First, let me apologize in advance for asking something that's already been asked and answered lots of times. I know that asking for help in choosing between these two has been asked and answered many times here, on the S&W forum, The Firing Line, and elsewhere because I've read them all. I doubt that anyone has anything new to say, but since I STILL can't make up my mind I can't help asking, both here and on the other forums too.
I have a Glock 26, and and am interesting in moving on (and perhaps up), adding a full size, and ... well, do I really need a reason? Either would be used for trips to the range and bedside stand duty. If I carry, it will not have to be concealed I'll put it in a camera bag or computer bag or, on a rare occasion, in an oversized, baggy coat pocket.
I won't have the opportunity to shoot either, but I've fondled both a very nice bitone XDM 9mm and and also very nice M&P 9mm (no mag safety), side by side, at my favorite local shop. I was able to (easily) switch the M&P grit to the small backstrap while the XDM had the medium. I'm sure if I get the latter I'll switch to the small, but even though the grip comparison was largely apples to oranges I admit to being surprised that the M&P didn't feel quite as much better than the XDM as I'd expected. But still, better, even a little better, is still better.
Dry firing both, I couldn't tell enough difference between the triggers to have a preference (though that probably says more about me than about the two guns).
In part because it was a bitone, which I don't care about one way or the other, the XDM was almost $200 more expensive than the M&P ($688 vs. 499, before any bargaining, so I may be able to get one or both of these down a little).
If the Obamanuts pass new anti-"assault" weapon legislation, either/both of these pistols would probably almost qualify as a good investment (as I write the market has fallen over 400 points today; so maybe anything out of the market would be a good investment). But I don't think I can afford to get both right now (see market comment above).
So, with apologies again for imposing on you all with an old question, I'll appreciate what anyone has to say.
I have a Glock 26, and and am interesting in moving on (and perhaps up), adding a full size, and ... well, do I really need a reason? Either would be used for trips to the range and bedside stand duty. If I carry, it will not have to be concealed I'll put it in a camera bag or computer bag or, on a rare occasion, in an oversized, baggy coat pocket.
I won't have the opportunity to shoot either, but I've fondled both a very nice bitone XDM 9mm and and also very nice M&P 9mm (no mag safety), side by side, at my favorite local shop. I was able to (easily) switch the M&P grit to the small backstrap while the XDM had the medium. I'm sure if I get the latter I'll switch to the small, but even though the grip comparison was largely apples to oranges I admit to being surprised that the M&P didn't feel quite as much better than the XDM as I'd expected. But still, better, even a little better, is still better.
Dry firing both, I couldn't tell enough difference between the triggers to have a preference (though that probably says more about me than about the two guns).
In part because it was a bitone, which I don't care about one way or the other, the XDM was almost $200 more expensive than the M&P ($688 vs. 499, before any bargaining, so I may be able to get one or both of these down a little).
If the Obamanuts pass new anti-"assault" weapon legislation, either/both of these pistols would probably almost qualify as a good investment (as I write the market has fallen over 400 points today; so maybe anything out of the market would be a good investment). But I don't think I can afford to get both right now (see market comment above).
So, with apologies again for imposing on you all with an old question, I'll appreciate what anyone has to say.
