Need help on deciding between M&P9 or XD9.

[PastureOfMuppets]

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.

 

[Markbrx]

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

 

[Biggfoot44]

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.

 

[Mountain Walker]

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.

 

[ca survivor]

the only XD I own is the XDs in .45 I rather have the MP, the XD slide sits too high for my taste.

 

[Robhampton04]

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.

 

[Austerity]

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.

 

[Prasko]

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.