Old news...looking for current opinions

[mdpatterson]

Let me start by saying my name is Mike and I am an addict (Firearms are my addiction ). I have read the multiple threads involving various opinions on pistols going back long before I joined the forum, but wanted current opinions specifically on the S&W M&P. I own too many handguns to even count by now, but I still can't pass up a good deal when it comes my way. My go to will always be one of my USP variants or one of my Sigs (I also love all my 1911's despite the flaws, but I'm not taking them to a gunfight......just fun range time). I know how TS/Reaper and many other highly respected QP's feel about 1911's and where S&W's are produced, so I'm ready for the ridicule.

Now after that long winded preface, I'm ready for the opinions. I purchased the M&P for $368 out the door with three high caps after my LEO discount. I have had zero opportunity to get it on the range, so I obviously can't make my own decision on it yet. It's a 9mm 4.25" base model, thankfully with no thumb safety. If I like the way it shoots, it will end up living full time in my vehicle just in case I forget to grab one one of my higher end pistols. If I don't like the way it shoots, or QP's here give it bad reviews it will be sold or traded.

I would normally not ask a question like this, but I have been out of town a lot and don't know when I will get the chance to put a few downrange.

I appreciate any and all input. If anyone wants to comment good or bad, feel free to pm me if you don't want to state your opinion in public.

Thanks in advance,

Mike

[The Reaper]

Originally Posted by mdpatterson

Let me start by saying my name is Mike and I am an addict (fFirearms are my addiction ). I have read the multiple threads involving various opinions on pistols going back long before I joined the forum, but wanted current opinions specifically on the Springfield M&P. I own too many handguns to even count by now, but I still can't pass up a good deal when it comes my way. My go to will always be one of my USP variants or one of my Sigs (I also love all my 1911's despite the flaws, but I'm not taking them to a gunfight......just fun range time). I know how TS/Reaper and many other highly respected QP's feel about 1911's and where S&W's are produced, so I'm ready for the ridicule.

Now after that long winded preface, I'm ready for the opinions. I purchased the M&P for $368 out the door with three high caps after my LEO discount. I have had zero opportunity to get it on the range, so I obviously can't make my own decision on it yet. It's a 9mm 4.25" base model, thankfully with no thumb safety. If I like the way it shoots, it will end up living full time in my vehicle just in case I forget to grab one one of my higher end pistols. If I don't like the way it shoots, or QP's here give it bad reviews it will be sold or traded.

I would normally not ask a question like this, but I have been out of town a lot and don't know when I will get the chance to put a few downrange.

I appreciate any and all input. If anyone wants to comment good or bad, feel free to pm me if you don't want to state your opinion in public.

Thanks in advance,

Mike

What is a Springfield M&P?

TR

[alelks]

I think he meant to say Smith and Wesson M&P.

[Peregrino]

Now that we've clarified the mix-up. The S&W M&P is a quality Glock alternative. S&W has worked hard to ensure it's competitive with all of the other "tactical Tupperware" because they want the military and LEO markets. They've brought them to Bragg for us to play with several times over the last few years because they were soliciting input to incorporate "just in case" the Army ever comes to its senses and reopens pistol procurement. Each time a couple of us broke out of the office and wasted a morning shooting S&W's ammo. I liked all of the variants they demo'd. Even (especially) the ones with the manual safety. If I ever finish all of the other projects I'm playing with, I'll definitely consider getting a couple. Features wise, they have quite a bit going for them and they're easy to shoot. If my brother ever decides to get full sized pistols for my nieces, I'll recommend he look at them. It helps that S&W has a military/LEO discount (if you know to ask and you go through the program office to buy it) to make the price competitive with Blue Label Glocks. Course all of this is MOO. YMMV. Find a buddy who has one or a range with rentals and shoot it. If you like it, buy it. If you don't - well, now you have your own data points.

[mdpatterson]

Originally Posted by alelks

I think he meant to say Smith and Wesson M&P.

Thanks, that was a bonehead typo on my part. I already purchased the pistol, just have had no chance to get to the range (Again, I just couldn't pass up the deal I got). Thanks again for the input.

Mike

[mdpatterson]

Just wanted to thank you again for your input, because I almost sold it before I even fired it. Got to the range earlier today and it was well worth the $368 I paid for it. I appreciate you giving me your opinion even after I called it a Springfield (I feel lucky I got any helpful replies after that lol).

