I wanted to start this thread so as to not hijack the other M&P thread.
As a long time Glock owner and shooter, I like mine. I dont want to debate that as my personal experience with Glocks has shown me that they are quality weapons that work under bad conditions, and I can shoot them fast and accurate.
What I’d like to discuss is what the M&P offers me over or in addition to them. When I worked in my local gun store earlier this year, I got to spend a lot of time with some of the folks from S&W. I got to know the M&P inside and out. The one thing I didnt get to do was fire one. Reliabilty and long term durability was also an unknown factor. I have been following the M&P now as much as possible in different places, and it seems to be doing well.
I do like the grip shape, feel, and ability to configure. I like the mags, and some other features. For those of you who have had or have Glocks, and an M&P, which do you prefer and why? How long have you had an M&P, how many rounds have youput through it (approx.), and have you used one in serious training, practice, competition, etc.?
I am just trying to decide if I want to add a M&P to the battery, or if its worth switching from Glock altogether.
Thanks.
My feeling, and apparently I’m WRONG, is that if you have something that works for you stick with it. If the M&P offers you something that you can’t get with a GLOCK or any other handgun (like H&K, 1911, XD, etc) then have at it.
From what I can tell the M&Ps are great and I would love to try one but at this stage I don’t have a NEED to switch. I think my time would be better spent using what I have instead.
Apparently I’m wrong too, because I agree with Marc. It’s mighty easy for us to spend more time chasing the latest and greatest, especially when you’re genuinely interested in what’s “best”. With so much new stuff these days it seems the grass is always greener somewhere else. My decision is influenced greatly by my bank account, but I’ve pretty well decided that I’m not going to move past my Glock until it starts limiting me, instead of me being the weak link. On the other hand if I continually struggled with shooting it well, and something came along that just “clicked” naturally for me, I’d be a fool to keep fighting with it and not switch over.
I don’t think I’ve heard any negative press on the M&Ps, even from people who I would trust to call BS if appropriate, but only you can decide if it’s a tangible, marked enough improvement for you over Glock to warrant a changeover…
I think I’ve veered far enough out of my lane now though so back to your regularly scheduled thread 
Good post LOKNLOD!
As you stated, I’m the weakest link when it comes to shooting, not my handguns. I learned that lesson when I switched from H&Ks to GLOCKs several years back. Now I understand that it’s all about practice, practice, practice.
When I stop becoming the weakest link and contribute my inabilities to hardware then it will be time to switch. Maybe I’m wrong…maybe I’ll pick up and M&P and say this does make me a better shooter. That would be awesome because it’s a lot easier for me to spend money than it is for me to spend time practicing.
I am a long time Glock guy, but was recently able to shoot 100rds through a rental M&P40. Obviously, this is not the extended evaluation you want to hear about, but I’ll give you my initial impressions, one Glock guy to another.
The gun I shot was a full size M&P40, fitted with the full size grip. These were manageable by my medium sized hands, but I would have preferred to use the medium or small set of grips. The range guy said he didn’t have them so I was stuck with those grips. Who ever cleaned it last must be a 1911 guy cuz the thing was absolutely dripping with lube and grease (gracious, I hope that’s what it was!). I had to wipe it down with a shop towel just to keep it from squirting out of my hand like a bar of soap.
The weapon pointed very naturally, and the sights were easy to align. Trigger reach was good despite the size of the grips. The grips provided adequate purchase, and a grip sock or piece of bike inner-tube (which I use on my G17) probably wouldn’t be required. There weren’t any sharp spots that abraded me while shooting. I would have preferred a higher cut under the trigger guard, but that can be easily remedied with some careful dremel work.
The controls are well placed and relatively easy to reach. Kudos to Smith for thinking about us lefties with the ambi-slide release. Unfortunately, the slide release was extremely stiff and difficult to get purchase on. The only thing it is good for is locking the slide back.
The gun was accurate enough for a service pistol. It is certainly in the same league as a Glock, SIG, or any other off the shelf service weapon.
