M&P FS 9mm Options

[Greg9]

I'm looking for some advice buying a FS 9mm. I've been forum surfing myself into oblivian going back and forth through the models.

Primary Use: Home Defense, accurate, fun pistol the wife is comfortable shooting and I can use for casual competing/out shooting my buddies. It won't be an EDC, I'll just open carry it at the lease etc so length isn't a major factor in that consideration.

The trigger is probably the biggest deciding factor between the options. I went to my LGS and got to dry fire the Standard M&P 9mm and the Pro 5". I wasn't a big fan of the standard trigger but I thought the Pro was a really decent trigger. Obviously lighter but also felt like it had a much cleaner break. It seems like online the APEX kit is universally adored while the pro triggers get mixed reviews. I've also read a few reports that the factory triggers are inconsistent, some are great some less so. Final rumors is there were some trigger modifications in 2012. I gathered that was unfounded, but if it was true it would put less weight in the older commentary.
I liked the 3 dot sights fine, I wasn't a huge fan of the fiber optic on first impression, although I'm sure I would get used to it and may shoot it a little better down the road. Night sights would be nice for home defense but I plan on keeping a light/laser on it for home so not a huge deal.

Options:
Standard M&P 9mm: $430+$160 APEX kit = $590
+APEX trigger
-No match barrel, No night sights

M&P Pro 4.25: $540
+night sights, match barrel
-4.25" sight radius, not an APEX trigger

Pro 5" $585
+Should be most accurate
-no night sights, not an APEX trigger

Springfield XDM 5.25": $530
+comes with case, holster, mag pouch, 19+1 capacity
-haven't held one, presumably not as clean trigger

Any thoughts/advice?

 

[Bkreutz]

Based on your description of your needs. I'd recommend the FS9 (4.25) with an Apex FSS and polymer trigger. My EDC is a 9c with a stock trigger (but it has around 4000 rounds through it so the stock trigger is just fine for that role). I also have a FS9 and a 9L Pro Core. The Core I use for competition, (IDPA,USPSA, and Steel Challenge). I have an Apex FSS and Poly trigger (and a number of other modifications). The FS I have left stock (with a few internal modifications) and use that when I want to shoot Production classes (actually it sits in the safe most of the time because the Core is much more fun to shoot. )) You really don't have to do much to a M&P, you can get the Apex FSS kit which will shorted the trigger travel and eliminate the over travel, but if all you're concerned about is the gritty trigger, that can be fixed by polishing the trigger bar where it contacts the striker block plunger. (there are pictures somewhere on this forum). Good luck with your decision, hope this is helpful.

 

[AGoyette]

From what you have said, I would go with option #2. The 4.25" Pro. It has the night sights so you won't have to buy them. The M&P line did get some changes starting in 2010 (sear block). It got a new trigger bar (now marked with an H), new barrel with a faster twist rate (marked with either 1 or 2 dimples on the barrel), larger sear spring and plunger, they have also improved the slide lock lever.
Whether or not you want to put an Apex kit in is up to you. I would recommend shooting it for a few hundred rounds before you decide. On my 9c I shot 7-8 hundred rounds through it before I decided to put the duty/carry kit in it. It has been in about a month and I just put in the Apex polymer trigger. On my 5" Pro, it is a 2010 model and I already knew exactly what I wanted to put on it. I put the full FSS kit in it. I am going to the range today to fire them after putting in a new trigger and the FSS kit.
Springfield does make a nice gun if you decide to go that way. Personally I was looking at the XDS in 9mm. Loved how they felt pre recall. After recall, I hate the trigger. So it is no longer on my list.
If you do decide to go with the M&P and have questions about the Apex products, Apex is wonderful about answering questions. Everyone there is very knowledgeable. Their products are pricey, but they are worth the money in my opinion.

 

[OKFC05]

Primary Use: Home Defense, accurate, fun pistol the wife is comfortable shooting and I can use for casual competing/out shooting my buddies.
The trigger is probably the biggest deciding factor between the options.

