Help me decide please

[jsalas2]

jsalas2

Hi, I have been reading this thread and like you I am new to handguns. This is just my two cents from a newbies perspective. I purchased the M&P22 in July of this year, and like you I was originally looking at the 9mm. After reading here about the high cost of ammo. I realized that I wouldn't be able to shoot the amount of ammo needed to become proficient. For example, to date I have shot over 10,000 rds with the M&P22. And I still have things to learn. It's practice that makes you better. The 10,000 have cost me about $300, which isn't bad for a 4month periord. The same 10,000 rounds in 9mm, in my area which is $30 for 100 would of cost me $3000, which I could never afford. When I go to the range my budget is $30 which gets me 1000rds of 22lr. which gives me about 2-3hr of fun. The same $30 would only get me 100 rds of 9mm which would only get me about 1/2hr of practice if that.
As everyone says, I've got the bug now and am looking for a 9mm, but knowing that I could only afford to shoot 100rds a visit. I will still be using my .22 for the fun factor of just shooting. Just my 2 cents.

 

[BP_Z28]

Awesome advise from everyone so far


For barrel swap, can the same be done in the full size .40 also?

 

[rraisley]

The size of the guns are identical, that's why you can change barrels.

Does that mean I could buy a .40 or .45 barrel for my M&P 9C? Or does it only work when starting with a larger caliber and going down? Does this apply to both the full size and C?

 

[Jyezahn]

Barrel swaps can be done from the 40FS and the 40C, to 357 and 9. You cannot move UP in caliber from a 9 though.

 

[usmcmp]

Why not get a Compact and a full size. Then when Apex Tactical comes out with the .22 conversion kit get that. I wouldn't want to leave the .22 at home for her to have to use against an intruder. It may eventually stop them but not always fast enough to save you from harm. The compact would not be hard to carry. You just have to put effort into it. I carry a full size .40 with a surefire x300 every day of the year summer or winter. Dress around the gun. Get a good holster that keeps it in tight to your body and a gun belt that can hold the weight of the gun.

 

[rraisley]

Barrel swaps can be done from the 40FS and the 40C, to 357 and 9. You cannot move UP in caliber from a 9 though.

Thanks. So my 9C is stuck where it is. Maybe I'll get a full size M&P. What about the .45? Where does it fit in, in the barrel swap thing? Can a .45 be converted to a .40, 357 and 9? Did I hear mention of a .22 conversion somewhere?

 

[Jyezahn]

I've not heard anything about converting from a .45. I could see Apex possibly doing a .22 conversion, but it'd have to be more than just the barrel, as a .22 doesn't have the power to cycle the recoil spring for a .40. Anyone else know anything?

 

[usmcmp]

Apex should have one coming out next year. It's the whole top end.

 

[rraisley]

Who makes the barrels to convert the .40 to 357 or 9mm? In checking S&W's site, I only see barrels for the .22s. Are they sold from the parts department? (Just wanting to check on costs.)

 

[kisportolt]

I would vote for going with the .22 and 9c. Well actually I would say the .22 and the Shield if you plan to carry, but getting your hands on a Shield in MI is hard (I was on a wait list for over 3 months before I got mine). Where in MI are you?

Nice part about the .22 and 9c is that you can both shoot both, shoot the .22 for cheap, and purchase extended mags for the 9 if you want a full size home gun. My girlfriend shoots her dad's SD9 and really likes the feel of it, which would be comparable in size to the full size.

Don't look at the .22 as just a gun for her, they offer great practice at the range for both of you. And having the 15-22, they would make a nice set!

 

[Lost Lake]

Who makes the barrels to convert the .40 to 357 or 9mm? In checking S&W's site, I only see barrels for the .22s. Are they sold from the parts department? (Just wanting to check on costs.)

As I said in post 18, Midway sells them for $65. Or you could try Brownell's. They are STOCK barrels. Storm Lake makes a 'conversion' barrel, but I have heard too many reports of them needing gun smithing to work properly. The factory barrels work the best.

