first handgun possibly the M&P 9?

[WilliamG]

As i stated in my intro thread i am about to purchase my first gun. I wouldn't say i am new to shooting or the gun scene (except hand guns i am new to) and was wondering how everyone feels about the M&P 9mm as a first hand gun.

I put about 75 rounds through a rental at the range today and it felt great. Also shot a CZ 9mm (can't remember which model, had some custom work on it though), the beretta 92 and the XDM 9mm. Out of them all i'd say its safe to say i liked the M&P the best, the xdm had a little more snap to it as well as felt a bit bulky and the beretta just felt.... off dunno how else to explain it.

My groupings where about 1.5-2inches at 5yards and maybe 2-3.5ish at 10yards with the M&P with a "that little guy? i wouldn't worry about that guy" every now and then, and a tad tighter with the CZ but i'm knocking that up to the custom work thats been done to it. I'd like to use the gun for home defense and for range use as well. Thanks in advance for any imput, looking for anything as i am completely new to the handgun scene! ... oh and i know its gonna come up so i'll get it out of the way now, not a fan of glocks!

If you think an M&P 9 is better than a custom CZ, well.... you must be new to guns. Mind you, I was in the same boat you were back in January. Feel free to look at my post history. I picked up an M&P9 Pro and really like it, but I also just picked up a CZ Shadow Target Custom from CZ's custom shop, and it absolutely destroys the M&P 9. But then again, it did cost over twice as much, hah!

I think you'll like owning an M&P. It's a rugged, tough gun, and would be a great "starting point." I enjoy shooting mine a lot.

For home defense, a shotgun is best, fyi. And they're cheap. So I'd get one of those over a 9mm any day.

 

[Fabius]

My first pistol was a Glock 23 (.40 S&W). Never got comfortable with it. Held an M&P9 one day and loved the feel. Bought it and it quickly became my favorite. I replaced the Glock with an FNP-40. Then added a 1911. Both great guns, but when I had to shoot for scores, I reached for the M&P. After several thousand rounds, the gun has been flawless and the trigger has smoothed out nicely.

The FNP is gone now, replaced by an M&P40 and I added an M&P9c for everyday carry. Both full size M&P's have been flawless from round one. The 9c had a few hiccups until it was broken in (<200 rounds). Has been flawless since then.

I wouldn't mess with the trigger until you have 1,000 rounds through the gun. The trigger will smooth out with use and you'll get used to it.