Springfield XD vs Smith and Wesson M&P?

Question

For my next handgun I am considering either a Springfield XD or a Smith and Wesson M&P in 45 acp.

I am interested in hearing from people who have either fired these handguns and know about them or they own them.

If you have any knowledge of the difference in recoil this would also be a huge help to me.

Any knowledge you can bestow would be of a huge help to me.

Also, I know that the Springfield XD 45 acp comes with a 13 round magazine that you can extend to 15 if you want, but the Smith and Wesson only comes with a 10 round magazine.

That is a lot but I was wondering if they also made 13 round magazines for the Smith and Wesson M&P or not.

Answer 1

As I already own H-K's and Glock's I know little about these clones, except that, unlike Glocks, XD magazines CAN'T be extended. If you live in one of the Hoplophobe States like NY NJ or CA, you can't own or use mags with more than ten rnd. capacity, anyway.
Especially in the case of the unproven S&W, I'd reconsider my choice, doubly so with the recent news that the DOD is considering dumping the Itralian 'krunchenticker', the M-9, and H-K & Glock are front-runners as its' replacement.

Answer 2

I would go with the XD. I own both, in .45acp. I like the M&P, but for the money the XD is a much better deal. Not to mention my XD is a lot smoother operating than the M&P. The XD also comes with a holster, 2 mags, double mag. holder, speed loader, and a lock. The holster works pretty good and the mag holder comes in handy. I currently live in California, so I only have the 10 round mags. Recoil is not bad on either as long as you go with the 5 inch barrel. Not to mention they're a lot more accurate. And both guns offer the rail so you can attach a tactical light. By the way the XD holds 13 rounds and one in the chamber, if your state allows more than 10.
I love both guns, but like I said before the XD is just a better deal. Best of luck, hope this helps.

Answer 3

As a Combat Pistol Instructor/Gunsmith and Gunshop Owner I've had the pleasure of shooting both of these weapons. I can honestly tell you there is negligible difference if any in the recoil of both guns.
The magazines are a different story. Many state have laws limiting magazine capacityu of ANY weapon to 10 rounds. To own a gun that holds more or owning a magazine that holds more than 10 rounds is illegal. Smith & Wesson has been around for many decades and their handguns are built with the law enforcement market in mind. Since the restrictions on magazine capacity is an issue in more states than not, S&W takes the position that they want all of their handguns to be legally saleable and legal in ALL states. Springfield will not sell handguns not, even to a Dealer if the 10 shot law is in effect in that particular state

Answer 4

Call me unfairly biased, but S&W has had such a horrible track record with semi-auto pistols that I never consider them worth looking at.

Oh, I know, they are a very good company and they are fixing their mistakes...but they have made too many over the last couple of decades to get my money.

The Springfield XD on the other hand is a fine pistol, made well, rugged and accurate. I have shot both 9 and 40 versions and been very pleased. I would classify it as a "Top Choice".

Answer 5

XDs would be your better choice. I like the safeties, and the fact the firearm comes with holster, mag pouch, and speed loader. It is a natural pointer and has better sights. The .45 is smooth and mag cap is much better as you mentioned. My first semi was a S&W and I ditched it for a beretta. I got my XD a few months later.

Answer 6

I feel both are adequate hand guns, all depends on what you want to do with them (home defense, etc..).

Personally I don't like the safety located on the back of the grip on the Springfield XD series.
The M&P is a sound weapon in my opinion.

In the end it will determine on your personal preference, both are good guns.

Answer 7

You can get high-caps if they are lgal in your state, period. I would get the S&W based on barrel quality (these folks have been making barrels for over 150 years and go look at a Sigma barrel and you will know what I am talking about), better materials (stainless), and features (backstrap options for different hands). And it is American made, not.........."croatian".