Got a good offer on a m&p 9, should I take it?

[Confusedacorn]

Found a lightly used m&p9 (full size) for $550 today. The feed ramp still has bluing on it and after field stripping gun the spring, barrel and slide appeared clean and untarnished. What makes this a good deal in particular is this gun has an apex trigger kit installed, night sights installed, custom stippling on the back of the grip, a free tactical light attached to the rail, and a custom fitted kydex holster for the gun w/ light attached.

I already have a shield and an lc9s for concealed carry so I'm more interested in a fun range gun/car carry piece for my glovebox.

Should I pull the trigger on this puppy or keep researching other 9s (such as the xdm and g19)?

 

[Bob O]

Sounds like a great deal!!

Sent via phone

 

[CaptRon956]

For $550 I'd pull the trigger on that deal..... pun intended.

 

[Confusedacorn]

Does anyone have this model? I'm curious about the reliability, types of ammo it likes, perceived recoil etc. so I'd really appreciate it if yall would chime in w your opinions about the firearm

Edit: I did get to shoot the xdm, g19 and mp9c earlier today at a rental range but only put 10-15 rounds thru each model (as fate would have it, my grouping w the mp9c was the tightest even if a little high)

 

[John R]

I think you can buy a new one for that price.

 

[Deadshot]

Found a lightly used m&p9 (full size) for $550 today. The feed ramp still has bluing on it and after field stripping gun the spring, barrel and slide appeared clean and untarnished. What makes this a good deal in particular is this gun has an apex trigger kit installed, night sights installed, custom stippling on the back of the grip, a free tactical light attached to the rail, and a custom fitted kydex holster for the gun w/ light attached.

I already have a shield and an lc9s for concealed carry so I'm more interested in a fun range gun/car carry piece for my glovebox.

Should I pull the trigger on this puppy or keep researching other 9s (such as the xdm and g19)?

Where are you from? For $550 you should be able to get one brand new for that price range. Have you looked at Buds Gun Shop online? They're one of the best around and you can't beat their prices. I can tell you 100% that the Glock 19 is far superior to the M&P. I own a Glock 19, Springfield Armory XDM, and a S&W 9c as my primary 3 pistols. Try to shoot the Glock and XDM next to the M&P. Not even close. The M&P is great, but it's not on par with the Glock or XD in my opinion. I don't think you can go wrong with an M&P because it's a great weapon, but there are a few other options that are better in that price range. Just my opinion.

 

[Confusedacorn]

I'm in Texas, ya I saw I can get a brand new one for 400-450 on buds but I figured the apex trigger and night sights explained the discrepancy. I got to shoot an xdm, g19, and an mp9c this morning at a rental range (in that order) one after another. Decided to go with the g19 or the m&p because I wasn't a big fan of the high bore axis on the xd (worst grouping by far) and felt the g19 and mp had similar recoils.

Why do you suggest the g19 over the mp9? That's what I was leaning toward when I left but at another gun store I found this used m&p w all this extra stuff for the same price as a new gen 4 g19.

Thanks for your reply, I made an account to see what owners thought about the offer

 

[Deadshot]

I'm in Texas, ya I saw I can get a brand new one for 400-450 on buds but I figured the apex trigger and night sights explained the discrepancy. I got to shoot an xdm, g19, and an mp9c this morning at a rental range (in that order) one after another. Decided to go with the g19 or the m&p because I wasn't a big fan of the high bore axis on the xd (worst grouping by far) and felt the g19 and mp had similar recoils.

Why do you suggest the g19 over the mp9? That's what I was leaning toward when I left but at another gun store I found this used m&p w all this extra stuff for the same price as a new gen 4 g19.

Thanks for your reply, I made an account to see what owners thought about the offer

To answer your question, I'm a Deputy Jailer and I have the Glock 19 for transports. I'm a fan of a few different gun companies so it's not a brand name competition for me. I just know that thousands of law enforcement agencies carry Glock for a reason. You can feed them most any brand of ammo and they are going to feed and function flawlessly. It feels sturdy in my hands, I shoot great with it, and it's quality. These reasons, along with the fact that there are tons of Glock accessories and holster options out there were my main reasons for going with the Glock 19.

I only got into weapons a few years ago so I'm fairly new to the hobby I suppose; but in all all honesty if I could only own one pistol, it would be the Glock 19. I trust my life with it. I'm in no way bad mouthing the M&P. I'm a fan of S&W. But if I'm choosing between the Gen 4 19 or the M&P 9, I'm going Glock 19 all day every day.

 

[Deadshot]

Also @ Confusedacorn, since we are talking opinions, I'm in the market for an every day ccw for when I'm off work. I've been looking at the Shield and LC9S myself. Which do you prefer? I checked out a LC9S the other day and that new Ruger trigger job on the S is pure butter haha. It's almost too light but feels great. I like the look of the Shield better, but we all know it's not always about looks. Just curious about your experience with the two.

 

[Rastoff]

I think you can buy a new one for that price.

You can, but not with the light, holster and Apex upgrade.