I bought the 4.25" Pro for these purposes, and the 5" Pro specifically for IDPA/SSP and USPSA Production.
Personally, I would NOT want the APEX FSS in a gun used for defense, because after the tunnel vision hits and fine motor skills disappear, you are going to do exceptionally well to get the front sight on the center of mass and pull the trigger. "Resets" and such things are irrelevant at such time.

As to the online comments, here's mine: short resets and light triggers are a fad now, and far too often used to try to compensate for lack of trigger control. Certainly a lighter trigger will somewhat mask yanking the trigger. Trying to shoot exactly from reset is a tactical mistake and a training nightmare. (these words are not original with me. Ken Hackathorn and others said them first)

 

[Justin69]

My first pistol ever was a f/s 9mm m&p. GREAT GUN!!! You really cant go wrong with any of the 3 you are looking at

 

[Greg9]

Thanks, all great comments. The quiet trigger reset complaints were a bit of a mystery to me, but that makes more sense that the goal would be to shoot from exactly the trigger reset. If I'm shooting much less than 1 sec splits, I'm just spraying for fun so I'm not too worried about the trigger reset. I do like the lighter pull and clean break though, the 6.5# felt on the chunky side (I'm a shotgun/rifle guy, I guess I'm used to lighter triggers). After looking at the Apex stuff again, it looks like just the machined sear should take care of my desires for $40.

The other advantage of the pro is the match barrel and sights. I figure the tru glo tritium should be about $60. I haven't read much about the match barrel though or what kind of difference it makes. What kind of weight would you give to the barrel? Do you think there is a significant performance advantage?

I'm kinda leaning toward the Pro 4.25 as well. Although I don't think Id turn down a particularly good deal on any of them. I saw on here they had the range kit for $500 this week at Cabelas, but unfortunately I couldn't find that price online.

 

[Llando88]

Excellent advice in this thread from some respected members.

I can only add that I was in your shoes about six months ago.

I ended up with a FS 9mm 4.25 #209301.

I installed a set of Trijicon HD Yellow sights, the Apex DCAEK and Polymer trigger, a catalyst mag release and a Talon grip. I love it.

EDIT I would add I shot a bunch of different rental pistols at the range before deciding. Actually shooting the pistol makes you consider things that you just don't get by fondling the guns at the counter.

 

[PastureOfMuppets]

Any thoughts/advice?

Don't overthink it. Also, don't be hold on too hard to the idea of your wife shooting it - take her to the range and shoot a few rentals and see what she likes. If she doesn't like one you do, get her one she likes - she won't have motivation to shoot and train on a gun she doesn't like.


If those are the ones you like, get the one with the best deal you can. Personally, I wouldn't sweat a match barrel - for quite a while the gun is going to be more accurate than you are and a huge amount of people personally and professionally stake their lives on a normal barrel.

I also wouldn't sweat night sights. Particularly if it won't be carried. For your home, invest in a few night lights around the house and a flashlight. Night sights I find distracting, and a lot of the time I'm not even using them in competition.

Trigger... for competition... I wouldn't sweat that either initially. But if you don't like the trigger, maybe find the gun with the trigger you like and add APEX trigger to that budget or go with something in the same price and get a quality holster with the money. If you get an M&P, I would run the gun for 2000+ trigger job before deciding if it needed it.

People really do get over excited about triggers, learn to use one first.

Holster... don't use an included holster in a kit as a value add. Springfield does have a decent trigger. Also, budget for a good gun belt - it's as important as the holster.



Looking at the list... I would probably go with the pro 5" given the info. Accurate, trigger meant to be just fine. Good basic cost and you can add to it as, when or if you need to.

I don't know if I mentioned it enough... don't sweat it too hard - it's too easy to get into the blah blah's about gear, it's more important to get into the blah blahs on how to shoot.

 

[larryschwartz]

I went through the same decision making parocess s you, but with the .40 instead of the 9mm.

