Need Advice Please

[martintm]

Hi all, I am in need of some advice here.
I am currently looking to buy a .40 S&W but I am stuck between two.
I found a new S&W SD40 with two 10rd mags for $300.

I also found a used private security law enforcement trade in of the M&P40 (full size) for $300 which includes two 15rd mags.
They told me (online) that is is a “better batch as far as cosmetic and mechanical wear go”

I am stuck between the two and looking to use them for self defense, concealed carry, and range use. If anyone has any advice I would greatly appreciate it!


What’s the better deal?


I also found a new SAR9mm for $300.Don’t know too much about them but have heard nothing but great things. Any advice on that deal would be appreciated as well!

 

[kev74]

The M&P is a nicer gun than the SD40,.

You will never wear any of these out, so buying used shouldn't be a concern.

I don't have an opinion on the SAR.

 

[URIT]

Without knowing the condition of your choices, I'd have a hard time justifying one over the other.

The SAR9mm is a fine handgun with 17 round mags.
The M&P is a newer model than the SD with 15 round mags.
The SD is the oldest and with 10 round mags. It is also harder to find a holster for them.

They all have a 4+ inch barrel so more than likely a OWB holster choice for CCW.

 

[Maddog 521]

Research the M&P 40 FS and read everything that you can. Is it the 2.0 or the 1.0 generation? Either one is good to go. I have a 1.0 and I"m keeping mine.

 

[Sevens]

The Smith & Wesson SD-series is a quality handgun with a horrendous trigger and a series of guns that will offer very limited holster selection. You can go to Apex Tactical for parts to upgrade the horrendous trigger, but it ends up a silly exercise to throw that much aftermarket money at a low-end handgun.

The trade-in M&P40 full size guns tend to be a pretty darn good deal, but they usually tend to be earlier generations of the M&P pistol... where many also complain about the quality and feel of the trigger. Even still, I think you are ahead of the game to get the used M&P 40 turn-in guns over new SD-series or SW9/SW40 series pistols.

There are also scads of quality used magazines available for the M&P 40 guns.

I am eager to come across a SAR on the range that I can try, but until then, it's all hear say.

I think the M&P40 is the way to go with the options you've listed.

 

[stansdds]

Although the SD pistols are reliable, for the same price I'd take an M&P. The M&P is simply better.

 

[gwpercle]

My wife has always said ...bigger is better ... and I agree .
Two 15 round magazines beats two 10 round magazine every time !
Except for "maybe" the concealed carry aspect ... for every other use you have listed I would go with the M&P 40 , the full sized pistol will serve you well in that chambering (I like the 40 S&W myself ) .
And that's a good price ...most law enforcement trade ins were carried a lot but shot little ... the ones I've bought have been good values .

Gary

 

[Bozz10mm]

Go with the M&P. Unless you want an 8 lb. trigger, then get the SD. M&Ps are great guns overall. Plus, the 10 round mags for the SD means it's state compliant and would be a no sale for me.

 

[cracker57]

the police trade in M&P 40C and a full size I bought from Buds I believe were never shot, the compact gun is going nowhere and will be handed down when I leave this earth.

 

[JBTrucker]

The M&P is easier to take down , I had trouble with take down plate on SD.

 

[yeti]

My advice is go with the M&P. Better trigger, more capacity, plenty of aftermarket goodies, holsters, mags, etc out there.

Depends on what you want though.

 

[martintm]

Update

Thanks for the advice everyone. I was told that the M&P40 is a Gen 1 and good condition…

Many have told me to drop the .40 and pick up the 9mm as they are becoming more popular and just as effective. Any thoughts on this?

 

[Duckfood]

Other than .40 ammo being a smidge more expensive than 9MM, and, being a little bit harder to find right now, it's really just personal preference...

 

[URIT]

Effectiveness is more about shot placement than caliber.

That said, the 9mm may be a better choice for someone who does not have a lot of experience shooting handguns.

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

For me it would be the M&P40 from your selection as an alternative there are still some CHP S&W Model 4006 TSW;s floating around. That is a superlative handgun. I bought one for $260 off CDNN about two years ago, they are likely more now.

 

[rogerwnuss]

M&P.. cop guns carried more than shot.

 

[Sevens]

as an alternative there are still some CHP S&W Model 4006 TSW;s floating around. That is a superlative handgun. I bought one for $260 off CDNN about two years ago, they are likely more now.

Mr. Van Winkle, those are $700 now, plus tax, plus shipping.

 

[BigBoy99]

I have one of the SAR and I really like it. It is very accurate the you can't beat the magazine capacity. It has become part of my concealed carry rotation.

 

[STORMINORMAN]

Buy the M&P 40: if you can find a 40 to 9mm conversion barrel all you need are magazines to have 2 calibers...

And if you can find a 357 SIG barrel you'll have THREE!

CHEERS!

 

[dsk]

The SD is a great pistol for the price. The M&P is a great pistol, period. If you can get either one for the same price, assuming similar condition it's a no-brainer.

 

[ACEd]

For me it would be the M&P40 from your selection as an alternative there are still some CHP S&W Model 4006 TSW;s floating around. That is a superlative handgun. I bought one for $260 off CDNN about two years ago, they are likely more now.

CHP 4006TSW now going $699 - nice gun, but not comparable in pricing, bang for the buck.

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

CHP 4006TSW now going $699 - nice gun, but not comparable in pricing, bang for the buck.

Glad that I bought mine when I did.

 

[Univibe]

Go M&P40 if you can conceal it. I had one. Shoots smooth with 180 grain. It was designed for the .40 cartridge. Many holster options and cheap trade in magazines.