DHart
Member
Thoughts on defense pistol choice, favoring the M&P in .40S&W...
As with all things, whatever choice one makes in a defense caliber and pistol, that choice will involve compromises. Capacity (mostly size-related) and caliber will always be on opposite sides of the fulcrum... and there are some other factors to include as well, such as fit and feel in the hand, shootability, concealability, etc.
For myself, I like the capacity of the nines and the potency of the .45's.
Interestingly, over time I find myself moving toward the middle ground... that would be to .40S&W. Capacity is much better than .45 and potency better than nine. Once defense caliber is chosen, what remains is to determine the particular gun which one finds most comfortable in fit, feel, shootability, and size.
It's no wonder than .40 caliber has become so incredibly popular, being chosen so often by police and civilians alike... it's a good blend of potency and capacity and there are many great platforms to launch .40 from, including SIGs, HK's, Berettas, M&P's, and Glocks. I have gravitated toward GLocks and M&P's. For me, though, the less than desireable aspects of Glocks are the funky feeling trigger (that tiny lever in the middle of the trigger is something I don't think I'll ever grow to like), the less-than-ergonomic feel in the hand, and sub-optimal case head support. The less than optimal case head support can be addressed by choosing an aftermarket barrel (KKM's are superb in fit, reliability, and case head support) which I did with my G29. On the plus side, the Glocks have an excellent track record and great aftermarket support.
Of course I still passionately love, shoot and carry 1911's in .45, my Glock 19 and 29, and my Hi-Powers in 9 and 40, PM-9, and on rare occasions, a revolver. But increasingly, I find the M&P 40 Compact and M&P full size .40 to be about the most appealing compromise in platforms and caliber as far as fit & feel in the hand, potency, capacity, shootability, etc.
Those who haven't tried the M&P pistols owe it to yourselves to check them out... I think in .40 caliber they are the perfect blend in a defense pistol. Capacity is 11 rounds of 40 in the Compact and 16 rounds of 40 in the full size. Most users find the fit and feel in the hand and the trigger (once the gun has had a couple of hundred rounds through it) to be wonderful. They are very accurate, reliable, have full case head support in the chamber, and are amazingly soft shooting with quick return to target. Add to that, they're USA made and have the best backing you will find from any firearms company... they have a lifetime service warranty, including free shipping both ways and very quick turnaround, if you should ever need it, from Smith & Wesson. Having been on the market for 1 year, they still have to prove themselves over the long haul, but S&W is totally committed to the new model line and will do whatever it takes in either repair or replacement to satisfy the customer - for a lifetime! I think the M&P line of pistols is off to an incredibly promising start and wanted to share my enthusiasm for the caliber and gun with you folks.
As with all things, whatever choice one makes in a defense caliber and pistol, that choice will involve compromises. Capacity (mostly size-related) and caliber will always be on opposite sides of the fulcrum... and there are some other factors to include as well, such as fit and feel in the hand, shootability, concealability, etc.
For myself, I like the capacity of the nines and the potency of the .45's.
Interestingly, over time I find myself moving toward the middle ground... that would be to .40S&W. Capacity is much better than .45 and potency better than nine. Once defense caliber is chosen, what remains is to determine the particular gun which one finds most comfortable in fit, feel, shootability, and size.
It's no wonder than .40 caliber has become so incredibly popular, being chosen so often by police and civilians alike... it's a good blend of potency and capacity and there are many great platforms to launch .40 from, including SIGs, HK's, Berettas, M&P's, and Glocks. I have gravitated toward GLocks and M&P's. For me, though, the less than desireable aspects of Glocks are the funky feeling trigger (that tiny lever in the middle of the trigger is something I don't think I'll ever grow to like), the less-than-ergonomic feel in the hand, and sub-optimal case head support. The less than optimal case head support can be addressed by choosing an aftermarket barrel (KKM's are superb in fit, reliability, and case head support) which I did with my G29. On the plus side, the Glocks have an excellent track record and great aftermarket support.
Of course I still passionately love, shoot and carry 1911's in .45, my Glock 19 and 29, and my Hi-Powers in 9 and 40, PM-9, and on rare occasions, a revolver. But increasingly, I find the M&P 40 Compact and M&P full size .40 to be about the most appealing compromise in platforms and caliber as far as fit & feel in the hand, potency, capacity, shootability, etc.
Those who haven't tried the M&P pistols owe it to yourselves to check them out... I think in .40 caliber they are the perfect blend in a defense pistol. Capacity is 11 rounds of 40 in the Compact and 16 rounds of 40 in the full size. Most users find the fit and feel in the hand and the trigger (once the gun has had a couple of hundred rounds through it) to be wonderful. They are very accurate, reliable, have full case head support in the chamber, and are amazingly soft shooting with quick return to target. Add to that, they're USA made and have the best backing you will find from any firearms company... they have a lifetime service warranty, including free shipping both ways and very quick turnaround, if you should ever need it, from Smith & Wesson. Having been on the market for 1 year, they still have to prove themselves over the long haul, but S&W is totally committed to the new model line and will do whatever it takes in either repair or replacement to satisfy the customer - for a lifetime! I think the M&P line of pistols is off to an incredibly promising start and wanted to share my enthusiasm for the caliber and gun with you folks.
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