Which 9mm M&P?

[Redcoat3340]

Is there a place I can find information about the different 9mm models of M&P...full size vs. compact vs no safety vs Gen 1 or Gen 2 or whatever?

I'm going to be giving a couple of guns a thorough try-out (esp. the S&W of which I already have eight or nine) but I'd like to know how the different models stack up.

I'm not looking for a carry gun, but one for the range. This will be my first serious foray into non-metallic pistols (now have 39's and 59's or revolvers) and I need to get my head straight about which is which. Then figure out how to compare with the seemingly endless Glock variations and the others.

I'm sure I can a piecemeal websearch, but was hoping for a single site (haven't found one yet.)

thanks in advance.

 

[gunny4053]

If you're looking for something primarily for the range, I'd suggest the M&P9 Pro. Longer sight radius, better sights, 5" barrel, 17+1 capacity.

Good Luck and good shooting.

 

[Aircrewman]

Have you tried Smith and Wesson's site that allows you to select different models for comparisons and prices? It has a selection just for the M&P models. I found it very informative in an effort to select one of the many models they build.

 

[1hatchet]

Here is the web site for S&W M&P's can not make it any easier for you.

M&P Handguns - Smith & Wesson

 

[Redcoat3340]

Thanks for the web site. I was on it earlier but didn't see the compare. Now I have a better feel for stuff. Like the Pro suggestion, going to look for that at the range.

(If I can ask, which Glock would the Pro compare to?)

 

[tectrry]

There is nothing as good as shooting them to feel what is best for you. I shoot my compact better than all of my M&P pistols (either as a 40c or 9c), and then I shoot my full size 9 second best even though I've owned it longer than the compact. I don't shoot my Shield 9 nearly as well (but since you are not looking for a CCW it probably wouldn't be an option). I'd love to shoot a Pro, but I know that I would want to buy it as soon as I do and I can't get another pistol for a while (at least not if my wife knows about it)

 

[Bowserb]

A few years ago, I simplified my ammo inventory by going to just one pistol round and one rifle round: .45acp and 5.56mm.

Since then my experience has been, if it's not for concealed carry, then I need the biggest I can get, just as long as I can wrap my hand around the grip. For me at least, the bigger and heavier, the better the recoil control and faster getting back on target. So I shoot best with a 5" 1911. And my experience with subcompacts has been disappointing.

Yes, I'm new here. Contemplating an M&P 45c, and I'm here to study before I try. Then--as I suggest to others, as well as the OP--I'll find a rental to try before I buy.

 

[B0308]

"(If I can ask, which Glock would the Pro compare to?)"

Here S&W makes it easy for you, to get a CORE equivalent you'd really need a G17 (or maybe 34) and have the milling of the slide and installation of the red dot done as after market work. The same for tuning for the action (such as one can on a Glock).

Replacing certain internal parts to improve trigger function on a Glock is no more difficult than on an M&P, but it is best done by an armorer, smith or well informed and experienced lay person.

I have a G17 with a milled slide and installed RMR red dot (done by L&M in Prescott, AZ) and it is "laser like" is shooting and reliable as heck.

Lots of good choices. It would be great if a buddy had both you could try.
Good luck.

 

[Saudade]

If you stay with S&W, then the Pro Core 5". It' milled for an RMR and comes with the base plates, has the tall sights so you can cowitness, and the performance center sear. There are still some aftermarket parts you can add but it's pretty much ready to go. Around here the CORE is not much more than the standard Pro.

A G17 barrel is a bit shorter, a G34 a bit longer. Glocks have greater aftermarket support and you can get parts just about anywhere. You an also spend a fortune customizing them if you want to. It's a great firearm.

Since you're deep into Smiths, I say CORE. I have 3 M&Ps in 9mm and hope to add the 5" CORE myself.

 

[falconman515]

5" C.O.R.E (but of course I suggest that only cause that's what I have ... hard to not be bias I guess, most guys are here and many other shooting forums).

I chose it due the reviews and overall upgrade options for a reflex sight as well (that I think is the new thing and good to be ready for it was my thinking).

I have since added a red-dot reflex ... great gun and like mentioned above it is not much more then a Pro if you are thinking of going that route.

 

[B3500]

I'm sure I can a piecemeal websearch, but was hoping for a single site (haven't found one yet.)

Try the genitron.com website. Not sure if this is what you were looking for, but you can compare quite a few different models they have.

 

[erick1987]

I would recommend going to your lgs and handle and shoot a couple. See what feels best. I have the 5" core 9mm and love it.

 

[M&Pmeister]

If this a strictly a range tool and won't be carried, I would get the 5". Might as well spend a bit more and get the CORE.

 

[burttrans]

If you're looking for something primarily for the range, I'd suggest the M&P9 Pro. Longer sight radius, better sights, 5" barrel, 17+1 capacity.

Good Luck and good shooting.

I agree go with the PRO great trigger on mine. I would not get the CORE unless you are putting a sight on it for sure; hate the tall sights but great gun if you need that type of gun.