M&P9 Pro for IPSC, worth it?

[xeon06]

Hey guys,

I'm looking at buying a handgun, and I'm pretty set on an M&P in 9mm. I've had people let me try theirs a few time and I really like it. For now it would be just for basic target shooting, but I really want to get into IPSC seriously before long. I'm kind of torn between getting the full size model, or the pro model. From what I understand, the pro has: longer slide, fiber optic sights, and a better trigger pull. I would install an APEX trigger kit in either model that I got, so that nullifies the trigger advantage. What is left then, is the longer slide (better sight radius) and the fiber optic sights. I would absolutely love a better sight radius. I've never seen what the fiber optic sights look like, so I don't know about that.

Onto the disadvantages of the pro. The big one for me, is that here in Canada, for a 100$ less, I can get a standard M&P with the range and carry kit, that has two more mags, a mag pouch, a holster and a speedloader. Whereas the pro is more expensive and none of those accessories. In order to eventually shoot IPSC, I would have to get more mags (which aren't cheap, about 45$ a piece from what I've seen, when they're in stock) and all the equipment. If I just get a range & carry kit, I can start shooting competition as soon as I feel like. My other big issue is that I've read that a lot of people find the slide on the pro to be really heavy, and not suitable for quick shooting. I've read the word "sluggish" when describing it. I'm not anywhere yet fast enough that I would notice that, but I'd rather it not be an eventual hindering if I get better, especially considering the other cons. And finally, I've read that those sights require a bit of maintenance? Like actually changing the "tubes" every once in a while? Is there any truth to that, and is that costly?

So that's basically my dilemma. I read everywhere that the Pro is a great competition gun, but I'm trying to see if I can justify the huge initial cost of it when thinking of mags and accessories, and just the plain cost of the gun itself. In you guy's opinion, is it worth it?

Thanks.

 

[Bkreutz]

My advice, go to a few matches and see what people are shooting in the various classes and then decide. I shoot IDPA SSP and ESP and alternately use a 5" Pro CORE 9 or a FS9. I got the CORE because I wanted the expandability of optics in the future. I haven't used them (optics) yet but am rolling the idea of steel challenge around in my head. I don't find the 5" to be cumbersome in fact I like the weight because I think it helps followup shot placement. I still think seeing what the "regulars" shoot. There is probably a good reason for the decision.

 

[chencho]

when you begin shooting ipsc the cost of your trainning rises like bubbles. the m&p9L is plenty more than enough, renember that if you use the PRO you have to reduce the trigger pull and is more usefull to have extra mags.
the "xtra" weight in the slide is not relevant because....just because. don t put attention to it.
i´ve shoot ipsc production with an m&pc and had no problems with it. so go for what is cheaper because youll need all the extra money.

 

[jeffhughes]

My 12 year old runs a 5" M&P Pro 9mm. I run a 40.

The range kit is nice, if you compete in Production you will still need more mags and mag pouches.

Also, the full Apex trigger kit is not legal in Production, only the internals.

If you go with the Range Kit instead of the Pro you can choose your own sights. The sights on the Pro are nice, but there are better available from Warren Tactical, Dawson, 10-8, etc.

The slide on the Pro is much sleeker looking, and not sluggish at all. I run the Apex FFS on mine in Limited and had a very good trigger job done on his for 60.00.

Here's my kid running his 9 Pro www.Facebook.com/JohnHughesCompetitionShooter

 

[handgunner356]

No doubt money wise the range kit would be a little easier to start with. The kits come with three mags, so that is one extra, plenty if they're 17 rounders'. Holster, mag pouch and extra mag is $100 itself so that does add to your initial cost with the 5". I like the extra length for faster sighting and follow up shots myself, never noticed it being "sluggish".

 

[OKFC05]

There are two versions of the M&P Pro: 4 1/4" bbl with night sights and 5" barrel with fiber optic sights. I have both.
What is most suited for competition is the 5" Pro with fiber optic sights; I shoot it in USPSA Production and IDPA/SSP.
I disagree that the trigger must be modified for competition, and shoot the 5" Pro bone stock. How "snappy" you want the slide to opeprate depends on your ammunition and choice of recoil springs. Shooting the stock spring with 124gr FMJ at PF 130 gives smooth operation and easy controllability.
If you load sub-power ammo, you need a lighter recoil spring.

Believe me, you want the fiber optic sights much more than a lighter trigger if you are serious about competition, and the longer barrel is actually a speed advantage for target transition.

I recommend you get 5 magazines for IPSC competition if you are serious. And try to wear a couple of them out in practice.

 

[jeffhughes]

There are two versions of the M&P Pro: 4 1/4" bbl with night sights and 5" barrel with fiber optic sights. I have both.
What is most suited for competition is the 5" Pro with fiber optic sights; I shoot it in USPSA Production and IDPA/SSP.
I disagree that the trigger must be modified for competition, and shoot the 5" Pro bone stock. How "snappy" you want the slide to opeprate depends on your ammunition and choice of recoil springs. Shooting the stock spring with 124gr FMJ at PF 130 gives smooth operation and easy controllability.
If you load sub-power ammo, you need a lighter recoil spring.

Believe me, you want the fiber optic sights much more than a lighter trigger if you are serious about competition, and the longer barrel is actually a speed advantage for target transition.

I recommend you get 5 magazines for IPSC competition if you are serious. And try to wear a couple of them out in practice.

I agree, but cost is an issue for the OP.

I don't know what part of the state you are in, but you should check out Matt Rigsby's trigger jobs. 60 bucks smooths it out and greatly improves the reset. Not needed, but very nice to have.

 

[Wee Hooker]

I'm no expert but have "played". I've also owned 8 M&P's to date and still keep 4. Two are 5" Pro's. To me, the Pro has a trigger that is plenty competitive right out of the box. The FO front and extended blacked out rear is tuned for a fast acquisition. It beats the std 3 dot system hands down. Yes you can do ( and I have) an apex kit/self trigger job and replace the sights (Dawson Precision!) but the costs add up quick.
Bottom line, if you buy a basic M&P, I'd be prepared to drop another $100-$150 into it if you want to get it to the functional level of the pro.

ps. Magazines for M&P's are in short supply these days. If you find them for less than $40, grab them up!

 

[Chevy4240]

I have been interested in IPSC for a long time and also the steel challenge and did some reserch as well and I ended buying the core 9L .I did not put the optic on right away and practiced at the range for a couple of months with it and found it to be a great gun to shoot and could not find anything wrong with it. I just love it ! I put on the deltapoint sight and shoot alot of steel and all I can say is WOW ! I'm very impressed with it and my times are improving everytime I go out. Yes you go through alot of ammo but I buy it from canadian bdx out of edmonton ,combat master ammo is pretty great and the PF is 137, and cheap for a case of 1200. I have six mags and I found them from 41.00 to 49.00 and in stock at most places I phoned. I also got a speed holster from Comp-Tech and some mag pouches and they work great to. Well no matter what sport you choose it will cost you some money you just have to shop around ! Heading out for another practice session today can't wait , love this sport!