I am in the market for a new subcompact 9mm carry gun. I currently carry a Glock 26 but would like something with an additional safety. I shot the M&P with thumb safety and XD (Backstrap Safety) today side-by-side. I shot both equally well. It seems like the XD is an easier transition from the Glock but I really like the feel of the Smith. What are your thoughts with respect to the pros and cons of each gun and their respective safety systems?
M&P 9c vs. XD9 SubCompact (Safeties)
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KDS
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I have the M&P 9c without the safety and love it. I do not want a safety on it and if it had one, I probably would not have bought it. That said, I can't say enough good things about the M&P. I am not a fan of the XD because I do not like the plastic molded grip. I know a lot of people like it though and I am sure its a fine gun, just not for me.
I really like the XDsc safeties. The XDsc 9mm shoots fantastic for newbies and experienced shooters alike. That being said, if I could do things all over again I might buy a S&W M&P 9c (with or without a thumb safety) simply because it is american made.
FYI
Three notable engineering differences (among many) between the XD and M&P pistol lines are:
1) XD has a steel front guide rail & a polymer rear guide rail (because they believe their math shows the rear rail negligibly effected accuracy and reliability for a duty gun. The M&P has a steel front and rear rail for better accuracy.
2) XD has a fixed grip size which most people think is very comfortable. The M&P has interchangeable grip backstraps for a customizable fit.
3) XD is considered single action. M&P is considered double action. This is important if your local laws or your job mandates one or the other.
Good luck
FYI
Three notable engineering differences (among many) between the XD and M&P pistol lines are:
1) XD has a steel front guide rail & a polymer rear guide rail (because they believe their math shows the rear rail negligibly effected accuracy and reliability for a duty gun. The M&P has a steel front and rear rail for better accuracy.
2) XD has a fixed grip size which most people think is very comfortable. The M&P has interchangeable grip backstraps for a customizable fit.
3) XD is considered single action. M&P is considered double action. This is important if your local laws or your job mandates one or the other.
Good luck
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Squidbert
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On the subject of safeties alone, I'd prefer a passive safety (backstrap safety on XD) to an active safety. That being said, I've owned an XD-9 as well as my M&P9c. Both are fine guns and great shooters. Personally, I prefer the M&P for its ergonomics, size and light weight.
I once was concerned regarding guns w/o traditional safeties. Some would argue a backstrap safety is unnecessary and just another part to fail. I don't really see that as a huge concern. I'd be more concerned with $&!+ hitting the fan and forgetting to manipulate an active safety while under stress. So long as you keep your finger off the trigger until you're ready to shoot, and keep the gun in a holster, you shouldn't have any issues, IMO.
I once was concerned regarding guns w/o traditional safeties. Some would argue a backstrap safety is unnecessary and just another part to fail. I don't really see that as a huge concern. I'd be more concerned with $&!+ hitting the fan and forgetting to manipulate an active safety while under stress. So long as you keep your finger off the trigger until you're ready to shoot, and keep the gun in a holster, you shouldn't have any issues, IMO.
I absolutely love my MnP9c with the safety. I have not shot an XD to compare it to, though I was exactly in the same place you were several months ago trying to decide.
After holding each a number of times, I spend the extra couple of bucks and got the Smith. I also liked that it was built in the US.
So far about 500 rounds in, and no jams, or misfeeds. It is accurate, and has very controllable recoil.
After holding each a number of times, I spend the extra couple of bucks and got the Smith. I also liked that it was built in the US.
So far about 500 rounds in, and no jams, or misfeeds. It is accurate, and has very controllable recoil.
Yarddog
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I like handguns W/O a safety JMO ; )
Y/D
Y/D
Shawn Dodson
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With the XD keep in mind that if you're injured and have to rack the slide one-handed to clear a stoppage (increased possibility when you're in a weakened condition) or perform a one-handed combat reload, that a compromised ability to disengage the grip safety with one hand may prevent you from racking the slide.
You cannot retract the XD slide unless you properly disengage the grip safety - an action that may be difficult to accomplish after you're incurred injury.
You cannot retract the XD slide unless you properly disengage the grip safety - an action that may be difficult to accomplish after you're incurred injury.
TexasGunbie
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Here is what I think about the grip safety...
When you holster your weapon, usually people have a firm grip so the safety is not engage and the gun is hot. So if you're afraid of accidental discharge when holstering, I don't think the grip safety helps.
When you are defending yourself and you are fumbling with your pistol, or maybe you are injured and can't grip the gun properly. Then the grip safety may cause you your life.
Sometimes at the gun range, you may realize your gun is not firing because the web of your hand is not tight enough against the grip safety... so imagine in a defensive situation.
When you holster your weapon, usually people have a firm grip so the safety is not engage and the gun is hot. So if you're afraid of accidental discharge when holstering, I don't think the grip safety helps.
When you are defending yourself and you are fumbling with your pistol, or maybe you are injured and can't grip the gun properly. Then the grip safety may cause you your life.
Sometimes at the gun range, you may realize your gun is not firing because the web of your hand is not tight enough against the grip safety... so imagine in a defensive situation.
'Proper' reholstering technique will utilize the grip safety in order to prevent ADs.
Don't know 'bout the M&P, but does not the XD have a guide rod end/stop to prevent the gun from coming out of battery should you find yourself with your gun jammed into your attacker's body?
Iff'n that matters to you?
Well they can help prevent ADs, and since they're passive, that's just one less thing to think about/do should you need to use your gun.
Yeah, you might have a weak hand/unusual? grip etc that won't allow the gun to fire with a grip safety, but how common is that?
To see how to use a grip safety to prevent ADs when holstering, check out the last picture on this page. Note that while she has her thumb extended as far as possible (kinda wrapped over the top of the slide), I tend to put the pad of my thumb on the rear of the slide instead of as she is doing in the picture. This gives me much more feedback, gives more leverage in order to keep the slide from moving when holstering, and by not extending my thumb fully, the web of my hand is farther from the grip safety.
I use the same method for my hammer fired semi-autos also-the pad of the thumb goes on the back of the hammer when reholstering.
The guiderod on the standard XD's (not the XDm's) protrudes forward of the gun. The guiderod is designed to act as a standoff device. http://zagreb.usembassy.gov/odc/hs_produkt.html
When I bought my 9c (no external safety) I'd shot a buddies compact 40 springfield, and the only thing I didn't like was the grip safety. I don't know I just don't like them, even on 1911's.
For a while I didn't care for external safetys but I kinda of wish my 9c had one now, since buying a crappy ole PT145 I've kind of gotten used to it.
For a while I didn't care for external safetys but I kinda of wish my 9c had one now, since buying a crappy ole PT145 I've kind of gotten used to it.
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