Third Generations vs. M&P Line?

[WhiteWillie]

Guys, this may well be my first post on these forums. Back when I was a puppy, I had a 4506 and have always wanted a 6909. Unfortunately, S&W no longer makes the third generation guns. So, I was wondering, how do the M&P series of guns compare to the older guns. Any other old-timers here who have owned both?

 

[epj]

There are plenty of most models of third generation guns on the market, many in near new condition. No need to buy plastic unless you just want to. I have both in several variations. The new ones are lighter and higher capacity. The old ones more accurate and more durable. These are general observations. YMMV.

 

[N4KVE]

The new plastic guns are fine, but they have no soul. I've owned Glocks in the past & had a M&P40c which I just sold. From now on, no more striker fired guns for me. Only SA/DA guns with a hammer. GARY

 

[18DAI]

Apples to oranges comparison really.

On the one hand you have well made, good looking, accurate, hammer fired guns with good triggers. Guns that you don't need to buy Apex parts for in order to give them the trigger they should have come from the factory with.

On the other hand you have the m&p.

Guess which ones I buy. Regards 18DAI

 

[Sevens]

I'm one of the odd folks who is totally nuts about handguns and I shoot a wide variety and I run up a rather high round count-- but carrying a wide array of guns and having a "carry rotation" holds zero, ZERO interest for me. So I carry one tupperware pistol exclusively and no others. Since 2008 and no plans to change.

The M&P is a quality tool for carry and defense. If I were in a business that required duty carry openly, I would feel well armed with one.

To buy because they look good and feel great and for pride of ownership and a tangible piece of history to pass down to heirs?! BLLEEECCCCCHHHHH.

It's polymer. It's a Craftsman screwdriver, works great and takes abuse and one day it'll quit working and when that happens it'll get replaced.

Meanwhile, my S&W 1st, 2nd and 3rd Gen pistols are for fun, pride and loving enjoyment and they hit every visceral nugget from start to finish.

 

[GaryS]

I HAD a M&P9c and I HAVE 3 3913's, a 3914, a 6906, a 457, and a 5906.

As a once famous Boston politician was wont to say, "You know where I stand."

 

[Arik]

I agree with 18DAI to the extent that it's apples and oranges.

I had several M&Ps and found them to be accurate. Had one problem with a 357 sights. Triggers are something that's different to everyone. I like the 3rd gen S&W triggers and I like the M&P.

A few years ago when I got my first 5946 I went on a forum frequented by LEOs and asked the question about the reliability of these old 3rd gens. As with anything else, the replies were 50/50. Some guys never had issues others went through several guns or several trips back to S&W.

 

[timn8er]

Where's that popcorn guy?

I've got a couple of M&Ps, & thirteen 3rdGens. The M&Ps are for carry, because, as I've said many, many times:In a worse case scenario, I'd rather one of the M&Ps be rattling around a storage locker than one of my 3rdGens. I care too much for the 3rsGens than to let something like that happen to one of them. The M&Ps? Not so much...

 

[GaryS]

In my case it's a moot point. In MA, if you use a firearm in self defense the application of the law and the attitude of the authorities is such that EVERY firearm, EVERY round of ammunition, EVERY magazine I own will be seized during the investigation. I've heard of cases where in addition to that, scopes (unmounted), holsters, and other accessories are also seized.

Just another reason to move to a state with reasonable firearm and self defense laws, but that's a topic for a different sub forum.

Where's that popcorn guy?

I've got a couple of M&Ps, & thirteen 3rdGens. The M&Ps are for carry, because, as I've said many, many times:In a worse case scenario, I'd rather one of the M&Ps be rattling around a storage locker than one of my 3rdGens. I care too much for the 3rsGens than to let something like that happen to one of them. The M&Ps? Not so much...

 

[nocents]

had a Shield9 and liked it.....but not enough to keep it after I tried a 3913..........and you Mass. guys are WAAAAAY more tolerant than I would be.....I guess you have to be born there to put up with that BS

 

[Shorty 45 MK2]

For me it comes down to the trigger type. I prefer to have a hammer on a SD gun for reholstering and like the DA pull for if I have to ever hold someone at gun point.

I've shot an M&P .45 and it shot well, yes the trigger was not anywhere near as nice as a tuned SA revolver but it was ok for shooting and was perfectly reliable for my friend just not for me based on the trigger.

I do like how they offer them with safeties and without.

 

[TTSH]

The new plastic guns are fine, but they have no soul.

Damn it!!! You got to use Sevens' quote before I did!

 

[TTSH]

In my case it's a moot point. In MA, if you use a firearm in self defense the application of the law and the attitude of the authorities is such that EVERY firearm, EVERY round of ammunition, EVERY magazine I own will be seized during the investigation. I've heard of cases where in addition to that, scopes (unmounted), holsters, and other accessories are also seized.

As true as true gets. And chances are you will never see any of them ever again.

Welcome to Massachusetts.

 

[Big Shrek]

In my case it's a moot point. In MA, if you use a firearm in self defense the application of the law and the attitude of the authorities is such that EVERY firearm, EVERY round of ammunition, EVERY magazine I own will be seized during the investigation. I've heard of cases where in addition to that, scopes (unmounted), holsters, and other accessories are also seized.

Just another reason to move to a state with reasonable firearm and self defense laws, but that's a topic for a different sub forum.

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Can you top ANY of that up North?? I don't think so
There's a reason folks come to Florida to retire!!

 

[tim c]

i own a shield and a 40c but 9 third gens so I think that says it

 

[TTSH]

i own a shield and a 40c but 9 third gens so I think that says it

I think you already own way too many 3rd Gens... ... so stop buying and send a few to me.

For the record, counting M&P's, SW99's and SD's... plus my M&P15-22, I own almost as much S&W plastic as I do all-metal S&W 3rd Gens.

Scary thought... yes?

 

[petepeterson]

For me it comes down to the trigger type. I prefer to have a hammer on a SD gun for reholstering and like the DA pull for if I have to ever hold someone at gun point.

I've shot an M&P .45 and it shot well, yes the trigger was not anywhere near as nice as a tuned SA revolver but it was ok for shooting and was perfectly reliable for my friend just not for me based on the trigger.

I do like how they offer them with safeties and without.

I'm with Shorty here. I don't think the TDA trigger is anywhere near as difficult as folks make it out to be. I feel much better with that first pull being DA.

I spent some quality time with a Shield 9, and don't have anything negative to say about it, just that it's not for me (currently!).

 

[Silversmok3]

In the vein of the SAT:

An M&P is to the 3rd Generation, as a City Bus is to a vintage Jaguar.

 

[gunhobbit]

Apples to oranges comparison really.

On the one hand you have well made, good looking, accurate, hammer fired guns with good triggers. Guns that you don't need to buy Apex parts for in order to give them the trigger they should have come from the factory with.

On the other hand you have the m&p.

Guess which ones I buy. Regards 18DAI

Apples to porcupines, actually. Dead, rabid porcupines. With halitosis and severe skin problems.

The fact that the M&P owners are consigned to their own walled off portion of the forum and not allowed to play with Real S&W Owners should be telling all by its ownsome.

But some people swear by their combat tupperware. Which is not THAT shameful - I had a lot of plastic guns before I grew up, too, so I can't fault them.

Shorter semi-seriouser answer? No trigger on a gun should have a "sub assembly."

 

[nocents]

The fact that the M&P owners are consigned to their own walled off portion of the forum and not allowed to play with Real S&W Owners should be telling all by its ownsome.

pretty sure the revolver guys look at us in the same light