which polymer pistol?

[Research Nerd]

I handled many pistols before purchasing. I was sold on a Beretta 92FS. Felt the best in my hands, best balance. Went to the range and tried Glock, S&W, Beretta, and Sig. Ended up getting Sig P250 for $425 w/night sights. Have to get used to the DAO trigger, but its a great gun. This will be my carry gun once I get a revolver for home defense.

Enjoy your search,

 

[Rangel]

Just got back from the range and shot the XDm 5.25 for a while. The trigger, besides being lighter, was very, very smooth. The trigger on my 40c is about the best you're likely to find on a stock M&P 40c, but I can see where they put the extra money you spend on the XDm, 5.25--on the trigger action, among other things.

I just wonder why they didn't add tritium to their fiber optic front site--other than that, it's quite a package and unless it's a night time shoot, the red fiber optic, combined with the beautifully adjustable rear site is quite nice.

 

[Frailer]

A few months ago I decided to finally buy my first polymer pistol. I had decided to buy an M&P based on the fact that it felt so much better in my hand than a Glock or an XD. Nevertheless, I came across a Glock 17 at a price that I couldn't refuse, despite the fact that it's ugly as homemade sin and its grip was slightly less ergonomic than a 2x4.

Much to my chagrin, I learned that for some strange reason the thing just *works* for me. Before long I found myself owning a 19 and a 26 as well.

I don't *love* them, and I don't think I ever will. I do, however, respect the heck out of them.

 

[T-BoneFL]

My biggest gripe with the XD family of pistols is how tall and heavy the slides are. You want the mass of the slide as low in your hand as possible when shooting pistols, and the XD design completely ignores that. This is most easily seen on their compact models:

See how ridiculous that looks?

New owners often say that the M&P "felt best" amongst the various pistols they tried. This is because S&W built good ergonomics and a low bore axis into the design. Between your two options, I would go with the M&P.

Bad camera angle. This image looks freaking bad ***

According to Genitron.com, the FS M&P 40 has a recoil of 7.810 ft-lbs. XDM 40 w/3.8" barrel has a recoil of 7.627 ft=lbs.

If we can believe the Genitron recoil values, then the XDM has less kick than the FS M&P... regardless of the taller slide. I shot a buddy's XDM 45 w/3.8" barrel, and his XD 45 compact. In both cases, I had better control of each of the SA guns compared to the M&P FS 45.

Naturally, the M&P9c I own feels vastly superior to either of the SAs, and superior to the FS M&P line, for me.

-T

 

[Marshall 357]

There are alot of good pistols out there, I would go to a few gun shops, handle and maybe shoot the pistols your interested in and pick the one you like best......

 

[Texas Solo]

According to Genitron.com, the FS M&P 40 has a recoil of 7.810 ft-lbs. XDM 40 w/3.8" barrel has a recoil of 7.627 ft=lbs.

If we can believe the Genitron recoil values, then the XDM has less kick than the FS M&P...

mathematical numbers on recoil don't tell the whole story. It's where and how that recoil is directed that makes the difference. The XD experiences more muzzle flip due to it's high bore center. My son shot his XD9 quite well, but the first time he shot my M&P he traded off the XD for an M&P.

 

[coclimber]

bore axis

...It's where and how that recoil is directed that makes the difference. The XD experiences more muzzle flip due to it's high bore center....

I was interested in this subject... read elsewhere that actual measurements, not looking at photos, showed the bore distance was essentially the same with poly guns. Specifically, the XD guns were in line with the others. Again, I'm interested in the answer, and can't find it quickly now. Hoping you might have read something.
Thanks,