looking at maybe getting an M&P 9

L

Llywelyn

Member
Rating - 66.7%
2   1   0
Location
Western, NB
ok, so I'm looking for another pistol. I got to handle a M&P 9 pro series the other day and really liked the fit. First time I had handled a pistol that was all plastic(except the slide obviously).

Anybody have any opinion about these pistols? My friend said he had one malfunction in about 450 rnds. The trigger safety thing looks rather flimsy..anyone ever heard of them breaking?

I'm still trying to figure out if I want the M&P or a glock 17 or maybe go for the ruger SR9.

Just curious to heard peoples experiences with the M&P as far as accuracy and reliability goes.

thanks
 
I have one -- my first handgun -- and I have mixed feelings about it.

I really really like the fit of it in my hand, but there are 2 main problems with it IMO:

- The trigger is "mushy" and not consistent and has an anemic reset. The pull weight on the trigger is very heavy as well (I bought mine as part of the Range and Carry kit, and apparently they have heavier triggers). The mushy, inconsistent trigger pull drove me to buy the Apex Tactical action enhancement kit and reset assist mechanism. I'm actually heading to the post office soon to pick that up, so the jury's still out on whether or not that fixes the problem -- other people have reported good results, though. (Note that installing these will disqualify you from IPSC Production Division though -- you'd have to compete in Open).

- The 10-round factory mags suck in that it's VERY hard to load a full mag with the slide closed. You have a really good chance of not seating the mag properly. This isn't a big problem if you just do static range shooting where it's trivial to just open the slide first before loading, but it's a real PITA if you're getting into action sports like IPSC -- do a tac reload, and your mag falls out on your next shot. Doh. I've talked to other people that have M&Ps and if they do action sports, they often just make do with only loading 9 rounds in the mag instead of 10.

If S&W could iron out those 2 problems, I think it would be a runaway winner, but as they are right now -- I dunno. I really want to like mine, and I think the trigger kit will help a lot, but I definitely have mixed feelings as to buying another one in the future.
 
I love my M&P 9, if your getting it you must put an APEX ActionEnhancementKit in it either duty or comp. Well you dont have to but you will want to. I had a user problem with FTFeed/FTEject but it was the oil i was using but aside from that this thing rocks. I have put around 4000 rounds of factory ammo through it with out any problems, except the one stated above.

Bottom line, get it.

As for the Glock, I personally dont like the ergo's on them.
SR9, i havent had the pleasure of shooting but they get good reviews.

My 2 cents
 
alter3d has summed it up nicely. The M&P 9 is my first polymer pistol. I rather like mine, and am currently using it in IPSC production division.

I do *not* have the Range-and-Carry edition. As far as stock triggers go, I like mine. I've had no issues with the "inline safety". As for the trigger weight: keep in mind this pistol does not have an external safety. I would be afraid of too light a trigger on this pistol.

The complaint about the 10-rd factory mags is valid. Since most of my mags are the older design, I don't have the problem described with the older mags. I can easily load them to 10 by hand, and can insert a fully charged magazine on a closed chamber without having the mags eject when the gun is fired. The same is not true for the newer mags. I've had to take the newer mags apart and shave plastic off the bottom of the mag follower in order to be able to load 10. I do have mag lockup issues with the newer style mags as well. I have a newer mag spontaneously drop from the magwell when firing.

Overall I really like the ergo's of this pistol. The new mag style aside, it has proven to be bombproof reliable through many many rounds so far.
 
alter3d said:
- The trigger is "mushy" and not consistent and has an anemic reset. The pull weight on the trigger is very heavy as well (I bought mine as part of the Range and Carry kit, and apparently they have heavier triggers).
Click to expand...

This is true, which i why i suggest getting an APEX kit.

alter3d said:
- The 10-round factory mags suck in that it's VERY hard to load a full mag with the slide closed. You have a really good chance of not seating the mag properly.
Click to expand...

This is also true, but i haven't had any problems with mine. Just give it a good smack you aren't going to break it.
 
I was the first to fire my buddy's after he shot the 'cherry-poppin' first clip. Wouldn't ya know my luck when we both realized the white front sight insert popped out and got lost! Felt great in my hand, but it lacked any 'substance'. I will admit to being biased against plastic guns in general though. Never owned one and don't plan on it. The closest I'll get is a good alloy frame!
 