It malfunctioned twice while I was shooting it. Rounds in the middle of the mag (sorry didn’t keep track of the exact round) would hang up on the feed ramp and fail to go into battery. I did not see any obvious mechanical causes (burrs on the feed ramp, magazine lips, etc.). Ammo was 180gr MagTech. I’ve had limited experience with this ammo, so I can’t rule it out as a culprit (it seemed to be hotter than the PMC I shoot in my G23). The weapon also appeared relatively new, so that could have been a factor. Finally, while the gun was clean and free of fouling, it’s possible that the over lubrication contributed to the malfunctions. In any case, I am not going to accuse the M&P of being unreliable. Only an extended evaluation with multiple ammo types and proper maintenance could lead to that conclusion, so I’ll leave that to the guys that actually own them to chime in.
My biggest concern though was the trigger. The break seemed a little higher than the stock Glock trigger, so maybe 6 lbs or so, which is not bad (some of the M&P owners talk about 5 minute trigger jobs that help). Take up seemed about the same. It was mushy and sproingy like a Glock trigger so I was right at home, and I hardly noticed the two-piece trigger at all. However, the reset seemed longer and less positive than the Glock. Trying to shoot it fast like a Glock (fire, release trigger until reset, fire) was not as easy. Granted, I don’t have a lot of trigger time, and I’m sure I’d get used to it after a while. But there is a learning curve there.
To sum up:
Positives:
Ergonomic and points naturally
Accurate enough for fighting
Trigger pull was good
Negatives:
Overly stiff slide release
Trigger reset not as short or positive as the Glock
All in all, it’s an excellent pistol. It has some warts, but nothing that can’t be overcome. I won’t be purging all my Glocks and replacing them with M&P’s just yet, they don’t do anything better than a Glock (other than offer interchangeable grips). However, I am anxious to get my hands on the .45 cal version when it comes out. I’ve never been satisfied with the .45 cal offerings from Glock, and haven’t found a non-Glock that I like much better. The .45 M&P could be the answer I’ve been looking for. The Sigma demons have truly been exorcized.
Hope that helps.
Thanks GlockWRX! I look forward to other assessments as well, like from GotM4.
Like I said above, I would love to just spend the money on an M&P and become a better shooter. It’s a hell of a lot easier than taking the time to practice. If the M&P will make me a better shooter I’m all for it. I just don’t think that is the case.
Of course if I bought one I wouldn’t be called a booger eater any longer if I bought on, that’s something 
<I’m kidding Sam>
Awwwww…Don’t worry, you’ll always be a booger eater to me!
I’m with you, I’ve got some Glocks and shoot them well. There is no reason for me to switch. The M&Ps are good guns, no doubt, but not good enough to justify the cost and effort of switching from the Glock. I’ll look closely at the .45 version when it comes out, but in 9mm I’ll stick with I’ve got.
Even if I do have to eat my own boogers.
I think enough of you know me well enough to know that I am not one to drop something or jump on the newest, latest, and greatest bandwagon for everything that comes out, hence my post here. I’m not one to think that a new weapon will make me a better shooter.
I am always open to something better. Thats what I am trying to determine. I have read enough that my curiosity and interest is peaked enough to cause me to want to look into the weapon.
Cant say that I would completely switch to anything right now, and drop my Glocks. I could see though getting an M&P, should enough info convince me, to add to the safe to get some range time with and go from there. If that should eventually lead to a complete switch, then so be it, but thats a different discussion for a different time.
GlockWRX, your info was what I am looking for. First hand range time, regardless of amount, so long as its noted. You r post saying that you had shot one, but only 100 rounds, is perfect. Much different than someone saying that they had shot one and making it sound like a few thousand rounds when in fact it wasnt. Much easier to classify and use info when its put forth such as yours, so thanks.
Marc…go eat a booger and simmer down. Woosaaa, woosaaa…
I switched over from Glocks to M&Ps.