I shot both the standard M&P with the 4.25" barrel and the Pro CORE with the 5" barrel. I can tell you that the Pro CORE had a nicer trigger and the extra .75" does help with muzzle flip. My daughter has the standard 4.5" in the .40 and she and my friends all notice a marked difference in shooting between the two.

Hope this helps.

 

[BobC357]

I got the FS 9 late 2013 and the trigger was a bit gritty at first. Now after a several hundred rounds through it, is it much better. I may do like my wheel guns and hand polish the components with an Arkansas stone to really smooth it out however, it seems to be improving with use.

 

[Sharonk]

If your wife is a consideration, then I can speak to that....I love my standard FS 9mm 4.25. It feels great in my hand and the recoil is manageable. I was prepared to install Apex Trigger...even bought it, but after a few hundred rounds, it was shot so smoothly and reset so well that I never ended needing to do so. I have Truglo TFO green dot sights on it and love them. I know two people who purchased them after seeing mine work so well on an indoor range. I also have an XDM 3.8 which is a great gun, but the M&P FS feels a lot more comfortable for me to shoot, and I think she would find that too.

 

[OS-Wiz]

I went with the SKU 209301 (no Magazine lock), 4.25" barrel for Home Defense (HD). I also put on TruGlo TFO night sights. I was lucky, I guess, as after a couple hundred rounds the trigger smoothed out; I find the trigger reset tactile, but barely audible. I picked Hornady Critical Duty 135g +p for HD which feed well and have a bullet strike very similar to standard load 115g range ammo.

 

[mbrodack]

M&P 9 vs. XDM

Greg- In my opinion the M&P's ergonomics & overall feel is much better than the XDM, and certainly better than any square-shaped Glock I've ever shot. However the M&P trigger is an issue; why S&W doesn't address this from the factory is beyond me. I love my M&P FS 4.25, it feels great especially the way it sits low in your hand, but my wife found the XDM FS was a better handling pistol for her. Needless to say, we're a split household. Admittedly as far as trigger & accuracy right out of the box, the XDM is better; again, in my opinion. The fact the XDM kit comes with a paddle holster and a speed loader is a nifty-add as well. I'm going with the APEX mod's in my M&P soon as I recently was speaking with some competition shooters and they liked the M&P for the same reasons I do. Those guys all said that after the trigger mod's, the M&P ended up as a better pistol overall. With the added cost of the APEX kit, you'll be into the M&P for about the same $ as the XDM out of the box, if you shop around. Bottom line is go to a range that has rentals and shoot both, and then buy the pistol(s) which feels best for you and your wife (it took us 3 trips to our local GS with an indoor range & shooting about 250 rounds overall to make our decision). Good luck.

 

[Venenoindy]

Don't overthink it. Also, don't be hold on too hard to the idea of your wife shooting it - take her to the range and shoot a few rentals and see what she likes. If she doesn't like one you do, get her one she likes - she won't have motivation to shoot and train on a gun she doesn't like.


If those are the ones you like, get the one with the best deal you can. Personally, I wouldn't sweat a match barrel - for quite a while the gun is going to be more accurate than you are and a huge amount of people personally and professionally stake their lives on a normal barrel.

I also wouldn't sweat night sights. Particularly if it won't be carried. For your home, invest in a few night lights around the house and a flashlight. Night sights I find distracting, and a lot of the time I'm not even using them in competition.

Trigger... for competition... I wouldn't sweat that either initially. But if you don't like the trigger, maybe find the gun with the trigger you like and add APEX trigger to that budget or go with something in the same price and get a quality holster with the money. If you get an M&P, I would run the gun for 2000+ trigger job before deciding if it needed it.

People really do get over excited about triggers, learn to use one first.

Holster... don't use an included holster in a kit as a value add. Springfield does have a decent trigger. Also, budget for a good gun belt - it's as important as the holster.



