lot of you guys suggest bigger gun as first gun so went with the compact.
Thanks for all your comments.

Went to FFL and was a smooth transaction except the background check took little longer as state vs FBI (or whatever they were checking) data had differences in the way they stored my middle name.
They had to enter my name differently. Weird.
Anyways, it didn't take long, 5 minutes, once the entry was corrected.

I was disappointed to see a cardboard box.
Youtube videos showed this gun came with a nice plastic case with foam insert.
The one I got is a plain cardboard box with contents scattered inside.
You can't even tell if it's new or use. Nothing sealed.
Shame on you S&W that you can't put a $5 case with a $400 gun!

I checked the firing pin and it was not protruding.
All the contents are there so hopefully no surprises.

Here are some pictures:

BTW, it doesn't have much oil at all. Flash makes it look oily but it's very dry.

 

[apd9216]

I think you'll be quite happy with your selection. The M&P9 2.0 Compact 4" is what the Glock 19 should've been. it is my EDC and fun I carry to and from work. Mine came in a Black plastic case, but I ordered from the LE catalog, so I don't know if that makes a difference. To be honest, I don't really care for the plastic box and wouldn't get bent out of shape over it.

 

[Shield 9 WV]

I ordered M&P 2.0 4" Compact with Safety


I was disappointed to see a cardboard box.
Youtube videos showed this gun came with a nice plastic case with foam insert.
The one I got is a plain cardboard box with contents scattered inside.
You can't even tell if it's new or use. Nothing sealed.
Shame on you S&W that you can't put a $5 case with a $400 gun!

First of all, congratulations, and nice choice. Your logic and thinking was pretty well laid out. Well done.

The reason SW ships in a cardboard box is two-fold. It keeps costs down and most people who get a gun in a plastic box throw it away.

I have the Shield 9. There is never a time when it's in a box of any kind. It's in a holster where I can access it. If I put it away some time in the future plastic cases are inexpensive and I can buy the one which accommodates my gun and all the mags I have, not just the two which comes with it.

FYI I'm glad you got good ear protection right from the start. You've made a lot of good decisions which I think will help you enjoy your gun for years to come.

Good shooting.

 

[chiefbob81]

The box may be worth thousands in a hundred years! Question is: how much will a thousand be worth?

 

[murphydog]

Good choice! The type of box used with these seems to be random, I have seen M & Ps with both the cardboard and plastic boxes. The good news about cardboard is when you get to several dozen boxes to store they take up a lot less space than plastic.

Range report!

 

[stonebuster]

Thanks for suggestions.
Your price of practice and defensive ammo are double what they are in stores.

I have Howard Leight Sport and I use ear plugs under them.
Have shooting glasses as well.
This gun should come with two magazines.

I'll look into getting other accessories after I get the gun.

Remington UMC 9mm FMJ/$8-9/ Walmart works as my practice ammo for Shield. Federal HST micro for defensive load is pretty reasonable at Wally world too. Nice gun and good choice. Happy shooting!

 

[Mystery]

Thanks for comments.
The disappointment was due to my expectation after watching YouTube videos.
If they showed cardboard box, it would be fine.

At least, I could have used the case to and from range.
My range requires a case so that's the first thing to buy.
I don't want to throw gun in the bag without case.

 

[rkammer]

Thanks for comments.
The disappointment was due to my expectation after watching YouTube videos.
If they showed cardboard box, it would be fine.

At least, I could have used the case to and from range.
My range requires a case so that's the first thing to buy.
I don't want to throw gun in the bag without case.

Your local Sports Authority or Bass Pro Shop will carry shooting bags for reasonable prices. You might as well pick one up now to carry all the goodies you'll be buying after you get more into shooting your new baby.

 

[Mystery]

BTW, I really thought the grip texture would be too abrasive as lot of reviewers are saying but it doesn't feel that bad.
In fact, it's perfect for my hands.
Maybe some guys have too soft hands.

 

[southerncomfort]

Range report!

Yes—less chatter, more shooting! When you're on the range you won't care what kind if box it came in.

Seriously, you made a good choice and should enjoy the 2.0 compact. As owner of both 1.0 and 2.0 M&Ps, I find the newer grip texture is more noticeable under recoil, after 50 or more rounds. I wound up putting a talon grip on the 2.0, 'cause of those "too soft" hands.

 

[Mystery]

Yes—less chatter, more shooting! When you're on the range you won't care what kind if box it came in.

Seriously, you made a good choice and should enjoy the 2.0 compact. As owner of both 1.0 and 2.0 M&Ps, I find the newer grip texture is more noticeable under recoil, after 50 or more rounds. I wound up putting a talon grip on the 2.0, 'cause of those "too soft" hands.

I see. We'll see how those stipplings hit my palm.

I have to buy cleaning kit first to go over it.
Weekdays get too late by the time I get off so can't go shopping.
I had to take one hour off work to pick the gun yesterday.

 

[Shield 9 WV]

I'm always wary about buying things at Harbor Freight but this looks solid. Always look on-line as HF has a coupon for 20% off, every day.

https://www.harborfreight.com/catal...f,EAFeatured+Weight,f,Sale+Rank,f&q=gun+cases

[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWRxo044HDI[/ame]

 

[Shield 9 WV]

I'm always wary about buying things at Harbor Freight but this looks solid. Always look on-line as HF has a coupon for 20% off, every day.

Search results for: 'gun cases'

Thirty bucks for the Apache 2800 is a good price, compare to the Pelican at $237!

[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWRxo044HDI[/ame]

 

[Zed16]

another worth a look: https://www.homedepot.com/p/High-Desert-Single-Firearm-Plastic-Pistol-Case-10200/300227552

 

[Mystery]

Cleaning kit in the house

I was looking for 9mm only cleaning kit that was cheaper but all they had was this Hoppes essential kit NK2 made for multiple calibers.
I guess I have to buy guns with other calibers to use this kit fully.
I'm planning on cleaning it little bit and hit the range today.

 

[Konk]

That's too bad it came with just a cardboard box. When I purchased my 2.0 full size it came with a nice hard case. My Shield however came with a cardboard box and I had to purchase a cheap plano case. Congrats and happy shooting, let us know how you like it.

 

[murphydog]

This kit will work fine. For a quick pass through the bore I like the Bore Snake or similar product, taking off the slide and wiping down the rails and internals.

 

[Mystery]

Good choice! The type of box used with these seems to be random, I have seen M & Ps with both the cardboard and plastic boxes. The good news about cardboard is when you get to several dozen boxes to store they take up a lot less space than plastic.

Range report!

No friends here with experience.

Created a new thread.
First range session with M&P 4" compact...

Yes—less chatter, more shooting! When you're on the range you won't care what kind if box it came in.

Seriously, you made a good choice and should enjoy the 2.0 compact. As owner of both 1.0 and 2.0 M&Ps, I find the newer grip texture is more noticeable under recoil, after 50 or more rounds. I wound up putting a talon grip on the 2.0, 'cause of those "too soft" hands.

Even after 70 rounds, stippling didn't feel bad.
I didn't even notice it.
For me, it works great.