S&W M&P 9 L or Pro?

deham

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Really like the look and feel of M&P 9. As I plan use the gun for IDPA in the future so seems L and Pro are better choice. I know M&P9 pro has lighter trigger and better sight out of box but you can replace Apex trigger and sight for L. is the Pro worth the extra money? or just need L and have trigger and sight job done? Would Apex trigger better than Pro trigger? Is there gunsmith in Ontario or Canada can do the Apex trigger job? How much it would cost?

I'm new to handgun, any advice would appreciate.
 
I have a M&P 40 and installed a apex sear and front fiber optic site for around 80 bucks, I paid $470 for the gun shipped with a holster so if you do the math i don't think the pro is worth $200 more for a inch longer site radius...I am comparing used to new, I have been looking for used M&P pro and only ever seen one for sale so good luck finding one, used M&P regular guns are a dime a dozen...:)

The parts are readily available and easy to install, the guys on the m&P forum are saying they some still put the apex sear into the pro model and like the results, I just picked up a M&P 9 with three mags for $465 shipped and it will receive the same treatment so really I have two guns with similar performance for 1095 after tax and all the BS vs $900 or so for a one M&P pro in my opinion not worth it.... :)
 
I recently bought an M&P Pro and it is great, if you bought the long slide version and paid a gunsmith to install the Apex sear and a new front sight it would cost you more than a Pro. You can get the Pro for about $100 more than a standard M&P and since you probably won't find a used long slide any time soon, comparing new gun prices I think it is a great deal.

Also the Pro is considered a production gun, I'm not sure if you change the sear a long slide will still be a production gun for competition. Here is a CGN dealer with the Pro for $749.00: http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php?t=499364
 
I haven't seen the 'L' in Canada, but there are differences beyond the trigger - the 'L' slide is actually lighter than the Pro (which may be desireable). There is someone in the States building an Open gun based on the 'L' - complete with red dot sunk into the slide and fully polished Apex competition kit in the trigger group (should pull slightly over 2 pounds). Availability is going to be the main factor, the Pro is available quite reasonably here - the 'L' not so much. As far as M&P triggers go, the Apex kit is very straightforward and is according to people who own Pro's a better trigger. The main advantage to the Apex is that you can pick and choose to adjust the trigger to your preferences from less than 3 pounds to more than 6 pounds, with the degree of feel that you like for reset, let off and return. If you watch the video guide to installation, you'll get an idea of how easy the Apex stuff goes in - there are no nasty surprises, it's exactly as the video shows it.
 
The front barrel lockup is the key to accuracy.

I have an M&P 9mm that I bought used for a very good price, but I would prefer the PRO because it has a longer barrel. Everyone should remember that all the M&P's do not lock up at the front so military accuracy is about the best you can achieve.
I would not buy the M&P Pro or the M&P9 new even though the price may be right. A 1911A1, even the cheaper ones that can easily be accurized will outshoot the M&P, Beretta, H&K, Sig and what have you for a little more cash.
That being said, I still like my M&P and the box-stock factory 9mm trigger is very clean and crisp...
 
Bar Sto will be making 'gunsmith in' (oversized) barrels available shortly, the M&P locks up at the muzzle, at the e-port and on the locking block - any or all of which could be fitted for better accuracy.
 
Really like the look and feel of M&P 9. As I plan use the gun for IDPA in the future so seems L and Pro are better choice. I know M&P9 pro has lighter trigger and better sight out of box but you can replace Apex trigger and sight for L. is the Pro worth the extra money? or just need L and have trigger and sight job done? Would Apex trigger better than Pro trigger? Is there gunsmith in Ontario or Canada can do the Apex trigger job? How much it would cost?

I'm new to handgun, any advice would appreciate.

Of the two the Pro would be the better choice IMHO. That said there is nothing wrong with the regular M&P in 9MM for playing IDPA. If you are just starting out the FS M&P will do you well and it likely will be sometime before you will be outshooting the gun. Is the Pro worth buying? If you like it, fill your boots it will serve you well. If money is an issue, understand you likely won't score any better with the Pro then you would with the regular M&P. You will have a ton of guys after you to try it out though.:D

The Apex sear is an easy instal, I did it and if I can do it anyone can. Gave me a 4.5 lb trigger with a faster reset. I may buy the Apex spring kit to reduce trigger pull further for no other reason then I can. I doubt it will have much effect on how I shoot the darn thing.

There is a very good article on the IDPA Canada website Forum regarding IDPA equipment. You might want to read it as well before you make up your mind. The article is in the Equipment Section of the forum.

Here is a portion of it:

Imagine yourself going up against a top-level shooter like Rob Leatham in a typical IDPA match. You get to pick any IDPA-legal gun you want, regardless of cost, and Robbie has to shoot a cheap 80-dollar, fixed-sight, 9mm pot-metal pistol with a ten-pound trigger pull having lots of take-up, creep, and overtravel. In order to get meaningful results, we'll have to grant him the concession of using a gun that's been tested, and will actually shoot 120 rounds without having a major stoppage or falling apart. Now, not knowing you or your skill level, but simply playing the odds here, my money is on Robbie and the pot-metal wonder-gun.

The difference between that $80 junk pistol and a $3000 full-custom pistol is simply not enough to overcome the 'equipment' that Robbie carries with him all the time, even in the shower -- his training and experience. He'll do a bit worse with a junk gun, but not badly enough that he couldn't beat 99% of all pistol shooters on the planet.


Take Care

Bob
 
Thank you guys for all input! It really helps me make decision.

Yes, if I could find a used standard one and drop in APEX sear it would be big bang for the buck. However in reality it's hard to find a used one with reasonable price. So get a new is only solution now. I called gun shops from west to east it turns out that the best price for PRO is only $100 more than standard. For $100 you will get longer barrel, Optic sight, better sear. Seems a new PRO is way to go.

I know there are many guns out there would be better than M&P but I have small hands (I mean really small):D. For most of guns, my forefinger can't reach trigger when I hand the gun in proper way. I tried G17 GEN4 (which is thinnest grip in all generation), USP, SIG, vary 1911s, 92FS, CZ75 (not able to each in DA mode). Hi Power works but dont like the look. P99 works but the price tag is really deal breaker. I will go try XDM this week if I have chance. Don't know if any other guns you can suggest to small hands poeple?
 
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