Thinking about new M&P - PRO, CORE, or VTAC

[78Staff]

Thinking about new M&P 40S&W- Pro Series, CORE, or VTAC... just can't decide lol. This would be a "fun" gun - range, plinking, HD, etc - not a carry gun. I have a Shield for that. No competition, at least not yet. Maybe down the road, some local range/fun comps, nothing elaborate.

I originally though I wanted a VTAC - I like FDE, has good sights already, pro series trigger? (maybe, conflicting reports). Nice matchup for my gear for carbine classes/drills. Nobody has one locally of course so would have to order on blind faith, and slightly less than either the Pro Series or Core.

But then I got to thinking about a 5" barrel, which means Pro Series, or Core.

LGS has both in the $750-range, and a used 4.25" CORE for $519, and while I don't figure on putting a dot on it right away, it would be nice to have the option down the road,which has me leaning towards a 5" Core. Trigger feels good on both, not as nice as my Apex kit in my Shield, but nicer than stock. reset still a bit mushy on either. Feels good in the hand.

So, assuming I stick with a 5", other than red dot mount and sights (high/low), any difference between the standard Pro Model and the CORE that I should consider? I should also note I will be buying a 9mm conv barrel and mags as well, whichever model I choose, so want to be sure that compatibility remains. I see barrels for the Standard and Pro Series, but not the Core, at least not specifically - my guess is the Pro Series conversion would apply, but I couldn't get anyone at Storm Lake on the phone today for some reason.

 

[Jboutfishn]

I went through the same process a few months back. I settled on the 9MM PRO because of the trigger and fiber optic front sight. If you ever want to go the red dot rout, rear mounts are made to replace the rear sight or my LGS can machine the slide to match the CORE.

The pro is very accurate, has a decent trigger, and I love the 5 inch barrel.

 

[AVG]

I have the M&P CORE with the short barrel. A gun that I was looking for that I could mount a red dot with out having to send it out for this option. I have it in 40S&W and bought a 9mm barrel from KKM. This barrel just dropped right in and is very accurate. I paid $650.00 for the gun and $160.00 for the 9mm barrel............

 

[Bkreutz]

I went through the same process a few months back. I settled on the 9MM PRO because of the trigger and fiber optic front sight. If you ever want to go the red dot rout, rear mounts are made to replace the rear sight or my LGS can machine the slide to match the CORE.

The pro is very accurate, has a decent trigger, and I love the 5 inch barrel.

The only difference between a Pro Core and a Pro is that the Core slide is milled for the reflex and the rear sight dovetail is moved rearward.

 

[jeffhughes]

The only difference between a Pro Core and a Pro is that the Core slide is milled for the reflex and the rear sight dovetail is moved rearward.

And the 5" Pro comes with "competition" style sights and the CORE comes with suppressor sights.

 

[falconman515]

I was in the same boat as well.

After further review I decided on Pro regardless ... then it was down to Pro or Pro CORE.

I knew for the price difference if I didn't get the core and have the option for an optic I would be mad that I didn't some day since that was something I knew I wanted to try.

In the end it was a M&P9 Pro CORE 5" for me. And I just got an optic right away. (but I knew I wanted a 5" long slide M&P so that decision was an easy one since that's the only way to get a 5" is in a Pro version).

Really I think you should go with a Pro no matter what (I think the upgraded parts, backstrap, FO sights / comp sights, etc. etc. are worth the extra price) but then its down to whether or not you will EVER run an optic ... if yo know for sure that answer is no then go with the reg. Pro .... if think you will get the CORE. Easy.

 

[78Staff]

Just to tidy this up, I decided to get an SW1911TA instead . Been wanting to add an E Series for a while and found a nice price, so snapped it up.

 

[miscverb]

i got the core so i would have an outstanding and accurate gun, and could put a red dot on it when i want to, without removing the sights, and with the ability to cowitness if/as required. best of all worlds.

 

[AxeOgre]

Budget got to me on this question. That and availability. LGS had 10% off Smith products today, and no 5" CORE. M&P 9 Pro 5" for almost $100 less out the door than another nearby shop!

Just got home with it, haven't even fully cleaned it yet, but I think I'm going to enjoy the snot out of this thing!

 

[pjColorado]

CORE or Vtac

I was just in the same dilemma this past week. I was recently at a local gun store buying another gun and fondled the 4.25 inch CORE pro series and loved it. Then this past week I was at another gun store near me and they had a lightly used Vtac for $500 plus tax. I loved it and was ready to buy it but wanted to go back and talk with the other store about the CORE before I decided. One thing I need to mention is that the store that had the CORE I had just sold two guns on consignment so they said I could either wait 3 weeks to get a check or use that money as store credit. I would not have to lay out any additional money. That gun I had just bought from them weeks earlier was an FNX 45 Tactical and I added the Trijicon RMR red dot and absolutely love it. After a discussion with them I decided the better choice for me was to go with the CORE even though it was new and $229 more than the used Vtac. It came with two 17 round mags that had to be limited to 15 rounds per my state. I wound up having enough credit to add two additional mags. I then had the same Trijicon RMR added to this gun. The RMR I did have to pay for since I only had enough credit for the gun and extra mags. I have to say over all of my pistols this one is.by far the most comfortable. Also. I have no issues with the trigger. Yes a bit mushy but it feels great. I did previously have the M&P on 40 desert tan, 9 compact and recently had a shield in 9mm. But I did sell them all for different reasons. Anyway. I'm very happy with what I got and trying to determine if this can be my new CCW gun over my Glock 23 or 27. I did wear it in an IWB holster last night and the grip stippling rubbed the hell out of my side so I will have to wear a tee shirt underneath to help solve the problem. I used my M tac Minitauer glock 27 IWB holster to get it to fit with the RMR. I also already have a Blackhawk Serpa and a custom kydex OWB Holster low cut for my Glocks with a Streamlight TLR 1 HL light that worked with this gun as well. If anyone is still debating I hope this helps. Also one last thing is that on the Vtac once the tritium goes out in the sights it's $240 just for the sights on Viking tacticals website.