Saw portions of LAV’s show Tactical Arms show tonight, and he featured the M&P. I was surprised to hear how highly he spoke of the M&P, I thought LAV was a 100% Glock guy, when it comes to plastic. In the two segments I saw, he demonstrated a 1-hand reload and spoke highly of the M&P’s ambi slide release, and then near the end, they demonstrated the accuracy of the M&P.
This is especially interesting because, based on earlier comments by Larry in threads like this one, it sounded like he wasn’t yet 100% confident in the M&P at that time (early 2008).
Something else that struck me was the accuracy they were getting from their stock M&P’s in the show. I generally get very good groups from my M&P, but not anywhere near what they were shooting.
All I know is that, all “hero worship” aside, it means something to me to have somebody of LAV’s reputation (as a gunsmith, and as an experienced shooter) publicly endorsing the M&P. I would have kept my M&P’s either way, but to me this gives a nice boost to the platform.
Most serious gun folks (most here), as well as the Gurus, can and do appreciate a very durable, well thought out and accurate firearm, regardless of who makes it.
My M&P9 endurance test gun was shooting sub-2" groups at 25 yards after the slide rail cracked. I’m not sure what more you could ask from the gun. And that was with over sixty-two thousand rounds through the barrel.
edited to add: The 9mm guns definitely turn in their best accuracy with higher-pressure ammo.
This is just one of the reasons why I have had two of the S&W M&P “PT” pistols on order from G&R Tactical for quite some time now. If you believe that the S&W M&P and Glock 9mm pistols are pretty much equal in terms of reliability and durability, then the deciding factor for most people is how it feels in the hand. I think even though the latest generation Glock gripframe is an improvement, I think for “most” people the S&W M&P pistols grip angle still points more naturally and feels better in the hand ,(no finger grooves that don’t line up). Also with new aftermarket fire control and other improved small parts comming out, the future is looking pretty bright for the S&W M&P pistols.
My resistance to buying one of these is weakening fast. I handled a 9mm Pro today and was totally freaked out how impressive the trigger and reset felt.
I jumped on the bandwagon. I helped along by the .Mil discount that S&W was offering last year. Now I’m just waiting for them to fill my order. I went with the M&P45 (109307) w/ 4" barrel and no safety (so I can add CT in the future). Unfortunately, I lack patience so the wait is killing me.
As I have stated numerous times, the M&P40 may be the best LE pistol currently available and what I will be carrying if I ever go back to serving in a Patrol assignment; likewise, for those not already heavily invested in 1911’s and experienced with their upkeep, the M&P45 is a far better choice for individuals currently needing a .45 ACP pistol. On the other hand, as nice as the 9 mm M&P’s are, I am sticking with 9mm Glocks for now, due to the near universal parts availability world wide.
I bought a standard no safety 9mm M&P full size a little over a year ago. It was my first striker fired pistol. I have retired (almost) all my other pistols that would be carried and, now that I finally got night sights installed on it, will start to carry the M&P.
I shoot a lot better with it than the other guns. (which may be my problem and lack of training and practice on them – being self employed does not leave a lot of time for my own stuff).
I ran it in an EAG carbine class (Pat told me he liked the M&P after asking me what I thought), a LAV pistol (abbreviated due to filming conflicts) and a LAV carbine class, and a 3 day Magpul Dynamics Dynamic Handgun 1/2 class. It has passed with flying colors and someday I would like to get several more M&Ps.
Some of the most negative comments about a handgun I have heard come out of LAV’s mouth were directed towards the G-Lock. LAV also recognizes that the G-Lock is one of the most common guns in the world and to not be familiar with one would be stupid.
One of the things that makes Vickers one of the best firearms instructors out there is that he tries to bring guns that he believes will be used in his classes. This allows him to better relate to the students. This is why you will see a G-Lock in his hand at a lot of classes.
Both LAV and Ken are fans of the M&P and look at it as an upgrade to the G-Lock.
When I was researching my first firearms purchase 18 months ago, it was between the Glock 19 and M&P9 fullsize. When I held them both it was the feel of the M&P that sold me. I don’t regret my decision one bit.
