soonerboomer
Member
Today I had the opportunity to go to the range and compare two new very similar pistols right out-of-the-box. The guns compared were the Springfield Armory XD 9mm 4" (model XD9101) AND the Smith and Wesson M&P 9mm 4.25" (model 209301).
Here are my shooting range impressions:
SIZE: Width was practically the same. The XD slide looked and felt a bit taller over the frame. However, the M&P was longer. This is because the M&P has a 1/4" longer barrel and the rear of the frame on the M&P extends out further over the webbing of your shooting hand. The M&P controls were a little sleeker too. Advantage: None
WEIGHT: While I did not weigh them, the M&P seemed notably lighter. Advantage: M&P (but only if carried)
TRIGGER: The XD trigger pull was slightly longer, but it was consistent, smooth, and predictable. The M&P trigger was slightly shorter but not as smooth. The M&P trigger felt like two stages with a light but gritty take up, then a cleaner and heavier break. Advantage: XD
ERGONOMICS: The XD fits my hand very well. However, the M&P fits my hand even better. Plus, the M&P has the small, medium, or large palm swells. Advantage: M&P
PERCEIVED RECOIL: While the 9mm is no wrist breaker, the XD had a bit more muzzle flip. I would atribute this to its higher bore axis. Advantage: M&P
ACCURACY: Both exhibited excellent out-of-the-box "combat accuracy". Advantage: None
CONCLUSION: I'd love to have an M&P with an XD trigger. However, both of these are great weapons and I'd feel very confident in using either one for defensive purposes.
As for you Glock guys... Its nothing personal that I didn't include the Glock 17 in this range report. The Glock is a proven and respectable gun, no doubt. Its just that it's grip angle does not point naturally for me.
Here are my shooting range impressions:
SIZE: Width was practically the same. The XD slide looked and felt a bit taller over the frame. However, the M&P was longer. This is because the M&P has a 1/4" longer barrel and the rear of the frame on the M&P extends out further over the webbing of your shooting hand. The M&P controls were a little sleeker too. Advantage: None
WEIGHT: While I did not weigh them, the M&P seemed notably lighter. Advantage: M&P (but only if carried)
TRIGGER: The XD trigger pull was slightly longer, but it was consistent, smooth, and predictable. The M&P trigger was slightly shorter but not as smooth. The M&P trigger felt like two stages with a light but gritty take up, then a cleaner and heavier break. Advantage: XD
ERGONOMICS: The XD fits my hand very well. However, the M&P fits my hand even better. Plus, the M&P has the small, medium, or large palm swells. Advantage: M&P
PERCEIVED RECOIL: While the 9mm is no wrist breaker, the XD had a bit more muzzle flip. I would atribute this to its higher bore axis. Advantage: M&P
ACCURACY: Both exhibited excellent out-of-the-box "combat accuracy". Advantage: None
CONCLUSION: I'd love to have an M&P with an XD trigger. However, both of these are great weapons and I'd feel very confident in using either one for defensive purposes.
As for you Glock guys... Its nothing personal that I didn't include the Glock 17 in this range report. The Glock is a proven and respectable gun, no doubt. Its just that it's grip angle does not point naturally for me.
