Thinking of getting a M&P 40.

[JohnnyTactical305]

I have been thinking of getting a full size .40 handgun, and since the M&P was based on the .40 it seen like a logical choice. I have a limited experience with the .40 (shot a g23 want bad and Shield.40 which sucked). So how does the Full size M&P .40 handle the .40? Does it make it more manageable?

 

[Mark40]

I've never shot a FS, but I've owned a G23 and now own a 40c. Despite being a smaller gun, the 40c handles recoil better than the G23. I've always thought a FS ported 40 would be sweet.

 

[427mach1]

If at all possible, before you buy any new gun, go to a range that has one as a rental and shoot it. Just because I might have a gun that I absolutely love does not mean you will like it. Try before you buy so you know what you are getting.

 

[NasHouston]

I believe the ammo plays a big part in the recoil.

The Winchester 165 grain had a lot less kick than the federal 180 grain. I mean like a lot less.

I know that's contrary to what everyone says, but just fire the two and tell me what you think.

 

[Ballistic147]

IMO my 40c is very manageable but I'm not very recoil sensitive. My wife likes it too and shoots it well. My son just picked up a Glock 19 (9mm) and to me the recoil is about the same as my 40c and not nearly as accurate. As others have said, borrow or rent one if you can and then make your decision.

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

Recoil is overcome by training. I never took to 40 millimeter but I could have bought a lot of pistols at a steep discount if I did. good luck.

 

[JohnnyTactical305]

If at all possible, before you buy any new gun, go to a range that has one as a rental and shoot it. Just because I might have a gun that I absolutely love does not mean you will like it. Try before you buy so you know what you are getting.

Sounds good to me.

 

[dfhawkins]

I have M&Ps in both 40S&W and 9mm and both calibers include full size, compact and Shield. My wife, not a big woman, can shoot both caliber and all M&P models without difficulty (though she will tell you her preferences are the nines). An observation of most instructors is that controlling 40S&W (or .22LR, 380acp, or 45acp for that matter) has to do with a proper grip and, without question, the ergonomics and fit of the grip. 427mach1 makes an excellent suggestion to rent and try.

 

[dfhawkins]

Recoil is overcome by training. I never took to 40 millimeter but I could have bought a lot of pistols at a steep discount if I did. good luck.

I agree about the training Rick for .40cal, but a pistol in 40mm... Now I'm not sure but what that's more bang than I can train for.

 

[jcs152112]

The 40 is a great round in a steel framed pistol. In my experience, I will forever stay away from plastic in anything that shoots. I have had nothing but trouble with the plastic, but then that is just me. I have a 40 S&W 4006 TSW and a Kimber Custom II in 40. both great guns. I got rid of all plastic guns I had..

 

[dswancutt]

I have a 357 sig M&P with barrels for both 40 S&W and 9mm. I love shooting it as a 9mm, in fact it has become my 9mm bowling pin gun. However, as a 40, it is not a fun gun with stout loads. I barely can get through a box of 50 before my wrist hurts and I am flinching. Same load through a 3rd gen, no problem.
I would suggest you try before you buy if you can.

 

[WA101]

Thinking of getting a M&P 40.

I have a full size M&P 40 along with a 9mm factory barrel and mag, so I've shot both calibers from the same gun with a simple barrel swap. I can't really tell much difference between 40 and 9mm in the full size M&P. I feel like the 40 is a little more accurate, but that's the only noticeable difference to me.

 

[AZ_M&P]

Like WA101, I also have an M&P 9 and a pair of M&P 40's, the ported Performance Center model and the Pro model. IMO, the recoil between the 9 & 40 is almost indistinguishable. The Pro Series 40 is also my absolute favorite out of all my guns... the things is a tack driver, and with proper form I'm back on target like Jerry Miculek.... well almost that fast anyway.

My advice - get the 40. You'll love it.

 

[Shark Bait]

I recently bought a M&P40 and like it quite well so far. I don't find the recoil to be a problem.

 

[Deadeye Dick]

Let me put it to you this way... I find my full sized M&P40 more pleasant to shoot than either my .38 J-frame or my 9mm subcompact P-11.

 

[PirateJim]

Recoil sensitivity is definitely a personal thing, so only you can decide. I have a Shield 40 and love it, carry it everywhere. I was fortunate to be able to try the 9 and 40 back to back before buying and didn't see that much difference. But that's just me.

That said, my full size 40 (5" Pro Series) is certainly "softer" shooting than the Shield. If possible, rent a gun, but I'm a 40 fan and would recommend it.

 

[Mahalo_.32]

I have not been a fan of the .40 caliber for many years. .45, 9 and .357sig has been my favorite for many years. Since I purchased my M&P .40 I have been enjoying since I bought it a few weeks ago. This handgun is extremely manageable Smith & Wesson really did some R&D to make the M&P awesome I can't wait to get my .357SIG barrel.

 

[Sigsavvy]

I have a police trade-in FS 40 and I love it. I had the Shield 40 and ended up trading it for the 9 because I have a bad wrist. The Shield in 40 was just a little more snappy and bothered it. The 9 is much better for me. Both my son and I think the FS 40 feels the same as the Shield 9 as far as recoil.

 

[walkin' trails]

Having been a long time Glock shooter (9, 40, & 45), I first fired an M&P 40 FS in 2007. The recoil did not seen significant, and the follow-thru was quicker than with a Glock. I'm personally not a 40 fan, so I have replaced everything in 40 with 9s, with the exception of an issued G22. The first Shield I fired was also on 40, and was impressed that it's recoil and handling characteristics were more pleasant than a G27. I still can't say I have much of any experience with the FS 40s, but they don't seem to have taken the same heat in terms of accuracy as the 9s. Look for a most recent manufacture to ensure that the trigger components are the latest (6.5-7lbs).

 

[smitret]

MP40 ?

I worked at gunshop when the MPs were introduced.

S&W rep offered his FS40 to try.

Three of us split a box of WWB 180gr.

On the strength of those 16 rds I knew I would have one very soon.

A tack driver that handled recoil very well.

Good Luck