Pretty sure I will have a trigger job done and put different sights on it, but other than that, it's another keeper.

Mike

[JimP]

You're going to LOVE the pistol. I took one right out of the box to Rogers Shooting School and it performed well, (I had NOT shot it previously). Since then, I've tossed probably 5-6 thousand rounds down the tube of my fullsize. I put a Warren rear sight on it as well as a fiber optic up front. I also put an Apex tactical Duty/Carry Action enhancement Kit in it. This thing breaks about the closest to a tuned 1911 I have ever shot. I shoot it well and it is my daily carry piece. I liked it so much I also bought the M&P compact for wear in the warmer months where concealment is a bit tighter. I recently picked up two M&P Shields but have not yet taken them to the range for shakeout/familiarization/ammo compatibility nor received the holster I ordered so I cannot yet comment on them. I suspect they will be great and will ultimately be my daily carry. Great lines, thin and good ergonomics.

I like them a LOT better than the Glocks I have carried/worked with.

[Cake_14N]

This is my EDC. With my supertuck delux, it is nearly invisible beneath a t-shirt.

My issue is I am always 1.5 inches low and to the right of center with each group I fire. Purely my fault, nothing wrong with the pistol. I can hand my M&P to the range officer and watch him drill the center of the target with each triggger pull. So I am sure it is my issue, not the pistol.

Cake

[mdpatterson]

I don't really need another host for a 9mm, but might try it out. Just curious if anyone here has. I have an old Gemtech with the huge L.I.D. just sitting around that may work.

JimP, thanks for the input. I'm getting the Apex put in soon, but still trying to decide on what sights to put on.

Thanks again,

Mike

[frostfire]

Originally Posted by mdpatterson

Just wanted to thank you again for your input, because I almost sold it before I even fired it. Got to the range earlier today and it was well worth the $368 I paid for it. I appreciate you giving me your opinion even after I called it a Springfield (I feel lucky I got any helpful replies after that lol).

Whoa! Is that $368 brand new? Mil/LEO pricing?
I'll be darn. With me, it came to the M&P or Glock few years back and the only reason I went w/Glock because it was cheaper and overall best-buy with great service at every GSSF matches. I paid $399 right from the factory. After years of index-finger flexing I finally got the darn thing to shoot as well as my using SIG/HK/1911 but that M&P grip is sure more elliptical/conformed-to-the-hand-with-flexed-finger cross-section just like the 1911 vs the bloody blocky glock grip

Concur with the Apex aftermarket. I tried my friend's and it breaks much crisper than modified gen 4 glock

[mdpatterson]

I am now thinking I might like the Apex FSS and Trigger better.....anyone have any experience with this kit?

[alelks]

Originally Posted by Cake_14N

This is my EDC. With my supertuck delux, it is nearly invisible beneath a t-shirt.

My issue is I am always 1.5 inches low and to the right of center with each group I fire. Purely my fault, nothing wrong with the pistol. I can hand my M&P to the range officer and watch him drill the center of the target with each triggger pull. So I am sure it is my issue, not the pistol.

Cake

This may help:


correctionchartright.jpg

[BryanK]

For those of you with the Shields, you may want to check this out:

M&P Shield safety alert (Smith & Wesson website link)

Smith & Wesson has identified a condition where the trigger bar pin could damage the lower trigger in certain M&P Shields in a way that may affect the functionality of the drop safety feature of the firearm, potentially allowing the pistol to discharge if it is dropped.

Any unintended discharge of a firearm has the potential to cause injury, and we ask that you STOP USING YOUR PISTOL IMMEDIATELY UNTIL IT HAS BEEN INSPECTED AND, IF THE CONDITION IS FOUND, REPAIRED.

This Safety Alert applies to all M&P Shield pistols manufactured before August 19, 2013. We believe this condition is largely limited to recently manufactured M&P Shield pistols. However, out of an abundance of caution, we are asking all consumers of all M&P Shields manufactured before August 19, 2013 to immediately inspect their pistols for this condition.

[The Reaper]

Ah yes, the joys of Smith and Wesson autos.

TR

[Quietus]

Originally Posted by The Reaper

Ah yes, the joys of Smith and Wesson autos.

TR

Those old M39s were real nice: engage safety, and hammer drops a bit too hard ... bang!