I am 70, just got back into guns after very long hiatus, 7 years ago. In 2006 bought my first semi-auto, a Beretta 92FS. I shoot it occasionally...maybe have 3500 rds through it in 7 years. The grip feels too big for my smaller hands. Seeking guidance from favorite gun place they showed me a SW M&P 9 with three interchangeable grip sizes. I do not want to have more guns...so want to get a trade-in credit on Beretta. I have a lot of 9mm ammo so want that caliber. All that said...please give me any thoughts you have about the quality of the SW, switching to a striker fired gun, etc. I do not CCW so that is not part of equation. I just want something to learn to shoot more accurately at the range and have some target fun with. Thanks in advance for your time and information.
Guidance for amateur on SW M&P9
- Thread starter moewadle
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You might want to also look at the Ruger SR9...the grips on those are much smaller than most other double stack guns. They also have a really nice trigger. I used to only want a hammer fired gun, but I really really like striker fired guns now. Never have to worry about double action trigger pull. S&W is a quality gun
PWGUNNY
Member
I own an M&P9 full size. I have shot about 1500 rds through the gun without any problems. I did have an issue with my first few reloads being under power, but that was my error and not the gun. I have used 3 different types of factory ammo and all performed well.
I had to buy a special state compliant version of the pistol as we can only have 10rd mags in NY. I did not like the original trigger because my version was designed to be a 10lb pull. I installed the Apex trigger kit myself for $100 and the trigger is great now. I have read that the newer versions (past 10 months) have better triggers The most common compliment I've heard on the gun, is how well it feels in the hand.
If you decide to buy the M&P, look for the range kit. It is the pistol, 3 mags, Uplula loader, and holster.
I also would look at the Ruger SR9 as mentioned, and I recently have been shooting a Sig 2022 that my buddy bought.
I had to buy a special state compliant version of the pistol as we can only have 10rd mags in NY. I did not like the original trigger because my version was designed to be a 10lb pull. I installed the Apex trigger kit myself for $100 and the trigger is great now. I have read that the newer versions (past 10 months) have better triggers The most common compliment I've heard on the gun, is how well it feels in the hand.
If you decide to buy the M&P, look for the range kit. It is the pistol, 3 mags, Uplula loader, and holster.
I also would look at the Ruger SR9 as mentioned, and I recently have been shooting a Sig 2022 that my buddy bought.
I have an M&P9C for CCW that I have never had a problem with. The interchangeable grip sizes will let you personalize the feel of the gun for your hand. Your local range may have one available in their selections to test fire before you buy one.
I have not owned a M&P9 so can't offer first hand experience.
I did own M&P22 and loved that gun. Very reliable plinker. Sold it to get a 22 more suited to target competition.
Just purchased a M&P Shield in 9mm. Very surprised in the accuracy of this small gun. Have not had it long, but it has no showed any signs of problems.
Based upon these 2 experiences, I will definitely consider a M&P9 (or45) for my next semi. (That is unless I decide to get another 1911.)
I did own M&P22 and loved that gun. Very reliable plinker. Sold it to get a 22 more suited to target competition.
Just purchased a M&P Shield in 9mm. Very surprised in the accuracy of this small gun. Have not had it long, but it has no showed any signs of problems.
Based upon these 2 experiences, I will definitely consider a M&P9 (or45) for my next semi. (That is unless I decide to get another 1911.)
The M&P is as safe as any other striker fired gun...simply meaning you don't have a hammer to indicate firing condition.
The first M&Ps had some problems (striker, retaining pin for the grips, accuracy of the barrels) but most of them seen to have been addressed. One you still hear about is the trigger quality. It has improved and whether it is acceptable to you has more to do with your experience and expectations.
I shoot an M&P9 in competition and I've replaced the trigger parts with those from Apex Tactical Specialties. I think the improvement was well worth the cost...YMMV. Mine as it came from the factory was accurate enough for me...but I don't usually shoot it much pass 35-50 yards
There are also folks who feel the slide lock is difficult to disengage. I don't really have an opinion on this as I only come in contact with it when engaging it to lock the slide back...but it does seem a bit stiff
The first M&Ps had some problems (striker, retaining pin for the grips, accuracy of the barrels) but most of them seen to have been addressed. One you still hear about is the trigger quality. It has improved and whether it is acceptable to you has more to do with your experience and expectations.
