My first full size 9mm was a S&W M&P9 2.0. It was a basic model and I've had it for a few years now. I also recently got a Canik Mete SFX. While the barrel is a little longer, I don't think it makes any difference for purposes of this comparison. For a while I've favored the Canik, but I started shooting the S&W more and found both are excellent within some limitations. If the need arose, I wouldn't hesitate to buy another of either, or the Mete SFT (shorter barrel) version of the Canik.
First, I was astonished by the apparent accuracy of the Canik. It shoots nearly as accurately as my Blackhawk when both are loaded with tuned hand loads. I didn't think the S&W could match it in that area. However, I recently started shooting the M&P more and found that isn't really the case. I still think the Canik is more accurate in a mechanical sense but shooting each at 25-yard targets off hand, I'd have a hard time telling the difference if you handed me two unlabeled targets. I was impressed by the accuracy of the Canik, but I'm also very pleased with the discovery of the near equal accuracy of the M&P. The Canik's trigger is just a pleasure to shoot, and it may have just taken me more time to get used to the S&W trigger.
Second, I believe the Canik was intended to run full power 9mm Nato loads, but I don't remember where I read that. When I first got it, there were a couple of bobbles when the slide didn't lock back on an empty magazine. I don't recall that happening with factory ammo, so I blame my target level reloads. I also recently had a failure to fire with the Canik and one of my reloads. I don't know why, as I cleared it, and tried the same round again and it fired just as normal. To date, I've only had one failure with the M&P, and that was likely a primer issue on one of my reloads. Otherwise, it has been flawless in terms of reliability. It even cycled my super light loads when I was trying to make a 9mm "Quiet" round. I never found a load that worked as I wanted, but the M&P ran all the way down the load range until I was to the point I needed a 9mm revolver if I wanted to keep trying.
I'll probably shoot both about equally now. The Canik has a Crimson Trace red dot and is set up to shoot 25-yard bullseye targets. The M&P has no choice but to stay with iron sights, and I intend to use it for practicing the service auto version of PPC matches. I cannot compete as I'm not a LEO, but it's a good change from the slower pace of the bullseye practice. With the factory sights, both will hold whatever ring on a 25-yard timed fire target I'm capable of holding that day. As long as I remember the intended load parameters of the Canik, I'm sure it will cycle my hand loads without a hiccup.
First, I was astonished by the apparent accuracy of the Canik. It shoots nearly as accurately as my Blackhawk when both are loaded with tuned hand loads. I didn't think the S&W could match it in that area. However, I recently started shooting the M&P more and found that isn't really the case. I still think the Canik is more accurate in a mechanical sense but shooting each at 25-yard targets off hand, I'd have a hard time telling the difference if you handed me two unlabeled targets. I was impressed by the accuracy of the Canik, but I'm also very pleased with the discovery of the near equal accuracy of the M&P. The Canik's trigger is just a pleasure to shoot, and it may have just taken me more time to get used to the S&W trigger.
Second, I believe the Canik was intended to run full power 9mm Nato loads, but I don't remember where I read that. When I first got it, there were a couple of bobbles when the slide didn't lock back on an empty magazine. I don't recall that happening with factory ammo, so I blame my target level reloads. I also recently had a failure to fire with the Canik and one of my reloads. I don't know why, as I cleared it, and tried the same round again and it fired just as normal. To date, I've only had one failure with the M&P, and that was likely a primer issue on one of my reloads. Otherwise, it has been flawless in terms of reliability. It even cycled my super light loads when I was trying to make a 9mm "Quiet" round. I never found a load that worked as I wanted, but the M&P ran all the way down the load range until I was to the point I needed a 9mm revolver if I wanted to keep trying.
I'll probably shoot both about equally now. The Canik has a Crimson Trace red dot and is set up to shoot 25-yard bullseye targets. The M&P has no choice but to stay with iron sights, and I intend to use it for practicing the service auto version of PPC matches. I cannot compete as I'm not a LEO, but it's a good change from the slower pace of the bullseye practice. With the factory sights, both will hold whatever ring on a 25-yard timed fire target I'm capable of holding that day. As long as I remember the intended load parameters of the Canik, I'm sure it will cycle my hand loads without a hiccup.
