First M&P...Opinions Needed About Upgrades

[bronco_buster]

I've been around the block with firearms, but picked up my first M&P today. In full disclosure, it was between the M&P and the XDM when I was looking for a new pistol. I've got several Glocks, Sigs, 1911's, CZ, Hi Powers, and revolvers, but never a SW auto. After a comparison, although I liked the feel of the MP, I purchased the XDM. I brought the XDM home and compared trigger pull, ergonomics and feel to my glocks, 1911's, and Sig P220 Scorpion. I couldn't get over the horrible feel of the trigger. Do yourselves a favor and NEVER shoot a P220 with short reset trigger. It blows anything else out of the water.

So today, I brought the XDM back unfired. I was hit with a restocking fee, but it was worth it. Now, I'm a 45 fan, but the P220 is hands down the undisputed champion in my eyes for a 45 pistol (a close second is my SW 625 JM). So, with that in mind, I decided on the M&P 40 Pro Series. I absolutely love the Novak serrated rear sight with the fiber optic front. I also feel that the ergos of the M&P really give it an unfair advantage vs every other polymer pistol. This thing feels just as good, if not better, in my hand than my CZ and Hi Power. It just points naturally and effortlessly.

I also felt a little unpatriotic going with the XDM. Croatia, really? I imagine SA probably has spent all of $20 in Croatian labor and material before the frame is mated to the slide. Given these trying times for gun owners and manufacturers, I felt the need to support US manufacturers, further going "PRO" shows my support for SW gunsmiths...since they still employ REAL gunsmiths...I feel I got more gun for my money and while supporting US laborers. Nothing against SA...would just be nice to see them manufacture those XDMs here.

The only negative on the M&P is the trigger. Despite being the Pro version, the trigger is still mushy and long without a crisp reset. I've heard others mention that triggers take a while to settle in, but I'm wondering if I should just swap it out? I really like the "click" reset of the Glock and P220. After a couple of bucks, Glock triggers tune up nicely to whatever you desire. I also dislike the hinge. It seems to add to the mush. I'm not expecting a 1911 grade trigger by any means, but I'm wondering if upgrading straight away would be the way to go. I don't think any amount of "break in" is going to fix what I dislike. Recommendations on improving trigger or should I swap it out for an Apex? If swap, which Apex trigger? Sorry I'm a newb with the M&P.

The other thing that I'm wondering, is where to get a 5" 9mm barrel conversion for this thing? I understand I can convert the pistol to shoot 9mm, if at some point in the future 9mm ever becomes available again Someone mentioned getting a replacement from SW directly, but I don't see conversion barrels on their site. Would a barrel listed for a 9mm pistol work, or does it have to specifically be a 40 - 9 conversion? Any help is appreciated.

Looking forward to a range trip in the near future.

 

[Little Creek]

I have the Apex conpetition trigger kit in my M&P9 Pro. The trigger beaks about 3#. I like it a lot.

 

[growr]

I just dry fire mine which costs me nothing.....keeps on getting better all the time!

Randy

 

[Bkreutz]

I have a 9c that the trigger has gotten progressively better over the last couple of thousand rounds. It's to the point where I wouldn't want anything else. That being said, I got a Pro CORE for fathers day/birthday (1 day apart) and the first thing I did was order the Apex kit (which is supposed to arrive today). I use the 9c for everyday carry and I'll be using the CORE in competition which probably influenced my decision more than anything. I recall an earlier thread (or more) that talked about the 9/.40 conversion and the consensus of why S&W doesn't offer a conversion kit was a matter of liability and wanting to sell complete guns. I have no idea as to the why but a lot of people have bought 9mm barrels and mags to convert. The only problem seems to be finding the parts to buy. (unless you want to pay $100 for a 17 round mag on GB, not me)

 

[Rgoodwin]

Try Midway for your barrel.

 

[mkbruce]

Storm Lake make a 40 to 9 conversion barrel specifically for the pro series. Midway and other carry them, but they are hard to find.

Many people have had success using a standard 9mm Pro length barrel, but the barrel hood will have a little more play with a standard vs. conversion barrel. S&W's official position is that you MUST use a conversion barrel. You will also need 9mm magazines as the 40/357 magazines will not feed the last round reliably.

As for the trigger, the APEX kits are fantastic - you can chose from the DCAEK (for carry), Competition AEK (for low trigger pull) or Forward-set (for more 1911-like feel). None of them will get you all the way to a 1911 trigger or a Glock click reset, but all will help. APEX also offers a replacement trigger (in both plastic and aluminum) that eliminates the hinged design of the standard trigger.

 

[OneJzsupra]

Apex has good stuff. If you have a newer model don't get the apex ram as it hasn't been fixed for the sear housing redesign. I too like a good reset and I felt mine had zero, then I went to the range with actual ammo and could feel the positive reset I was looking for.