S&W m&P 40 for duty pistol

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gunguy0829

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I am hoping to start the police academy and wondering how opinions are on the M&P 40 or M&P 45 would hold up. Any other thoughts on duty pisols? I have a Ruger p345 that I am able to use, but I have been told it is advised that I don't unless I show I am competent with the firearm before the start of the academy with the director/firearms instructor.
 
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I am not in LE but what does the agency you want be in use??

I had a full size MP 45 and as to function it is a excellent gun but IMO it is only "combat" accurate. So for duty use I would guess it is fine. I was not going to spend the money to change the sear and trigger to try and make it more then it is. For my use I needed something more of a target gun
 
The suggestions I have are general, I have a p345 and shoot great with it, 1.5" group at 25' in 6-7 seconds, this ruger is accurate, but has only 8 rds. and I would have to do a comp. test with the firearms instructor prior to using this gun in the academy.
 
Not sure if any depts. use a specific gun or if they have the LEO pick out and buy their own. I think this is how they do it around here. I am doing the academy before I have a set in stone job.
 
I would be willing to bet you will be issued a sidearm. See what the general issue gun is in the areas you will be applying and go with that.

My agency issues the M&P and we couldn't be happier with them. A major improvement over our former G22's.
 
We have a small dept. only 8 officers and 6 reserve officers. I will have to find out, but I will have to get my own for the academy, looking at the M&P 40 or M&P 9. I think, and no quotes that they may issue a sidearm, but you have the option to get your own at your own cost based off a guide they have for acceptible firearms for duty use. The M&P is on the list for the academy. They only allow 9 mm, 40 S&W, and .45 acp.
 
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Well if you have that much leeway, the MP is a fine weapon. It would not be my choice as I am not a striker fire fan. I like hammers and decockers. Sig, HK doubt CZ is on your list but should be. They all cost more than the MP.
 
I carry one everyday..... a M&P 45 full size.....it is garbage. Now watch how many will crucify me. My agaency's entire first issue was recalled. Some guys are on their fourth or fifth gun. Not a durable or reliable pistol in my opinion or experience. Im sure someone will be along to tell me I'm wrong. Get a used Glock or a S&W 3rd generation.
 
Do not rule out the Glock or XD. Try them all out. It's only your life.
 
4506517, I did not realize they are so poor. Is that the 45 acp or all of them? I may stick with my p345, accurate, dependable, I cant stand glock, sure they are fine, but I just don't like them.
 
I switched from my Glock to the M&P 40 last month and love it. You really can't go wrong with either, and with LE pricing, pick whichever feels best to you. Good luck to you in the academy!
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depending on dept, .40 caliber is the way... M&P is an excellent choice, my agency issued glock 23. I like the M&P and personally think its a much better weapon than the glock, fit, feel, recoil, grouping. I carried the glock for years and had no problems, it was'nt my choice of side arm. So now that I am retired I went to a better choice for me. the best advice i can offer is one that you will see all over the forums, go to your LGS/Range, put several choices in your hand, shoot the ones you like if they have rentals available. Then you pick what is right for you. There are not many agency's to my knowledge that still use the 9mm, most have made the switch to the .40, i don't know of any that use the .45. In my opinion .40 is a great round, knock down + capacity. Good Luck in the academy be smart stray safe, best tool you carry as a LEO is your brain, use it.
 
I'm assuming you're attending a police academy at a community college for your POST certificate.

Don't worry about what you use at the academy. But once you get hired by a department, they will either issue you a sidearm or provide you with a list of approved sidearms.

I would trust a M&P of any caliber as a LEO.
 
The M&P 40 is an outstanding duty pistol

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I will be going to a police academy at my local community college for my POST Certificate. They keep talking about how what we choose for the academy, if we stay in the area, is what we will use. I know the bigger depts. like Colorado Springs, Pueblo issue a side arm. I would preffer to choose my own.
 
The Colorado State Patrol issues the M&P .40 full size with trijicon night sights and a mag safety.

Great gun.
 
Re; the caliber, I would go with 9mm or .40. The reasons I would stay away from .45acp is cost and mag capacity. I like night sights, but I am 66 and my eyes aren't so good. Our Sheriff's department here issues Glock 9mm. Between 9mm and .40 IMO it is a personal preference. The 9mm is cheaper and the mag holds 2 more rounds. It is a bit easier to control on the range also. If you like the .40 go with it. Especially if the agencies nearby use .40.
 
I've carried a full size M&P 45 for about three years and it is far from being garbage. Every once in a while a single or an order get sent out that are far from perfect, but I haven't experienced any horror stories. Other manufacturers have had similar experiences with stuff getting out the door that shouldn't. My best recommendation on a pistol is to ensure that feels best to you. I've got a lot of years with Glock, and it was the best duty pistol out there that fit me best until the M&P came out. Do you have to buy your own ammo too? If so, a 9 mm would be my recommendation. The price of ball ammo is a lot cheaper.
 
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