Should I Keep or Trade?

[newschoololdschool]

Hey folks,

I'm really just hoping that talking with the fine people here will help me make a decision.

A couple of months ago I bought my first handgun. I was looking around for an M&P9c. Needless to say I couldn't find anything resembling one. I ended up getting a full-sized M&P40 with the external safety (didn't even want the darned safety).

I'm not unhappy with that purchase. I enjoy the 40, it's low on recoil and fits my hand very well.

But this first gun was supposed to be a "jack of all trades." Suitable for home, range, and carry. Maybe I could make it work for carry, to be honest I haven't had the spare cash to shoot much let alone pay for the license or a holster.

Right now I'm considering trading that full sized gun. Here are my reasons:

• The thing gets a bit heavy with a fifteen round magazine. And by round eleven I'm usually wishing it were empty.
  
• I'm hoping to get that license this summer. So, for the next year, I'll be trying to conceal at a University. Not illegal in my state, but definitely against school policy. Deep concealment is a priority.
  
• I didn't want a full-size in the first place.
  
• I'm on a one-gun limit right now. If I really want something different, a trade is going to be necessary.

If I were to trade it, I'd be looking at .40 subcompacts or the truly tiny pocket guns. Bodyguard, lc9, those deep-concealment options.

What do you guys think? Should I take the plunge? Do I even have a shot at trading my big guy for one of his smaller brothers? Am I just having commitment issues?

Thanks, and my whining letter is over

 

[Vinney47]

nobody can yell you what to do when it comes to personal firearms. sounds like your current firearm isn't meeting your needs or wants, though. with as many options as there are these days for good concealment guns particularly in the price range and under of an m&p you definitely should be able to get your needs meet with exactly what you want.
The " deep concealment" guns you talk about will conceal better, but for that gain you lose some barrel length and mag capacity.

 

[My Menace]

Sounds like you're trying to convince yourself to trade it, not us.

If its not meeting your needs start looking for what is.

 

[Vinney47]

my first pistol was an m&p 9c. still have it still love it. I did want something for " deep concealment" and picked up an lc9 (m&p shields weren't out yet). I really liked it as well, was more comfortable ( mostly attributed to it being lighter) to carry and vanished on my hip. but I eventually sold it and suck with the m&p 9c. the trigger pull was much heavier and longer on the lc9 and I wasn't near as good a shoot with the shorter barrel, and the smaller frame didn't fit or feel as good in my hand. in the end I decided I'd rather have more rounds, the longer barrel, the better fit and better trigger even if it was on a heavier gun that didn't conceal quite as well. that's my experience, take from it what you will.

 

[jaykellogg]

IMHO, the compact M&P is still too big for ease of concealment. The Shield may be what you want. I held one in a gun shop and didn't buy it (Well under $500 New). Had I bought it I could have resold it for a profit. My carry gun is a Kel Tec PF-9. I added the aluminum trigger and I can hit well with it, but my M&P9 is more enjoyable to shoot. I also have a companion M&P22.

 

[Justin69]

I have had a f/s 9 for a couple years now, but several weeks ago I bought a new 9c. What an amazing gun! Try to get your hands on a 9c. See how you like it

 

[Don 73]

Sounds like you're trying to convince yourself to trade it, not us.

If its not meeting your needs start looking for what is.

I tend to agree, I do the same thing when I'm considering a change. I also agree that part of going "deep cover" is getting a smaller weapon, but you don't want to go so small as to get something that is so small that it's too difficult to hold or control during recoil, not to mention that the smaller the gun, the shorter the effective range (accuracy and stopping power).

Another consideration is clothing. The proper clothing can conceal a cannon (more or less) which is what I consider my Glock 21, but come summer time, the effort it takes to conceal that monstrosity is nearly futile. That's why I carried my 3913 and now my MP9c. A long baggy T-shirt conceals my 9c from all but the most knowing eyes as well as my 2-pouch magazine holder. An unbuttoned, untucked outer shirt woks well too (just be careful of sudden breezes which may flip the shirt tails open and uncover the gun).

A good compromise between concealability and firepower would be the M&P9c/40c and the Shield 9/40. The 9s and the 40s share external dimensions. The 40 has bigger bullets, the 9 carries more bullets, which is better? Neither is "better" than the other, they just have different strengths.

Mind your wardrobe and research the weapons, you'll figure out what's right for you.

