S&W M&P .40 or XD-40 for concealed carry

[scurtis_34471]

I have been looking for a more powerful concealed carry weapon for a long time and am starting to narrow the field. Two of the contenders are very similar in price, size and weight and both seem to have been excellent user feedback and excellent reviews. I am looking for any insight you may have that could tip the scale in favor of one or the other. I have handled both, but shot neither and may not have an opportunity to do so before buying. If it were you, which would you get and why?

 

[possum]

i was in the similar boat and i went with the xd sc in .40 i have a service mode and i love it so much and wanted a sc so why not go xd right! i love the little gun, it points naturally is fast on target, recoil isn't an issue even when doing long days at the range, accuracy is awesome, and it eats anything, plus it is backed by a great company. here are some pics of mine, btw i have 1144rds through mine and not a single issue to date.

 

[zahc]

I'm sorry to say I think the M&P has derailed the XD in the smaller calibers, though I still think the XD45 is one of the greatest firearms ever. I sure like my M&P9.

 

[possum]

I'm sorry to say I think the M&P has derailed the XD in the smaller calibers

why's that?

 

[GVMan]

Short Reset?

I was hoping someone could explain the M and P action to me. From what I understand it is DAO, but it has a very short reset for the second shot. I think the web site says .3 inches. What is the reset on the XD and what are the benefits of this?

 

[nemoaz]

Until these Glock knockoffs prove they can last like a Glock..... then choose a Glock. Unless you really want an M&P or XD or both. Then you should get an M&P, XD or both.

 

[possum]

Until these Glock knockoffs prove they can last like a Glock..... then choose a Glock. Unless you really want an M&P or XD or both. Then you should get an M&P, XD or both.

i personally hate glock sc guns. now don't get me wrong i love the 9/and the 17 but the sub guns i can't like thise to save my life, plus i was so impressed with my other xd i had to stay true to sa so that is a big reason i went with the xd sc. i hate shooting .40 and larger glocks in the 23 model and others i definetly wouldn't like the shootability of the .40 sc glock. that is of course my personal opinion.

 

[SAG0282]

I prefer the XD.

 

[GVMan]

I held both in the store today and the M&P feels more comfortable in the hand.

 

[SouthpawShootr]

I said M&P. I prefer the ergonomics and the styling over the XD. Then again, I'm pretty much the wrong person to ask about the XD. Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with them. I just don't care for them. I do prefer Glocks, but you didn't ask about them. I have an M&P and they surprisingly good. Wouldn't feel at a disadvantage carrying one.

 

[Gustav]

I would go with the M & P S&W put allot of time thought and engineering into this one especially after their Sigma series did so well they wanted to get it right and have done so IMHO.
They have invested allot in both their M & P rifle and pistol and are looking long and hard for the long haul as to what works and what the competition offers that has to be beat to earn your buying dollars.
Made in the USA for LEO use and civilians S&W wants to take on Glocks lead in contracts unlike with the Sigma they built a better mousetrap this time.
Only time will tell if the people in numbers beat a path to their door as nowdays the market is flooded with many new designs.
Look for the M & P to gain in popularity as time goes on its too bad it was not introduced instead of the Sigma way back then oh well better late than never.
XDs are good for the money fitting many hands better than the Glock they beat the odds and no longer are an obscure foreign design (Croatia).
A broken XD means a return to the factory for parts and repair not a problem today but what about in 10 or 20 years?
YMMV

 

[FieroCDSP]

I have a full-sized M&P 40 and have fired a compact XD9. Both are fairly pointable, and I don't think I'd feel under-gunned with an XD40c. I went with the Smith because it felt better in the hand, seems to have a slightly lower barrel height(can't remember proper term for it), and it was a bit cheaper. The lower price reflects marketing rather than quality. I have yet to hear of anyone having a functional issue with the M&P 40. The early 9mm had extractor issues, but they replaced them with the 40 extractor and solved it. I really like the M&P's ergos more than the XD. The trigger is classified as DA, but it's not a bad trigger at all. Dan Burwell can lighten it if you want, but as it is, it's not uncomfortable, and with a little break-in time, gets even better. Go with the Smith. I doubt you'd feel sorry you did.

 

[dakotasin]

i have the xd-40, m&p 40, glock 22 and glock 35.

the m&p 40 is the best of the bunch.

good luck!

 

[Redneck with a 40]

As I own an XD-40 service, that is what I voted for. I don't think the M&P has been out long enough to gain a solid track record, the XD has been out for over 5 years now, its proven itself. Gun test's magazine tested an M&P compact and they suffered repeated jams, gave it a "D" rating. Handguns magazine tested one and they gave it a thumbs up. Go figure. I'll stick with whats proven now, which is the XD. Even with all the new designs coming out, the XD will easily hang with all of them.

 

[GVMan]

Dakotasin could you elaborate?

 

[ugaarguy]

Until these Glock knockoffs prove they can last like a Glock..... then choose a Glock. Unless you really want an M&P or XD or both. Then you should get an M&P, XD or both.

Wow, following that logic - CZs and Hi-Powers? Well those are metal frame pistols capable of being carried cocked & locked - must be 1911 knockoffs. SIGs, Rugers, and Berettas? Those are metal frame DA/SA pistols - must be S&W 59 knockoffs. HK USP, SIGPro, FN FNP, why those are knockoffs of Ruger's poly frame hammer fired autos. Glock? Why that's a poly framed, and striker fired pistol - it's just an HK VP70 knockoff.

To the matter at hand
Having learned a bit last night I'll share. Springfield will only send parts to a certified XD armorer, and the XD requires specialized and unique tools for proper detail strip. The new M&P can be detail stripped using standard gunsmithing tools. S&W will also send parts to any armorer in their large established network.

The XD likely won't need service, which makes this less critical. If the XD fits your hand better get it because it's a fine pistol. If the M&P is a better or even equal fit get it because it's a fine pistol and it has a larger existing support network.

 

[HeavyDuty]

I replaced my 15 year old G23 with an M&P 40c last month. I'm finding the M&P to be just as reliable as the Glock (it's been 100% reliable in 1200 rounds), and it has hugely better ergonomics.

XDs seem to be fine pistols, but I just can't warm up to them.

 

[Dodger02WS6]

I voted for the M&P .40, here's why.

I've owned the XD .40, it was an excellent pistol, much better ergos than a glock, nice, light, wonderful to shoot, but still not as good a fit as the M&P I've shot, the M&P comes with 3 different palm swells and the middle sized made the pistol melt into my hand. The M&P has a slightly lower barrel giving slightly less "felt" recoil.

On the other hand, I traded the XD .40 for a NIB Beretta PX4 .40 and haven't looked back, the Beretta is more accurate, has 3 different grip sizes, functions flawlessly and has a real hammer and safety is you like those.

 

[Man With A Gun]

I have both and take the S&W with me all the time.

BOTH are great shooters and tough as hell but the XD pistols are more bulky, a little heavier and do not carry was well for me.

It is all a personal choice.