I love my M&P9 Pro. As far as the issue regarding not being able to load a full magazine on a closed slide...fill your magazines, and leave them full in between range trips. After a few weeks you won't have any problem loading a full magazine with a closed slide.

The trigger on the Pro is much better than the stock trigger on the standard M&P, which as I understand, (read: I haven't handled, but have heard from others...correct me if I'm wrong), is better than the trigger on the range and carry kit.

I've never had a FTF, FTE, or any other issue with my M&P9 Pro. The only issue I've experienced is a magazine jamming up when the magazine spring wasn't seated correctly. A quick clean and re-assemble, and it hasn't happened since.

The better trigger, fibre optic front site, and longer slide make the Pro the choice for me.

Keep in mind, ergonomics and fit are paramount when choosing a pistol...that, and reliability.

Cheers,
Cal.
 
I have the PRO with the Apex Kit installed. In one word "SWEET". Trigger pull is 2.75#s and crisp with a very fast reset. If all you want is a smooth trigger get the Apex Striker Safety Plunger and use the factory spring. If you use the Apex spring you will lighten the trigger pull. Your option. I put the PRO parts in my FS and now have a 4.25" "PRO". To top things off I bought a slightly used but not abused entire top end in 40cal from a guy is the US for $100. Great piece for Standard Division when I play that game or with the 9MM top for Production Division since all parts are S&W.

The 10 round mags can be made easier to load if you take the bottom of the follower and dremel off the four little legs. I did this to the two mags that came with the PRO and they are now much easier to load. With use they will get even easier.

Ergos are so much better than the Glock and my two M&P's have been flawless as to reliability. The PRO has about 1K rounds down the pipe and the older FS is closing in on 5K.

Take Care

Bob
 
Last edited:
I have somewhere close to 20k down the pipe on mine. All stock, all original and no aftermarket parts! I like my M&P 9 so much I now have one in 40, 357 sig and a 9 pro!

IMHO it is a pretty good (if not the best) pistol for the cash. (under $650, cheaper if you buy used) I have had several glocks, I still own a G17. I have owned an SR9. Of the 3 the OP mentioned I prefer the M&P....

10 rnd mags not loading easily or are hard to seat when full on a closed slide? The simplest solution; load them up with 10rnds and let them sit for 2 weeks. Problem solved. Or you could start to fiddle with your mags by cutting springs or trimming followers thereby shortening their life span.

Trigger mushy or gritty? Run 2k through it without a cleaning, that will work the pistol to the point of being sooooo smooooth. Or; Do a burwell trigger job or if you are lazy get an apex trigger kit.

Just buy it and run it. You really can't go wrong.

YMMV
Cheers!
 
I've got a M&P 9mm that I picked up in a super sweet deal from a co worker that caught Glock fever. I will say that the mag springs are stiff to load as opposed to what I regularly shoot and that the trigger is somewhat gritty. That being said I have found it to be very accurate and reliable. I have yet to have a FTF or jam with this pistol. I bought it with the intention to resell but I will be keeping it and using it for a couple competitions this summer. Try a M&P, a Sig or a Glock and buy the one that best suits you. Don't drink anybody's kool aid as I've shot all of the above and they are all good.
 
I have shot all of the guns you are looking at. I went with the M&P pro. Your choice depends on what gun fits your hand and you shoot well. If you can, shoot each of them before you decide.
 
I never shot the 9mm, but I had a chance to compare a brand new M&P 40 to my new Gen 4 G22. The stock trigger on the M&P leaves alot to be desired, hands down the worst trigger out of any pistol I've ever used. Other than that, it was accurate, very comfortable, I could see myself potentially buying one down the road. Another thing I didn't like was trying to handload the magazine, however I believe the range kits all come with a nice mag loader so that issue is negated.
 
I had a basic M&P9 which I installed the Apex sear, and currently have a stock M&P Pro. No complaints about either. Disclosure though, I am a Smith & Wesson fan, just because I like to say "Smith & Wesson" lol.
 
My first M&P went through 1500 rounds, I sold it in a moment of weakness and then went out and bought another one. 20,000+ rounds through this one and in the meantime I had a 45 that got 5,000 or so rounds through it. As long as the ammo is reasonable and you take the time to look at the way they're put together, you can 'smith them yourself and they're pretty much flawless. So yeah, I'd say get the M&P.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom