S&W M&P 9mm...comparing to other makers

captorquewrench

captorquewrench

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So I went to my local LGS yesterday (the one that has a pet monkey) and I was looking at the M&P in 9mm.

I compared it with models from each of the following makes...and seriously...there is something I dislike about each of them--as well as something I really like or else I wouldn't be considering (except the Glock. Yuck) and I am hesitant to pick any of them right away. I'd like input from each of you.

The only thing I do not like about the S&W is the same thing I dislike about all of them--and it is one of those things I can overlook, and already do as I am already a big, big fan of S&W or else I would not be here. I do not like the slide action on this pistol. Holy cow, is it ever tight to pull it back! I do like that it is smooth, with nothing proturuding like large sights or the Beretta.

Beretta PX4--Liked this pretty well except for those horns.

Glock G17--trigger safety. Otherwise, just overall not impressed. Nothing bad, nothing great, nothing I could put my finger on--it simply did not feel right to me.

Ruger SR9--pretty solid overall but did not like the feel and balance and weight as much as S&W or Sig. Nice trigger pull.

Sig P250 (and others)--I love the slide action on this gun and the weight and balance.


I have not yet tried these, but I'd like feedback from those of you who own ANY of these models and what you found when you compared whatever you compared. I would also like your suggestions for other 9 mm pistols that might work for me based on the models I'm looking at now.

Price is not something to include in the comparison, because as I've listed the model as one I'm considering purchasing...I've already settled the issue of price for myself.
 
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I have an M&P9c and like it Very much
the Lack of Recoil I find particularly nice

the ONLY other gun I would Recommend
is a 3rd Generations Smith 3913/3914

I own one of those too

Some people Hate Plastic and Swear by the 3rd Generation S&W Automatics

I like Both
 
The M&P 9C is really NICE. Glock 19...pure functionallity, smaller that the G17 and a bit bigger than the 9C. .02 cents worth. Just ask Jimmy!

VVVV +1 on the FNP 9 and the XD 9... VVVV
 
I would choose the M&P for the following reasons.

Better ergonomics
Better holster selection over the SR9, Beretta, and P250.
Same constant trigger pull. No DA/SA to deal with.
Available with a thumb safety. No slide mounted safety/decocker that's hard to reach.

If you don't mind a DA/SA trigger, other excellent guns may work too.

Certified preowned Sig P226
FN FNP or FNX 9
CZ 75

Non DA/SA guns:
Springfield XD9
Walther PPQ
Browning Hi Power

The most important thing is how well the gun fits your hand followed by how well you can operate the gun. After that size and weight might be a consideration depending on how you will carry it. The best way is to shoot rental guns and see for yourself.
 
Kanewpadle said:
I would choose the M&P for the following reasons.

Better ergonomics
Better holster selection over the SR9, Beretta, and P250.
Same constant trigger pull. No DA/SA to deal with.
Available with a thumb safety. No slide mounted safety/decocker that's hard to reach.

If you don't mind a DA/SA trigger, other excellent guns may work too.

Certified preowned Sig P226
FN FNP or FNX 9
CZ 75

Non DA/SA guns:
Springfield XD9
Walther PPQ
Browning Hi Power

The most important thing is how well the gun fits your hand followed by how well you can operate the gun. After that size and weight might be a consideration depending on how you will carry it. The best way is to shoot rental guns and see for yourself.
Click to expand...

Yes, that's why I was asking what else is similar that I should, try since those are the ones I was considering

Also, I didn't even think to mention holster options are pretty much irrelevant. Pretty much it fits in the purse, or I need to buy a different purse. I don't need a lot of holster selection. I don't even own a belt, unless you count girly belts that don't really serve a real purpose.

With the arthritis...how well I can operate something is a big consideration. Before anyone suggests revolver....I like revolvers well enough, but it's a matter of personal preference and I'd rather go S/A.

I will definitely look into the Springfield.
 
The Beretta PX4's can be de-horned. You can replace the stock safety with more flush mounted safety so that you don't catch your hand when power-stroking the slide.

I owned a PX4 chambered for .40 S&W. A co-worker owns one chambered for 9mm Luger. In both the rotating barrel design radially dissipates a portion of the recoil force, reducing perceived recoil & muzzle flip.

Since the PX4 is not a Browning style tilt action barrel, the magazine feeds nearly inline to the barrel. This reduces any failure to feed issues. The chrome lined barrel is easy to clean. The Brunitron exterior finish is like a teflon frying pan finish. Nothing sticks to it.SA trigger pull is nice and light. The DA trigger pull isn't the best.

I own a M&P 9fs, no magazine safety, no frame safety. It is by far the best stryker fired, constant trigger, polymer frame, semi-auto I've ever owned. The ergonomics are outstanding. The small details in construction make the difference. The fish-scale slide serrations make getting a good grip on the slide easy. The rounded corners don't snag anything. The three different back-straps not only adjust length of pull, but also the palm swell.

The M&P9's low bore axis + high tang grip w/beaver tail = great at mitigating perceived recoil. The grip angle is 1911-ish & not European Luger-ish.

If I had it to do all over again, I'd get a M&P 9fs with factory night sights & frame mounted safety.
 
If the feel of the slide is an important factor for you, consider a Sig P226. It is a very smooth gun in many ways, and the slide is easy to operate. Mine has been flawless and is possibly my favorite full sized 9mm.
 
The Sig is a great gun, have you tried the 3rd Gen Smiths? The 6906 is on of the finest compact 9mm's ever made. 12 rounds, uber reliable, not that heavy and accurate.

I have a 9mm M&P great ergonomics, so-so trigger. Expensive to add mags or sights.

Glock--$25 will buy you a fantastic trigger kit, cheap mags and cheap to accessorize.

FYI, I never liked Glocks, hated the square feeling of the grip. Till I found this:

GRIP FORCE ADAPTERS

It changes the grip angle to that of a 1911.

JMO.
 
The only thing any other gun has on the M&P is in the stock trigger, and the fact you can make the M&P trigger as good as you want, was not a deal breaker for me. I love the M&P line.
 
captorquewrench said:
Yes, that's why I was asking what else is similar that I should, try since those are the ones I was considering

Also, I didn't even think to mention holster options are pretty much irrelevant. Pretty much it fits in the purse, or I need to buy a different purse. I don't need a lot of holster selection. I don't even own a belt, unless you count girly belts that don't really serve a real purpose.

With the arthritis...how well I can operate something is a big consideration. Before anyone suggests revolver....I like revolvers well enough, but it's a matter of personal preference and I'd rather go S/A.

I will definitely look into the Springfield.
Click to expand...

If you have arthritis I would consider a Ruger LCR in a 38 caliber. I hate to say it but pulling a slide is only going to get harder as we age.

Russ
 
captorquewrench said:
Yes, that's why I was asking what else is similar that I should, try since those are the ones I was considering

Also, I didn't even think to mention holster options are pretty much irrelevant. Pretty much it fits in the purse, or I need to buy a different purse. I don't need a lot of holster selection. I don't even own a belt, unless you count girly belts that don't really serve a real purpose.

With the arthritis...how well I can operate something is a big consideration. Before anyone suggests revolver....I like revolvers well enough, but it's a matter of personal preference and I'd rather go S/A.

I will definitely look into the Springfield.
Click to expand...

Since you will purse carry, I highly recommend the M&P 9 compact. Still fits the hand well. Can be had with thumb safety. Plenty of capacity at 11 +1 rounds. Recoil is easy on the hands. It is a serious fighting gun that much lighter and smaller than full size M&P9.

As far as racking the slide, just don't limp wrist the gun. If you have a missfeed in the heat of the moment, I have no doubt that you will find the strength to clear it.

As far as administrative loading/unloading there is an easier way to pull the slide. Grasp the gun in your strong hand pointed down at an angle away from your feet. Bring the gun up with your strong hand with the back of your hand touching your stomach area while still in a safe direction. Grasp the slide with the other hand. Instead of trying to pull the slide towards you, hold the slide stationary and push the gun forward.

