[ZeusEcho]

So I think I've narrowed it down to the S&W M&P 40 for my first handgun. I have some experience shooting several different makes and caliber guns but this is my first purchase. I want something that I can have fun shooting and also keep in the house for protection. I was thinking the 40 is good compromise between the 9mm and 45.

What are the pros and cons of this gun?

What is Striker Fire Action?

Any insight would be appreciated.


Unfortunatly as you guys know the first one only starts the addiction and I already know the second piece may be the Kimber SS Pro Carry II 45ACP.

[Cnynrat]

My wife has an M&P 40, so therefore it's a girly gun.

JUST KIDDING!

Seriously, she's probably got about 5-600 rounds through it, and so far we haven't had any problems. Seems to handle a wide range of ammo without problems, and seems pretty accurate. My wife has small hands, so the adjustable grip sizes were a big advantage for her.

As you probably know, it is a full size pistol, so it will work well for a home defense gun, but it's probably a bit big for concealed carry if that's an issue.

I like .40, but I think 9mm can work as a self defense round if you choose the right round (and .45 obviously will work as well). More important is what will allow you to put more lead on target, which to some extent will be determined by how much you practice with it. Ammo is a bit more for .40 vs. 9mm, so keep that in mind. If that affects how much you will practice with the weapon you may be better off with something that shoots cheaper ammo. Of course, around here in So Cal .40 ammo is pretty readily available nowadays, but 9mm can be tough to find. Not sure about other areas of the country.

I'm not sure I can explain the details of what striker fired action is, but I think that is what all the semi-auto pistols without an exposed hammer use, so that would include Glocks, XDs, and so on.

I like the trigger pull on the M&P better than the trigger on a Glock. It seems a bit lighter, although it is a long pull typical of a DA only pistol. Obviously, that's mainly a question of personal preference.

I think it's a fine choice if it fits your hands comfortably. You might want to see if you can find a range where you can rent one and try before you buy.

Good luck.

[ZeusEcho]

Thanks for the feedback Cnynrat!

LOL...I was thinking the 9mm was a girly gun and 40 would have a little more punch!

I should know this crowd would push straight to the 45. Like I said I have the 1911 in my sights next.

You answered my question about striker fire. I wasn't sure if it was true DA only.

Thanks man, peace out...

[WDB]

Hey Zeusecho,
I have two S&W M&P's one is a 45 (pictured in my avitar) and the other is a 9mm compact. I carry consealed when ever I leave the house so when I wear a coat or an unbuttoned shirt over a tee I cary the 45, if I'm just wearing a tee shirt it's the 9mm. I've put about 4,000 rounds through the 45 (I've had it for almost two years) and about 900 rounds through the 9mm (I've had for about six months). I have never had a jam or misfire and at the range I shoot low end ammo.

The exchangable back straps are i big plus as it is easy to find the one that fits your hand well. The angle of the grip is much like that of a 1911 so it feels natural. While they are a polly frame they have a stainless steel skelenton so there isn't any buzz in the frame. The slides are black but they are stainless steel so there isn't a rust issue. They are easy to field strip for cleaning. The sights are good out of the box and easy to use even for first time shooters, I would highly recomend upgrading to the night sights.

40 cal is a good choice but I would suggest finding a range that rents and shoot 9mm, 40 and 45 just so you understand the differences and chose the caliber that best fits your ability as it's more important to put the round on target than it is to have a large round. Also shoot a few other pistol brands so you can feel the difference.

I own more than a few handguns (including a Kimber) but the M&P's are the ones I carry for several reasons.

Let us know what you purchased and how you like it.

[ZeusEcho]

Thanks WDB that is some great insight! Although this is my first gun purchase I have experience with all that you mentioned between shooting with my Dad, Grandfather and renting at the range myself. I'm pretty comfortable handling guns and I have no problem putting the lead in the target. And come to find to find out now, that was with a completely incorrect grip! I'm exited to get my first piece and try out some of the tips and techniques I've been reading about. Actually I took the wife about a year ago and we rented a 22, 9mm, then a 45. I really like the 45, but figured it was a little more economical to shoot the 40 on a regular basis.

One more question if you don't mind- how do like the feel of the DA trigger on the M&P?

Anyway thanks again for your comments.

[SGT-MILLER]

The M&P pistols are a great design, and very comfortable to hold/point. I have thought about saving up to purchase one in the future.

I haven't shot one, but they do seem to have that extra 10% spit and polish over other comparable pistols (Glock, FNP, etc...)

[dnthmn2004]

Another recommendation here. I own a M&P 40 and carry it every day. Its very reliable and eats any type of ammo you want to feed it. I have about 3000 rounds through mine and I haven't had ONE misfire/malfunction. The only thing I would change is the trigger pull. Its just a little too much but its nice not to worry about accidental discharge in public. My personal opinion is that its the best in its class of handguns, like SGT stated.

[ZeusEcho]

Sweet thanks guys! I think that will be the one...the first one

[WDB]

Originally Posted by Zeusecho

Thanks WDB that is some great insight! Although this is my first gun purchase I have experience with all that you mentioned between shooting with my Dad, Grandfather and renting at the range myself. I'm pretty comfortable handling guns and I have no problem putting the lead in the target. And come to find to find out now, that was with a completely incorrect grip! I'm exited to get my first piece and try out some of the tips and techniques I've been reading about. Actually I took the wife about a year ago and we rented a 22, 9mm, then a 45. I really like the 45, but figured it was a little more economical to shoot the 40 on a regular basis.

One more question if you don't mind- how do like the feel of the DA trigger on the M&P?

Anyway thanks again for your comments.

The trigger takes a couple of shooting sessions to get use to but I truly like it. If your going to carry with one in the chamber (I do) the little extra pull makes it safe enough to do so.

[gglass]

What an outstanding choice for your first handgun. Most people will finally get to a good one after some amount of trial and error... And cash.

The M&P line is the hottest brand going the LEO community right now. Since it was introduced in 2006, it has won over 370 LE agency "issued sidearm" contracts. This is more new contracts than any other brand by a good margin. Most of those wins have come at the expense of Glock and Sig Sauer... Sorry Springfield, the XD does not have any "issued" contracts to lose. (obligatory poke at XD owners.)

(Definition: Strikers are basically spring-loaded firing pins that are fully contained in the gun's slide. Instead of a hammer hitting a firing pin, the striker has a partially-cocked spring/pin that unloads its energy when the trigger is pulled.)

My M&P40