Need help on deciding between M&P9 or XD9.

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New here to the forum and looking for some opinions. I looking at getting either a M&P9 or the XD9 service model. I like both iv shot both but not alot. I just want to see what some opinions are on the two and see what which way y'all can persuade me.

Semper Fi
 
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Warm welcome from Tampa.

The SA XD fell off my purchase list due to the grip safety. Other than that, I thought it shot very well (I rented a number of guns at the range before purchasing my M&P).

I've seen pretty positive reviews of the XD, I guess my thought would be to make sure you shot them enough to be comfortable picking one.

Then go out and get a ton of ammo and practice with it. :)

Rich
 
I have both and both are fine pistols. But if I had to pick one it would be the M&P. Not sure that I can even say why. M&P feels better to me and feels a little smaller(don't know that it is). Of course, the M&P has the grip choices which I like. I don't think you can go wrong with either.
 
Just a matter of choice. I have an full sized XD45 and a Shield 40. Very different in size and weight, but both great guns. The Springfield is a great shooter and very accurate, while the Shield is my EDC, small and easy to conceal.

Bob
 
If you could flip a coin and be happy with either one, then you might take into consideration that from now till Oct 31st Springfield has a promo for three extra mags and mag pouch. It has nothing to do with the pistol itself, just something else to think about if you're going to want more than the 2 it comes with.
 
SA makes fine weapons.

Since I don't own any and this is a S&W forum, I'll say M&P!!
 
M&P=American made...........XD=Croation made. Easy choice for me.......

+1 on American made, especially when the matchup is close.

That's also why I didn't seriously consider Glocks when I first started shopping for HD and CC guns. The way I saw it, Smith & Wesson offers quality weapons at a reasonable price. I was able to find many satisfied S&W shooters on various forums. No-brainer for me.
 
I had a Shield and now have an XDS 9. I personally find the XD's higher quality and easier to shoot and for me, more accurate. I'm very impressed with their pistols (polished feed ramps, high quality magazines). I did a lot of research and found the XD line to be highly reliable and in general very few QC issues. Great customer service as well. They are made in Croatia but Springfield Armory is a US company. This may or may not be of interest to you but SA has a "Gear Up" sale going on... 3 free mags if you purchase in Oct. I got mine within a week.
Springfield Armory | Handguns, Pistols, Semi Automatic Rifles

In the end, I would select the pistol you shoot best.
 
I've owned both as well. My preference is the M&P. I don't like the higher bore axis of the XD compared to the M&P.

The grip angle and bore axis on the M&P is more 1911 like than the XD, which is important to me.
 
If you like the subcompact size of a 9mm, you can get the XD sub 9mm for $339 at Grabagun.com plus (3) free magazines through the end of next week. It's a great price for a great weapon with extra mags (assuming you like the smaller size). One of the free mags is actually a 16 rounder, so it increases the XD grip size/capacity to feel like a full size pistol. Just something to consider.
 
You do not need any one to persuade you. Both work very well for many people. The m&p will need some apex work to improve the trigger for most the XD ?? Not so much. Look at the specs of both decide the one you shoot best and buy it. Both offer small to full size models so no plus or minus there. Both have good CS. Both have a great aftermarket following so buy the one the simply feels the best in your hand and shoot well for you.
 
If you havent already, register on XDtalk.com and ask the same question. Then sit back and evaluate both boards' answers. Then, obviously,
and if possible, rent both before deciding.
 
The m&p will need some apex work to improve the trigger for most the XD ?? Not so much.

I wouldn't say that is true as a blanket statement... I have never bought an Apex part and I have... Let's see how many M&P's... maybe 11? Not counting AR's anyway....

The triggers on M&P's are so simple to polish, I'd try that first. And nearly all of mine had a good trigger right from the box, just two were unacceptable, that's less than 20%!! :D

.
 
Both great guns.

Why I bought a S&W 915, M&P Shield 9mm, M&P 9 & a M&P .45:

1- They fit my hand great and the M&Ps have 3 different back straps.
2- They are made in the good old USA.
3- I see so many LE use them here in Texas.
4- They are priced just right for what they are.
5- Although not as much as Glock there are enough aftermarket items to mod your gun.
6- Magazines are a bit expensive but not crazy and they are out there & available.
7- S&W has been a good company for many years and I don't see them going anywhere.
8- They are made is the USA, oh I said that already, sorry.

I just got the M&P 45 and shot it today, awesome. I might skip getting that M1911 after all. Less recoil than the M&P 9mm.
 
lost lake Guess your proud to own 11 m&p's!! Maybe its time for something else to judge too . HA

It does matter what you are I want him to buy BEAMON said it best with the rent it part. Then buy what you like best.
 
