Trying to buy an M&P .40, 5 inch with thumb safety

[BillyMagg]

I finally decided I needed a "plastic fantastic", and the M&P .40 2.O 5" inch with thumb safety checked all the boxes...

in addition grab-a-gun had it for 429.99, got it all figured out and ordered from grab-a-gun, I had to email, then call? had it all set, but my saleman said my computer is shutting it down, I'll call you back in a few when I get it sorted????

Well he does indeed call back, great people, guy is was born at "Wilford Hall", on base in San Antonio, so he's an Air Force Brat!

says Mr. Billy, I'm gonna have to cancel your order, we can't ship this thing to "Central Obamastan"?? well sugar! I'm really ticked and very disappointed..... so no go on grab-a-gun at a great price, 429.99


I have a deposit on Gallery of Guns, and they are shipping to another local gun shop... at 73.00 more than grab a gun

So I have two questions, I realize Illinois and California are in the same boat? so how have others managed this mess??

Does anyone have the M&P .40 5" with thumb safety?? hows the trigger, and how is your accuracy off the bench at 25 yards? Does anyone here in Illinois have one?

yes, I paid a hell of a lot more, and had to buy it from another gun shop, not my regular... he was on vacation, he tells me he can get them all day long, no problem...

So is grab-a-gun doing CYA? and will Gallery of Guns actually be able to deliver???

Anyway, I want a 5 inch gun, with a grip safety in .40 S&W for carry around the farm, I won't have to worry as much about getting it all dinged up, and I'm really looking forward to hauling it around the farm and shooting stumps and other targets of opportunity....

I feel really bad about having to go to another dealer as well, since my gun guy is a local cop and ex Marine... it just sucks, he's a great guy.... I wanted to give him my business, and I would have if I hadn't already ran through Gallery of Guns...

and like a kid, one more question, will my M&P ship with two 10 round magazines instead of the 15 rounders??

I really like the gun, I don't know why, but I like the thumb safety and the 5" barrel, shades of 1911...

sorry for the lengthy post, and apologies for taking all your time..

 

[M29since14]

I've had one for some time now. I'm happy with it. Trigger is fine. The new grip texture is a double-plus. It helps me alot. Sits lower in my hand than a P320 by a long ways. Shoots just above the front sight at 50 feet and 25 yards. My gun does well with cast lead, too. That's a bonus, to me. I really can't think of much to complain about.


My gun is one of the FDE versions with the tactile loaded chamber indicator. I have no use for the feature, but it doesn't bother me. The only kicker is I can't find magazines with the FDE colored floor plate. I suppose some will come along in due time. I like the FDE color. Only thing missing on my gun is no night sights. I will just use it as-is, I guess.

 

[mscampbell2734]

Some companies refuse to sell to CA because the State DOJ demands they agree to surprise audits of their sales to CA.

This is "suppose" to be to ensure all guns shipped to CA only go to legit gun stores and are registered.

 

[Saudade]

Some companies refuse to sell to CA because the State DOJ demands they agree to surprise audits of their sales to CA.

This is "suppose" to be to ensure all guns shipped to CA only go to legit gun stores and are registered.

The model he wants is "off roster". No vendor would ship to CA unless the FFL had the permits to receive "unsafe" handguns. Even then they could only be sold to exempt people.

 

[mscampbell2734]

In that case how is Gallery of Guns going to ship? Are they thumbing their nose at CA law? If so the store receiving the weapon is going to be stuck with a gun they will either have to ship back or find a LE buyer.

 

[Echo40]

I suggest taking a look at the Ruger SR40. It's on the CA Roster, is cheaper than the M&P, and includes all of the features you're looking for save for barrel length. (The SR40 has a 4" Barrel.)

 

[BillyMagg]

.40 on its way

In that case how is Gallery of Guns going to ship? Are they thumbing their nose at CA law? If so the store receiving the weapon is going to be stuck with a gun they will either have to ship back or find a LE buyer.

I'm not in Cali, but rather Central Obamastan here in the Midwest, kinda like a Cali in the heartland??? Home to Hillary Clinton and Ronny Raygun!

It appears that grab a gun is just exercising their right to avoid doing business with in a hostile entity, but Gallery of Guns tells me it on its way.

