Is a S&W m&p 9mm a good choice for a beginning shooter?

Question

I'm looking at 9mm semi-auto pistols, and I'm new to handguns. I'm mainly looking for something to use for target shooting and possibly self-defense, but hopefully that need will never arise. So far, after looking at quite a few models, I like the S&W m&p 9mm and the Springfield Armory XD. I prefer the m&p over the XD, but safety is a big concern for me, and it appears the XD has more safety features, including an actual external safety, other than the mag safety on the m&p. What would you recommend?

I'm looking at 9mm semi-auto pistols, and I'm new to handguns. I'm mainly looking for something to use for target shooting and possibly self-defense, but hopefully that need will never arise. So far, after looking at quite a few models, I like the S&W m&p 9mm and the Springfield Armory XD. I prefer the m&p over the XD, but safety is a big concern for me, and it appears the XD has more safety features, including an actual external safety, other than the mag safety on the m&p. What would you recommend?

Also, I'm left-handed, so the ambidextrous mag release on the m&p is another aspect I like.

Answer 1

The M&P should be just fine if it feels good in your hand, but if possible always rent a model. I do not have that option so I have to go by "cold feel" in a gunshop setting. Realize that "target shooting" with a service pistol is what you make of it-nothing else. Expect 3-5" groups even after a lot of practice. Polymer frame guns are the epitome of utilitarian pistols and are not made to be target accurate. Look at them like govt. contract 1911 pistols but with a little more accuracy. I do not like all the gizmos on an XD so I have avoided them. The old 1911 still has my favorite safety mechanisms (thumb and grip as far as manual proactive safeties are concerned). A grip safety on ay other pistol does not seem right. Safety is in your head most of all. Keep that finger OFF the trigger until you are ready to fire. Learn to handle a pistol with your finger straight out alongside the trigger guard with the barrel in a safe direction and all those pro- and reactive safetys don't have to be relied upon.

Answer 2

I am probably the biggest fan of the XD series on Answers. I own two of them and love them. My first gun was the S&W Sigma and it jammed every third shot...I got rid of it in 4 months. I like the XDs because of the safety features it has. I like the feel better than the M&P. The mp is too thin in line of the grip. I can also shoot better with it. It has more natural point to it. But buy what fits best for you... If you buy and gun and after shooting it do not like it you could be out alot of money...So pick up as many brands and models as possible and shoot them if the shop has a range and rents guns. Get a list of your favorites and go from there. Ask questions as well. The shop salesperson will have quite a bit of knowledge. Good luck and happy shooting.

Answer 3

I'm not a big fan of the XD either - it just feels a bit cheap in my hand. If I were you I'd check out an FN-P 9. It's a great little polymer, really solid and light, and has an excellent hand feel to it. I think you'd find the safety features wonderful (especially after a recent redesign, the FN external safety is PERFECT), and it is a really accurate pistol. You might also give the Berretta PX4 a look, though I still prefer the FN, even if it is a little harder to find. Good luck and happy shooting!

Answer 4

The cal. you chose is a good choice for beginners because of the light recoil. If you are looking at the safety features I can help. Just remember that the primary safety is your trigger finger. That safety is the only one 100% eaffective. (Not talking about being drooped or something) the weapon will not fire unless you squeeze the trigger. You see, the thing about mechanical safety is it can fail. It's "mechanical". And something else. If you happen to ever have to use your gun in self defense you defiantly don't want to panic and forget to take the safety off. That would not be a good day for you.

You should only use a gun in self defense only if you are 100% sure you could if you had to. Even if you own one. Because if not they will use it on you.

Answer 5

The S & W m&p is very good, so is the Sigma series made by S & W. They are both reliable, and the 9mm is easy to handle. If you don't want to spend that much money, look a Taurus 9mm, quality is just as good as a S & W, just less expensive. If personal security is what you are looking for, and may go to concealed carry, I would seriously consider a Keltec. My conceal carry piece is a Keltec P-11. It is smaller than the others, and chambers the 9mm. There are other Keltec models of the same size and caliber. As far as safety goes, the weapon is only as safe as the user.

Answer 6

I'm not going to get into the whole 9mm vs. 40 debate because it really is a matter of personal opinion. I really like Glocks, but if I were you, I would take a look at the Springfield XD pistols. They are very similar to a Glock, but I actually prefer my XD 40 to the Glocks a few of my friends have. Either way though, you really can't go wrong.

Answer 7

Your best two (2)* choices for your purpose would be a Colt Combat Commander in 45 acp or a Smith & Wesson Revolver in 357 Magnum 4" barrel because you can also shoot 38 caliber ammo in it.* You get two (2)* handguns for the price of one (1)*.* It is a proven man stopper.* One or the other is your best choice.*

Answer 8

You can't really go wrong with either gun. Both are extremely well made, and reliable. I own a XD in .40, and wouldn't trade for it. If you have the time, also check out Walthers 9mm. They are excellent also.

Answer 9

For a first handgun, i would suggest something with more weight to it. Check out cz-85(ambi- version of cz-75), and the beretta 92. either of then will be more accurate than a m&p or xd. I use my cz 9mm(cz-sp01) to shoot empty shotgun shells @25yds.

Answer 10

The M&P is a good gun, but you should try one at a range that rents guns before you buy it. You might like the XD or some other gun better. Or not. Try it before you buy and you will hardly ever go wrong.