Newbie, needs advice

[1radman]

Hey all,
This looks like the place for good info on anything S&W.
I'm considering purchasing an M&P or SD, most likely in 40S&W.
It would be helpful to hear from those that have some experience with both.
I'd like to know about reliability; accuracy; any issues to aware of and general recommendations.
THANKS

 

[StuperDan]

I have an Sd9 and I love it. It was my first gun. That said if I could go back, would have spent the extra hundred on an m&p.

At the time though, the extra money seemed like a bigger deal, and if I had to choose between the SD or nothing I'd definatly pick the SD.

Considering how much you'll spend on ammo, the extra money on the better gun is no biggy.

Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk

 

[darksideemt]

I have both the SD40 and M&P40 and went and shot them again today for the second time since getting them. For a short answer, if the price difference isn't an issue, go with the M&P. My main reasons for saying that is:
1. the trigger- trigger is smoother and shorter in the M&P, thus making shooting easier.
2. the backstrap- M&P has changable backstraps to help fit your hand. The SD feels good but having options is nice.
This being said, I like the SD and for the money I think it's an awesome gun. I did shoot the SD better today then the last time but still shot the M&P better. I plan on buying the Apex trigger kit for the SD very soon ($20) which others state makes the trigger feel more like the M&P. So there you have it, my whole $.02 worth.

Now something you didn't ask:
After taking a gun class today and buying ammo twice now for my 40's, I would recommend getting either one you decide in 9mm. When I can, I will be buying a M&P 9c, and will use that mostly. Reason for this is cost of ammo and recoil of the 40. While I can handle it, the 9 would be better and my wife would like it better for that.

Good luck in whatever you choose and shoot safe.

 

[Titegroups]

Go with the M&P

 

[Fat B]

I'm the opposite, I went in with the idea of buying an m&p and walked out with a SD. Why? The SD felt a lot better in my hands and it felt a tick smaller too which is what I wanted. While I could have spent the extra money, I couldn't see what my extra $120 got me other than a nicer trigger that many say to upgrade with a $70 kit.

I now have the apex spring kit and the trigger is at 5 1/2#, where I want it, although the trigger is a longer pull. My SD slide to frame fit is a bit loose which I'm still not too sure if it's designed that way. It doesn't effect accuracy though, my SD shot like a champ today.

If you're new, I'd get a 9mm but that is imo. Recoil is less and ammo is much cheaper. Today I shot 200 rounds of federal that cost me $40. Same in 40 would have cost me $68. Yes I know you may be able to buy in bulk cheaper but I prefer to drive down to wallymart and purchase what I need.

 

[vector16]

If I were you I would go with the SD. The M&P has a very common malfunction, when a new loaded magazine is put into the weapon the slide automatically will automatically close. Some say this is the "auto close" feature. S&W says it is not supposed to do it and they are aware of it. The SD id a good gun with a 7lb trigger and it is as easy to take apart and clean as a Sigma. If this is your first this will be important. Yoyu will need the simplest gun to get familiar with the basic mechanics and when #2 comes along you will have your Good old SD that is reliable and a great gun and your second and will know all the parts and how to assemble it w/o going on the web and watching countless videos on how to put your gun back together. The SD is a Sigma, which most of us have, with a better trigger.
Let us know which one you go with.

P.S. don't believe all the internet hype from Glock users on the quality of the gun. I own a Glock and the quality of the materials on the S&W is higher and better. The Internet will tell you the exact opposite. Don't belive it.

 

[setxn]

According to the scuttlebutt the SD is or will soon be out of production, this could effect your choice if it is true.

 

[J Rich]

I would go with M&P. You have more options with M&P full size, compact, calibers, aftermarket, and so on. From what I understand the SD is on it's way out. So options, repairs, and aftermarket will get less and less overtime. M&P is here to stay and already has a healthy aftermarket. JMO

 

[mlk18]

The M&P has a very common malfunction, when a new loaded magazine is put into the weapon the slide automatically will automatically close.

Not a malfunction. A result of force and physics. I can do this with every polymer framed gun I own from Glock, S&W, Beretta, etc. In fact my Gen 1 Glocks were doing this back in 1989.