I shoot an M&P9 in competition and I've replaced the trigger parts with those from Apex Tactical Specialties. I think the improvement was well worth the cost...YMMV. Mine as it came from the factory was accurate enough for me...but I don't usually shoot it much pass 35-50 yards
There are also folks who feel the slide lock is difficult to disengage. I don't really have an opinion on this as I only come in contact with it when engaging it to lock the slide back...but it does seem a bit stiff
greenmountains
Member
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The only polymer pistols I have are M&Ps, 3 of which are 9s. I've carried and shot lots of glocks and xd/xdms. What it came down to was that the M&Ps shot better for me. I'm sure it has to do with how ergonomics of pistols click with different people. I know glocks are accurate and reliable but I can't shoot them as well as XDMs and M&Ps. The it comes down to the fact M&Ps are made in the USA. Any of the pistols with APEX parts will great for striker fired pistols. If you don't want to change anything about the gun, buy a pro, pretty good straight out of the box. If you are considering carrying at all I will say I only have a little money in my 9c and it shoots as well as the 5" pro.
Dnaltrop
Member
Have one of the M&P .40's from before the change in the trigger assembly.
Trigger was gritty, audibly so at a distance. S&W Service paid for shipping, cleaned it up nicely and it shoots well. The grip fits my big, loose-jointed hands comfortably, very accurate.
The Slide lock will disengage with a hard enough tap on the mag when seating it, not sure if that's a symptom of damage to the catch, simple wear over time, or just me being a large guy and a "tap" to me is a crushing impact in reality. When locked back, I tend to work the slide by hand and ease it down, rather than just pushing the button and letting it slam home. Doesn't bother me, just one of it's quirks.
Carry it as my BUG to the Blackhawk, disappears in an IWB nicely, I purchased it because "well, I should have at least ONE polymer..." and it's functioned well.
Still prefer all Steel guns though.
Trigger was gritty, audibly so at a distance. S&W Service paid for shipping, cleaned it up nicely and it shoots well. The grip fits my big, loose-jointed hands comfortably, very accurate.
The Slide lock will disengage with a hard enough tap on the mag when seating it, not sure if that's a symptom of damage to the catch, simple wear over time, or just me being a large guy and a "tap" to me is a crushing impact in reality. When locked back, I tend to work the slide by hand and ease it down, rather than just pushing the button and letting it slam home. Doesn't bother me, just one of it's quirks.
Carry it as my BUG to the Blackhawk, disappears in an IWB nicely, I purchased it because "well, I should have at least ONE polymer..." and it's functioned well.
Still prefer all Steel guns though.
I'm sure glad I am not the only one who likes steel. A blued steel with walnut grips looks and feels like a "real gun". It took me a long time to look at others.
I do like the M&P series though. I've heard a lot of good reports in magazines and in these threads and have had no problems with my own.
I do like the M&P series though. I've heard a lot of good reports in magazines and in these threads and have had no problems with my own.
Sauer Grapes
Member
I've been shooting M&Ps for about 6 years now. Sounds like you have hands like me. {smallish} I use the small back strap on mine.
I'm not a lover of polymer guns, but the M&P fits me about as good as it gets for me.
Yeah, the slide lock is stiff, but like 9mm said, I only use it to lock the slide back.
I'm not a lover of polymer guns, but the M&P fits me about as good as it gets for me.
Yeah, the slide lock is stiff, but like 9mm said, I only use it to lock the slide back.
Vodoun da Vinci
Member
Handled an M&P 9c last evening and was invited to shoot a few rounds thru it. It had a trigger job done on it...it was my first time handling one and shooting. Very, very nice pistol.
I recently re entered shooting sports specifically to train for my CCW and had an aversion to striker fired, polymer pistols. I'm now on board. You can't go far wrong with the M&P but I'd have a hard look at some of Glocks offerings as well as Springfield Armory if you are cultivating a desire for striker fired pistols and polymer.
It's an acquired taste but well worth playing.
