Is the M&P that much better than the SD?

[firebirdude]

edited. ...

 

[Backon4]

Here are some pics. I down't own the full size but do have full size mags for my compact. I will get pictures with that later. For now this will show the difference
Back to back


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Slide X Slide


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Overlay


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Pics were taken with my iphone so they aren't as good as I would like. Also the overlay is hard to take beacuse of the perspective but it is about 1/4 inch difference both ways.

I tried rotating the images. But can't get it to save rotated. You will have to click them and rotate them to get them to look right. Sorry.

 

[fx1]

Hi Backon4, looking to get another in the near future. What are the main differences between the M&P9 and SD9 in your opinion?

Thanks,

fx1

 

[Backon4]

I have a SD40, SD9, Sigma 40V and a M&P 40C. Here is the rundown from an owner who shoots all of them.
Sigma 40: great gun, long hard pull, surprise break, takes time to master
SD9/SD40: Awesome gun, front night sight, standard rail, thin, good trigger pull, somewhat less surprise in break, average reset, much easier to master and very accurate.
M&P 40c:Great gun, good trigger to start, lightens up tremendously with lots of use ( mine went from 7lbs new to 3.5lbs after 1500 rounds or so but has not gotten any lighter in the last 1500 since), nice reset and surprisingly accurate for a compact.

Now which do I carry and keep on my nightstand? Drum roll please!





The SD40, at only about a 1/4 inch longer and 1/8 inch taller (when the 40c has pinky extension) but thinner than the 40c it also packs 14 rounds of .40 and shoots very very well. Also for a personal, home defense gun you want a trigger that is intentional.This will mean less chance of an accidental discharge when your adrenaline is going 1000mph. My M&P has become too hairy for me to feel comfortable carrying but feels great at the range. If the SD fits your hand well then don't be afraid of it. It will do the job and will do it well.

For those of you saying oh but the M&P 40 full is 15 rounds and has swappable back straps, yes you are correct. But it is much larger than the SD, has that pesky beaver tail, and cost another $100 without night sites.

Regardless of mine or anyone else's opinions try to shoot both before you buy. In the end it is what you feel the most comfortable with that will make the biggest impact. I personally would feel safe with any S&W auto on my night stand.

Here you go I didn't feel like retyping it all.

 

[Backon4]

Thickness and length with full size mags


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Back to back full size mag and my 2 year olds feet.


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[fx1]

Thanks. Was trying to justify the next purchase of an M&P, shot my buddies and did like it...a lot. But the hand just gravitates back to the SD. So..many...cool...guns...arrgghh!! Maybe sleep and a couple of weeks will bring clarity. Thanks again and take care.

fx1

 

[Bad Andy]

Awesome pics. Thanks Backon4!!

It looks like the slide and body of the SD is just a bit slimmer than the M&P. Do you have a set of calipers handy to check?

 

[Backon4]

SD 1.004
M&P 1.084

Measured the slide thickness because the frames contours made it too hard to get a consistent size.

 

[Bad Andy]

Thanks again!

 

[Backon4]

no problem

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

So where can one get an M&P new for $400???????????

 

[S&W Rover]

Bud's just had them for $399, plus S&W had a $50 rebate that just ended on 31 Jan 11. Prices seem to be bouncing up and down a bit, up at the moment, and they might/might not reinstate a rebate. I would check places like Jet Guns, CDNN, Bud's, etc., for best prices at any given time (Jet Guns price at the moment is $453).

 

[oldtexan]

So where can one get an M&P new for $400???????????

If you qualify for the LE discount you can get an M&P for $399.95 or an SD for $309.95 at GT Distributors.

 

[lonestarlizard]

SD40

I have the SD40 and am warming up to it more and more. Does anyone here know if the SD40 and SD9 barrels/mags are interchangeable? Just wondering if buying a 9mm barrel and mag would convert the 40 for shooting 9mm.

Buds had the SD40LE for $320 earlier this month. That's where I got mine.

 

[sheepdawg]

I have an MP 40 Pro and though I haven't shot an SD lately I can't imagine it fitting my hand any better or having a better trigger.
About 1K through it and the trigger gets better every visit to the range. Getting 5 round, 2" groups, no rest, at 15 yds. What more could you ask for?

 

[thndrchiken]

I bought the SD9 over the M&P and XD, I have small hands and it just fit me much better. The fact that it was $100 cheaper was nice as well.