I have all of the DAO(ish) Smiths; M&P, SD, Sigma, SW99, 3rd Gens, etc. If your trying to choose between the M&P and the SD I would recommend that you put them both in your hand and decide which one feels the best. Both are good guns, both are accurate and reliable, both use the same holsters & sights, both are melonite coated and both have lifetime warranties regardless of production dates. What it really comes down to is ergonomics and what you want to spend. My M&P was well worth its purchase price, but only the SD made me feel like I was getting a bargain. Good luck.

 

[1radman]

Thanks for all the good info. I actually have fondled both and like the ergonomics of both.
I have not heard of the "auto close" issue. I guess if you're aware of it and practice good safety it's not a problem.
I like that you get a front night sight and front serrations on the SD...and it does feel a tad smaller.
I have plenty of experience with semi autos (Glock, CZ, Taurus, Bersa) as well as revolvers and long guns. In fact, I once owned a 100% reliable Sigma 9VE which I sold for a smaller CC (and a better trigger!). Most if the 'family' weapons are 9MM for economic and compatibility reasons but I'm ready to step up to a caliber that starts with "4" for home and family defense.
I may have to take the ladies of the house to the range and shoot a similar rental 40cal. to see if they can handle it.
OH yea and I love that they're made in the USA!
Thanks again and I'll update when I make my choice.

 

[darksideemt]

good luck and just FYI my M&P and SD have never auto-closed except once when I slammed the mag very hard on the M&P. I never do that normally, just tried it a couple of times and it only closed once. In normal operation I have never had an issue.

 

[1radman]

good luck and just FYI my M&P and SD have never auto-closed except once when I slammed the mag very hard on the M&P. I never do that normally, just tried it a couple of times and it only closed once. In normal operation I have never had an issue.

That's good to know.

 

[Fat B]

I own an SD which you know but I'm going to try and give you a couple neutral pros and cons to either and I may repeat myself a little from my previous post.

I bought the SD because it felt better in my hand plain and simple. If the M&P had a better feel, I would have bought that. Also, I didn't didn't see the advantage to the M&P. Aftermarket parts? Holsters would really be the after market part I'd want to get and the M&P holsters fit the SD perfectly. The SD still has a rail so that aspect is equal.

What gives me pause recommending the SD is the rumours that the SD is being discontinued soon. If that's true, if you wait a little bit will S&W sell them at a deeply discounted price to move inventory like the did with the ibolt? Will you miss your opportunity to purchase a quality firearm for a good price? With that said, they are just rumors. Someone heard from someone who talked to a Smith rep who surmised that the SD was being discontinued based on a price sheet and he is fully authorized to disclose that information before S&W makes an announcement. Right.... Something just doesn't add up with that one. When the SD came out there were all sorts of rumors that the Sigma was on the chopping block and that never happened. Still, rumors make a guy think twice. Does Apex have some sort of inside info and that is why the SD trigger hasn't come out yet that was supposed to come out back in january? Did the rep let something slip that he wasn't supposed to? Hmmm...

Also I'm anxious to hear about the M&P announcement on 4-12. Redesigned m&p's? Single stack 9mm? Partnership with Apex to provide way better triggers from the factory? Maybe that includes the sigma and the M&P? Who knows. But if the SD was being kicked to the curb, I'd guess they'd announce it right around the same time. I wouldn't be very happy if I bought an M&P and the new line came out a month later. Nut if you want to shoot anytime in the next month, you can't worry about that sort of thing. Maybe they'll announce something that you have no interest in.

You can't go wrong with either. You can find great reviews on both and the occational disgruntled owner for both also. Last, you'll come to a point that you will wish you had gotten the one you didn't. Just forewarning, it'll happen.

I don't think I helped clear the muddy waters for you. lol.

 

[1radman]

Hey Fat B,
The discontinue rumor just makes me wanna hurry and get 1 or 2
new before they're gone. Otherwise I'm in no hurry. I typically don't mod my guns much so aftermarket stuff is not an issue. Plus I hear the warranty and CS is pretty good if needed. I'm thinkin maybe wait on the big announcement...there's a gun show here between now and then where I can do some more fondling and thinkin.

BTW my waters got muddied 'bout 40 years ago and I just can't seem to clear them up...so no worries.