So I'm looking forward to my first M&P and hoping it will shoot as well as the .40 Compact I shot before.... as I stated I exercised my 3913LS Sunday, but that trigger is just off putting to say the least....

I'm looking forward to shooting the M&P, although I've never owned a plastic fantastic, I seem to shoot them all better than my really amazing older stuff??

I would probably prefer the lighter bullets to start, does anybody make a .40 LSW, that sounds like fun if it will feed??

 

[BillyMagg]

I suggest taking a look at the Ruger SR40. It's on the CA Roster, is cheaper than the M&P, and includes all of the features you're looking for save for barrel length. (The SR40 has a 4" Barrel.)

My .40 has shipped Harry, and I def want the M&P with the 5" barrel, I'm really NOT a Ruger guy, but I really, really, really miss my 1961 44 Flat-top. A STUPID trade on a really pretty Colt 45/45ACP New Frontier, that is also gone.

 

[BillyMagg]

I've had one for some time now. I'm happy with it. Trigger is fine. The new grip texture is a double-plus. It helps me alot. Sits lower in my hand than a P320 by a long ways. Shoots just above the front sight at 50 feet and 25 yards. My gun does well with cast lead, too. That's a bonus, to me. I really can't think of much to complain about.


My gun is one of the FDE versions with the tactile loaded chamber indicator. I have no use for the feature, but it doesn't bother me. The only kicker is I can't find magazines with the FDE colored floor plate. I suppose some will come along in due time. I like the FDE color. Only thing missing on my gun is no night sights. I will just use it as-is, I guess.

grab a gun had those magazines as well, and I had ordered 3 on my order that was cancelled..... BAHHH! HUUMBUG!

 

[BillyMagg]

I've had one for some time now. I'm happy with it. Trigger is fine. The new grip texture is a double-plus. It helps me alot. Sits lower in my hand than a P320 by a long ways. Shoots just above the front sight at 50 feet and 25 yards. My gun does well with cast lead, too. That's a bonus, to me. I really can't think of much to complain about.


My gun is one of the FDE versions with the tactile loaded chamber indicator. I have no use for the feature, but it doesn't bother me. The only kicker is I can't find magazines with the FDE colored floor plate. I suppose some will come along in due time. I like the FDE color. Only thing missing on my gun is no night sights. I will just use it as-is, I guess.

So I'm supposing you re-load your own lead bullets, does anyone sell LSW for the .40.. any other JHP's that you like? I'm supposing Winchester sells that flat tipped target loads in .40?

 

[M29since14]

So I'm supposing you re-load your own lead bullets, does anyone sell LSW for the .40.. any other JHP's that you like? I'm supposing Winchester sells that flat tipped target loads in .40?

I don't buy much in the way of factory ammo so couldn't say about buying lead SWCs for .40SW. I don't recall ever seeing it anywhere. I do have some experience with Winchester's run of the mill 180 gr FMJs. My gun prefers them to Remingtons and Federal "Champion" FMJs. Have yet to try Federal's American Eagle stuff in the new gun. It's usually very good. The one box or so of JHPs I buy in a year is almost always Federal HST. If it doesn't come in a 50-round box, I don't buy it. Good luck with your new M&P.

 

[Saudade]

My apologies if my comment about CA caused some confusion. I knew the OP (BillyMagg) was in Illinois, not CA, therefore not subject to the roster. I meant to clarify that not only is CA difficult to deal with, but many commonly purchased pistols are illegal to sell by FFLs to us "commoners".

I bought my FS and Compact M&Ps before they went off roster (2013).

 

[Saudade]

grab a gun had those magazines as well, and I had ordered 3 on my order that was cancelled..... BAHHH! HUUMBUG!

Mag limits, just like us in CA.

The fullsize 10 round mags have a short metal body and extended floor plate. I've not seen any in FDE.

 

[hardluk1]

Billmagg Since you seem to have placed your self in a corner with your need for 5" m&p 40 before researching what you can even own in Illinois you might simply have to change handgun do to state laws . Maybe dealing with grab a gun might not be your best bet for a handgun so use up the down payment for ammo or other stuff down the road . See what Illinois gun shops can do as every ones running deals on m&p's . Check out sig 1911 as they still have a nice traditional 5" target 40sw you can buy thru tombstone tactical , its not as low cost but should be a far better shooter . Pick up a couple Wilson 9 round mags fro 10 round cap . Ha -

Sig Sauer 1911 Traditional Match Elite Pistol .40 SW 5in 8rd Stainless

 

[M29since14]

My 5" M&P 40 2.0 is really decent gun. I wonder if that SIG at $1000 (more than twice the price) is twice the shooter? Does look like a very nice model, though.

