For some time I have been shooting M&P pistols (9, 40, & 45) with Apex mods (two with Apex hard sears, all three with Apex universal striker block mod) and two SD pistols, a 9 and a 40. Each is a little different in its trigger feel, length and weight, but I get used to each one quickly after a couple of rounds. The two SD's (9 and 40) feel almost exactly alike, and there are no mods to them. One of the M&Ps has Warren tactical sights, all of the rest are standard sights.
I have been enjoying the .40's the most, using hand-loaded Rainier 165 gr and 180 gr copper-washed bullets and anywhere from 5.5 to 6.5 grains of AA#5 or 5.4 - 5.6 grains of Unique, and today was no different. The slightly larger loads were a bit snappier -- still less than factory loads -- and tended to be more accurate (that is, the softer loads shoot high, while the stiffer loads shoot to point of aim -- go figure).
All in all, using my variety of hand loads, my S&W's function flawlessly, and did so again today through about 400 rounds (I load in sets of 50). The M&P's give a lot to rave about -- the triggers are fairly light with the Apex hard sear and USB (aka the DCAEK kit) -- which increases accuracy potential. However, the SD's are the surprise favorite. The ergonomics, for me anyway, are excellent, and they seem to come right up on target every time. The trigger is a bit longer but compared to the lighter triggers of my particular modified M&Ps, seem to me what you would want for a self-defense weapon.
A note on cost -- over the past two years -- the most expensive of the M&P's was in the mid $500's, the lowest in the mid-400's, while the latest acquisition, the SD40, was $320 (plus $25 FFL fee) delivered. Some older pistols with well-respected brand names collected over the years were sold off to get this family of pistols from S&W. I really don't think I am going to buy any other pistols in the future.
I have been enjoying the .40's the most, using hand-loaded Rainier 165 gr and 180 gr copper-washed bullets and anywhere from 5.5 to 6.5 grains of AA#5 or 5.4 - 5.6 grains of Unique, and today was no different. The slightly larger loads were a bit snappier -- still less than factory loads -- and tended to be more accurate (that is, the softer loads shoot high, while the stiffer loads shoot to point of aim -- go figure).
All in all, using my variety of hand loads, my S&W's function flawlessly, and did so again today through about 400 rounds (I load in sets of 50). The M&P's give a lot to rave about -- the triggers are fairly light with the Apex hard sear and USB (aka the DCAEK kit) -- which increases accuracy potential. However, the SD's are the surprise favorite. The ergonomics, for me anyway, are excellent, and they seem to come right up on target every time. The trigger is a bit longer but compared to the lighter triggers of my particular modified M&Ps, seem to me what you would want for a self-defense weapon.
A note on cost -- over the past two years -- the most expensive of the M&P's was in the mid $500's, the lowest in the mid-400's, while the latest acquisition, the SD40, was $320 (plus $25 FFL fee) delivered. Some older pistols with well-respected brand names collected over the years were sold off to get this family of pistols from S&W. I really don't think I am going to buy any other pistols in the future.
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