XD vs MP - shooters comments, please

[Quoheleth]

Hi, all. Earlier this spring, I wrestled with the XD vs MP question in 9mm. After weighing the options, I went with the MP based in no small part on the $50 rebate plus 2 mags at the time. Also, with my small hands, the smaller grip on the MP felt good. The XD isn't bad, but the smaller backstrap made the MP a smidge better feeling.

So, my question is for those of you who have shot both the XD9 and MP9 - both full-size, 4" models. How would you compare the two in:

Felt recoil? (Yes, I know this is subjective, but if you've shot both, I figure you can critique both in the same way)
Trigger squeeze/feel?
Trigger reset?
Sights-on-target acquisition?
Concealability?
Other comments most certainly welcome...

I've not shot my MP in a while - my range has been closed for maintenance - but the trigger keeps giving me fits. I've probably got 700-800 rounds through it. It's a software problem - I keep "pushing" the gun, anticipating the trigger - and I'm working on correcting it. Slow process :banghead: I'm wondering if a different gun might make a difference. Before I start hunting someone who will let me shoot his XD, I thought I would ask opinions here.

FWIW, I don't have the "push" problem with my DA revolvers or my 1911.

Thanks!
Q

 

[xsquidgator]

Well, not quite what you wanted but I finally did shoot an XD9 and wish I hadn't, because now I want to buy one.

A year ago I was looking for a 45 and it came down to the M&P45 or the XD45, I picked the M&P45 because the grip felt better in my hand. (Really like my M&P45 btw). So this summer I'm planning on picking up a 9 and was planning on getting an M&P9c.

So yesterday at the club me and some other members tried shooting each other's pistols and I got to try an XD9sc. I didn't expect to but that gun was one sweet shooter! Felt great in the hand, and was very easy to control and be accurate in rapid fire.

I liked it so much I just may get the XD9sc instead.

 

[M&PVolk]

I don't know how you plan on using your M&P, but if you are having trigger control problems, might I suggest a pricey, yet cheaper alternative to buying another gun? I added a Crimson Trace to my compact .40, and it totally changes how you shoot your gun. Buy a few snap caps and you will see exactly what you are doing with your trigger. In just a few short evenings of snap cap practice, I have been able to determine that the trigger pull issues I have are simply a matter of a slight grip adjustment.

For less than a cost of a new gun, you get a great training tool that will help you with your grip, making you better with any firearm you may decide to acquire, and it is a great enhancement for a SD firearm.

 

[Butter]

I have both the XD and M&P in 9mm. I like both and do admit to liking the grip feel of the M&P. But I can shoot the XD a touch better, perhaps because of more time with that model. I have also just taken the first part of a defensive pistol class using the M&P and find a little of the same thing occuring for me as you described.

I don't find a problem with using the XD or the couple of other pistols that I own, but the trigger on the M&P has me a little out of sorts. I think it's just time with the pistol, but a personal observation tells me it might be three things here: one, the initial trigger grittiness (that has been evening out with use, but right out of the box for me was fairly gritty); two, that the way the trigger safety lays out in the M&P is different than my revolvers or the XDs or the other guns that I have fired and thus necessitates a different trigger pull (again, for me); and three, add to that the harder to find reset.

With the above considerations, it's just a matter of time and practice, but I do note that the trigger seems to need some more attention when training than other pistols that I have encountered.

 

[M&PVolk]

Forgot to mention, Dan Burwell does trigger jobs on M&P's, and though I have never had him do one for me, everyone I have heard from who has absolutely loves it. He can smooth out the trigger and give you a lighter pull. He is thought very highly of on the M&P forums and claims to be able to make your trigger very 1911-like.

Burwell Gunsmithing

 

[vikz]

I have owned both in the last 6mos or so and they are both excellent shooters, i like the trigger on the xd but i like the feel of the m&p..recoil wise they pretty much same thing ..if its for ccw i highly recommend kahr cw9 but for range use any of the 2 would be fine..have you tried the sr9??

 

[Chortdraw]

In my opinion the XD is a easier gun to shoot and a better trigger pull and is very accurate.

 

[DevilDog0402]

I haven't fired either in 9mm, but I have fired both the XD45 (which I own) and the S&W M&P .45. I prefer the XD.

 

[wally]

I've the XD40 Tactical and the M&P 40. XD was my favorite plastic pistol until I got the M&P.

I hit better with the M&P despite the shorter sight radius. But both are very good, the M&P is a little better for me, YMMV. I'm really looking forward to the 5" M&P models that are supposed to come out this year.

--wally.

