Smith & Wesson M&P 9mm - Thoughts?

Im in the market for a new handgun. Specifically a new conceal carry handgun.

I currently carry a full size .45acp 1911. Its an enjoyable gun to shoot but it doesnt conceal very well. Plus its costly to shoot since I do not reload my own shells.

Im looking for something a bit smaller and lighter. Something with a Polymer frame and a bit cheaper to shoot. Something 9mm.

Im leaning towards a Smith & Wesson M&P 9mm compact.

http://www.fieldandstreamshop.com/p/s ... stol/15snwamp9cmpct35bhng

My buddy recently purchased a 9mm M&P Shield that Ive had the pleasure of shooting it a few times now. Fun little gun. Only thing I dont like about it is it lacks a thumb safety and is almost too small.

The M&P 9mm compact is 6.7" long and 1.3lbs. My 1911 is 7.75" long and 2.25lbs, so the 9mm is considerably smaller and lighter.

Does anyone have any long term experience with the Smith & Wesson M&P line of pistols? My old man has a S&W .357mag that he's had for ever with no issues. Id imagine the M&P's are just as reliable.

Or any suggestions on similar handguns? My budget is sub 500$, but the closer to 400$, the better. Its almost black Friday, so Im sure this is going to be some decent deals floating around this week and next.

Im really looking forward to hearing some suggestions and comments.

Thanks

 

I owned a full frame MP 40 and a MP shield 9mm with thumb safety. They were both decent feeling guns but I didn't like the trigger on either of them, nor do my buddies that own them and have replaced their triggers.

I went with a Gen 4 Glock 19 instead, in fact I bought two. I like the size, fit, capacity and trigger. They have a blue label program for first responders and military that is a great price if that is applicable to you or any of your family.

Not sure if that helps, go to the range and try out a few polymers. The glock 43 is their equivalent of a shield, no safety though.

 

I have a full size M&P 9mm, have had it for seven years. GREAT gun, no issues, no jams, one stove-pipe ever. Works dirty, with junk ammo, whatever. The compact should be a good one for carry if you don't like the Shield. I tried one and shot well with it, but found a deal on a XDS .45. I might still add a Shield to the arsenal though.

 

I have a M&P Shield 9mm. Love that little gun. Nice and slim, very comfortable to me. Picked it up for around $400 and no regrets whatsoever.

 

I didnt care much for mp triggers either, shield was my fav however. Im all swapped to 1911 now and dont see myself going back to polymer/striker unless its a Sig.

As a 1911 shooter i imagine its going to be tough to find a striker trigger you like unless you arent particular. Maybe look into a vp9 or a sig?

 

I own several M&P's... and am quite happy with them. That said, however, I have swapped out most of the triggers with Apex triggers. In simple terms I tried an Apex trigger in one and enjoyed it so much that I committed to retrofitting the rest of my M&P's. The stock M&P is a good striker fired pistol. With the aftermarket trigger, it's a great pistol.

 

I did notice the trigger difference instantly when shooting the Shield after shooting my 1911. Once I got comfortable with it, it wasn't an issue.

Other than that, I didn't find anything I didn't like about the Shield. Id imagine the Compact is the same.

 

depends where u are going to carry it, but I appendix IWB my M&P shield and its perfect, i forget its there. I doubt the same could be said for a 1911 hammer diggin into ur belly, but i could be wrong. And the Apex trigger will fix all ur issues, the performance center Shield already has nicer trigger internals, so i just swapped the trigger itself to the aluminum Apex.

 

I own S&W M&P 9mm Full size for years now, I love it. Only has the Trigger safety tho. I haven't done anything to it, Still use it like it was right out of the box.

My father just got a S&W M&P 9mm Sheild. I am constantly taking it out and shooting it(Cause he does not), Took a bit to get used to the small frame but is just as reliable as my full size. His has trigger and Slide safety. Also I cant go with out the extended mag for the extra grip. S&W just release this in a 45 so I will probably pick that up. Heres a nice video of a comparison.



Also own a M&P15 Sport if your in the market for a AR. Was cheap to get, Reliable. Ive swap most to Magpul and other stuff.

 

My thought on the M&P shield..there are better guns out there for less money.

https://www.starlinebrass.com/brass-cases/9MM-Luger-Brass/index.cfm

Emailed the chief ballistation at Starline when I was looking at getting a shield. He had some interesting things to say about the chambers in these little Smiths.

I chose a Ruger LC9s pro. $330 bucks new. Gun works great, no regrets. Never shot a shield before.

 

um, dont put +p loads in? I think you would be surprised at how many manufacturers' warranties are void if u use reloads or +p rounds. In fact, Ruger recommends NOT using +p loads because it degrades life expectancy of the gun. I have an LC9s also, (my wifes CCW) and shooting the two is like night and day. And if the OP says the shield grip is ALMOST to small, then the LC9 will be for sure

 

I don't shoot +p loads at the range (much), but I defiantly carry with them. They have noticeably more pop. I don't give a fuck about warranties.

 

I carry the 1911 IWB with an Alien Gear Clock Tuck 3. It's as comfortable as a full size 1911 can be....


I do like Rugers a lot. My 1911 is an SR1911 & my old lady has an SR9c. I explored the L9c as an option but it seems tiny as stated.

 

I really enjoy my S&W M&P 9. i would shorten the trigger but it is very accurate, or Im a terrific, yet humble, shot ! I prefer it over my Sig 1911. Just an enjoyable gun!

 

Almost none actually.

 

okay

 

I recently picked up a Kimber Micro 9. Although it's at the top of your price range, my local Bass Pro has them listed for 499 as a black Friday deal. Seeing how you carry a 1911, you might like the Kimber.

 

I thought about another smaller 9mm 1911, but I want something composite

 

I have the 9c and the Shield 9 and love them both. The Shield makes easy work out of IWB carry and the 9c gives the extra capacity when needed.