M&P9 Pro for IPSC, worth it?

Xeon06

Xeon06

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Hey guys,

I'm looking at buying a handgun, and I'm pretty set on an M&P in 9mm. I've had people let me try theirs a few time and I really like it. For now it would be just for basic target shooting, but I really want to get into IPSC seriously before long. I'm kind of torn between getting the full size model, or the pro model. From what I understand, the pro has: longer slide, fiber optic sights, and a better trigger pull. I would install an APEX trigger kit in either model that I got, so that nullifies the trigger advantage. What is left then, is the longer slide (better sight radius) and the fiber optic sights. I would absolutely love a better sight radius. I've never seen what the fiber optic sights look like, so I don't know about that.

Onto the disadvantages of the pro. The big one for me, is that here in Canada, for a 100$ less, I can get a standard M&P with the range and carry kit, that has two more mags, a mag pouch, a holster and a speedloader. Whereas the pro is more expensive and none of those accessories. In order to eventually shoot IPSC, I would have to get more mags (which aren't cheap, about 45$ a piece from what I've seen, when they're in stock) and all the equipment. If I just get a range & carry kit, I can start shooting competition as soon as I feel like. My other big issue is that I've read that a lot of people find the slide on the pro to be really heavy, and not suitable for quick shooting. I've read the word "sluggish" when describing it. I'm not anywhere yet fast enough that I would notice that, but I'd rather it not be an eventual hindering if I get better, especially considering the other cons. And finally, I've read that those sights require a bit of maintenance? Like actually changing the "tubes" every once in a while? Is there any truth to that, and is that costly?

So that's basically my dilemma. I read everywhere that the Pro is a great competition gun, but I'm trying to see if I can justify the huge initial cost of it when thinking of mags and accessories, and just the plain cost of the gun itself. In you guy's opinion, is it worth it?

Thanks.
 
As long as you know putting in the APEX kit will an illegal modification for IPSC Production division.

I've read stories about accuracy issues with non-Pro model, e.g. shooting groups at 25m or further. Though I haven't seen it myself. On the other hand, Pro model has trigger pull weight really close to IPSC minimum trigger pull, so you can easily get under (real story from IPSC Ontario provincials).

If you're interested in IPSC, why not look at full metal guns, like CZ or Tanfoglio? They are heavier guns, so will eat up recoil better, making it more forgiving to any gripping mistakes would help to shoot more accurate and faster.
 
Yes they go down to 4.5-4lbs after a little use. My M&P9L went from 5.5lbs to 4.8 in 1 year... Got the Apex duty kit and it's now back to 5 lbs.
 
yea not great for production, get one in .40 and you can trick it out as much as you want and shoot standard. try and find an L for production, gives you the sight radius but not the trigger
 
I have the 5" Pro Series. The Pro only has a front FO sight and the Carry & Range Kit only comes with 1 extra mag, not 2. I like it for the longer sight radius and it's approx. the same size as a full size 1911. But, I think you answered your own question and leaning towards the Carry & Range Kit. I don't find the Pro slide heavy at all. I find it a better balanced gun over the 4.25". IMO.
 
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If you end up switching divisions because you put in a better trigger (Apex), maybe a different gun is the answer. I have an M&P (not pro), and the trigger was crap if you had to shoot for accuracy. Apex trigger fixes that, would not have one without it.

Why not go CZ or Beretta, or Glock if it fits your hand. Better yet, go real old school... Browning Hi-Power in 9mm.

yeah...
 
Freedom Ventures said:
Doesn't the Pro walk the fine line on the 5lb trigger pull rule? A little break in and then they go under?
Or am I thinking of another gun?
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Yes but you can install a regular trigger return spring in the gun and it bumps the trigger pull to a safe 5.5lbs. The PRO's spring is just a tad lighter. It worked in my PRO mileage may differ in others.

The new twist rate of 1 - 10 should help cure the perceived accuracy problems with the M&P nines. Mine have been very good but some report problems.