Home this makes sense. It's much easier to demonstrate in person.:o

Again, shoot one if you can. When I worked at the LGS I sold several to ladies because of the above. It's an easy and forgiving gun to shoot.

Also for purse carry make sure you buy a good gun purse. Coronado Leather and Roma Leather make good gun purses. But I can't vouch for their styling.:eek::p
 
In Full size 9mm DA/SA hammer pistol I love the CZ-75B then the Sig P226 but the first one is half of the price and is as good or better than the second. Striker fired for me the best is my beloved M&P 9 Full, then the XDM, the Ruger SR9 or the Sig P250. I hate Blocks, the grip angle never fit in my hands.
That's not counting the Browning High Power, the best of the best 9mm in my opinion but sadly not in production long time ago.
 
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I have both a M&P9 fs and a Glock 19. Being realistic, the stock G19 trigger is far superior to the M&Ps, and is about a pound lighter. The G19 is much more accurate. The Glock is easier/quicker to field strip, and has fewer parts.. I have not tried to completely disassemble the M&P, but I suspect it would take a lot longer than the Glock. I can have the G19 completely apart, using one small punch in less than two minutes. It doesn't much longer to reassembe it.

The M&P grip feels better and the interchangable grip inserts are a big plus, over the Glock. Stock sights on both are about equal. Overall except for grip angle and feel, the Glock is superior. If you want to trick your Glock out there are a whole bunch more aftermarket items available than there are for the M&P. There are probably more Glocks being shot in IPSC and IDPA than there are M&Ps.
 
Sig Sp2022 hasn't been mentioned yet.

It shoots like a 226 or 229 but costs hundreds less and is still reliable. It's another polymer framed pistol with an excellent trigger. I like the ergonomics and it does have a decocker and can be fired DA/SA.
 
Dragon88 said:
I did not know about this product, it looks pretty interesting. I just got a set of adapters on flea bay for $23 shipped. Thanks.
Click to expand...

You'll like it a lot. Stick a piece of double sided tape under it to remove any space for the best fit and feel.
 
These plastic striker fired pistols are commodities, anyone will do if you like how it functions and more importanly can operate the weapon.
My wife is on her 5th handgun in over 30 years of usage, graduating from revolvers to striker fired pistols. Her main objectives are a slide she can manipulate and safety. Her first striker fired pistol, a Glock G19 GEN4 did not work out for safety reasons. Her S&W M&P 9mm has a magazine disconnect for safety leaving the pistol unloaded with one in the chamber but will not be her last.
It's really a journey and what works for someone else may not work for yourself. Find a pistol you can manipulate, feel safe with and most important can shoot safely and accurately. Purchase and then practise drawing a final decision in time.-Dick
 
budrichard said:
It's really a journey and what works for someone else may not work for yourself. Find a pistol you can manipulate, feel safe with and most important can shoot safely and accurately. Purchase and then practice drawing a final decision in time.-Dick
Click to expand...

Yes, I know. The same goes for cars and saxophones. :p But I want to try as many as I can, and based on what I like and disliked about the ones I initially posted about, I am asking for recommendations on what else I might want to try. In case there is one I should try and consider, but of which I wasn't aware.

Is there anything you'd recommend that I try?
 
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I have several M&Ps with my favorite being the 9c. I also own a couple of Beretta PX4s and they are truly excellent pistols also, with my favorite being the Compact version. The main difference is the M&P is striker fired and the PX4 is the more traditional hammer fired. I sent both pistols off to Robar for their NP3 finish which greatly enhances the performance and durability of both. It's hard to choose one over the other so I bought both.
 

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Harrison said:
There are probably more Glocks being shot in IPSC and IDPA than there are M&Ps.
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There are more CZ's (Shadows) shot in IPSC then there is Glocks and M&P's combined due to the minimum 5# trigger rule for Production Division. What is true is there are more Glock 34's shot in IDPA Nationals then all other pistol brands about 1 out of every three pistols in SSP Division IIRC. The M&P is the 2nd most popular pistol for SSP.

