Which would you pick?

[gunny4053]

If you were to choose an M&P pistol, which would you pick, 9mm, .40, or .45, and why? Reliability, accuracy, or it just feels good?

Looking at the 4.25" models, not Shields, I've got that covered already.

 

[Harper]

I already have a full size 9, plus Shield 9 and .45. Bought the full size 9 as replacment for an S&W 6904 (wish now I'd held onto the 6904 and just added the M&P9). I like the FS9 and both Shields a lot, but think I'll go for the .40 if I do it again, and probably in the 3.6" Compact. Stuck with the 9mm before mainly because I already had all the reloading supplies for that and none for the .40. Just to add another caliber to the collection.

 

[JJEH]

I have a 4.25" M&P9 Pro with a few upgrades. It's my EDC and I prefer it because of the size, grip, feel, accuracy and dependability.

 

[Flyingfool]

To do over. I think I would go with 40 and buy a 9mm conversion barrel and mags for both. Essentially two guns for about the price of 1.5

 

[Shark Bait]

I like the 40 because it splits the difference between the bullet size and capacity. The 3.6" gun makes a great carry package, too. My M&P40 2.0 is now my EDC.

 

[Ransom]

9 mm is a no-brainer for me. Lowest cost per round, lowest recoil, and highest capacity per magazine. Lethality is far more dependent on shot placement than caliber.

 

[Wee Hooker]

I own "several" Gen 1 M&Ps in 9mm, 40SW,357sig, and 45. If I could only own 1, I 'd likely go with the full sized 9mm. (but personally prefer the 5"). IT's a good all around shooter. Cheap to feed. Doesn't beat you up. Easiest of all calibers to resell should you decide to move on. ( You can't give a 40 cal M&P these days.) A 45cal (FS or compact) would be second choice.

 

[seebee62]

I have the 2.0 Compact 9mm 4in.

I went with 9 for the cost of the ammo and capacity. I don’t think one can go wrong with any M&P.
Size and caliber is whatever one prefers.
In a perfect world I would have a Compact 9 and 45 and a full size 9.



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[Maddog 521]

I bought 40 FS Gen 1 and I'm happy with it.

 

[Univibe]

9mm. Here's why:

1. 9, 45, and 40 all have the same effectiveness against bad guys. Shooters don't want to believe this, but MEs and ER docs can't tell the difference. Neither can people who get shot. "Stopping power" etc. is myth.

2. 9 carries more ammo than 45 and 40. In a poop-storm, more bullets are life-savers.

3. 9 recoils less, allowing faster more accurate shooting. Faster more accurate shooting means you live instead of die.

4. Ammo is much cheaper so you practice more.

Net result: If you choose .45 or .40, you get nothing in return for important things you give up.

 

[Joe4d]

Well Im not gonna make assumptions about other peoples needs.
For me I want that performance series ported Shield or the Gen 1, M&P compact, which I would get ported. in 45... which would be loaded with a wide flat nose heavy hardcast,, bullet..
I mean who needs expansion when u are starting at 45 ? not to mention better penetration..
So Big hole AND max penetration... works for me.

 

[Rastoff]

I have the original M&P in 9mm, .40S&W and .45ACP. Without a doubt, it would be the .45ACP I'd want. It's just better.

It's more comfortable to shoot.
I'm more accurate with the .45ACP.
It seems to fit my hand better. (This is probably psychosomatic)

 

[Real Old Navy]

I prefer 9mm...cheaper, higher capacity mags. But whatever caliber handgun you prefer I would try to keep them the same caliber if you own multiple guns. Buying 600 rounds of bulk ammo that fit all your guns just makes more sense...especially when the Zombie Apocalypse occurs. You don't want your kids loading the wrong ammo while your defending the fort from those damn brain eaters.

 

[MyDads38]

I'm not gonna be any help, I have all Gen 1 FS M&Ps in all 3 calibers. Also have all 3 Shields in all 3 calibers. Shoot them all, reload for them all and love shooting them all. Every one all stock/no mods. My FS 45 is a 2007, 40 is a 2010 and 9 is a 2013 and the only one bought new. If I could only keep 1, it would be the 9mm. Fortunately, I don't have to make that choice!

 

[FloridaS&W]

45ACP all the way. 230 grain of goodness.

 

[bluelund79]

I’d say the 45. I have the Gen 1 in 45, and the 2.0 in 9mm. I just prefer 45acp.

 

[gunny4053]

For you .45 guys, what do you think about an M&P .45 with a ported Storm Lake barrel, 3 mags, and an RMR for $625? Or there's a standard FS for $450.


Of course for the .40 guys, I like these too, and can have a previously owned Compact with a Crimson Trace for $425.


And for you 9mm guys, I haven't forgotten you. I handled a Gen 1 with Talon grip, night sights, and 4 mags for $400.


