I can not decide.

Status
Not open for further replies.
O

Ohioan

Member
Joined
Feb 20, 2007
Messages
169
Location
Round on the ends, HIGH in the middle.. oHIo
I DO NOT WANT A GLOCK. I HAVE MY REASONS.

Threads like this always annoy me. But, I've decided I needed to put my thoughts out there for everyone to see if they hold up to review.

I'm having a really hard time deciding between the M&P and the XD Tactical. I want a 9mm.
The M&P, 2 mags, bladetech holster and mag carrier is $469. Plus you can get the 2 mags for free from Smith and Wesson. It has a 4in barrel. It fits my hand better than any gun (other than my CZ- 75B of course) I've got my hands one. I'm not 100% sure on the trigger. The way the tip pivots seems kinda flimsy to me.

The XD Tactical is $479. And comes with all the XD Gear and 2 mags. (which I'm not 100% sure is a good thing. I like the feel of the longer, heavier top end on the XD. Plus the trigger can be made pretty sweet. SA does have a good history of quality Customer Service.

It would be a double duty IPSC and IDPA gun.


what do you guys think?


by the way, the "buy both" theory won't work for me. not enough $$...
 
Last edited:
I don't know I dont like tupperware.Maybe a local range that rents both or most any IDPA sombody might let ya try theirs.I know thats not much help but this might be the XD gear mag pouch isn't IDPA legal.
 
Tough one...I'm not a XD fan & I just don't have alot of experience w/ the M&P....I guess if push came to shove, I'd go w/ the M&P
 
Don't have experience with either, I just know from what friends have told me about the old S&W autos, pre M&P, they said they did not like like them. As for your choice, I say the M&P is a good looking gun, so is the XD. If I had to choose over my beloved Glock, I would take the XD. By the way, you say that coming with all the XD gear and two magazines, you are not 100% sure about? Tell me of a Glock packege that offers that and I will jump all over it.
 
I dont own either right now , but having shot both i would go with the M&P. I just like the ergonomics and trigger feel better .
 
You will keep getting both answers...

so i'll throw in another XD:)

Overall, I think the XD is just a better shooting/more solid platform. I love the triggers, even stock. M&P is a nice pistol too, but I would only choose it over the XD if we were talking sub-compacts here...even as a SC, the XD is still built a little beefier and doesn't have the mag capacity that the M&P sub compacts do. If we were talking 4" "service" models, I would go XD all the way. just my 2 cents..
 
I went through the same debate you are going through now, but it was the XD-40 vs. the M&P40. List up all the positives vs. the negatives of each one, and then figure out what is most important to you. Better yet, shoot each gun for yourself.

For me, I went with the M&P and I have no regrets. I saw its advantages as being the grip comfort (a huge plus), easier recoil, stainless slide and barrel, and a thinner profile. The XD has the loaded chamber indicator (minor), the grip safety (minor), and a good trigger (but I still don't like the bar in the middle). The stock M&P trigger does not feel great at first, but it gets much better after a couple hundred rounds and it is very easy to modify. The M&P just felt so much better in my hand! I now have 1850 rounds through the gun with not a single failure - and I made it prove itself by shooting the first 880 rounds without doing any cleaning or lubing.
 
Based on the problems I've read about and personally encountered with both the XD and the M&P, I would heartily recommend the Glock 19. I really like the M&P, but don't believe the gun is truly ready for long haul reliability... and I have very good reasons for saying so. (see mp-pistol.com)

With a few minor mods, the Glock 19 is simply outstanding and has proven itself for the very long haul as a stone reliable, incredibly durable defense pistol. There may be some aspects about the other guns you might prefer, (like the feel of the M&P, which is great) but when it comes down to it with a personal defense weapon... to utter confidence in the weapon and stone reliability, the G19 has it all over the other two.
 
The XD will enter IPSC/USPSA in Production, but because they called it "single action" it has to be shot in IDPA ESP instead of SSP with the PM&P and Glock.
Do you care?
 
I don't like the Glock grip angle. That's why I threw it out of the running.

I've been reading around and have found that there is a walkthrough for a trigger job on a SW M&P on Dan Burwell's sight. And after looking through it, I think it might be fun to work on the trigger myself. It really reminds me of working on my 10/22.

As long as I can order new sears from SW. Which I think can be a problem from things I have read on mp-pistol.com.
 
Ohioan... if you go with the M&P, after shooting 300 rounds or so, you will probably feel no need at all for a trigger job. The trigger on my m&p became awesome after 300 or so. As for the Glock.. funny thing, I was never that crazy about the grip feel, but with time and lots of shooting, I've come to like them a lot and appreciate their reliability!
 
...the G19 has it all over the other two
Click to expand...
In long-term reliability - yes, Glock has been well tested. The Glock still has terrible ergonomics (IMHO), plastic sights, and a partially supported chamber. That last point means that Glocks are more likely to be reliable with a large range of ammo types (a positive thing), but it is not rated to shoot +P ammo and factory reloads are a bad idea. If I had questions surrounding the M&P's reliability, I would get the XD.

