Police sidearm preference: Beretta 92 or S&W MP?

Question

I am in the market for a semi-automatic pistol for personal/home protection. I've narrowed my choices down to two which are commonly used by law enforcement and military: the Beretta 92FS and the Smith&Wesson MP, both in 9mm. Does anyone who's experienced have a preference between them, or have information which could help me decide? I know that the 92FS has a huge reputation but the MP looks like a very thoughtfully designed gun.

Bowling for Columbine freaks and NRA/Ted Nugent freaks, I'm sure you will feel compelled to comment on this or to each other in response to this question. I'm sure that you all mean well, but you will be ignored if you don't have the kind of information for which I am asking.

Thanks for the answers so far. Bobo, i shot a 559 years ago -- wasn't sure if they still made that series or if i would have to buy it used.

Answer 1

Okay, here goes!

My field experience is with the Beretta 96D in .40 S&W. I carried an open-top slide semi-auto through the Otay Mountains while working for the USBP. I can tell you that I did not feel this was the best choice of issued sidearm. It was almost impossible to keep clean; the only thing that will keep a semi-auto reliable is keeping it clean. I did like the fact that it was DAO with no safety to slow me down. 11 round magazines and no mag safety so I don't have to worry about the fight coming to me if I'm in the middle of a mag change. I found it a little heavy and not well suited for smaller hands but I was very happy with it's accuracy. With the thousands of rounds I put through that gun, I had not one FTF that was the gun's fault. As far as me not liking the open-top slide, it probably wouldn't be a factor for you since your intended purpose is for home defense.

The S&W M&P seems to be a well-thought out next generation Glock. I love the witness hole so you can tell if there's one in the pipe at a glance rather than doing a pinch-check (Thumb in the trigger guard/ forefinger on the lower edge of the slide below the barrel and squeeze the chamber open slightly). I also like the changing backstraps so that ot can be almost "custom fit" to the owner's hands. I don't like the Smith & Wesson articulated trigger that has to be reset by the slide. The M&P comes with a mag safety unless you can get one of those intended for LEO use. I don't like the accessory rail at the front of the frame. A flashlight should be held away from the body with your arm extended out to the side since most bad guys will shoot at the light as their initial response when confronted. If you find your self needing two hands when actually in a gun fight, that's what the Surefire-Roger's grip is for.

All in all, I would say pick whichever one that you shoot the best with and with which you feel the most comfortable. I will advise that you move up to something a little more significant than the 9mm. The .40S&W is a pretty hard hitting round with the right kind of ammo and you can buy a .357SIG barrel to convert either without having to change any other part, even the magazine. It's like getting a second gun. Best of all, the .357SIG feeding is much more reliable due to it's bottleneck cartridge design.

Consider frangible ammo for home defense like Glaser Safety or MagSafe rounds. Wouldn't want to overpenetrate and hit someone in the next room! Good luck in whatever you choose and remember. It's not how many rounds you have in the gun, it's where you put them on the target.

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

Alot of departments use Glock .40 cal. I actually prefer my Springfield Armory XD over any Glock, Smith or Beretta (although I do own a Beretta Px4 Storm which is a good gun).
Between the 92FS and S&W, go with the 92. Much better semi auto. S&W are better at revolvers.

Answer 4

It truly relies upon on no count if the firearm has been cared for or no longer. An early style Taurus PT92 is largely a Beretta, made interior the Beretta production facility with the aid of Beretta workers on Beretta machines. the only distinction being that Taurus offered the Brazilian Beretta production facility after Beretta concluded its settlement with the Brazilian government. to assert that a Taurus is crap and a Beretta is actual notch is basically no longer actual. I actual have numerous Taurus pistols, all made interior the 1st 10 years that Taurus began production and that i will assure you, they're each bit as high quality by way of fact the Beretta's I actual have owned.

Answer 5

I used my 92 when qualifying for CHL. The instructor's wife used the MP. I had a perfect score. She had several problems. I subscribe to a magazine called "Gun Tests." I don't believe the MP had a good review. Hopes this helps.

Answer 6

I personally prefer something chambered for Colt 45 ACP. I have a Colt 1911 Officers model.

Answer 7

The Beretta 92-F is one big gun, and you have to have a long trigger finger to shoot it well. I have not handled the S&W M&P's but I heard they were good. My preference is the Glock. Go to the gun shop and see what feels right in your hand. You can't expect to shoot well, if the gun doesn't fit your hand. And one more thing, when you get the gun, practice until you get proficient with it. A gun sitting in a drawer will do you NO good when the need arises.

Answer 8

I'd say either one would work about the same. Just make sure you practice with it. Personally, I'd go for the .40 cal or the .45, you want more stopping power as opposed to the smaller 9mm.

Answer 9

Neither. I prefer my .45 Glock model 21.

Answer 10

Smiths are easier to take apart and clean that is what I like about them. All my pistols are smiths. We have glocks as service pistols and I don't like it.