Take Care

Bob
 
kodiakpb said:
I'd like to hear more about this pet monkey! lol
Click to expand...

Her name is Kimber and she is usually sitting on the head or shoulders of someone who works there. In a camo diaper. The monkey, not the counter guy.

The monkey is not allowed to handle the merchandise, but I think she may be more savvy about doing it than some of the big chain store gun counter people I've encountered.

While everyone else is doing Black Friday, we do Shooting Friday. We will see if I try anything new or stick with what I've got for the time being.
 
We've issued the M&P40 since early 2006, I've had a full size M&P9 since July of that year. No problems to speak of in either version, but I really prefer the 9. If size doesn't matter, I strongly suggest going with the full size weapon. There really isn't much difference in size going to the compact. The compact does have a stronger recoil spring.

I have a professional acquaintence who's employer does Sigs. Their T&E on the 250 was not good.

On the racking the slide issue: The more recent rear sights on the M&P have a ledge that allows you to jam the sight against a handy surface and use both your hands and possibly body weight to rack the slide. It would also be possible to use the front surface of the slide muzzle above the barrel for the same purpose and in the same manner.

I'll also point out that you do need a holster (that protects the trigger) in that purse to keep various objects from operating the trigger mechanism. A local managed to kill himself in front of his family and while seated in a car by lugging a Glock around in a coat pocket without a holster.
 
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I was looking around for a GREAT 9mm pistol. I thought"what will have to pay? What is my life worth if this is my SHTF gun?' I never thought about the price of the weapon. If it is the most reliable & long lived gun, that's what I will get, regardless of price.

I bought an HK P30 V3. It has been torchure tested to almost 100K rounds with NO or very little maintenance. See Pistoltraining.com & do a search for the P30 there. I do have Sig Sauer P220s in 45 acp. In fact 3 of them. Nice gun but NOT in the class of the HK.

The choice is yours ~ choose wisely.
 
Thanks for posting this. Im in the same boat. I like my M&P Shield and 22 but am also looking at the PX4 Compact, XDM Compact and a FS M&P 9. I really like the PX4C right now. Been reading a lot about it and it seems to be a quality gun. I have a Beretta 92F and have always been happy with it which is why Im looking at the PX4. Ive yet to do my homework on the XDM. On the other hand, I have the M&P22 that I shoot alot, so Im thinking why in the heck would I NOT go with the M&P 9. Its the same size and feel of the 22. BUT every time I go look at the PX4C........I change my mind. Uggggg I think Im going to end up with 2 new 9mm soon. LOL. I do have to say that the XDM is my last choice but it seems pretty nice too. Decisions decisions.

Hayden.
 
I think my favorite pistol to shoot is my Beretta 96 Vertec. Grip feels like a 1911. And the .40 shoots soft in it. And I hate .40.
 
I have the M&P9c and recommend it. I've shot the XD's and recommend them as well.

I also own the Beretta 92FS and recommend that too.

Couple notes;
1. I don't buy guns to 'work on' - triggers, stocks, etc to overcome the shortcomings of the stock gun. Lots of people do, heck, just check out the 1911 crowd. But I don't.
2. In my experience the Ber PX4 crowd is just nuts about their PX4s. It's somewhat bizarre and totally unlike anything I've ever seen - even amongst the pre-lock S&W revolver crowd. I don't know if that speaks well of the PX4 or not - I don't like them myself - but they sure do. Maybe it's one of those love 'em/hate 'em things....
 
Im with you Stuart. I dont really buy guns thinking I want to change this and that. It is what it is and I just shoot it. Maybe I just havent been in the handgun game long enough.

Hayden.
 
My 9mm plans are a little on hold. I have my little brother's 910 on loan. I am enjoying it for a while before I make up my mind on which one to get for myself. Like you Stuart, I don't buy to make changes. I want me to be happy with whatever I buy as-is. That is not to say I might not make a change, but I don't want to get into something planning to change right away. Who's to say I still wouldn't like something even after making changes...and be out that time and expense.
 
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