It sounds like the OP already has his M&P on the way. He doesn't say whether it's black or FDE. I think they make them both ways. Worrying over 10 or 15 rounds magazine capacity is so silly. I guess the various governments involved in this foolishness have nothing better to do.

 

[DMcBB]

My 5" M&P 40 2.0 is really decent gun. I wonder if that SIG at $1000 (more than twice the price) is twice the shooter? Does look like a very nice model, though.

The Sig might be great, but a big part of the price is the greater expense for Sig to manufacture a steel frame as compared to a polymer frame. With the exception of used S&W 3rd gens (which are a huge bargain) poly guns are just substantially cheaper to make and sell than metal framed guns.

For an apples to apples comparison, look at a Sig P229 vs a Sig P2022. Practically the same gun, but that polymer frame drops the price substantially.

 

[BillyMagg]

I don't buy much in the way of factory ammo so couldn't say about buying lead SWCs for .40SW. I don't recall ever seeing it anywhere. I do have some experience with Winchester's run of the mill 180 gr FMJs. My gun prefers them to Remingtons and Federal "Champion" FMJs. Have yet to try Federal's American Eagle stuff in the new gun. It's usually very good. The one box or so of JHPs I buy in a year is almost always Federal HST. If it doesn't come in a 50-round box, I don't buy it. Good luck with your new M&P.

Thanks Bub, it runs like a barn on fire, it was getting dusky when I got to the farm tonight. But, I love this thing already, swore I'd NEVER buy a "plastic fantastic".. but .40 runs out of that thing like honey butter out of a hot biscuit. I was using Remington 165 gr flat point range ammo...

Well first I had to run the dang deer off, I drove back to the old cabin area, and 100 to 150 yds away there was 6 or 8, one a nice 10pt.

I didn't hit much to be honest, I tried to run it off my range bag on the hood of my Dad's old Ford F-150 at about thirty yards?? I think they went in the general direction of the target. I was shooting at a piece of white copy paper, when I got in a little closer, I was getting a loose group, so I'm hopeful it will shoot well...

 

[BillyMagg]

I've had one for some time now. I'm happy with it. Trigger is fine. The new grip texture is a double-plus. It helps me alot. Sits lower in my hand than a P320 by a long ways. Shoots just above the front sight at 50 feet and 25 yards. My gun does well with cast lead, too. That's a bonus, to me. I really can't think of much to complain about.


My gun is one of the FDE versions with the tactile loaded chamber indicator. I have no use for the feature, but it doesn't bother me. The only kicker is I can't find magazines with the FDE colored floor plate. I suppose some will come along in due time. I like the FDE color. Only thing missing on my gun is no night sights. I will just use it as-is, I guess.

Well Gallery of Guns delivered, came with two 15 rd FDE magazines, I'd like to have about 3 more with the FDE floorplate. Grab-a-gun has those 15 rd FDE mags back up for 37 bucks and change, I'd get em while their hot...

I bought this gun through a dealer, that I had bought the first Stainless Springfield Loaded from long, long ago. They were extremely happy to see me and help me with this purchase, I bought 100 rounds of .40 to go along with it... so I was very happy with Gallery of Guns, and Raging Bullet here in Central Illinois...

Oh, I do still have that old Springer, it is a little shooter!

Many thanks to each of you for your encouragement and good advice, I'm especially glad to hear from another 5" M&P owner, and no I'm not disappointed, I've already switched backstraps and slathered her down with the good stuff, wiped out the bore....