For IPSC I believe most shooters would benefit from a steel gun. Whether their scoring would vary much from one gun to another is, well difficult to access. I doubt there is a gun out there capable of making me Master, as my gun safe can attest. :>)

Take Care

Bob
 
For IPSC I believe most shooters would benefit from a steel gun. Whether their scoring would vary much from one gun to another is, well difficult to access. I doubt there is a gun out there capable of making me Master, as my gun safe can attest. :>)
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If someone is recoil sensitive perhaps. Most people believe that speed in IPSC comes from their splits on target. Once you get past that idea you'll start to see how the weight of the gun itself is not that important.
 
euxx said:
As long as you know putting in the APEX kit will an illegal modification for IPSC Production division.

I've read stories about accuracy issues with non-Pro model, e.g. shooting groups at 25m or further. Though I haven't seen it myself. On the other hand, Pro model has trigger pull weight really close to IPSC minimum trigger pull, so you can easily get under (real story from IPSC Ontario provincials).

If you're interested in IPSC, why not look at full metal guns, like CZ or Tanfoglio? They are heavier guns, so will eat up recoil better, making it more forgiving to any gripping mistakes would help to shoot more accurate and faster.
Click to expand...

Cpt.Flan said:
Yes they go down to 4.5-4lbs after a little use. My M&P9L went from 5.5lbs to 4.8 in 1 year... Got the Apex duty kit and it's now back to 5 lbs.
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Does it make it illegal in IPSC Production when the trigger "drops" below 4 lbs? And then wouldn't installing the Apex duty trigger also make it illegal, because you can't mess with the internals in Production?

jackrabbit000 said:
I have the 5" Pro Series. The Pro only has a front FO sight and the Carry & Range Kit only comes with 1 extra mag, not 2. I like it for the longer sight radius and it's approx. the same size as a full size 1911. But, I think you answered your own question and leaning towards the Carry & Range Kit. I don't find the Pro slide heavy at all. I find it a better balanced gun over the 4.25". IMO.
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Oh, does that mean that the Pro comes with 2 mags?

stormbringer said:
why are you "set" on the M&P platform?
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I've always really preferred striker fired, polymer guns over full metal DA platforms. I shoot Glocks right now, but holding the M&P is heaven compared to the 2x4 that is a Glock grip...
 
Xeon06 said:
Does it make it illegal in IPSC Production when the trigger "drops" below 4 lbs?
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Yes 5 lb is the limit.

And then wouldn't installing the Apex duty trigger also make it illegal, because you can't mess with the internals in Production?
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Yessir.

If I understand correctly, S&W didn't make the Pro for IPSC production; they made it for USPSA production, which has different rules.
 
Xeon06 said:
And then wouldn't installing the Apex duty trigger also make it illegal, because you can't mess with the internals in Production?...
Click to expand...

The actual wording in IPSC rules is that you can't use non-OEM or aftermarket parts (except magazines, sights and grip panels) in Production division.
 
PapaHotel01 said:
If someone is recoil sensitive perhaps. Most people believe that speed in IPSC comes from their splits on target. Once you get past that idea you'll start to see how the weight of the gun itself is not that important.
Click to expand...

I'd like to see you shooting a plastic open gun...
 
Greetings, I shoot IPSC and I had 2 M&P9's, the first one had a mag safety on it, that was a pain when it came to show clear, I had to put an empty mag in to drop the hammer, interesting when you start off with all mags full. The second one was a range kit and did not have a mag safety so that made a great difference. I really liked it, it shot well for me, never had a problem with it and it cycled all ammo. Then I had a chance to shoot a full metal gun, a Tanfoglio stock 3, what a difference, longer barrel for better sight picture, less recoil, back on target quicker, I really, really liked it so my sponsor (my wife) bought me one for Christmas. If I had known and tried a full steel gun at first I would not have bought the M&P 9's.
 
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