Starling, how accurate would you say that pistol is at say 7 yards?
That would depend on the shooter but I dont have a problem hitting cans at longer distance than seven yards. They are BB not pellet. Dont be shooting steel targets if you go the BB route! The trigger will be longer than your M&P of course but for shooting fundamentals its the same. Most of the lookalikes will run around 400 FPS where these are right at 500FPS. Lots of reviews out there and I see these sell for as little as $35.
Been airgun shooting for a loooong time. These 415s are my go to for plinking. I dont even shoot my Crosman 600s much anymore and those are somewhat the Gold Standard in Airguns. Typically on an Air pistol I will smooth out the trigger but my 415s didnt need it. They load from the top so no fragile plastic magazines to mess with but its a fixed magazine so it may be slow for some. Front sight is a fiberoptic type. No silly blowback to use up all your CO2 which I prefer. The rail seems kind of silly but I have found it usefull for getting the feel for shooting with a laser or light. Wish these would have been around back in the 80s for Frog hunting (froglegs). The CO2 lasts very well compared to most others out there. At least 3 full mags depending on how fast you are shooting or the outside Temp. Not sure how well versed you are in airguns but CO2 in extreme cold weather can lessen performance.
for $35-$40 I dont think you can go wrong with these. If nothing else you will have a lot of fun. Trigger is very much a light and smooth double action. The pistols themselves are more like a duty size handgun and very light overall. Barrel length is very important in Airguns.
Umarex makes an M&P 2.0 lookalike. It may be better for you in terms of tactical or Job training. Not sure If I am allowed to post it here but here goes...
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08SJ53PRQ/ref=emc_b_5_t
they are a little weak in terms of power (375fps) and run 3 times more ($100 range) but will be more similar in weight and feel to your duty gun. They also have a magazine more like what you will use in terms of reloading practices. I would check them out if you are just shooting paper in the 7-10 ard range.
Pretty confident in saying the 415 will be more fun though for the money. Best thing to do would be get both. Same ammo...same CO2. Umarex lookalikes are not bad. They are basically all the same with different asthetics and make good trainers. I just like to shoot cans with the kids and 375 FPS is pretty weak (often wont penetrate an empty soda can). Most of the cheaper crosman and daisy lookalikes will match or outperform them in terms of power and accuracy in my experience.
WARNING... Airgunning can get pretty addicting. Try not to drop big money if you get into it. The hard core airgunners will drop incredible amounts of money on Airguns. There comes a point where you have to say to yourself.... I can buy a real firearm for that! Best to keep it inexpensive and fun as to not lose your head. I get it though... I like a lot of the older vintage stuff. I still look at them as fantastic for firearms training and practice as well as introducing firearms fundamentals for new younger shooters. They have come a long ways.
If you are not fmiliar with Airgun History (most are not) this is a fun read...
https://warfarehistorynetwork.com/article/lewis-and-clarks-girandoni-air-rifle/