I just know that thousands of law enforcement agencies carry Glock for a reason. You can feed them most any brand of ammo and they are going to feed and function flawlessly.

Then why is it the Glock that I see having the most trouble?

The Glock is not better than the M&P. However, it is different and many people like it. This is where personal choice comes in. If you like the Glock, get that. If you like the M&P, get that. They are of equal quality with the M&P being easier to manipulate.

 

[PastureOfMuppets]

I just know that thousands of law enforcement agencies carry Glock for a reason.

I know the reason.

Price, simplicity and reliability.

There are plenty of other guns that have the simplicity and reliability (S&W M&P line springs to mind), but Glock nailed that market during the LE switch from wheel guns to semi autos early, and capitalized hard on it to the point they have the monopoly on LE firearms supply.

The follow on from that of course is Glock is also the largest seller of semi auto's in the U.S because "LE use it for a reason" logic. But of course the public pays the same price as any other comparable firearm.

The LE price on Glocks is pretty much loose change and peanuts at this point, and no one can really match it. It's not quite a loss leader, but it's close enough.

Price is always ultimately the defining feature when it comes to large agency purchasing.

 

[PastureOfMuppets]

OP, if you're convinced it hasn't been abused and the trigger job is solid... I say offer $500 and replace the rear grip.

Custom stippling is not worth the soldering iron used to do it when it comes to a used gun... if it's not on the replaceable bit offer $450 and when he turns it down, tell him the offer is there for a week. He might get lucky and someone takes it, but a little unlikely.

 

[S. Kelly]

I'd say it's a good deal for a car/range gun. What kind of light is on it and what kind/brand of Kydex holster does it come with? Those items, plus the night sights/Apex parts make a difference.

I'd go Glock 19 myself (Glock fan) but that still is a pretty good deal.

 

[Arik]

USED $550? Great googly moogly that's a lot. Around here a M&P used is about $350 ..tops $450 with extra mags and NS.

The Apex kit would be irrelevant as it was installed by someone else.

 

[bulldogman]

Just because it comes with some additional goodies doesn't mean the seller can ask more for it than a new one. Kind of like selling a house with a built in swimming pool in the back yard, sometimes a pool can actually reduce the value of a home and limit potential buyers.

Something to consider is the warranty, you may have trouble getting S&W to honor any warranty work if needed. Who installed the Apex trigger, are you sure there is actually apex parts installed in the gun or did someone go to town with a buffer and stone to lighten the trigger. For me I look at it as if some backyard gunsmith possibly had a go at it and didn't like the results so he traded it off. For that kind of money I want a new gun in my hand regardless of the extras, thats what I did and got my FS9 for $419.00 with 3 mags. Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

 

[Confusedacorn]

Thanks for the replies everyone, since it is basically priced as a brand new gun (even with all the upgrades) I think I'll sit on the decision for a little (and do a couple more rentals between the xdm, m&p and g19) before making a decision that costs a months rent lol

@deadshot as you've probably guess my advice is to try them both. I noticed the shield had a worse trigger out of the box (that lc9s really does have a butter trigger) but after about 3-400 rounds and a few drops of hoppes to the striker channel and bar the grittiness is almost totally gone. There is definitely a wall with the shield but the trigger isn't terrible stock (has a slightly shorter reset than the lc9 too). I think the shield has a better finish w the melonite vs plain bluing on the ruger, and the shield has better sights out of the box (slightly bigger, but prone to losing a dot while shooting). I actually took some videos at the range and will make a second comparison video between the sw and the ruger on my YouTube within the next couple days, I'll send you a link to both whenever I figured out how to combine my phone videos with laptop videos haha

 

[gordon21]

The REAL question is why is the seller selling it?? WHY a custom trigger with so few rounds??

A brand new gun like that is under $500.

The one thing in your post that scares me the most is "custom stippling". ALL the instances of stippling on the internet I have seen (except one) scare me. They all look like someone with a couple beers in them and a soldering gun gone nuts.

I have factory grips on a full size 9 and compact 9 and would NEVER consider ruining them with a soldering iron tip.

Think long and hard before buying this gun. The FACTORY grips are why this gun has sold so many copies to civilians and LEO's.

 

[Confusedacorn]

Oh the stippling job was just on the backstrap not the entire handle, it actually looked pretty well done as all the dots were the same size and depth in a row pattern. Apparently it used to belong to a range officer there so I assumed their onsite gunsmith did all the aftermarket stuff

 

[Rastoff]

Apparently it used to belong to a range officer there so I assumed their onsite gunsmith did all the aftermarket stuff

This is a bad assumption. Apex stuff is easy to install and usually done by the user.

 

[gordon21]

You are in luck. A new backstrap is under $15 if you buy one. S&W will probably send you one size for free.

But now you raise another question. A RO with a barely shot gun. Why??

Excuse me for asking this again, but in all my years of sales, I have learned to find that the WHY of a transaction is very informative.

A range officer means that he has quick and free access to a range. If I were a RO and just bought a new gun, you can be assured that I would be shooting it. And the decision to actually BUY that model would be important since I would have access to lots of different guns on a daily basis. You don't buy something that isn't "just right" to you when you have access to so many comparable guns.

