I think I want to try an M&P

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ny32182

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...in IDPA. I've come to this decision through the following course of events (If you don't care, skip to the second paragraph): late last year I started working on my grip strength. This has been very helpful for recoil management and gun manipulation. However there has been a side effect; that is I am getting slide bite with my G34. The web between my index finger and thumb has gotten fatter. While it was still cold I would just put a band-aid on it and forget it; no problems. I shot the first "hot weather" match of the season on Saturday, and the band-aid would not stick due to sweat. I think I can overcome this with a flexible cloth tape wrap around the palm of my hand, but would like to not have to do this forever. I started thinking of getting another G34 and set it up for ESP (I currently shoot SSP) including a beavertail. However, I got a chance to hold an M&P Pro at a match on Sunday. It already comes with a beavertail (so I could go ESP or SSP potentially with the same gun), and also has ambi contols (I'm also a lefty, and would like to opportunity to try these out). Another bonus, if I'm looking at the right models on GB, it is cheaper than a G34, even before the Robar beavertail I was looking at, which would be an extra ~$200+ shipping.

So my question is, I know little about M&Ps other than they have gained a significant competetive following fairly quickly: What model is ideal for IDPA? (SSP or ESP) I assume a Pro 5", 9mm of some sort? Are there other options to consider, or are all the Pro 5" models exactly the same? If not I'd likely want the model with the fewest number of safeties, lightest trigger, any sight options worth looking at? Any input from leftys would be even more appreciated; do you drop the slide with your thumb with no problems? My very initial impression was that it was a full reach for me, and I have big hands; I have no idea if there are extended controls available; etc. Thanks.
 
I have a M&P 5inch plan on getting the apex kit to make the trigger slick.
It is about $90 and easy to install.
 
Thanks guys... so there are no additional "options" to be on the lookout for like manual safeties, magazine disconnects, etc on the 9mm Pro model?
 
If you plan on upgrading the sights and doing trigger work, save some money and get a 9L.
 
I will, probably, at some point if I end up shooting it a lot, but it likely won't be immediate. I'm still rocking the stock sights and trigger on my G34.
 
Oh dear god. The stock trigger I could live with, but Glock sights are horrible.
 
Based on the internet reports I figured they would fall off sometime during the first mag, but they are still attached after about 4k rounds so far.
 
I recently ordered an M&P9 Pro from Bud's and I cannot wait to get it out and see how she does. I love my Glocks and don't see that changing any time soon, but the M&P seems to have a bit better feel than the 9mm Glocks for me. I like the pronounced beaver tail on the M&P and the palm swell seems to be a good idea instead of just the backstraps. Whether or not the M&P will take the place of my 9mm Glocks remains to be seen but I think they will fit nicely in my collection and if I like it well enough an M&P45 will be next on the list.
 
Is there anything special to know about the magazines? Are all m&p 17rd 9mm factory magazines the same? Thanks,
 
I shot the first "hot weather" match of the season on Saturday, and the band-aid would not stick due to sweat. I think I can overcome this with a flexible cloth tape wrap around the palm of my hand, but would like to not have to do this forever.
Click to expand...

IDPA rules are going to disallow any thing such as that worn on your hands.

Equipment Rules
E 1. The shooter’s equipment must conform with the
specifications set forth in Appendix ONE - Equipment.
E 2. Allowed equipment will meet the following criteria:
A. Practical for self-defense use.
B. Concealable - All equipment will be so placed
that, when wearing an open concealment garment
with your arms extended to your sides and parallel
to the ground, it can NOT been seen from the front,
rear or sides.
C. Must be suitable for and worn in a manner that is
appropriate for all day continuous wear.
 
I don't think anyone anywhere would ever say a thing about tape.
Nowhere in the rule book does it say you can't use tape.
You're allowed to wear gloves.
 
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M&P makes very good guns for use in IDPA. The 5" models are the prefered way to go for most people. If you are going to shoot it straight out of the box then I would go with the 9Pro. The Novak sights are fine and the trigger is good. If you plan to make many modifications like sights or trigger work then the 9L is usually a better way to go because it is a little cheaper. It has standard 3 dot sights so you might want to change them. It has the stock trigger but APEX makes great trigger enhancement drop in parts that give a better trigger than what comes on the Pro. Either way you can't go wrong with the M&P for IDPA.
 
Thanks everyone. I believe the rule above is talking about actual shooting gear (the context is made clear in part B). A glove would be too invasive into my grip feel.
 
you wont be sorry for getting a M&P pro. I've had mine 7 months. I shoot 3 gun with it. It is a great gun. It has been thru 6 matches and the practices between without a single issue. I have kept mine stock. Around a 4lb trigger and a very short reset. The reset is light, but i notice it just fine. M&Ps like heavier bullets, but my M&P shoots 115gr in groups good enough for typical 3 gun distances.
 
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