 

[Water-Man]

I fired both and purchased the XD. Liked the trigger better and was more accurate with it. Got mine for $500.00 incl. Trijicon night sights.

 

[Ala Dan]

Springfield Armory 4" .45ACP XD-

Felt recoil- purely subjective, but not as bad as the 5" tactical model.
Trigger- gets better with use.
Trigger reset- not a problem.
Sight On Target Acquisition- with mine, very fast as I have a set of
Tru-Glo (tritium) sights.
Accuracy- in my hands, outstanding~!

 

[wally]

Felt recoil- purely subjective, but not as bad as the 5" tactical model.

Curious, I've only shot the 4" XD in 9mm, but I've never had a shorter barreled gun have less recoil than its longer barreled brothers when shooting the same ammo.

I guess its possible if the velocity gain form the longer barrel causes more momentum than the extra mass of the longer slide and barrel reduces free-recoil energy.

--wally.

 

[Quoheleth]

So the completely unbiassed opinion of the collective between the XD9 and M&P9 as to which feels better, shoots nicer, has a better trigger, and an all out better weapon is:

YES!!!



Well...I do like the idea of a laser of some type. And, especially if I get a Picatinny-mounted version, it could transfer from gun to gun.

I need to find someone at my club who'll let me try an XD before I join that bandwagon.

Thanks, all, for digging this out of the trash-can of old threads!!!

Q

 

[krs]

I don't have an XD9 to comment on, but I can back up Ala Dan's comment that the XD trigger gets better with use. I DO have an XD45 Tactical and replaced $20. worth of springs to lighten the trigger some, but it's still improving as it goes on approaching 3000 rounds out with maybe 1000 more dry firings.

It's a large pistol and would be a gentler recoiler because of it's size and weight, but even so the broad grip and high hold make it as easy to control with a fairly loose hold as a much smaller caliber pistol of a more carriable size would be.

14 rounds of .45 acp will give me a good headstart from my TV to my safe(r) room and more destructive weaponry.

 

[swift535]

I was at the same crossroads 2 weeks ago. Out of the box I think the M&P felt better in the hand, but I liked trigger on the XD a lot more, XD's were about $50 cheaper in my area, and while a lot of people could care less I liked that the XD is extremely quick to field strip.

I just got a package from Midway today, and the $7 I spent to try out the Hogue grip sleeve was money well spent IMO. Makes the XD that much more comfortable in the hand

 

[bobn]

14 rounds of .45 acp will give me a good headstart from my TV to my safe(r) room and more destructive weaponry.

Wouldn't it be easier to just get a TV you trust?

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

The M&P full-size and XD I shot as rentals were 9mm and .40 respectively, so I can't give you a valid comparison of recoil. But I liked the shorter trigger stroke and grip feel of the M&P better, and wound up purchasing a 9mm M&P compact (feeling this would be a more realistic everyday carry gun).

 

[philbo]

Q, you should have said something about trying an XD earlier. If you want to try either a 9 or 45 service or an XD9sc, with or without a trigger job, just let me know and I'll meet you at the range.

I've owned and shot both XD's and the M&P. In my opinion there wasn't much difference in the 2 new from the box. Both were about the same as far as reliability and accuracy. Grip on the XD fit better. An XD with a trigger job though is sweet!

 

[M&Px2forme]

I had an XD-40. I sold it to purchase my first M&P 9. I did not have any major issues with the XD I just liked the feel of the M&P better and wanted to move from 40 to 9mm.

 

[Quoheleth]

Thanks, Philbo. Might take you up on that sometime. I didn't even think of it yesterday. Duh! Of course, the first time I meet someone I don't generally ask, "Could I shoot your weapon?" Bad manners.

Let me know if that Taurus gives you any problems or if it wasn't what I described; I'll make it right.

Q

 

[philbo]

Thanks, Philbo. Might take you up on that sometime. I didn't even think of it yesterday. Duh! Of course, the first time I meet someone I don't generally ask, "Could I shoot your weapon?" Bad manners.

Anytime Q, just let me know.

Let me know if that Taurus gives you any problems or if it wasn't what I described; I'll make it right.

I'll give it a short workout this weekend while I'm at the range for the IDPA match, but I don't have any worries about it. I do appreciate sellers with that kind of attitude though!

 

[gallo]

I have run 200 rounds (fmj 115 winchester white box) through my XD9. It's probably just me but I really struggle with the point of aim. The manual says that at 25 yards the gun shoots at 6 o'clock. I'm not sure what the purpose of this is. I'd like it more if the point of aim was at the center.