Finally picked up one of these, recently.
Smith & Wesson M&P 9mm
This is the full-frame model (as opposed to the compact model).
4.25 inch barrel. Polymer frame with stainless steel slide. 10+1 capacity (because I live in New York state, after all). Picatinny rails up front, in case I get weird and feel like mounting a stupid light on this thing. Scalloped slide serrations and contoured front slide. And NO magazine disconnect “safety”. Very nice feel to it overall.
After doing quite a bit of research, I had my options narrowed down to either a Springfield XD or a Smith & Wesson M&P.
As you can see, I opted for the M&P. Once I got that thing in my hand, there was no uncertainty as to whether or not that would be my purchase.
I can’t really describe it too well in words, but the XD didn’t really feel right in my hand. The grip was way too blocky, the angles weren’t quite right, and it just wasn’t comfortable to hold.
The M&P is absolutely perfect, in terms of fit. It feels natural and comfortable, and has a much smoother feel to it. It also comes with interchangeable palmswells for the grip; so you can throw a large backstrap on there to make the grip wider, a small backstrap to make it less wide, or keep on the stock medium backstrap. After playing around with it a bit, the medium felt the most comfortable…so I’m keeping that one on.
Was originally planning on picking up an M&P chambered in .40S&W…BUT I couldn’t find one locally, and didn’t feel like waiting to have one ordered for me.
The shop I ended up buying from had the M&P in 9mm, and then in .45ACP, but was fresh out of .40S&W.
As tempted as I was to just “bite the bullet” and pick up a .45ACP model instead, I opted for the 9mm on the basis of economics. 9mm is substantially cheaper to shoot than .45ACP. 9mm is also considerably cheaper than .40S&W. So, while I was disappointed at first, I quickly realized that I’m probably better off going with the 9mm for now. Cheaper ammo means I can shoot more often, shooting more often means better proficiency with this weapon. Had I gone with the .45 or .40, I wouldn’t shoot AS much as I’m able to now.
Many people, most of whom have no idea what they’re talking about, knock the 9mm round as being “insufficient”. I have yet to see any of those individuals volunteer to personally test this theory. 9mm gets the job done just fine, and is a more economical choice. I’d rather develop proficiency shooting a smaller caliber than shoot less frequently with a larger caliber and have my proficiency suffer as a result.
I’m really pleased with this gun so far. Because it’s just a tad bit on the heavy side, I’m strongly considering picking up a compact model at some point. Assuming I can find one locally without having to place a special order, an M&P 40 Compact is probably in my future.
I highly recommend this gun to anyone with a valid CCW permit.
If you’re not a loyal Smith & Wesson fan already, you will be after handling/shooting an M&P.