 

[newschoololdschool]

Thanks everybody. As it turns out, I was definitely trying to convince myself. Thinking this gun'll be up on a couple of boards soon.

I'll take a look at some of the suggested options, ie shield.

If possible, I'd like to work with the compacts as opposed to the deep concealment options. Honestly, when you get down to that kind of capacity I don't see any point in not getting a revolver.

Thanks again!

 

[NevadaBob]

School...I'm a S&W guy and I know this is a S&W forum. I have a full size M&P9 and it is a great shooter. After saving some $$$ I was in the market for a Shield. I was waiting on price/availability here in the Reno area. In my online research, I came across another option: Bersa BP9CC. The reviews remarked about the "sweet trigger" on the Bersa. Went to the LGS and they had a Shield and the Bersa. The trigger on the Shield was "Ugh!!!". I could see an Apex Tactical order in my future. The trigger on the Bersa was sweet and it fit my hand better. Long story short: walked out with the Bersa. I've been out to the range a couple of times and it is a great little shooter. I love my S&W's, they make a great product, but as far as cc goes, the Bersa is a winner.

 

[Autococker07]

Honestly, when you get down to that kind of capacity I don't see any point in not getting a revolver.

Thanks again!

This attitude will serve you well (keeping options open). As many of the fine folks here have mentioned, you CAN conceal anything, but a smaller gun makes it so much easier.... you will lose a bit of capacity and controllability for the weight trade, but many (including myself) find it at times a fair deal... It sounds like you are on the right track..... my only suggestion would be to consider that you will take a bath on your current M&P... please consider that if you can ever in your life justify having the M&P40 again, you will be better off saving and having GAS (Gun acquisition syndrome). Working at small gunstore I can tell you that in trade you will get 80% of dealer cost or so in trade.... best case.... many may try to fleece you, but a fair used price for a dealer is right around wholesale/dealer cost.... (Meaning he must give you less than he would pay for new, to be able to make someone a fair deal on a used gun). You can ask more from a private party, but you will never get your money back, and with discount outfits like Buds, etc that margin gets ridiculously low. I know I am preaching to the choir, but in your shoes, I would make the M&P work for now, and put your pennies together for a few months... you can get a NIB S&W 38 airweight (or a shield) for $400-$500... if you trade, you are probably looking at a fair value around $400 or so on your M&P, so you are still going to have to raise jack to get a gun that is -less- valuable.... think long and hard on it..... Also, the safety is SUPER easy to remove, as the M&P is all modular.... hope it helps, and good luck!

Jim

 

[Deadeye Dick]

If you do decide to sell off the FS.40 I would suggest that you try to sell it on your own to a private party if legal/possible where you live and not trade it with a dealer or pawn shop. Neither will give you a good price on your gun.

I'm with Autococker07 on this one. Your FS.40 fulfills two out of three of your desires, namely home defense and range gun. The only area where it falls a little short is in CC.

You said yourself that you don't have the CC permit yet and I assume by your post you are not starting school until the fall which gives you a little time.

Keeping all this in mind and knowing that I would loose money in the trade I think I would hold onto the FS.40. In the meantime save up some more cash and don't rule out buying a used piece for CC. Guns are a lot like automobiles in that you can often get a gently used one and save big bucks over a new one.

 

[Soldiernurse]

I tend to agree, I do the same thing when I'm considering a change. I also agree that part of going "deep cover" is getting a smaller weapon, but you don't want to go so small as to get something that is so small that it's too difficult to hold or control during recoil, not to mention that the smaller the gun, the shorter the effective range (accuracy and stopping power).

Another consideration is clothing. The proper clothing can conceal a cannon (more or less) which is what I consider my Glock 21, but come summer time, the effort it takes to conceal that monstrosity is nearly futile. That's why I carried my 3913 and now my MP9c. A long baggy T-shirt conceals my 9c from all but the most knowing eyes as well as my 2-pouch magazine holder. An unbuttoned, untucked outer shirt woks well too (just be careful of sudden breezes which may flip the shirt tails open and uncover the gun).

A good compromise between concealability and firepower would be the M&P9c/40c and the Shield 9/40. The 9s and the 40s share external dimensions. The 40 has bigger bullets, the 9 carries more bullets, which is better? Neither is "better" than the other, they just have different strengths.

Mind your wardrobe and research the weapons, you'll figure out what's right for you.

Bullets!?!

... sorry, too tempting

A good holster that pulls a handgun close to the body is a must... no prob w/9c as EDC CCW.