 

[BillyMagg]

Billmagg Since you seem to have placed your self in a corner with your need for 5" m&p 40 before researching what you can even own in Illinois you might simply have to change handgun do to state laws . Maybe dealing with grab a gun might not be your best bet for a handgun so use up the down payment for ammo or other stuff down the road . See what Illinois gun shops can do as every ones running deals on m&p's . Check out sig 1911 as they still have a nice traditional 5" target 40sw you can buy thru tombstone tactical , its not as low cost but should be a far better shooter . Pick up a couple Wilson 9 round mags fro 10 round cap . Ha -

Sig Sauer 1911 Traditional Match Elite Pistol .40 SW 5in 8rd Stainless

Actually I'm all good hardluk, I shot that Momma and Pappa .40 tonight out on the farm,,, came with two 15rd FDE mags, all upfront and legal......

Boy,,, you did come up with a great idea though, that Sig is gorgeous, and at one time I did seriously entertain a full size .40 1911, but alas the .40 Sig is out of stock, so I would have been really out of luck if I had worked up a "D E S I R E" for that beautiful Sig, beside the "Honey Badger" would jerk out the last of my poor old greying mane clean out of my noggin!

The "Honey Badger" don't care!

 

[M29since14]

BillyMagg... I really do think you will find the cheap Winchester FMJ ammo considerably more accurate. The comparable Remingtons have bullets with a distinctly different shape than the Winchesters. That must have something to do with it... ? In my gun, the difference is easily noticeable.

If you're not used to the M&P trigger, give yourself time to both break it in a little and for you to get the hang of it. It took me a while. I can use it now, as long as that is all I am shooting. It is very hard for me to change between that trigger and the sort of trigger I am used to in the same range session.

 

[BillyMagg]

BillyMagg... I really do think you will find the cheap Winchester FMJ ammo considerably more accurate. The comparable Remingtons have bullets with a distinctly different shape than the Winchesters. That must have something to do with it... ? In my gun, the difference is easily noticeable.

If you're not used to the M&P trigger, give yourself time to both break it in a little and for you to get the hang of it. It took me a while. I can use it now, as long as that is all I am shooting. It is very hard for me to change between that trigger and the sort of trigger I am used to in the same range session.

I will try the Winchester FMJ, and I miss spoke, I'm shooting a white box Federal 165 FMJ with a flat point, which I like.. I didn't get back out to shoot it today, I should have, but I was spending time with my newest Grandson Arlie, he's about a month and a half now, quite the guy...

I'm sure I will do alright with the trigger, its actually very nice compared to the "crunch-n-ticker" on my 3913LS... but it will take a little acclimating no doubt.

and you're right, I used to jump from one piece of equipment to another quite handily, but I'm not as adaptable as I used to be, in fact I'm not quite as anything as I used to be???

 

[BillyMagg]

Thanks for the pm

Billmagg Since you seem to have placed your self in a corner with your need for 5" m&p 40 before researching what you can even own in Illinois you might simply have to change handgun do to state laws . Maybe dealing with grab a gun might not be your best bet for a handgun so use up the down payment for ammo or other stuff down the road . See what Illinois gun shops can do as every ones running deals on m&p's . Check out sig 1911 as they still have a nice traditional 5" target 40sw you can buy thru tombstone tactical , its not as low cost but should be a far better shooter . Pick up a couple Wilson 9 round mags fro 10 round cap . Ha -

Sig Sauer 1911 Traditional Match Elite Pistol .40 SW 5in 8rd Stainless

Thanks for the PM hardluk, all good advice, after shooting my .40 M&P,,,, I'm wishing I had a 10mm... I think?? LOL

 

[BillyMagg]

BillyMagg... I really do think you will find the cheap Winchester FMJ ammo considerably more accurate. The comparable Remingtons have bullets with a distinctly different shape than the Winchesters. That must have something to do with it... ? In my gun, the difference is easily noticeable.

If you're not used to the M&P trigger, give yourself time to both break it in a little and for you to get the hang of it. It took me a while. I can use it now, as long as that is all I am shooting. It is very hard for me to change between that trigger and the sort of trigger I am used to in the same range session.

Thanks M29, yes the Federali ammo goes bang very nicely, but I'm having a lot of trouble getting it to group, it does seem to want to group better with the 165 gr. Winchester white box.

I'm having difficulty with the sights, I actually like the trigger, but I do shoot that old Springer with the Novak's a lot better. Do they make Novak's for the M&P?

Anyway, I've also got some Winchester PDX1 Defender 180 gr ammo, I'll try some of that as well on my next range trip....