 

[Capt_Destro]

You should jump on it asap. As for people hating on the stippling, is it really a big deal on a removable part?
If it was done by A2 stippling it is gtg.

I'm quite partial to this pattern.

 

[Confusedacorn]

Just out of curiosity, if I decide to buy the used mp9 would I have any warranty privileges under smith & Wesson if I ever needed a repair/replacement part?

 

[MyDads38]

I own 2 M&P's - A FS M&P 9 & FS M&P 45. I got the 9mm new @ $478 + tax. I bought the M&P 45 used-like new in box ($468 + tax). Honestly, this scared me; made in 2007 and didn't look like it had been shot-why? But I trust the dealer and they have an on sight gunsmith. So I knew either the shop or S&W would take care of any issues I might have.

To date, I have had NO ISSUES at all with either pistol. I bought 2 used mags for the 45, which work as well as the 2 original mags. Just purchased 2 new mags for the M&P 9 and tried them today at the range-again no issues. I have used several brands of factory ammo in both, as well as my reloads-again, no issues with feed/function/ejection.

I would personally want as much information about the used gun as I could get, especially why he would let it go after all the upgrades? I wouldn't invest the time or money in so many upgrades just to let it go!

 

[MyDads38]

Just out of curiosity, if I decide to buy the used mp9 would I have any warranty privileges under smith & Wesson if I ever needed a repair/replacement part?

In regards to my used M&P 45; I went to the S&W website to register my new M&P 9mm and while there, went through the process with the 45. Evidently, the warranty had never been registered, so I have a warranty on my M&P 45, even though it was made in 2007!

That would be a question to ask before purchase. otherwise 50/50 chance.

 

[John R]

I like the M&P better than the Glock, not because it's a better gun, it's just different and more to my liking.
Can't go wrong with either one.

 

[Rastoff]

Just out of curiosity, if I decide to buy the used mp9 would I have any warranty privileges under smith & Wesson if I ever needed a repair/replacement part?

The warranty is only good for the original purchaser. That doesn't mean they won't help you. However, it's unlikely that you'll need it.

 

[Llando88]

Thanks for the replies everyone, since it is basically priced as a brand new gun (even with all the upgrades) I think I'll sit on the decision for a little (and do a couple more rentals between the xdm, m&p and g19) before making a decision that costs a months rent lol

Warm welcome to the Forum.

Just my 0.02:

Glock + Reliable, functional, striker fire, incredible aftermarket support, great customer service, new models with replaceable panels, accurate enough for a duty weapon.

Glock - Poor ergos, lack of beavertail, tendency to slide bite with a high grip, grip angle that strikes some as odd, poor ambi support for lefty's, cheap plastic sights.

M&P + Reliable, functional, striker fire, good aftermarket support, good customer service, replaceable backstraps, steel sights, ambi slide lock, able to field strip without pulling trigger, reversible mag release, lifetime warranty, made in USA, excellent ergos, accurate enough for a duty weapon.

M&P - Gritty trigger that smooths out (eventually), some early models had accuracy issues with either barrell lockup / twist rate / ammo.

I shot both, picked an M&P. Respect Glocks, they just did not work for me.

 

[PastureOfMuppets]

So... only 200 rounds through it huh?


Not that I care about round count on a gun for the most part (Not that many gun owners take it to the point it really matters) but you know... every gun for sale only has 200 rounds through it.

 

[bigdaddybluesman]

Glocks and S&W M&P......well I have both and like both.

For me $550 is way too much. Adding those parts to the gun especially if he doesn't have the originals means nothing in terms of adding price to the sale. It devalues the gun in reality. I have friends that are in the business and they will tell you it adds nothing. Many people do not want modified guns. He's better off going back to original and selling the parts separately. Unless the sights are something S&W offers as a factory upgrade, it means nothing. Plus how old are the sights? They get dim in time so as they age they become worthless.

I'd pass unless he came down to $450 and had the originally parts to put back in.

I paid $260 for a M&P .40 police trade in. I see them all the time for $350 and some 9mm for $400ish online but they are a little scarce. It's because of the switch over to 9mm by LE, supply and demand. Local sale should be about $450 or less. For a few bucks more you can get a brand new one.

Some people think they have gold, they don't. Get a new one and shoot it a lot. If you feel the trigger needs work you don't need a whole APEX kit which goes for $160, you just might need to have it polished and it will be fine. Unless you're in competition or a professional, a stock but well shot M&P 9 should be perfect for HD, carry, professional or a range gun.

 

[Confusedacorn]

I think I'll stop by the store tomorrow and offer $450 for it. I'll judge how they react and if they're totally unwilling to work with me I'll just walk (I'd rather get a new gun, have the fun of breaking it in and adding aftermarket stuff as I go). The used aspect doesn't bother me too much it's the price, I bought a beretta px4 storm used for $400 and it's been a great gun (unfortunately 40sw ammo isn't quite as wallet friendly, hence wanting a fun range gun in 9mm).