 

[t bell]

I'm in the same debacle. I have a SD40VE and a Shield 9. I like both but obviously the Shield is easier to conceal. I also want to start shooting IDSPA and was thinking of the M&P FS or compact. On the fence about keeping the SD but it's a great gun too. From reading here, most people get trigger work done anyway on the M&P. But at any rate, I didn't have anything for ya. Just letting you know that others have the same dilemmas as you. Good luck on your decision

 

[Riflemann]

My Shield 40 is what I carry the most, But I really rather carry my full size 4.25" 40 with 15+1 rather than 6+1 with the Shield. The Shield is really hard to beat, I carry it on my ankle, belt, IWB, or front pocket, just depends on the clothing I am wearing. I carry the spare 7-round mag in my other front pocket.

 

[Jay_Crown]

Hey folks,
[*]I'm hoping to get that license this summer. So, for the next year, I'll be trying to conceal at a University. Not illegal in my state, but definitely against school policy. Deep concealment is a priority.

Caution on this one my friend.

 

[kablamo]

Why would you carry at school if it's against policy? If Carrying is that important I suggest a different school. Should you get spotted or use your weapon on campus In a defensive situation you'll be in a world of trouble. I am not familiar with your state laws, but in my home state property owners have the right to allow or prohibit concealed weapons legally.

In regards to your gun decision I would save up And identify what you really want and get it. Don't compromise. I would also be sure to save up for some training ammo and range time should you get your concealed carry permit. Too many people think a simple license qualifies them. It may do that legally but it sure isn't sufficient in terms of preparation or training.

Go to a range or gun shop and take a look at a bunch of different guns. I promise you that once you start carrying you're going to be back in the same dilemma. I personally have gone through 6 or so handguns that I each thought were perfect for concealed carry. Every gun will have a pro and con. You will likely end up with a couple guns in your carry rotation. As many of us do.

Good luck and enjoy the process. Let us know what you end up with.

 

[WA101]

I just got my Washington State CPL and it took every bit of the 30-days allowed by law for the State to complete the background check and mail the permit. My permit was mailed exactly 31-days after I completed the application.

You may want to consider keeping your full size 40 at least until you get a CPL. It's easier to buy a new gun in this state if you have a CPL as the waiting period for the state background check is waived if you can show a CPL to the gun shop at the time of purchase.

Also, be aware that it's illegal in the State of Washington to carry a firearm onto a university/college campus if the the university or college has banned firearms on campus grounds. It's only legal to carry a firearm onto public or private university/college grounds if it's not prohibited by the policies of that university.

 

[warbird]

This attitude will serve you well (keeping options open). As many of the fine folks here have mentioned, you CAN conceal anything, but a smaller gun makes it so much easier.... you will lose a bit of capacity and controllability for the weight trade, but many (including myself) find it at times a fair deal... It sounds like you are on the right track..... my only suggestion would be to consider that you will take a bath on your current M&P... please consider that if you can ever in your life justify having the M&P40 again, you will be better off saving and having GAS (Gun acquisition syndrome). Working at small gunstore I can tell you that in trade you will get 80% of dealer cost or so in trade.... best case.... many may try to fleece you, but a fair used price for a dealer is right around wholesale/dealer cost.... (Meaning he must give you less than he would pay for new, to be able to make someone a fair deal on a used gun). You can ask more from a private party, but you will never get your money back, and with discount outfits like Buds, etc that margin gets ridiculously low. I know I am preaching to the choir, but in your shoes, I would make the M&P work for now, and put your pennies together for a few months... you can get a NIB S&W 38 airweight (or a shield) for $400-$500... if you trade, you are probably looking at a fair value around $400 or so on your M&P, so you are still going to have to raise jack to get a gun that is -less- valuable.... think long and hard on it..... Also, the safety is SUPER easy to remove, as the M&P is all modular.... hope it helps, and good luck!

Jim

Great advice! I have taken a bath more than once. Again, great advice.

 

[Jthomps123]

By round eleven you wish it were empty?!? And you are going to try to conceal against your universities policies? Exactly what are you trying to accomplish here?

How about
1st: dont buy what you cant control/dont want.
2nd: - dont conceal where you cant conceal. If you cant afford the time or money for the CCW license then wait until you can.

 

[MarkDozier]

I can not beleive he can't afford 65 bucks for a CPL. Cheaper then a textbook and last longer.