Opinions - 9mm M&P Compact vs SW99 Compact

[FordTrax]

I would like some thought on my choice. I have a number of pistols and calibers. I am looking at getting a smaller 9mm for CC OWB I kind of narrowed it down to the M&P 9c (with the safety) in DA/SA or a SW99c in DA/SA. At one point I was leaning toward a Walther P99c but it is pretty hard to get after-market stuff (more money for the gun and more money if you can find accessories) - whereas the M&Ps are easier/cheaper in both upfront cost and accessories. Also they are USA made. I thought the S&W99c would be a good compromise but they are less common and I would have to purchase one on GB or AA if I could even see one there. I was thinking about getting XS big dot sight and a nice ElPaso Double Agent holster to start with.

The down side I have heard about the M&P 9c is accuracy - that they are just not that accurate. That concerns me a little - I am not a great shooter anyway.

My plan would be to make this a CCW strong side behind the hip but if I wished I could carry crossdraw with the ElPaso Double Agent too. I also plan to start practicing with a IDPA group a couple times a month just to get my skill up - not sure that I would try shooting IDPA matches - but never know what will happen down the road. If I do shoot IDPA I think I would go to a longer barrel anyway like a P99 9mm full size or M&P fullsize. So for now this smaller gun would be CCW and IDPA practice.

What do you folks think about the M&P 9c vs S&W99c in 9mm for my use? What about the Double Agent holster any experience?

Thanks

 

[VTHokiesDuckHunter]

FordTrax:

I've shot the M&P a fair amount and can say that I like it and as far as polymer framed guns go, it is pretty good. I don't have any personal long term experience with one though. I'm a 3rd generation S&W guy and would highly recommend a 3913/3914/4013 type set-up.

You're right about accessories being easier to find and cheaper for some guns than others. However' be careful about this- if it is your primary CCW and you will be spending a lot of time carrying it, get the best gun that you will be comfortable with and shoot well, even if you have to pay a little more for the holster, etc.. It would be like buying a car you didn't like because parts are cheaper and it's easier to customize!

However; if you really want a polymer framed gun, I would HIGHLY recommend the Walther PPS. It is a little pricey, but if you shop around there are some good deals.
My son has one in 9mm that came with 3 magazines and night sights. It is extremely concealable, a fairly accurate shooter given it's light weight, and a real precision built weapon. It's probably my favorite polymer gun.


for Polymer frame guns for CCW I'd look at:

Walther PPS
S&W M&P Compact
Ruger LC9
SIG P290


I also like the FN polymer guns- they are incredibly well made and are real sleepers. Plus I like hammer guns slightly more vs. striker fired guns. They are a little bigger than some CCW choices but a fine weapon nonetheless.

Of course there is always the 3913...............

 

[turbo38gn]

No brainer for me... M&P9c all the way. We own one, not sure what makes you think it isn't accurate... I can take out the bullseye at 21 feet, no problem, it's a tac driver.. As for the rest, if I didn't like 40 cal, my wife's 9c would be on my side, instead, my 40c is on my side most days.

 

[rock doc]

Go to a gun store & fondle both of them, along with others. With the adjustable grips, I'm sure you will choose the M&P9c. In fact, I'm sure it will bring a smile to your face. It is very accurate IMHO. I used my 9c when I qualified for my CHL, and the instructor told me that this handgun suites me. I was shooting respectable groups at 7 yds, and that was after having it a few weeks. Had a M&P 9 full size but I sold it to fund another buy. I dispatched a groundhog with it from roughly 20 yds. Found that I was just as accurate with the 9c.

 

[Ken NC]

I have the 9c and like it alot. Reliable, very comfortable grip for my larger hands, and accurate for me. Great sights. I could just get my pinky finger onto the grip with the non-extended mag floorplate, which I couldn't do with the comparable Glock. I am a lefty and like its ambi slide release and reversible mag release.

 

[grampa p]

accuracy

I have a M&P 9 full size and just bought the 9c yesterday. I cleaned it, dry fired about 25 to get used to the feel and took it out. Fired about 70 rounds(cheap walmart federal) that were without malfunction of any kind. I could be just as accurate with it as with the full size. Very satisfied with how easy it was to shoot and how accurate. Even new the trigger was pretty close to the old M&P which is very smooth. Don't think you can go wrong with the 9c.

 

[ab4ka]

Of your two choices I'd say go with the M&P. I've had both and I just never could get used to the trigger on the SW99, although I'll admit I loved the decocker and the cocking indicator on the rear of the slide. But, getting magazines can be a problem and I think the M&P will be around a while.

Stepping outside of your choices I'd take a S&W 3rd gen (such as my 6906) over either of them.

 

[Skeptic 9c]

If you can find a Walther the action was different than the SWaMPy. It was more like a da/sa, the 9c is effectively semi-da with the same striker fire system that has to be reset. I do not know about the action of the newest Walther nor do I believe it has a compact version.
Geoff
Who likes the 9c but it is WIDE which can make concealed carry difficult.