The .45's are a completely different gun and are stuck as a .45. Unless someone makes a conversion slide.

Do a search on 40/9 barrel swap and you'll see a lot of guys that can answer your questions if you need more info.

I never did it, I just buy more guns.

 

[George9]

IMO a .45 is right.. A .40 is a hot load a .45 is a bigger bore but recoil it totally different.. .45 is a slower longer softer recoil.. IMO a .45 is easier on me then a 9mm.. You may want to shoot a few and see what you and she likes better.. M&P 22 to save money and add copious amounts of trigger time is a great choice for you both..I would suggest getting at leas 3 extra mags for the .22 this will give you both some good range time without breaking the bank.. My.02 worth!! But then again I'm a .45 guy! Best of luck! George

 

[BP_Z28]

I live in Lapeer...Touch choice still, but made my mind up for one and thats the .22 for cheap,plink,training,and like mentioned will go well with my 15-22 for some good ole range fun.


Next is either going to be a .40c or the full size..either one I go with I will def. Get the barrel swap.

 

[lhump1961]

I think the .22 is a fine choice as no one should be without a .22 pistol! I always take my .22 to the range and use it as a warm up/training gun. I can practice trigger control, sight picture, grip, ect....skills that are necessary for any gun and shoot many rounds cheaply. It us usually easier for new shooters to gain fundamental shooting skills if they are not worrying about recoil or loud reports. .22's are good confidence builders!

Down the road you can buy whatever caliber speaks to you but that .22 will be a go-to gun for many years and usually find it's way into the bag!

 

[Jyezahn]

I live in Lapeer...Touch choice still, but made my mind up for one and thats the .22 for cheap,plink,training,and like mentioned will go well with my 15-22 for some good ole range fun.


Next is either going to be a .40c or the full size..either one I go with I will def. Get the barrel swap.

Since you live in Lapeer, does that mean you have plenty of land where you can get in some good shooting practice? I know a lot of that area is acreage, and neighbors are quite distant.

 

[kisportolt]

I live in Lapeer...Touch choice still, but made my mind up for one and thats the .22 for cheap,plink,training,and like mentioned will go well with my 15-22 for some good ole range fun.


Next is either going to be a .40c or the full size..either one I go with I will def. Get the barrel swap.

Good choice! If your debate is now between a .40FS or C, personally I would go with the .40c because you can always buy FS mags and the grip extensions and pretty much have a FS (with a bit shorter barrel). If you bought a 9mm barrel and 9mm mags, you could feasibly have anywhere from a 9c to a .40FS

 

[Jyezahn]

^ Exactly. With the 40c, you could have 40, 357, and 9 all in compact, and with fullsize magazines for the FS feel.

 

[mag318]

I'd go with the M&P22 for her. She can practise with it learning the M&Ps manual of arms plus it's fun to shoot. When she's ready let her shoot your M&P9 (I recommend the 9c) and some future date perhaps buy her a M&P9c when she feels comfortable with yours. You too can practise with the M&P22, think of the money you'll save on ammunition. The M&P22 is not only a great training aid, it's a pistol you'll both enjoy.

 

[BP_Z28]

I was reading somewhere IDK on here or maybe a video I watched on youtube, but they were comparing shot placement with a .40 & a .40c. Granted they are practically the same size there shoulndn't be to much of a difference should there? Or was it just user errors?


I know during rifle talk a longer barrel will be more accurate than a shorter, so the same applies which pistols?

 

[Jyezahn]

For rifles, yes, longer barrels are more accurate with the right support. For handguns, it really depends on the shooter. Why? Because a shooter with good trigger/muzzle control (little to no movement of front sight upon trigger break) will be more accurate with the longer barrel. A shooter with less trigger/muzzle control, may be more accurate with the shorter barrel, as there may be less deviation from target. Above all, it really depends on the shooter. Weight and balance, forearm strength, shoulder strength, wrists, etc. will also play a variable.