So much good advice, so many choices, SO little money. But I did get a bonus from work, so something is going home this week.

 

[Truckin]

I love my MP 45, “1.0” mid size. Shoots excellent and feels right and a 45

 

[jakebrake]

If you were to choose an M&P pistol, which would you pick, 9mm, .40, or .45, and why? Reliability, accuracy, or it just feels good?

Looking at the 4.25" models, not Shields, I've got that covered already.

I have on of each (ironic, huh). IF I was only going to have one... i'd go 40....why...…

you can switch the barrel, and go 357 sig. same mag, (versatility is so cool)

 

[northbay shooter]

I have all 3 in full size. I also have the 5in ported CORE slide in 9 and the non ported 5in pro slide in 9. All are running the storm lake barrels. The all also have various apex parts. I have to say the 40 is the best shooter. They are all capable of shooting better then me. If I remember correctly the 40 was the original M&P. The others were just sized off of it



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[Conklin]

9mm. Here's why:

1. 9, 45, and 40 all have the same effectiveness against bad guys. Shooters don't want to believe this, but MEs and ER docs can't tell the difference. Neither can people who get shot. "Stopping power" etc. is myth.

2. 9 carries more ammo than 45 and 40. In a poop-storm, more bullets are life-savers.

3. 9 recoils less, allowing faster more accurate shooting. Faster more accurate shooting means you live instead of die.

4. Ammo is much cheaper so you practice more.

Net result: If you choose .45 or .40, you get nothing in return for important things you give up.

So if you lived in a state that restricted magazine capacity to 10 rounds, you would still choose 9mm over .45 or .40?

 

[Ransom]

So if you lived in a state that restricted magazine capacity to 10 rounds, you would still choose 9mm over .45 or .40?

That removes only one of the four reasons, so I would still choose 9mm. Practice ammo is the biggest expense.

 

[rubiranch]

I have a M&P .45 with a 4.5" barrel and love it.

Fits perfect in my hand and its fun to shoot, really fun to shoot.

For one reason or another I have zero interest in 9mm or a .40.

I just traded off my Glock M36 .45 gen 4 that I believe is comparable to a S&W M&P Shield. I didn't care for the smaller M36 but I would take the Glock M36 over the Shield.

I've always been told that if you don't win a gun battle in the first 3 rounds you're not going to win. 11 rounds is good for me.

I am always surprised at what little recoil there is with the M&P .45.

 

[bluelund79]

For you .45 guys, what do you think about an M&P .45 with a ported Storm Lake barrel, 3 mags, and an RMR for $625? Or there's a standard FS for $450.


Of course for the .40 guys, I like these too, and can have a previously owned Compact with a Crimson Trace for $425.


And for you 9mm guys, I haven't forgotten you. I handled a Gen 1 with Talon grip, night sights, and 4 mags for $400.


So much good advice, so many choices, SO little money. But I did get a bonus from work, so something is going home this week.

I picked up a NIB Gen 1 full size M&P 45 with thumb safety for $320 shipped. I’d start my search there. The RMR used one you found sounds like a decent deal, depending on who did the milking and what type of RMR is on it. I’d keep looking, as long as you have a FFL close by, that you trust.

 

[Okie21]

9 mm is a no-brainer for me. Lowest cost per round, lowest recoil, and highest capacity per magazine. Lethality is far more dependent on shot placement than caliber.

What he said. But more importantly, this is personal preference. Shoot the caliber you like for your own reasons. I shoot 9mm cuz that's what I like. All my pistols are the same caliber.

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[Rastoff]

For you .45 guys, what do you think about an M&P .45 with a ported Storm Lake barrel, 3 mags, and an RMR for $625?

Does this have an actual Trijicon RMR on it or some knock off? If it's an original Trijicon, this is like buying an RMR and getting the gun for free. I wouldn't hesitate a second to buy this. If you don't buy it, tell us where it is so we can.

 

[Westie1]

Only one problem with the OP's question. Only 2 S&W semis that are on roster here in Cal are the first gen Shields and the SD series. And if someone had a M&P for sale, it would be a PPT sale, and be at a premium price.

That said, if I could get one it would be in 45. Have an SD, so my 9mm is covered. And I'm a big fan of the 45-love big holes.

 

[Hammerless-12]

My preference would be the 45ACP, simply because I load thousands of 45ACP each year already. Im old school and lazy, don't like to change and set up my press as much as I used to.

 

[BlackTalonJHP]

I like 9mm but the M&P was designed for the 40S&W. You only lose 2 rounds of mag capacity vs 4 rounds on the 3rd gens.

 

[CB3]

For you .45 guys, what do you think about an M&P .45 with a ported Storm Lake barrel, 3 mags, and an RMR for $625? Or there's a standard FS for $450?

Best bang for the buck. The new sighting system, if properly done, is worth the expense.

Don’t like it? Sell it likely for what you paid for it and find something else. Low risk here.