Just have to say...never had an SP/XD, but, I do own an M&P9mm, 5" Pro. Just a terrific handgun. Backstrap adjustability made the fit, perfect! Softer, smoother, lighter trigger pull is exceptional (on the Pro...not on the standard 9mm). 17rds to the mags, striker fired, no safety, easy take down...made in USA and comes with S&W warranty and service, which Ihave found to be exceptionoal over time. Not saying anything bad about SA...just raving positively about S&W. Good Luck with your choice!
 
I have shot the XD quite a bit. Psychologically, I am not a fan of the grip safety. Physically, it's a great gun to shoot and in my opinion on a par with the M&P.

You can't go too wrong either way. It's a good choice to have.

You want some advice from a stranger on the internet... go American made.

Not that international trade is a bad thing, but when government is trying to chip away at the U.S gun market we should do what we can to make it stronger.
 
rcasey02,

I have a M&P pro 9mm and a XDM 5.25 9mm. The XD's have a higher bore axis than the M&P and Glocks. The higher bore axis causes more flip of the muzzle. I got the M&P to replace the XDM. I shot them side by side today, the XDM has more muzzle flip, and does not stay on target as well as the M&P. It is going to take more shooting to pick. Both are great gun. pick the one that fits you best. XD has 3 free mags and mag holder, great deal.

Mark
 
Wow , considering this is a S&W forum , the advise is surprisingly even handed. As noted several times , both are quality pistols. I will point out a couple of differences that may or may not matter to you :

Made in US vs Croatia. A philosophical issue, SA's US based customer service will give good service.

Grip safety. Some people have strong feelings in either direction. *To me* a grip safety is a mild positive , as long as it works well for my hand. YMMV.

M&P has more ability to change grip configuration of grip. If your pistol needs to fit different people of differt sizes that will be important to you. If it is primarily for you , and the XD fits as is , then a non-issue.

If the above doesn't give a clear choice , then either flip a coin , or take advantage of SA's periodic promotions offering a pile of swag for free.
 
I like the grip safety for safety during holstering the gun. I have observed during local IDPA matches that sometimes competitors get clothing started in their holster when reholstering after their shooting. Fortunately, IDPA requires clearing the weapon after each drill and the range officer is right there to help. With a grip safety, a person can get in the habit of holstering with thumb on back of the slide.
The second advantage that I see is better quality control of the XD line. Finally, I have found that the trigger of XD pistols have a very short over travel after the the trigger break. While it has some creep the XD trigger is much better than the Shield that I own. I like the M&P for lower bore.
 
the only XD I own is the XDs in .45 I rather have the MP, the XD slide sits too high for my taste.
 
I am a proud owner of both an XD9 and an M&P9c. Both are fine guns. Both are accurate. It honestly comes down to personal preference. Try this, hold the pistol like your ready to fire but point it at the floor. Pick a target on the wall nearby, close your eyes and point the pistol at the target you picked and then open your eyes. This is a little test that helps you find out how the ergonomics of the weapon work with your hands and body. For me I found the XD to fit my natural aiming stance slightly better than the M&P 9c. I know Im going to get some not so nice feedback for this but the XD is of better build quality and mechanically it operates smoother than the M&P. The XD has the backstrap safety which I prefer over the manual thumb safety. The XD also has a loaded chamber indicator that you can feel as well as a cocked indicator. The M&P has a visual loaded chamber indicator but in the dark this wouldnt be of use. XD does have a higher bore axis but it works for me. Its also a bit more top heavy than the M&P (the M&P is just a better balanced gun). My XD has also proven to be extremely reliable from my personal experience with it. I have zero feed/firing issues with the XD since I took it out of the box nearly 5,000 rounds ago. Yes, I literally mean zero issues with all types of ammo. My M&P has had FTF issues... I like the XD trigger more. I like the ambidextrous mag release it has as well. The M&P mag release can be easily switched from right to left FYI. The grip on the M&P is more comfortable and is also adjustable which is not so with the XD. But if the stuff hit the fan and I could only choose one... Im taking the XD. But its personal preference.
 
I own several XD's. 4" XD Service, XDM 3.8, XDM 5.25 and an XDS 45.

Huge fan of the XDS 45, and I like the other weapons too, but not as much as an M&P. Can't go wrong either way really, just get whichever one fits you.
 
I've had people complain consistently that 50% of the time when they pull the trigger, nothing happens, only to find out that after I tested the guns they ran fine.

They were not getting a proper grip and depressing the grip safety. Granted most of them were first time gun owners, but when it comes down to a possible CCW peice, it's better to have fewer hinderences when your trying to protect yourself.

This is one of very few reasons I would pick M&P over the XD line.
 

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