M&P 9 new buyer advice needed

[Lugger007]

Morning.

I have been looking at the new M&P 9 compact and really like it, especially with the 3 back straps fits my hand very nicely. I'm leaning towards a used one since this will be my first handgun to get comfortable with.
But even after reading the other M&P vs glock thread, I still have a couple questions.

-When looking at a used M&P what should I specifically be looking for other than major ware/scratches on the outside?

-what is a decent price? I have seen $399 at my local shop, and mid 4's on gun broker?

-Are there any recalls or certain production runs that I should try to stay away from?

That is all the questions I can remember that I wanted to ask, but sure I will have more.
Thank you very much for you time and I appreciate any and all help.

Brian

 

[Lugger007]

Morning.

I have been looking at the new M&P 9 compact and really like it, especially with the 3 back straps fits my hand very nicely. I'm leaning towards a used one since this will be my first handgun to get comfortable with.
But even after reading the other M&P vs glock thread, I still have a couple questions.

-When looking at a used M&P what should I specifically be looking for other than major ware/scratches on the outside?

-what is a decent price? I have seen $399 at my local shop, and mid 4's on gun broker?

-Are there any recalls or certain production runs that I should try to stay away from?

That is all the questions I can remember that I wanted to ask, but sure I will have more.
Thank you very much for you time and I appreciate any and all help.

Brian

 

[TonyL]

Brain, the prive sounds good. I have the FS 40 and it has not given me any problems. as you shoot try each backstrap to see a difference which one you shoot best with. Smith-Wesson has life time warrenty so don't worry. Enjoy it. Tony

 

[fiasconva]

If you have a chance find a range that rents them and shoot both a glock and the smith. You may shoot one much better than the other. Then you can decide which one you shoot the best and which one fits your hand the best. I tried the glocks and the M&P and the M&P won hands down.

 

[rollback88]

I got my M&P9 compact used with four mags, box, etc for $425. It had 1400 rounds through it when I got it and has had another 200 with me - zero issues.

Shooting it would be ideal, but I'm not aware of any concerns with the compact.

It is a GREAT carry gun, IMHO.

--jcd

Pepper - love that Austin Coil quote, but I guess he's really hurtin' the last couple of weeks. John Force DNQ two in a row? I was 9 last time that happened.

 

[Lugger007]

Pepper,
thanks for the site, will look into it further,

rollback88,
thanks for the experience. I plan to purchase this within the next month or so once everything is settle out with my new job.


One more question, what should i be looking for as to when i look at a used gun?

Thanks for all the advice.

 

[fomocofan]

Originally posted by TonyL:
Brain, the prive sounds good. I have the FS 40 and it has not given me any problems. as you shoot try each backstrap to see a difference which one you shoot best with. Smith-Wesson has life time warrenty so don't worry. Enjoy it. Tony

The M&P is NOT a lifetime warranty...It is a one year warranty and only to the original owner?

 

[rollback88]

Originally posted by fomocofan:
The M&P is NOT a lifetime warranty...It is a one year warranty and only to the original owner?

Incorrect. From the S&W website for the M&P...

n the design of the M&P, we considered the needs of military and law enforcement from every conceivable angle. No other polymer pistol offers this combination of versatility, durability and safety. ALL BACKED BY OUR SMITH & WESSON LIFETIME SERVICE POLICY.

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/P...rn=15711&isFirearm=Y

 

[rollback88]

Lugger007 - Assuming you can't shoot the gun first, appearance and condition will give you a clue to how well it was taken care of (which, in turn, provides a good idea of the overall condition/function of the gun). The 9c that I bought with 1400 rounds through it looked as "new" inside and out as my full size with 200 rounds.

On the M&P the melonite finish they put on the slide is stout. There should be no visible wear anywhere on the outside except on the barrel hood (around the little "ramp" on the part of the barrel stamped 9MM or 40, etc.) This is where the barrel may contact the slide as the gun cycles.

All in all, these are really tough guns. Not much to worry about in my observation.

From a pricing stand point, I use budsgunshop.com as the price comparison. Keep in mind you'll need to factor FFL transfer fees from an online compared to a local dealer.

--jcd

 

[cxm]

Given the fact the M&P comes with a lifetime warranty, there is not much to worry about in buying a M&P series pistol.

Normally a used M&P will have finish wear on the breech of the barrel where it is rubbed by the slide during use... this is normal and is going to happen unless you happen to collect safe queens... I don't worry about it... it has no effect on the function at all.

In addition, you will get some holster wear, on the slide... again nothing to worry about... in my mind it just gives the gun a "seasoned" look.

