just got my first hand gun a M&P9

[evilnick06]

I just pick up a M&P9 full size with thumb safety, Trijicon night sights, and it came with 3 mags. I got it with the background check for $569. When looking at other places and deciding to get the stuff after it cost a lot more so it seems like I got a great deal. I took it to my intermediate handgun class yesterday and put 200 rounds through it. No problems the only thing is I shoot to the left so I got to move the sights over a little, any advice on what tools to use would help. I know the general knowlegde since the instructor told me what to do but the help would be appreciated. Since I am out of town right now I will have to load pictures later. Just a quick questions and you might think I am stupid for this but say I wanted to get the original sights will S&W send them to me. I would like to have a backup set just in case something happens with these Trijicon sights. Also whats the best ammo in your choice for shooting at targets and for carrying. I been getting the mega box(its a yellow box) with 250 rounds in it at walmart and was just curious on your guys stance. Since you all have way more experience than I do in any of this. Thanks for the help.

 

[johnmed3]

I' have the full size (4.25) barrel, but mine is a .357 sig/.40 cal.

On the 357 sig i use winchester rangers for self defense/carry, and winchester (white box) for target. On the .40 cal I use winchester PDX1 bonded 180 gr for self defense/carry. For target I use winxhester (white box). Just got a 250 UMC Remington "mega pack" yesterday. Gonna give those a try after the holidays.

About the sights, i don't know, you will have to give S&W a call. By the way I' also have the trijicon night sights, i guess we'l see how they hold up !?

 

[evilnick06]

Thanks. I hope they do but like i said I would like the other just in case and if something does happen then all I got to do is switch them out. Now all I got to do is fix my site and just try some different ammo after I get the sights right. Love the gun though.

 

[jsmitth]

First off, congrats on your first gun. Good choice with the M&P9. I carry the M&P9 as well. For self defense i use Federal Premium 9mm Luger 124 Gr. Hydra-shok JHP, and for target I shoot PMC. PMC for me is about $10 for 50 and I blow right through them.

 

[leejack]

Congrats on your purchase, very nice!

 

[evilnick06]

thanks

Thanks guys. For target shooting I shoot the walmart mega box of 250 rounds right now. I am still on vacation so I haven't had time to go find some defense ammo yet but I will try when I get back if not. I will at least fix my sights and go from there.

 

[calward]

Hornady TAPS is also a well-known defensive round. Not sure of the price difference between those and Hydra Shok. I believe 124 grams is typically identified as a good compromise for weight and velocity (the heavier the bullet the slower it goes).

 

[lead sled]

Before you change the sights put it on a sand bag and shoot it. The way you grip the gun can push/pull the shot to one side or another. When I got my M&P I was shooting lower left. I used a sand bag and found it shot dead on. After putting many rounds down range I don't have that issue anymore. If the sites are off....check with smith or your local gun shop. The local guys can normally move em. There is a tool for the sites but it is expensive ($100) or so and there are cheaper ways to do it.

 

[vista461]

When I got my M&P I was shooting lower left. I used a sand bag and found it shot dead on. After putting many rounds down range I don't have that issue anymore.

Same here, don't know if its because I came from Glock shooting or what, but I was shooting low/left when I got the M&P and now after a few hundred rounds it's right on.

 

[evilnick06]

thanks

It probably is right on but how I shoot I end up shooting to the left. My class instructor was the one who recommend it. But ya I will try the sand bag just to check. Thanks for the help guys.

 

[Lost Lake]

I just picked up a new M&P 40 off GunBroker.com. I was looking and found the dealer only a couple of miles from my house! I paid $399 plus $25 for the paperwork, so $424 out the door. It has 3 clips and the case, but just standard sights and it has the magazine lock. I don't know if I want to take that off yet or not. My model 41 has a mag lock also.

I saw ammo on Gunbroker for $225 / 1000 shells. $30 for shipping. So $255 or 25.5 cents per round.... That makes a box of 50 cost me $12.25. I haven't shopped for .40 ammo so I don't know what it should cost. I really need to stock up on brass so I can start loading my own, but to start off I'll have to pay.

 

[chuck s]

Nick --

Stance? As in shooting stance? This should have been covered in your "basic" shooting course. Two major schools of thought. Both are "best" so you'll have to pick the one best for you.

I'm highly suspicious about an "intermediate" course that expends 200 rounds. The least I've fired in one of several "basic" courses is 800 and a couple went to the 2000 round mark. All these basic courses were two and three day duration. A two-hour, 200 round (or even one day) "intermediate" course?

-- Chuck

 

[evilnick06]

Ya

ya they did cover the stances in the intermediate course. I get what your saying but the basic is just an intro you fire three guns. A .38, .22, and a 9mm and see what you like. The intermediate you stick with one gun. We covered both stances, trigger reset, and some other things. Now for that amount of ammo they do have course like that but one you either have to have your permit or two be active in the military or police to get into it. Each place is different on how they do things and I am starting to figure out what I like best. So I will practice with it some more before I even fix my sights. It could be anything from my stance to grip to the sights. I will let you know when I find out. Thanks for the help guys.