M&P 9c vs 40c vs 45c, I want just one!

[canoesota]

I am looking at getting a new S&W Model M&P 9c, 40c, or 45c. I want to mainly shoot the gun for fun at the range, but will also be getting my Minnesota CCW Permit in the near future. I personally think that the 9mm is fun to shoot, and I like the price of the ammo. I have no plans to reload the ammo for the gun I am trying to pick out. I also have omitted the 357 Sig from my comparison, as it is tough to get ammo for. I feel the 40 cal is a good cartridge, but feel it's a wrist snapper, and usually want to stop shooting after 50 rounds with the full size Glock G22 and G35 that I have rented before at the range. I have had much fun shooting the 45 Auto in a Kimber 1911, and Springfield XD models. I already own a 586 357 Mag with a 6 inch barrel. This is my fun gun to target shoot with, and also my home defense gun, along with a 12 gauge shotgun. I have tried a bunch of J frames at the range, and really don't care to shoot them much. Even the stainless steel Model 60 3 inch was ok in 38 Special, but really smacks your hand with 357 Mag loads in it. I was ready to stop shooting after 10 rounds! So which M&P Compact is the best choice for paper punching and occasionally carrying for self defense? I am going to shoot all three, but a curious about your thoughts!

 

[southernbygrace]

I have a 40cal, but due to cheaper rounds I'd go 9mm.

 

[Crazy K38]

if it's for concealed carry I would go with the .40 and BTW the glock jumps alot more in .40 than my SW99 does

 

[nucone]

I have the M&P 40c and full size as well. When I bought the 40c, I really wanted the 9mm but is was being made with that exotic material called unobtainium in my area at the time. The cost of 40 ammo is higher and the recoil much sharper but it is a better defensive round IMO. In my area, the 40 cal ammo seems to be more available than either the 9mm or 45 (which is almost non-existent). Its funny that my local Walmart has had 2 boxes of 357Sig sitting on the shelves for over 2 months now. It doesn't seem popular in Arkansas.

I have only shot a 45 in a full size 1911 and a Colt New Agent (compact size). My subjective comparison between the 45 and 40 is that the recoil is about the same but the 40 seems snappier. I don't know how the M&P 45 shoots in comparison.

Based on your statements, it appears the M&P 9c would be in order based on your desire to shoot a long time and with occassional defensive carry.

 

[USAF385]

Absolutely LOVE the .40 cal. One reason I've been buying more .40s lately is everyone had 9mm and at least around this neck of the woods 9mm ammo is non existent.

 

[EOD Guy]

For you intended purposes, I'd recommend the M&P9c. Ammo is reasonable and comes in a nearly endless variety of rounds. Gives you +2 rounds in the magazine. Cheap for the range. Use +P ammo for defense and you've got all the power you really need. I've got one... love it.

 

[Grandma]

I own two M&P .40's, the FS and Compact. I love them both. The compact does have a bit more kick than the FS but it is very manageable, as a matter of fact I shoot more accurate with the compact.
I am a 115 pound Grandma and have no problem at the range now shooting 150 rounds at a time through either of them. However, when I first started shooting them, my arms and hands would be too tired and shakey after 50 rounds to shoot anymore. It only took a few trips to the range to build up my strength and stamina to where I was able to shoot 100 rounds without getting tired. Now I would like to keep shooting after 150 rounds, but with the cost and availabity of ammo it just isn't feasable. Just my 2 cents.

 

[a1racer]

Absolutely LOVE the .40 cal. One reason I've been buying more .40s lately is everyone had 9mm and at least around this neck of the woods 9mm ammo is non existent.

same here in socal 9mm is imposable to find but the 40cal is available most of the time and not to expensive like some of the other rounds like the 357 or 45 near me

 

[LuddhaBuddha]

I personally would go with the 45c, it's not as compact as the other two, but it is about the same size as my commander that I carry everyday, it conceals just fine so I don't think I would have any problem with carrying the 45c.

 

[shootmeselfinfoot]

Not sure if it's available on m&p, but other guns like Sig you can buy a 40c & put in a 9c barrel but not the other way around. i.e. Bar-Sto barrels. Hence you get "2 guns" in one. I would also mention the 22cal conversion kit on the Sig but I heard it's bad & expensive. (barrel + slide)

good luck!

 

[southernbygrace]

But do any of ya'll find the M&P 40 heavy to carry concealed. Being a big guy it tends to drag the pants down. At least I stuggle with it.

 

[pawncop]

I carry my M&P 45 ACP as duty gun, not really good for concealed carry unless you are larger framed than I am.

Not a big fan of the 9mm as I have seen way too many people not taken down by the 9mm. I know, I know, bullet placement and all that, and I do not challange anyone who chooses the 9mm, it's not for me. There are those that disagree and I respect their opinions.

 

[nucone]

But do any of ya'll find the M&P 40 heavy to carry concealed. Being a big guy it tends to drag the pants down. At least I stuggle with it.

I carry the M&P40c both IWB and OWB. I haven't had any problem with pants dragging down but did note that with OWB carry, a heavy belt helps a lot.

 

[USAF385]

I've also carried the 40c with no issues.

 

[Pasifikawv]

I like the .40. Great caliber in my book. Not the hand-cannon of the .45 but more defensive power than a 9mm. It is more expensive than 9mm ammo but we have not had a .40 shortage in my area...

 

[Knightrider03m]

9mm would do you fine

 

[EOD Guy]

But do any of ya'll find the M&P 40 heavy to carry concealed. Being a big guy it tends to drag the pants down. At least I stuggle with it.

My M&P40c is my primary CCW pistol. With a good holster it's not too heavy and very concealable. Occationally, I carry my full-size M&P40, but not often... not because of weight, but just because I don't feel the need for the additional 5 rounds.

 

[canoesota]

Thanks everyone for the replies. Lots of good comments, you will help me make up my mind. The range I go to says that they have all three available for rent to shoot. I will do so before making up my mind.

 

[TXbug]

The 45c conceals well and carries 8 in the magazine. The 9c and 40c are smaller than the 45c. I prefer the 45.

If you only want one and want some versatility, the 40c with a .357 SIG barrel would get you two for a very reasonable price.

 

[BigRich315]

I'm tempted to get a 357 barrel for my 40c, then I can stop staring at those 2 boxes on the Wally World shelf.

Anything 9mm OR .40 is nonexistant around these parts, but when/if it picks back up it will probably return to 9mm being cheaper and more plentiful. Both are proven SD rounds, so I would have to go with the 9c if I were in your shoes. Not trading in my .40 just yet though.