VooDoo
I recently re entered shooting sports specifically to train for my CCW and had an aversion to striker fired, polymer pistols. I'm now on board. You can't go far wrong with the M&P but I'd have a hard look at some of Glocks offerings as well as Springfield Armory if you are cultivating a desire for striker fired pistols and polymer.
It's an acquired taste but well worth playing.
VooDoo
Glock Doctor
Member
We're the same age; but I do a lot more pistol shooting than you do. I'm going to offer this: For someone who is older and has slightly arthritic hands, a pistol with a wider grip is considerably easier-to-use. I'll often shoot a large Glock Model 21 with a very wide backstrap on it. Why? Because it's easier for me to hold onto during rapid fire events, and I'm more accurate with it, too.
Try this test: Hold the pistol in a normal firing grip. Where does the distal joint on your trigger finger rest in relationship to the pistol's trigger face? Ideally, your distal joint should be just past the trigger face; BUT, if the trigger's face is in front of your distal joint it does NOT mean than you can't effectively use the pistol. On my G-21 I just have to stretch a little for that first trigger pull. After that I'm firing from the rearward, 'reset position'; and trigger reach is no longer a problem.
A Beretta 92FS isn't an overly large gun; and any smaller compact frame pistol is going to be a lot more difficult for you to control the muzzle on and shoot straight. The good news is that you chose the correct centerfire pistol cartridge! I've been carrying a (crappy) Glock Model 19(RTF2) for awhile now. Know what? I'm a very good, very fast, pistol shot; and, even for me, the compact frame G-19 is a much tougher pistol to shoot straight than what I'm easily able to do with the larger (and less ideal fitting) G-21.
Pistol size isn't always a disadvantage. As a general rule you should use as large a pistol frame size as you're able to fit into your hand. Smaller pistol frames are all the rage right now. I'm a range safety officer; and I watch people, 'throw shots' and miss with these little pistols every week. My first suggestion would be for you to shoot more rather than less, and see if some sort of, 'marriage' can take place between you and your present Beretta.
By the way, I was once handed an H&K USP pistol and given a whole bunch of free ammunition to shoot. I was able to shoot it OK; but that narrow frame and backstrap hurt my older hands so much that I handed the USP back to its owner with the comment, 'Thanks, but no thanks!' 'My hands just can't take anymore.' I spent the rest of that day firing my wide-bodied G-21, and went through a couple of hundred more rounds without any undue discomfort. (And I shot right up there with the best pistoleros on the range, too.)
Like I said: Smaller isn't always an advantage; many times smaller compact frames can work against you; and personally, while I'm not a fan of either pistol, I wouldn't trade in a functioning, alloy-frame Beretta for a polymer frame M&P that comes stock with a, 'less than perfect' trigger mechanism, and a long history of needing to be, 'wrung out and corrected' far more times than the occasionally troublesome Beretta 92FS ever has.
http://imageshack.us/a/img29/4571/tkp7.jpg
I have a S&W M&P9, and trust it as my bedside HD gun. I've also used it in USPSA matches. It has run flawlessly through many thousands of rounds of ammo across the power spectrum. Early on, it tended to toss brass straight back, but after a while that went away. It's not spooky-accurate, but I would rate it better than "combat accurate." The trigger pull is fine, as striker/polymer pulls go; some people find there to be a bit of a false reset, but aftermarket parts can cure that if you care about it. Otherwise, it is a fun gun to shoot fast! Biggest issue at the moment, IMO, is that additional mags are in short-ish supply.
Hangingrock
Member
I approached the M&P9 series pistol realizing that this was the third effort by S&W to design a competitive polymer framed striker fired pistol for the market place. The ergonomics of the M&P are better than the Sigma and SW99. The SW99 was a step in the proper direction but the paddle style ambidextrous magazine release was a nettlesome issue for my personal usage.
During this period of time I had also gained an extensive experience base with the Glock series pistols.
When I acquired an M&P9 it was equipped with the magazine disconnect feature and still is. (Yes I know there are those among us that don’t like that feature) I like continuity of purpose. Third generation S&W semiautomatic pistols still in my possession have that feature also. (The SW99-45 did not have the previously mentioned feature). Since I had become accustomed to the Glock trigger the transition to the M&P trigger required a period of adjustment. After several years of usage and thousands of rounds expended I decided to complement the full size M&P9 with an M&P9C with the magazine disconnect feature also. At this point I’ve transitioned to the M&P9 or M&P9c for EDC.
