take a look around
I'v shot the m&p 40,,,,good gun,,,,,,,,BUT before you buy it, check the XD and the XD-M. To me the ergonomics of the springfield is much better especially if you are talking about personal protection...... Contrary to what people might think, you don't have the time to aim a gun in life or death situations in civilian life. You "point and shoot".... I have the XD-M, it's adjustable grip to enhance point shooting and 16+1 capacity make it ideal.
Keep in mind that in high stress situations a persons accuracy, trained or not, can fall to 10% depending on how reactive or 'thought about' there shooting habits are. A person also tends to grip tighter during high stress also...That is why I believe in finding a gun that fits your hand and shoots where you ;point', not where you 'aim'.....