I find the recoil to be less with the M&Ps, the grip angle adds to uniformity when I shoot other guns, the grip was made for human hands, the sights are better stock for stock, the trigger breaks cleaner, mag changes are easier, the beavertail feels good to me, and it’s American made and designed. Another big factor that swayed me to the M&P is the potential for a great trigger. I am much more accurate at further distances (15-25 yards) with my M&P offhand over a small frame Glock and slightly more than a large frame Glock. Plus I got my first M&P without mag safety or mag disconnect for $369 + other fees 
On the down side the stock trigger has a much longer reset than the 5.5lb Glock Connector imo. This is correctable however. Also, magazines are more expensive for the M&P, but it is still a new gun. I also like the newer teflon finish on the new Glocks over the M&P finish, however my M&P shows no signs of wear at all from thousands of draws from my Comptac holster.
Old and Busted with New Hotness
Please elaborate. That was my primary gripe with the trigger. If that can be corrected, I’d love to know how.
Cool, thanks! I’d be interested to try that out. An M&P .45 with the ambi-safety and that trigger job would a slick package.
Actually it’s not that hard to switch from Glocks to something else. I used to carry a G26 for the summer, bought a CZ PO1 and now the Glock will just be in the safe now for trade or sell bait later on. The CZ is just that much better for me, grip angle and trigger to me sucks on the Glock…
My feeling, and apparently I’m WRONG, is that if you have something that works for you stick with it. If the M&P offers you something that you can’t get with a GLOCK or any other handgun (like H&K, 1911, XD, etc) then have at it.
From what I can tell the M&Ps are great and I would love to try one but at this stage I don’t have a NEED to switch. I think my time would be better spent using what I have instead.
Apparently I’m a first time gun owner, booger eater, short bus rider and GLOCK koolaid drinker that doesn’t have a clue.
You forgot the padded helmut!:eek:
Not to say that I would never try any new product, I agree as well.
It’s easy to “want” everything that’s new for no other reason. Again, if something works for you, then get it. For some, keep like items utilized for work/defense.
I will always hold that if you have a good grasp on the fundemental’s, you can pick up anything and shoot it and shoot it well. If you are used to shooting brand x, you maybe a tad slower with brand y for a short time. Everyone likes different weapons for alot of reasons, one being that it simply fits their hands well(good reason).
To me, the only feature I see as an advantage on the M&P is the elongated area by the tang.
Mark
I’d be interested if the magazines were readily available for less than $20 like Glock mags are. Anyone know what the retail on full-capacity mags is? I think it’s around $30+.
M_P
Most places go for $35. Bud’s Gun Shop has them every so often at $29. S&W has a magazine offer and the price is running ~$29 with a limit of 5.
Remember, Glock magazines have been on the market for a MUCH longer period, while the M&P has been out for roughly one year.
M&P mags are about $38 ea where I work, Beretta mags vary from high $20s to $38, HK mags $44-49, SIG mags are typically $42.00 All are metal and more expensive to make than plastic Glock mags that are $24.00 Honestly how often have you worn out a pistol mag? I now have 10 M&P9 mags. For my match guns I typically only own 6 or so. My STI .40 mags (which are tuned, think like a race car) are $70-$100 each.
The mag cost isn’t that big of a deal, imo. They don’t cost too much more than some and less than others (like SIG and HK). What I would like to see is a lot of shops selling factory replacement parts. That’s one of the reasons I really like the Glocks: factory parts are inexpensive and easy to obtain. I’d like to see a TopMP or MPmeister someday (and if Smith was smart, they’d make it easy for dealers to set up accounts).
The good news is that the gun is generating a lot of buzz and shooters seemed to be pretty enthusiastic about it. Hopefully, this will push the aftermarket to support it with holsters and accessories. Even if I never own one, I’m glad to see it take off. Competition is good for everyone.
<cough>$15 XD mags<cough>
Totally agree, competition is always good. There are a very wide compliment of holsters already.
Also Dan Burwell has some parts as well as the M&P Store.