Smith and Wesson M&P worthwhile?

[stickman483]

I am not a big fan of Smith and Wesson, just personal preference. However, I have been looking into the M&P pistol, and I see a lot of features that appeal to me. I am more than willing to "eat crow" about my opinions of S&W if this handgun even comes close to living up to the accolades I have read about it. I am considering one in 9mm and would seriously give it consideration if it was in .45ACP.

So, those of you who do own a M&P or have fired one (hopefully extensively) please speak up.

[farmer]

My experience is that the gun lives up to most of the hype. My complaints are that most come with the magazine safety. Also, I have big hands and the grip is not as comfortable as the XD. Otherwise, you won't be dissappointed.

[stickman483]

Yeah, a magazine safety is unacceptable.

[chupacabrachus]

There have been lots of posts about the M&P in the past, mostly saying about how they're excellent firearms that are worth every pennie. There is the one exception of the mag. saftey. Personally, I'm not a fan of them, but I don't think it would prevent me from buying the firearm. I've never fired one, but definitely fondled one at the store more than once. It feels like a really well balanced piece, and has a lot of great features. I'd do a search on M&P to see what comes up. I know a few members of this board have them (as well as kimber's new polymer, just to mix things up) and love them... As for the .45 option, that would be AWESOME. I'm not sure why every new gun on the market doesn't just come FIRST with a .45ACP version rather than the public screaming that they want one, and them redesigning later. .45ACP has to be the most prefered round for serious shooting enthusiasts in the united states.

[The Tengu]

I know of a story in which the mag safety saved an officer's life, and one story in which the mag safety made an officer transition to his BUG.

[bigun]

Seeing as how most Police Officers that are shot are shot with their own weapon a magazine safety makes sense and gives the Officer a way to disable their weapon before it is taken away from them. However it also makes the officer vulnerable durring a tactical mag exchange. To me its a wash. Unfortunately my department doesnt give us a choice and we are restricted to a weapon with one. The M&P looks good on paper but the whole Sigma screw up forever poisoned me to S&W pistols. Truthfully I would advise anyone seriously looking at one to wait a year and see what kind of teathing problems it has before buying one.

[stickman483]

This is just me, but if someone takes my weapon, on duty or not, I deserve to be shot with it. Not that I would stand there and allow them to try, but it is my job to retain possession of my firearm no matter the circumstances.

HAVING SAID THAT, I DO NOT MEAN I THINK IF SOMEONE IS KILLED WITH THEIR OWN FIREARM THEY DESERVED IT BECAUSE THEY LOST THEIR FIREARM.

My personal rule, applying only to me, is I deserve to die if someone takes my gun away and manages to kill me with it. But no one else in this world deserves it. There is enough tragedy in life without judging the mistakes of others too harshly.

And, to get back on topic, thanks Bigun about the advice to wait. The more I read, the more sense that makes.

[JD McDorce]

Originally Posted by bigun

Seeing as how most Police Officers that are shot are shot with their own weapon a magazine safety makes sense and gives the Officer a way to disable their weapon before it is taken away from them.

While I am not quite certain whether of not the following is ironic, the original marketing materials for the M&P indicated that the magazine disconnect was standard for the general public and optional for LE/military. Most current reports indicate that M&Ps available for "civilian" purchase are available both with and without the mag disconnect.

[Loves2Shoot]

I don't see anything too special about it except the small grip inserts. It shoots fine although the trigger left a lot to be desired, but some do most stock guns. I need to pick up one to tinker with and see how much better it can get.

[Cornbread2]

Originally Posted by stickman483

This is just me, but if someone takes my weapon, on duty or not, I deserve to be shot with it..

Sounds like a rookie just out of school.

It can happen much eaiser than you think. You should know this IF you have been around very long.

It is good that you feel that you deserve to be shot if someone gets your weapon. That way you will not be so sad when you get shot with your own gun.

I am well aware that you have been "trained" to deal with someone trying to take your carry gun but you must be aware that there are many people with a leval of training that is far better than yours that would enable them to take your gun from you anytime they wish to do so.

If you are a cop long enough you will meet such a person. The streets are full of martial arts experts, ex SEALS and Special Forces Troopers.

Also a large group of untrained criminals can and will do the same thing to you.