"Ultimate" HD/Carry Combo Covers Many Bases

[DAdams]

I know it's a reach for anything to be the "ultimate", but maybe best in class in this case for carry and or home defense. You often see the question posed if you could only grab one....

I haven't owned a "larger" caliber semiauto until recently. I selected a
M&P40c as my versatile platform due to caliber and capacity for both compact carry and HD.

M&P .40c with night sights
Standard Magazines 10+1 rounds
Standard full size magazine with X-Mag extension 15+1

With a drop in Storm Lake 9mm Barrel and 9mm Magazines one has the capability and option for:
Standard 9c Magazines 12+1
Standard 9FS Magazines 17+1

With the addition of a .357 SIG Barrel another caliber can be accommodated using the same .40 caliber magazins.

Since I am building the "Ultimate" package knowing this is my reality.
I added a Viridian CL5 Compact Green Laser with 100 Lumen LED Light.

Technical specifications
Beam Intensity/Wavelength: 5mW peak, 532nm, Class IIIa, Continuous Wave

Laser Beam Divergence/Spot Size/Range: 1.2 mrad, approx. 0.5" diameter at 50 feet, Up to 200 yards daylight, 2 miles at night

Dimensions/Weight/Construction: 1.900"L x 1.460"H x 1.310"W, 2.344 oz. (including battery), Primarily 6061 Aircraft Grade Aluminum, front and rear covers in high strength Zytel polymer

User Adjustable: Full windage and elevation on laser

Power Source/Battery Life: One CR2 3V lithium (included); 4+ hours laser (constant), 7+ hours (pulsing), 1+ hour (tac light and laser)

INSTALLATION: Slides onto tactical rail and locks into place by means of included Mounting Screw.

Activation and Modes: Ambidextrous with SMARTLASER Technology, constant beam and multiple pulsing modes

Included with your Viridian Green Laser: CR2 Battery, 3 Unique Rail Sets, 1 Rail Set Pin Removal Tool, 2 Adjustment Wrenches, 2 Mounting Screws, Operator's Manual, Demo DVD

Not necessary but perhaps desireable, an Apex DCAEK (Duty/Carry Action Enhancement Kit).

http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-...2719-installed-apex-dcaek-kit-my-m-p-9-a.html


Stock Photo, Courtesy Viridian Laser

Here is mine. Laser just arrived so I haven't had it to the range yet.





Holsters are a limitation to this package except in nylon at this time. Viridian is addressing this shortcoming. We will see how that works out.

 

[MICHAEL T]

Ultimate HD/Carry Combo You be the Judge

My self I think in Revolver S&W model 13 with 3inch barrel is fime for home or carry

In auto a Colt LTW Commander or a Colt Defender . .

I don't do pointer light thing and hicap mags. Just call me old fashion I don't believe either really needed to protect your self . Or are any real advantage.At common self defense distance.. Police and military different story.

 

[Ringer]

Each has their own "ultimate". Yours isn't mine, but if it works for you who cares what I think. For what it's worth mine would be the size of a Kahr P9 with the operation, feel and functionality of a Glock 19. And throw on some Meprolight Night Sights. I'd be very happy.

 

[DAdams]

Ok, It Isn't for Everyone

I'm just a guy with time and a little money on his hands. Most of the time I carry a Seecamp .380, or a M&P revolver with CT grips. This has been more of a project or proof of concept exercise. I didn't say it was for those who don't find it interesting or a possible solution for their situation.

For those who may find comfort in an semi auto with some flexibility this may provide some answers either in part or in whole.

It is for those who consider what might be and explore new possbilities.

For those who might not want 10 different handguns for multi-purposes this may fit the bill.

 

[DAdams]

The personal carry scenario where the 40/9c might be employed like many of its kind includes OWB.





The 40c in its basic format.

This is a testimony to the personal carry aspect of the above configurations. I have a few pocket carries that fulfill that role and primarily carry in that mode.

What I was seeking in the above convertible configuration was a small home "arsenal" covering two calibers I didn't have well represented and in the case of .40, not at all. I also wanted something with more capacity at minimal cost with enhanced benefits (light and laser which can be moved to other handguns or rifles with rails).

Carrying 5-7 rounds might be sufficient carrying on the street, but why would I want to be limited to that at home? I also wanted something of more consequence for auto travel aka truck gun.

I do have a full size S&W M&P 9Pro, the magazines can be used with an X-Grip in the converted 40 to 9 for range work or higher capacity in a 3.5 inch barrell.

 

[19-3Ben]

I've often thought that the M&P40c would be the ideal "all around" gun. Good capacity, concealbility, easy to shoot, can be loaded with heavy 40cal loads for the woods, or a 9mm conversion kit for carry or cheap range practice.

I heartily approve of this package.

Only difference I would do would be a CTC grip instead of the rail laser. That way it wouldn't limit holster options.

 

[DAdams]

19-3Ben

Only difference I would do would be a CTC grip instead of the rail laser. That way it wouldn't limit holster options

I have been looking for something in the compact lineup from some vendor for some time.
What pushed me over the edge with S&W was ergonomics, their warranty and customer service, paying shipping both ways if need be.

Also I have been thinking about doing maybe some competetive shooting one of these days so I bought a full size 9mmPro. That gave me the full sized magazines to use with the X-Grip on the 40 to 9 conversion.

I tried a bunch of mid and full sized semi-autos and found that which fit me best was the Walther P99, which I bought in a .40. Next was the S&W, thirdly HK I think HK are a bit over priced for a glorified CZ. SIG didn't fit me well at all.

I'm definitely a CT user as I have them on two revolvers. I just got a wild hair on the Viridian and thought I could always put it on anything with a rail, the Walther or the FS 9Pro or this or even my AR. It is nice having a light and lazer on the front, and the UI is good. I have also heard some comments on getting the CT grip laser light to respond well on the S&W semi-autos. Don't know if there is any credence to that.

The holster thing is a challenge right now. You can get a big mil style leg mount which would be useful in limited applications or Viridian is coming out with what I assume is a Kydex OWB. If they are not priced over the top I will probably pick one up.

I don't ever see myself going down the .45 or 1911 road but I did want something with a 4 in it, and at least right now and for the last year .40 has been plentiful and decently priced.

 

[Ben86]

I don't know about the laser thingy, but you picked a good gun. The compact M&P series is a good all around size for CC and HD. At least my wife thinks so with her M&P9C.

 

[DAdams]

I don't know about the laser thingy but you picked a good gun

Jury is out on the laser thingy.

I like the lasers on my two revolvers. I think it is an effective training point an shoot aid and provides a possible advantage in low light environments.

 

[AJChenMPH]

Looks like you done good. Lasers are a personal thing -- I personally don't care for them, but I'm not going say anything negative about them either.

My thought is that any subcompact pistol that takes a full-sized mag from its big brother would fit the bill. So off the top of my head:
- Glock subcompacts (lasers would be a no-go with these)
- S&W M&P-XXc's
- Ruger SR-9c

There may be a few others that I'm forgetting.

 

[DAdams]

My thought is that any subcompact pistol that takes a full-sized mag from its big brother would fit the bill.

Exactly.

That and to take advantage of dual calibers:

Assuming that the barrel is drop in and hopefully a step up in quality although a factory barrel would be acceptable.

 

[JohnBiltz]

- Glock subcompacts (lasers would be a no-go with these)

Why? There are plenty of Glock subcompacts with lasers. I'm carrying one now.