S&W M&P Range Kit 9mm vs Core 9mm, Thoughts? Opinions?

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Frost Cracked

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Hey guys/girls.

Until recently I owned a Smith & Wesson M&P 9mm carry kit version that I had to sell to make some emergency cash. In the next few months I'll be able to get the funds together to buy another one, and I was considering the M&P Core, with the slightly longer barrel.

I had been shooting mine, with 124 grain, and found a somewhat.... inconsistent shot placing compared to my other handguns (45 and 357). I noticed with lighter loads it was even worse.

Does a smaller barreled gun like that, like a heavier grain? 140 or so?
Would the extra inch or so in barrel length on a Core help with accuracy?

I understand the concealment advantages of a smaller pistol for law enforcement or the like. I don't intend to be carrying a pistol on me unless the zombies come. Tactically, is there any advantage in carrying a smaller pistol, or is a full-size handgun better performance-wise?

-Thanks.
 
Frost Cracked said:
Would the extra inch or so in barrel length on a Core help with accuracy?
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No. Accuracy is not a function of barrel length. Longer barrel provides for higher muzzle velocity which in turn allows for straighter trajectory for longer distances because the faster bullet will resist the forces of gravity, humidity, air pressure and wind better. Adding 3/4 of an inch to a pistol barrel will not enhance accuracy. Accuracy has more to do with the barrel profile vs length (rigidity), quality and manufacturing processes of materials used, parts fitment, etc.


Accuracy = consistency

Edit to add : And yet, you still need to consider bullet type, weight, profile, rifling twist, propellant and accuracy nodes for specific bullet recipes given a specific barrel type at various lengths.
 
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Others will tell you different. I am on the fence on a 4.25 CORE everyone keeps singing praises for the 5 inch I just find it a little ugly.
 
The CORE is the model of the M&P Pro Series that is milled out to take a reflex style red dot sight. It actually comes in both 4.25 and 5" versions. If you don't need the red dot capability, then you are better off not spending the extra money on the CORE. The 5" version (M&P 9L or 40L) is found in the Pro Series which differs form the standard M&P in that they come with the "pro" sear which is similar in effect, but still not quite as nice as, the Apex Tactical sear.

I have owned both 4.25 and 5" M&Ps and I will say that, while there is no appreciable difference in accuracy, the longer slide guns are smoother shooting. The extra slide length and mass seem to smooth out the recoil impulse and result in a bit less muzzle flip. For me, this translates to quicker re-acquisition of my sight picture and faster follow up shots; but YMMV.

Currently I am shooting a CORE 9L and just trying to find a Trijicon RMR for it. I definitely prefer the 5" versions. But to each, his own. You should try to shoot a 9L if you can and see how you find it. You may or may not feel any difference.
 
krausb said:
The CORE is the model of the M&P Pro Series that is milled out to take a reflex style red dot sight. It actually comes in both 4.25 and 5" versions. If you don't need the red dot capability, then you are better off not spending the extra money on the CORE. The 5" version (M&P 9L or 40L) is found in the Pro Series which differs form the standard M&P in that they come with the "pro" sear which is similar in effect, but still not quite as nice as, the Apex Tactical sear.
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Good point. As it is, it's also about $100 cheaper... I may want to look into that, then.
 
I think you are thinking of the Performance Center Pro Series (the one with the ported barrel) maybe? The CORE is a Pro Series gun with the extra milling for a RDS and taller sights. A CORE should be slightly more expensive than a vanilla Pro.
 
For me it was all about the trigger. Couldn't stand the trigger , first range trip put 100 rounds through it, packed it in its case and put it on EE. FOR myself I couldn't justify spending 250$ on a trigger when I could just buy a Sig with a good trigger out of the box for the cost of th m&p plus apex trigger. If you are going m&p and going for an upgraded model , I suggest getting one that comes with trigger enhancement. That's where your accuracy issues are most probably stemming from.
 
Like I said earlier; to each his own. For me, using a DA/SA hammer fired gun like a Sig is like travelling back in time to when striker fired pistols were not commonplace. I won't argue that the M&P trigger takes some getting used to if you are used to SA or DA/SA triggers, but it really doesn't take that long to get used to. A few hundred rounds and it feels right. Even less if you go with a Pro Series or an Apex sear (which is a $50 upgrade, not $200).

Honestly, any new gun takes a few hundred rounds to get used to, even more if it is a substantial departure from what you are used to shooting. But again, to each his own. We all like what we like and as long as you shoot what you like well, who's to say it's good or bad.
 
I don't mind the stock M&P triggers at all, the ones that come in the Pro's are very serviceable and wouldn't hold me back much with fast paced stuff or accuracy work. With that said the flat faced Apex trigger kits are soooo nice.
 
The longer barrel gives a longer sight radius; this can enhance the shooter's performance.
I shoot both a M&P and a 5" Pro. It is easier to get tighter groups with the Pro.
I plan on getting a 5" CORE to allow the use of a lower mounted optic.
 
seth said:
Others will tell you different. I am on the fence on a 4.25 CORE everyone keeps singing praises for the 5 inch I just find it a little ugly.
Click to expand...

If you are going to put an Optic on the gun go with the 4.24" gun as the sight radius in not material when using an optic sight and the gun would be easier to manipulate. If you are not going to put an optic on the gun then why buy a CORE. Buy a regular 5" PRO. The velocity difference is negligible and will have little to no affect at any range you are likely going to use the gun at but the sight radius of the 5" gun when using iron sights can be advantageous.

Take Care

Bob
 
i know they had stopped putting out the PRO ones a while back so they could concentrate on catching up on the back orders of the CORE.
are they once again selling the PRO ones?

i honestly have never seen one for sale in any store or online store in all my travels.
there was a time i was actively searching for one and thats when i found out that they had stopped production to concentrate on the CORE version (with the milling).

i would like to get one of the PRO 5" with the front FO sites to add to my stable.
 
Found 1 retailer in Canada with a 4.25 CORE in stock for $899

I'm gonna snap it up the day my house sells as a "debt freedom reward"

Can't hardly wait!
 
seth said:
Found 1 retailer in Canada with a 4.25 CORE in stock for $899

I'm gonna snap it up the day my house sells as a "debt freedom reward"

Can't hardly wait!
Click to expand...

Nice! But if I was you, id put a few dollars down on it to hold it so they do t sell it out from under you nose while you're waiting! Who knows the next time you may see one...
 
I am looking at selling my 4.25 9mm core, with solely canadian holster and mag holster. Any ideas on price range? Gun is in great shape, never even mounted a dot on it.
 
yohann160 said:
No. Accuracy is not a function of barrel length. Longer barrel provides for higher muzzle velocity which in turn allows for straighter trajectory for longer distances because the faster bullet will resist the forces of gravity, humidity, air pressure and wind better. Adding 3/4 of an inch to a pistol barrel will not enhance accuracy. Accuracy has more to do with the barrel profile vs length (rigidity), quality and manufacturing processes of materials used, parts fitment, etc.


Accuracy = consistency

Edit to add : And yet, you still need to consider bullet type, weight, profile, rifling twist, propellant and accuracy nodes for specific bullet recipes given a specific barrel type at various lengths.
Click to expand...

Most of what you said is correct, but velocity has no impact what so ever on the pull of gravity. A faster bullet will fall at the same speed as a slower bullet, it will just make it to it's target in a shorter period of time, thus not having time to fall as far.
 
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