DHart, I'd like to hear about some of the M&P problems that raise a concern for you. I have spent some time at mp-pistol.com. There have been issues with the M&P, but I'm not sure which ones you are referring to specifically.

PS I really did not mean this post to sound like an attack on Glock, or the folks who prefer to carry them.
 
McGavin... do you have a current production G19? The chamber mouth support is very good and there's no problem shooting +P with the Glock barrel. And if you want other barrel options, there are a slew of awesome drop-in barrel options starting at around $98 for the Glock from LoneWolf, KKM, Jarvis, StormLake, etc. As for sights, the polymer sights work just fine, though I decided to upgrade to TRU DOT nightsights for $60... and there are plenty of steel night sights from a variety of vendors.

I too had not been attracted to Glocks for many years, until recently. But with so many people really thrilled with Glocks, including a number of defense/training professionals, I decided to buy a Glock 19 for it's reliability, capacity, ideal size & weight, versatility, ability to take hi-cap mags of 17- and 30-rounds, and incredible aftermarket products & support. No, it didn't feel as wonderful in the hand as my M&P, but over some time of handling it every day and shooting it every few days, I have really changed my opinion of Glocks... it feels good in my hand now with time to adapt to it and it's an incredible shooter. They just take some time to adapt to. Reliability - like stone.

As for my M&P problems, visit the mp-pistol.com forum. The M&P's problems (mostly mag drops & slide lock backs, also some pins walking out & light primer strikes) are all over in that forum. Mine regard the mag dropping out. It's clear that S&W has a problem with these guns in that regard... and my confidence is not sufficient to use my M&P for carry. Perhaps someday after a 1200-1500 rounds of flawless performance my confidence in the gun will return. As you might know, at first I was totally enamored with the M&P, but over time and use, the problems with my gun have relegated it to safe-duty for the most part.... sadly.

In other news, I have since bought a Glock 19, 23, and 30 (to join my Glock 29) and I'm *really* enjoying my Glock experience - yes, I'm a bit surprised at that, but very pleasantly so! I like the Ghost Rocket 3.5# connector ($18) which gives about a 4.5# trigger pull, the TRU DOT night sights ($60), the smooth face trigger ($8), plentiful low-cost magazines ($19), and I put a LoneWolf match barrel ($98) in both my 23 and my 30 - for full case head support, awesome accuracy, still stone reliable with all the ammo I like to shoot. The huge variety of aftermarket products and upgrades for Glocks is really wonderful. Complete teardown and reassembly is a dream. Working on the guns is fun and so easy. Yes, the upgrades cost some extra money, but I have no problem with such upgrades... I love the result. And the variety of Glock models is mesmerizing. Glock certainly doesn't need my affirmation or support, but it is now getting it.
 
Last edited:
The XD has the loaded chamber indicator (minor), the grip safety (minor), and a good trigger (but I still don't like the bar in the middle).
Click to expand...

Hmmm, looks like I'm not the only one who doesn't care for the trigger safety on the XD. Don't get me wrong, the XD is an excellent gun. But try it before you buy it. After a while the "bar" in the middle of the trigger that Shooter speaks of does get annoying, even painful (for me anyway).

I was sitting on the fence on whether or not to trade/sell the XD for a 1911, but yesterday that bar chewing up my finger (not to mention my little snubbie 642 performing just as well on target as the larger XD) sealed it's fate.

BTW, both SA and S&W have excellent customer service, probably at or near the top of the industry - so you can't go wrong with either in that regard.
 
Both are good guns, but my vote goes solidly to the M&P for the following reasons:

-Made in USA
-Superior ergonomics and a grip that can be taylored to fit just about any hand with the interchangeable backstraps.
-lower bore axis; better rapid fire control.
-can be had with or (my preference) without safety features.
-(personal opinion) all around more visually attractive firearm.
 
The M&P is an extremely attractive platform... especially because it has such a great feel in the hand and the trigger becomes wonderful after a few hundred rounds... some more details on my problems with the gun: A trip to S&W corrected it for a few hundred rounds, then as the new mag catch wore, the problem returned. S&W has sent me a third mag catch now, but I haven't had enough time to thoroughly wring it out yet... time and 1000 rounds should be a decent indicator. I firmly believe that the mag catch spring itself is not stiff enough either, but there doesn't seem to be a replacement for that part.

A notable number of them have had mag drop problems that, seemingly, may reflect design flaw which hasn't clearly been corrected permanently. I have one of the affected guns. For some owners the problem has happened from the get go, for others it doesn't show up until after 400-500 rounds or more. For some, a trip to S&W corrects the problem for a few hundred rounds, then the problem returns... and for some, they never experience the problem. There have been enough people with the problem to indicate that something is amiss and it seems a permanent solution for these problem guns may not yet be at hand.

I would whole heartedly give a big thumbs up on the M&P were it not for the mag drop problems than many owners have experienced.

MP40C_7368.jpg
 
A proper grip angle won me over on the XD. The XD 45's capacity in a grip I can comfortably hold was icing on the cake. Now there is the M&P. It also has a proper grip angle, good capacities in all calibers, and changeable backstraps. The final consideration, parts availability aside, is that the M&P can be detail stripped with a basic gunsmith's punch set, while doing so with the XD requires much more specialized tools. I like the XD line, but those little extras would sway mw to the M&P line.
 
Ugaarguy I agree. If there was a 5in barrel MP I would be all over it. Like white on rice... Right now, we're just going to have to wait and see. I'm leaning more and more towards the M&P 9.

I've shot the Glock 34, MP9, XD-9 Tactical.

I liked the Glock 34s trigger. But, I didn't shoot it as accurately as I did the other pistols. I didn't like the weight of the slide. I also didn't like the grip angle. I had to readjust my grip to hit the mag release. Plastic sights were a downside. Polygonal rifling was a major downside. I cast and reload. I know I can get a replacement barrel, that's just money that I don't want to have to spend immediately upon purchasing a firearm. That is why I tossed the glock out. Just doesn't fit with what I want and what I would use. I'm sorry if this offends you Glockers.

The XD-9 trigger had a weak reset that was fairly far out. The trigger pull was slightly smoother but heavier than the G34. I liked the weight of the gun and the balance the extra in. of barrel provided. There are some descent after-market parts out there for the XD. The gun would need to be sent away for trigger work if I decided I needed (wanted) it. I could hit the mag release with my thumb without changing my grip. (very important in competition)

The M&P felt well in the hand. Accuracy was on par with the XD-9. The trigger felt pretty spongy. I REALLY liked the way the gun felt in the hand. Then, upon further research I saw that the firearm was more friendly to the average user for detail strip and even trigger work. I didn't check the mag release for some reason.

I'm guessing maybe the issue with the mag release slipping has something to do with the fact that you can swap it around. Maybe there is a design flaw. I hadn't heard of that problem so I guess I need to do some more research.



I'm going to trade my SW 686+ for a semi auto. I just don't have a reason to own the revolver.. stupid impulse buys.

I appreciate everyone's opinion. But the more I think about it, the more I'm going to go with the M&P.

Is there any reason why I should choose the XD-9 Tactical over the M&P-9 due to strictly the extra length barrel?
 
That's a great deal on the M&P. I got my full-size M&P in .40 as a kit and it came with the Bladetech holster, mag pouch, 3 mags for $512.

I really like the feel and profile of the M&P more than the XD. I use it as my main ccw and I love it. I had some problems when I first got it and had to send it back to have the mag release replaced. However thousands of problem free rounds later I am very happy with it again. The lifetime warranty is also very nice. When I sent mine back it took about 10 days to get it back and didn't cost me a dime.

Of all the handguns I've ever owned (and I've a lot) the M&P is the most accurate and comfortable gun I've every had in my collection. Whenever I let people shoot it the first words out of their mouths are "wow". There is very little muzzle flip, the trigger is wonderful out of the box and the ergonomics are great.

I've never shot a 9mm M&P but my .40 feels like I'm shooting a 9mm, so I can imagine the actual 9mm version must feel pretty nice when fired.

Good luck with your decision, you really can't go wrong with either one IMO
 
I'm going to have to +1 the XD, especially the service model. The gun feels more balanced and the trigger is pretty sweet, even with the somewhat long reset.
 
McGavin... do you have a current production G19? The chamber mouth support is very good and there's no problem shooting +P with the Glock barrel...
Click to expand...
No, I do not have a current production Glock. I am not sure what the latest generation is, but my Glock experience is with the third generation 40 cal models (I thought that was the latest). Did they change the manual to support the use of +P ammo? Thanks for correcting me on that point.

You are right to point out that there is a ton of stuff to upgrade everything to do with Glocks. That may be a selling point. I was giving my opinion on the gun as it is sold from the shop.

If I were going to buy a Glock copycat, I'd get a .......
Glock.
Click to expand...
What makes these guns Glock copycats? Is it the polymer frame? or something else?
 
What makes these guns Glock copycats? Is it the polymer frame? or something else?
Click to expand...

They're Black.


After some research on Mp forums, I've found that SW has been constantly fixing problems with the MP and releasing new updated models. They built the little guard thingy around the slide release (peoples hands were hitting the slide release causing it to lock back with rounds still inside the magazine). They also corrected the mag release problem which was a design flaw.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

X
  • Locked
I handled an XD-M at the gun show today
Replies
1
Views
314
CPshooter
C
J
  • Locked
XD-M parts compatibility with XD (mags, LaserMax, etc.)?
Replies
1
Views
373
FlaChef
F
M
  • Locked
help me decide CZ / XD
2
Replies
28
Views
2K
Matthew_Q
M
J
  • Locked
Springfield XD40 vs. Smith and Wesson M&P .40
Replies
9
Views
2K
swingset
S
StrikeFire83
  • Locked
Double Stack 9mm Sub-Compacts (Glock 26/M&P9c/XD-9SC)
2
Replies
30
Views
2K
Pilot
P
Back
Top