 

[vipermd]

Mag limits, just like us in CA.
The fullsize 10 round mags have a short metal body and extended floor plate. I've not seen any in FDE.

IL does not have mag capacity limits, but some town have their own Bans. Be Safe,

 

[vipermd]

I finally decided I needed a "plastic fantastic", and the M&P .40 2.O 5" inch with thumb safety checked all the boxes...

Anyway, I want a 5 inch gun, with a grip safety in .40 S&W for carry around the farm, I won't have to worry as much about getting it all dinged up, and I'm really looking forward to hauling it around the farm and shooting stumps and other targets of opportunity....

The S&W MP 40 5" Does not have a grip safety. It can have a thumb safety. Be Safe,

 

[BillyMagg]

Thumb Safety

I finally decided I needed a "plastic fantastic", and the M&P .40 2.O 5" inch with thumb safety checked all the boxes...

Anyway, I want a 5 inch gun, with a grip safety in .40 S&W for carry around the farm, I won't have to worry as much about getting it all dinged up, and I'm really looking forward to hauling it around the farm and shooting stumps and other targets of opportunity....

The S&W MP 40 5" Does not have a grip safety. It can have a thumb safety. Be Safe,

I did indeed say thumb safety Viper MD,,,, is that like a snake Dr.??? Well stay warm on the UP, my neighbor kid has a new 800 Polaris Sled, that thing is crazy bad looking, like something off of those old Mel Gibson movies, LOL.

One of my cousins has a 600 Polaris, and his older brother has the New 800...

Oh, and my M&P does have that thumb safety, its pretty danged awesome, but it likes the Winchester lots better than the Federal....

 

[scattershot]

I had your pistol once upon a time, but it was too big for my purposes. I have a few Of the compact variety, and like them a lot. If you reload, try the Xtreme 180 grain bullet, which duplicates the profile you are now shooting. 4 grains of Red Dot will give you around 850 fps, and 5.0 WW 231 will give you 900-950.

Good luck with your new pistol.

 

[hittman77]

There's no law I know of in IL the prohibits this firearm from being sold here.

Your salesman either doesn't know what he's talking about or maybe they didn't really have the gun or guess there could be an outside chance your town has banned them for some reason.

If the latter is so, you should contact the Illinois Rifle Association and the NRA. If you find the gun is NOT prohibited on your area simply let that retailer know that you know their scam and cross them off your list of retailers.

 

[sandog]

I have had several of the 1.0 M&Ps in .40 and liked them. Triggers weren't bad at all.
Last year I bought a new 2.0 (with 4.25" barrel) and the trigger was really heavy ( over 8 lbs. ) and a few crunchy spots. So much for the 2.0 having better triggers. I fixed it with an Apex duty/carry kit and one of their triggers. Now it is a clean 5 lbs.
I lost out on getting an FDE model, but as I do Cerakote, I took care of that also. I did a two tone FDE and Desert sand finish.
Factory 3 dot sights were replaced with Tru-Glo tritium/Fiber Optic ones.

The above .40 seems to have a more "robust" recoil than the previous two I owned, and is not near as accurate either.
I also have a PC Shield in .40, and I can shoot it better, and more comfortably than the Fullsize. (Both shooting 180 grain HST's).

I've been wanting a 5 inch M&P in 9mm lately, and last weekend I bought one.
It also had a trigger that was off my scale (RCBS scale that goes up to 8 lbs. ) and a bit rough.
It has also received Apex trigger parts and Tru-Glo TFO sights.
I put 200 rounds through it on Sunday, it is a sweet shooter.

 

[vipermd]

I did indeed say thumb safety Viper MD,,,, is that like a snake Dr.??? Well stay warm on the UP, my neighbor kid has a new 800 Polaris Sled, that thing is crazy bad looking, like something off of those old Mel Gibson movies, LOL.
One of my cousins has a 600 Polaris, and his older brother has the New 800..
Oh, and my M&P does have that thumb safety, its pretty danged awesome, but it likes the Winchester lots better than the Federal....

Billy: If you look at your first post, line 14, "Anyway, I want a 5 inch gun, with a grip safety in .40 S&W for carry around the farm,". I thought I might have had brain freeze!!! I am glad that you got what you were looking for. Be Safe,