Looking at the list... I would probably go with the pro 5" given the info. Accurate, trigger meant to be just fine. Good basic cost and you can add to it as, when or if you need to.

I don't know if I mentioned it enough... don't sweat it too hard - it's too easy to get into the blah blah's about gear, it's more important to get into the blah blahs on how to shoot.

This is great advice, before putting an 850 hp engine in a Mustang learn how to drive to its limits first with the stock engine (very few people can). I have three M&P's (one each 9mm pro models) an other than sights I will not do any mods since they are my SD tools, the more things you change in a firearm the more can go wrong so I suggest buy the gun and as much ammo as you can afford and become proficient with it.

 

[Bkreutz]

This is great advice, before putting an 850 hp engine in a Mustang learn how to drive to its limits first with the stock engine (very few people can). I have three M&P's (one each 9mm pro models) an other than sights I will not do any mods since they are my SD tools, the more things you change in a firearm the more can go wrong so I suggest buy the gun and as much ammo as you can afford and become proficient with it.

I second this recommendation and add a bit to it. Get involved in some kind of competition. Most ranges have an action pistol match. Then there are the sanctioned events (IDPA, USPSA, Steel Challenge). All of these will be a lot more fun than standing at the range punching holes in paper (you still need to do that too). You will meet a lot of interesting people, be challenged to improve your shooting, and it will get you out of the house. All the organizations are different from each other so find the one style that you like the best. (or do them all like I do ). This is my retirement activity. I practice at the range most weekdays, have a unsanctioned pistol match at my home range every week, and shoot 1 IDPA, 1 Steel Challenge, and 2 USPSA matches per month (weekends). Keeps me busy. After you get involved, the equipment needs that suit you the best will become apparent, then you can start spending money for the "do-dads" (they're part of the fun too.)

 

[tat2dchad]

in my opinion...the M&P40 is the best answer. a few extra bucks you can get a 9mm barrel for the gun and you now have 2 guns to chose from. options cant be bad.

i am currently looking at the apex trigger kits and the Dtaek or however its spelled seems like the best option...5-5.5 trigger pull so not to touchy from what ive read etc. less chance of a mistake in home defense or CC. 9 is a bit cheaper to shoot range wise etc. but to have the option of the .40 is also a nice bonus. i think Budsguns had it for $479.00 i went in to my local Gander which had it on sale for $529.00 showed them the page and they price matched straight away.

if nothing else...food for thought

 

[sarge1967]

I had a standard FS 9 and hated the trigger on it. By the time I figured up what it would cost to install an APEX FSS and night sights my $480.00 pistol became a $780.00 pistol. It was not worth it to me. I sold it and bought a 4.25 in Pro Series in 9 and am quite happy with it. I paid $515.00 at my LGS for it. The trigger is not an APEX but it us far better than the standard.

 

[shawn mccarver]

I think the full size M&P9 (4.25 inch) is a great gun, and I think the best way to buy it is SKU No. 209331, the Carry and Range Kit. You get three magazines and extras are hit and miss as far as being able to find them these days.

I am apparently in a minority as I do not "short stroke" or "shoot to reset" with any type of pistol or revolver, even the Glock. Therefore, I do not have any use for after market parts that make for an audible or tactile reset. Do what you like, but the model I have suggested is one you can use as a base if you want to add the after market parts to replace the S&W parts already in the gun.

That said, with the carry and range kit, the only optional item you need is a case or two of 9mm ammo so you can shoot often.

Good choice!

 

[PastureOfMuppets]

OP, did you end up getting one? Let us know!

 

[Vinney47]

If still thinking about it, another +1 for the Pro series 4.25" model. The trigger is more than adequate for self defense and showing up buddies while out shooting. The night sights are quality and another reason to get it factoring in home defense.

Personally, I think the apex trigger craze is overblown. Does the kit improve the trigger? Yes. But it's people trying to get the type of trigger pull you want on a hunting rifle but on a pistol built for self defense. No disrespect to anyone that has an apex trigger and loves it.