Newbie needs some advice

[MrOldtimer]

On the fence as which 40 to purchase. Have shot my buddies M&P40C but was not crazy about the short grip. So looking at the full size M&P40 or SD40VE and maybe a Glock 23. I am looking for a carry gun and a range gun as I am getting into action pistol this summer. Any thoughts, Thanks in advance.

 

[RacinbobSW]

I'd suggest that you shoot all three. A range that has rentals very likely will have those. Personally, I'd go with the M&P with the SD right behind it.

 

[epj]

For range or competition use the FS is the way to go. As to carry, there are probably better options, but after all, the FS is about the same dimensions as a 1911 "Commander", and a lot lighter. Lots of folks, myself included, carry one of those.

 

[MrOldtimer]

Thanks

For range or competition use the FS is the way to go. As to carry, there are probably better options, but after all, the FS is about the same dimensions as a 1911 "Commander", and a lot lighter. Lots of folks, myself included, carry one of those.

Thanks. None of the ranges in my area have 40's for rent only 9mm. Right now my carry gun is a 1911 commander and it gets a little heavy.

 

[epj]

The M&P is going to be a lot lighter than the 1911.

 

[MSG Glenn]

Except for recoil the M&P 9MM pistols are the same as the 40s are. And actually the recoil isn't all that different. If you shoot the M&P9C it'll feel the same as a 40C

Of the 3 pistols you are looking at I'd rate them M&P #1, G 23 #2 & SD #3. I had the Sigma 40VE & it was a fine gun for the money with a not so good trigger. It was fine for self defense carry, though & the price certainly is good. I haven't heard of S&W making improvements in the SD type triggers like they did with M&Ps.

Did you shoot the 40C with a flat magazine floor plate? Usually if you buy a new compact you'll get 2 mags. One of those mags will have a "pinky extension" on the bottom of the mag. That gives your little finger a place to grip. You can give S&W customer service a call or e mail & ask for a pinky extension & they'll send it free of charge, at least they did in my case. Something else to consider with the M&P compacts - you can put a full size mag in it with or without an X-Grip. Then you'll have a grip that's 99.9% the same as a full size M&P & 15+1 rounds in a compact. The FS mag makes it a bit harder to conceal as the pinky extension does to a lesser degree. It's great at the range where concealment is not a factor. I carry my M&P40C with the FS mag often but then again I also carry my FS M&P40 about 1/4 the time.

I had a couple of Glocks & liked them a lot but the grip is no where as nice as the M&Ps have.

 

[wdk535]

I have 9c & love it. It came with 2 clips, one short, one with grip extender for pinky finger. You can get xtra grip extenders. Also, you can use full size 17 round (I don't know what it is for .40).