first handgun possibly the M&P 9?

[monkel]

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!

 

[LedFowl]

Welcome to the forum. I have an M&P9 and I think it would make a great first handgun for the purposes you mentioned. I'm really pleased with mine. It feels good in the hand, and it's functioned perfectly from the first mag.

 

[grampa p]

Go with your gut feeling. If the M&P felt right then its right for you. You obviously can shoot it accurately. Don't worry about groups being 1 or 2 inches if for self defense. Self defense shooting is different. You are not going to be aiming most likely. I don't aim and hit a paper plate at 21 ft with my M&P 9 from conceal draw.

For target practice it is my favorite. Easy to shoot, will fire any ammo I use, and never had a malfunction of any kind.
Also looked at xdm but had the same opinion you did....kind of chunky and heavy compared to the m&p.

Let us know what you choose!

 

[7strider77]

The M&P 9 would be my first recommendation as an intro to semi-auto pistols. For sure.

 

[heybrowndog]

The M&P 9 would be my first recommendation as an intro to semi-auto pistols. For sure.

X2

My M&P9 eats up everything I've put down the barrel....zero malfunctions. Easy to take apart, fairly affordable to shoot, and simply feels great in my paws. Good choice.....
-Dog-

 

[The Sarge]

Welcome aboard!

The M&P pistols are great guns and I love my M&P9. Certainly would make a good first pistol or good addition to any shooter's collection. Bill

 

[finfan]

Go with the M&P

I just got the M&P 9mm Pro 5"and love this gun. I am realitively new to shooting but was able to put together some nice groups my first time out with this gun.
My nephew whom has been shooting fired it a few time and is going to the gun show this weekend looking to trade in his old gun lol

 

[R1_Demon]

Go with your gut feeling. If the M&P felt right then its right for you.

+1 on this. If it felt right to you and you shot decently with it and you liked it, then it sounds like it's a match for you.

Welcome to the forum and the addiction.

 

[clcdawg]

I love my M&P 9mm it has made me think about trading in all of my glocks.

 

[EPWrangler]

Buy the M&P

I own a boat load of pistols but now I carry an M&P 9mm compact and also owna full sized 9mm. They are the easiest to shoot guns I own and they are easy to work on. There was a time I swore I would never buy another S&W gun but that was the old owner's bad politics. Today they are reat and made in good old USA. Much better than a Glock in my opinion.

 

[sonny]

I love my M&P 9mm it has made me think about trading in all of my glocks.

I'm gonna turn you in at GlockTalk.com.
Sonny

 

[heybrowndog]

I'm gonna turn you in at GlockTalk.com.
Sonny

My Glock buddies never seem to wanna give back my M&P when at the range. Can I turn them in too?

 

[Etemmu]

You shot it and liked it...dont over-think it, just buy it. Then you'll love it. I will be getting another as soon as I can find one locally! They seem to be pretty scarce right now.

 

[sonny]

I think that Smith, Springfield Armory, Ruger, Glock and a few others such as Beretta, CZ have some great offerings. To a large extent, it will boil down to individual preferences...and that's a good thing.
Sonny

 

[ESM]

I'm new to handguns too & just got an M&P9 as my first. I'm very happy with it and have put almost 400 rounds through it in less than 2 weeks. I'm not crazy about the trigger - both the "hinged" design and the long/mushy pull - I chalk that up to my history with long guns. I've been told by more experienced hand-gunners that the M&P's trigger is a typical "combat" trigger.
BTW - I initially thought I'd get either a Glock or an XD. The M&P just felt better in my hand. Also, I'm a LH shooter, so the ambidextrous slide stop/release and ease of switching the mag release over were bonuses.
Seems to me that most guns are pretty darn reliable and reasonably accurate (probably more accurate than most shooters), so it comes down to how it feels.

 

[Just Shoot]

Great all around gun. Economical to shoot, accurate, fun to shoot and does the job....

 

[clockworkjon]

Other than my Browning Buckmark, my M&P 9 was the first "real" gun I've owned. Only a few hundred rounds through it so far, but with zero problems using cheap Federal and WWB. Tried a few others before buying, was all set to get a Beretta or CZ because I didn't want a "plastic" gun. Rented the M&P for no real reason, instantly changed my mind. Highly recommend it. Now if I can just get under 4-5" at 10yds I'll be happy!

 

[Stu454]

.....Now if I can just get under 4-5" at 10yds I'll be happy!

Practice, practice and then practice some more. Shoot slow at first; the speed will come naturally.

 

[clockworkjon]

Practice, practice and then practice some more. Shoot slow at first; the speed will come naturally.

Ya, just for the heck of it I tried to pick up the pace the other day at the range. It wasn't pretty, but I sure got my money's worth for that target! Used it all up!

 

[Jhp147]

When you are comfortable with the gun and maybe have a few hundred down range, check on the APEX Duty/Carry Action Kit. Makes a good gun great.