[soonerboomer]

Today I had the opportunity to go to the range and compare two new very similar pistols right out-of-the-box. The guns compared were the Springfield Armory XD 9mm 4" (model XD9101) AND the Smith and Wesson M&P 9mm 4.25" (model 209301).

Here are my shooting range impressions:

SIZE: Width was practically the same. The XD slide looked and felt a bit taller over the frame. However, the M&P was longer. This is because the M&P has a 1/4" longer barrel and the rear of the frame on the M&P extends out further over the webbing of your shooting hand. The M&P controls were a little sleeker too. Advantage: None

WEIGHT: While I did not weigh them, the M&P seemed notably lighter. Advantage: M&P (but only if carried)

TRIGGER: The XD trigger pull was slightly longer, but it was consistent, smooth, and predictable. The M&P trigger was slightly shorter but not as smooth. The M&P trigger felt like two stages with a light but gritty take up, then a cleaner and heavier break. Advantage: XD

ERGONOMICS: The XD fits my hand very well. However, the M&P fits my hand even better. Plus, the M&P has the small, medium, or large palm swells. Advantage: M&P

PERCEIVED RECOIL: While the 9mm is no wrist breaker, the XD had a bit more muzzle flip. I would atribute this to its higher bore axis. Advantage: M&P

ACCURACY: Both exhibited excellent out-of-the-box "combat accuracy". Advantage: None

CONCLUSION: I'd love to have an M&P with an XD trigger. However, both of these are great weapons and I'd feel very confident in using either one for defensive purposes.

As for you Glock guys... Its nothing personal that I didn't include the Glock 17 in this range report. The Glock is a proven and respectable gun, no doubt. Its just that it's grip angle does not point naturally for me.

[possum]

nice review, i agree i love the xd trigger compared to all other polymer handgun triggers, as a matter of fact i prefer the xd over all the poly guns. the m&p's are nice though.

the trigger on the xd's get better after about 1000rds they get even smoother and sweeter.

i have over 15,500rds through my xd and i couldn't be happier.

[Marshall]

Thank you, nice review.

My XD service model has served me very well for years.

[Publius1688]

Nice review- I'm a 9mm M+P owner, and have had buyer's remorse, wishing I'd shot a Browning HP first. Really like the XD, as well, but the M+P "fit better".

[Cloudpeak]

There's a link for a M&P trigger job on the gunsmithing forum in the M&P forum. If you're handy and can follow instructions, it does improve the trigger, IMO. I did one on the M&P 9mm full size I owned and thought it worked out very well.

[possum]

trigger jobs can be done, by Bowie Tactical Concepts, Mr Bowie has a great web site, he is a leo IIRC and an Instructor at TDI Ohio i know for sure. he does great work, glocks, xd's and m&p's

[rgwalt]

As far as the interchangable backstraps go, the XDm includes this feature. Granted the XDm costs more, but how did the XD compare to the M&P in price?

[soonerboomer]

rgwalt...
I believe the M&Ps usually runs a bit higher than the XD. But, right now Bud's has the following prices:
M&P (like the one reviewed above) for $439
XD (like the one reviewed above) for $472
also for reference:
XDM 9mm for $566
Glock 17/19 for $494

[mgregg85]

Love my xd45, wish I could get a M&P 9mm.

[rgwalt]

Thanks for the info soonerboomer. I guess price-wise is in favor of the M&P, especially when comparing against the XDm. I'll have to try holding a few of the M&P's at the next gun show.

[.357 magnum]

I own an MP full size 9mm and MP full size .40--Love both guns! The trigger gets better on the MP after several hundred rounds. Now I am NOT knocking my MP 9mm. But I now Also own Two XD-M 9mm's. The XD-M will cost you a little more, but it is Superior to your other choices. You will Love the trigger on the XD-M. Get the Stainless Slide. Very Accurate Gun-Totally Reliable and I mean Never a Hiccup of any kind! Also, Like I have said in other Threads, you get 19+1 and a Gun that is Built to Run For a Very Long Time-The XD-M is a Tank:evil:

The Best to You and Yours

Frank

[Legasat]

Nice to the point review.

I shot both before I bought, and liked both. Fine pistols for sure.

2 years later, I now own 3 M&P's.

[gga357]

I a Glock and have shot an XD, but my M&P is my favorite. All in .40S&W.

[ElPasoWrangler]

I owned a glock 19. I now own an M&P 9 fs. I find the M&P to be a superior choice for me. I also own an XD45 service and love it except for the cost of ammo.

[Uteridge]

I got a trigger kit from Apex Tactical for my M&P 40c and installed it myself. The trigger on my M&P is fantastic now.