Modifications made to the pistols changed the sights from OEM to a Novak front night-sight and a plain black 10-8 U-notch rear sight. The full size 17 round magazines I replaced the OEM magazine floor plates with 10-8 floor plates. The 12 round magazines for the M&P9c I prefer with the finger rest exstention.
During this period of time I had also gained an extensive experience base with the Glock series pistols.
When I acquired an M&P9 it was equipped with the magazine disconnect feature and still is. (Yes I know there are those among us that don’t like that feature) I like continuity of purpose. Third generation S&W semiautomatic pistols still in my possession have that feature also. (The SW99-45 did not have the previously mentioned feature). Since I had become accustomed to the Glock trigger the transition to the M&P trigger required a period of adjustment. After several years of usage and thousands of rounds expended I decided to complement the full size M&P9 with an M&P9C with the magazine disconnect feature also. At this point I’ve transitioned to the M&P9 or M&P9c for EDC.
Modifications made to the pistols changed the sights from OEM to a Novak front night-sight and a plain black 10-8 U-notch rear sight. The full size 17 round magazines I replaced the OEM magazine floor plates with 10-8 floor plates. The 12 round magazines for the M&P9c I prefer with the finger rest exstention.
That's on my to-do list, but you can't do just some of them and it's going to cost >$200 to do them all. I can't believe I paid the same for the mags as I will for the floor plates...but I know they are a superior product
Is that something one would only need to worry about if dropping magazines to the ground? $20 seems to be a pretty hefty price for a floorplate.
Their main benefit is to prevent unintentional dropping of magazines 
They:
1. are aluminum rather than plastic
2. have relief cuts on both sides for gripping
3. and most importantly, done extend forward as far as the factory base plates
I've snagged the second mag on my belt when pulling the first mag out for a reload. My ring finger catches on the extended lip of the factory mag and pulls it free. I guess the alternative would be to get carriers that lock in place on my belt. An alternative would be to just grind down the factory baseplates
They:
1. are aluminum rather than plastic
2. have relief cuts on both sides for gripping
3. and most importantly, done extend forward as far as the factory base plates
I've snagged the second mag on my belt when pulling the first mag out for a reload. My ring finger catches on the extended lip of the factory mag and pulls it free. I guess the alternative would be to get carriers that lock in place on my belt. An alternative would be to just grind down the factory baseplates
danez71
Member
I have the MP9c. The grip and 'grip to trigger' felt the same as the full size when I bought it.
The 92FS is too big of a grip for me. And the double action causes me to reach/stretch for the trigger for the 1st shot.
For me, that's not acceptable. IMO, the 1st shot just well may be THEE most important shot.
I bought the BHP instead of the 92FS back in 94 going against the 92FS military weapon fanfare I usually encountered.
I shot a friends 92FS ok and had never shot a BHP. I'm so glad I bought the BHP... I shot my BHP better than the 92FS on my 1st mag.
Why? Because the BHP fits my hand. The 92FS didn't.
The M&P9(c) fits my hand with the Med and Small grip. The large grip is ok but it doesn't fit my hand nearly as well as the Sm. and Med.
My advice; buy what fits your hand and something you don't have to reach/stretch for the trigger.
(As a side note, my M&P has never had any type of malfunction)
The 92FS is too big of a grip for me. And the double action causes me to reach/stretch for the trigger for the 1st shot.
For me, that's not acceptable. IMO, the 1st shot just well may be THEE most important shot.
I bought the BHP instead of the 92FS back in 94 going against the 92FS military weapon fanfare I usually encountered.
I shot a friends 92FS ok and had never shot a BHP. I'm so glad I bought the BHP... I shot my BHP better than the 92FS on my 1st mag.
Why? Because the BHP fits my hand. The 92FS didn't.
The M&P9(c) fits my hand with the Med and Small grip. The large grip is ok but it doesn't fit my hand nearly as well as the Sm. and Med.
My advice; buy what fits your hand and something you don't have to reach/stretch for the trigger.
(As a side note, my M&P has never had any type of malfunction)
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