I like my M&P 9 a lot... fun to shoot, accurate and totally reliable... mine is now over 2,000 rounds without a single malfunction. A 45 min trigger job made the trigger really good, and IMHO nearly as good as my custom 1911s.

$399 is a pretty good price with four mags...



FWIW

Chuck

Originally posted by Lugger007:
Morning.

I have been looking at the new M&P 9 compact and really like it, especially with the 3 back straps fits my hand very nicely. I'm leaning towards a used one since this will be my first handgun to get comfortable with.
But even after reading the other M&P vs glock thread, I still have a couple questions.

-When looking at a used M&P what should I specifically be looking for other than major ware/scratches on the outside?

-what is a decent price? I have seen $399 at my local shop, and mid 4's on gun broker?

-Are there any recalls or certain production runs that I should try to stay away from?

That is all the questions I can remember that I wanted to ask, but sure I will have more.
Thank you very much for you time and I appreciate any and all help.

Brian

 

[ericboo]

I have had my Glock for about 3 years. That being said, I had my annual qualification for on and off-duty. First time out even touching a full-sized M&P, I shot a 99. Next came the Glock. I only got a 90. Of course I used different ammo for the Glock, but I just found the M&P to be a superb shooter. Savings my pennies as we speak!

What's the 45 minute trigger job?

 

[pennyjd]

I would go with the M&P, I have shot one and I love it. The M&P is made as well as the GLOCK, plus it has better safety features.

 

[TAC]

The biggest risk of buying a used M&P is when a kitchen-table-gunsmith tries to make the trigger feel like a Colt 1911 SA. I think most of the problems reported by M&P owners are a direct, or indirect result of this.

So when you're looking at it (if you get that luxury), ask the owner; Wow this trigger feels great, did you do any work on it? If he says yes, and he's not a true gunsmith, run!

 

[Lugger007]

rollback88,
On your comments about the warranty, how does smith handle this? Do I just call them if I have a problem hoping I don't and they will tell me what they are willing to do? I hope I never have a problem just want to be prepared.

Cxm as well as other users made mention to having a trigger job done,
Is this replacing the trigger or having a smith do work to it? I have little experience w/hand guns so please explain that to me, thank you.

TAC,
Thank you for the heads up about the trigger feel. Hopefully I will buy it from a shop that will allow me to fire it first, but if not and I find the best deal online then I'll make sure to ask about the trigger.


Once I do purchase the m&p 9c is there any upgrades or replacement part recommendations that I should start looking into?

Brian

 

[rollback88]

Call or email them with the problem and they'll give you shipping instructions (on their dime), they'll fix and ship it back.

My once had a bent guide rod in my Model 41. They just mailed me a new one.

It is really not much of a hassle in my limited experience. When a company the size and reputation of Smith & Wesson offers a Lifetime Warranty because not too many people will need it. But, it's there if the need arises.

As to upgrades - depends on the intended purpose. Night sights, laser sight, trigger job (which I personally would not recommend for a defense gun - a lawyer and jury could have a field day with a "tuned" gun used in a personal defense situation).

--jcd

 

[Lugger007]

yeah my use for this in the beginning is to get comfortable in the range first and then to become comfortable carrying with shortly after.

 

[David Hineline]

Originally posted by rollback88:

Originally posted by fomocofan:
The M&P is NOT a lifetime warranty...It is a one year warranty and only to the original owner?

Incorrect. From the S&W website for the M&P...

n the design of the M&P, we considered the needs of military and law enforcement from every conceivable angle. No other polymer pistol offers this combination of versatility, durability and safety. ALL BACKED BY OUR SMITH & WESSON LIFETIME SERVICE POLICY.

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/P...rn=15711&isFirearm=Y

The owners manual clearly states 1yr warranty to the original buyer, lifetime service is fee paid repair, not no charge warranty repair.

 

[rollback88]

I stand corrected - you're right, David. Says that in the revolver manual as well. Though, I've never heard of the one year or the original owner language being enforced.

I've heard that some issues may lead them to have the customer pay for shipping to them and depending on the work needed, they may charge a fee.

--jcd

 

[Lugger007]

Well the extra info about the warranty process does make me feel better knowing that Smith/Wesson will stand behind their product so strongly. If there was an issue and all I had to pay was shipping then to me that is not a deal breaker.
From everyone's info I feel that this purchase should be a very good one should an issue arise.

 

[Ironvic]

I'd check the small piece that serves to hold the removable backstrap grip in place. It has a small plastic tab that fits into a detent. The tab is easily damaged.