Back in 2006 I went to a local GS to purchase a Glock 17. Having previously owned and loving a Gen-1 G17 I had no doubts another was the gun for me. I told the salesman I wanted a Glock 17. He mentioned there were a couple of other options including the Springfield XD and the M&P9. I first looked at the XD. I did not care for it. The sights set high and it just didn’t “float my boat”. Next he handed me the Smith & Wesson M&P9. I slid it into my right hand, stood with a two-handed grip….WOW! It felt fantastic. I proceeded to check out the Glock 17 however even though it cost $20 more than the Glock I purchased the M&P9. I have not regretted it.
This is not a review of the M&P rather it’s just a report on my experience with it. I’ve shot it fast and slow. I’ve shot it in sweltering heat and frigid temperatures. I’ve shot it clean and I’ve shot it dirty. I’ve gone several hundred rounds between cleanings. It has never….ever…failed to go bang when intended.
Over the course of these past 10 years 6 magazines have been used randomly. Every imaginable type of ammunition has been used except for reloads and steel cased. Over 4,000 rounds are estimated to have been fired. Reliability has been simply outstanding.
The trigger smoothed out noticeably after 1000 rounds or so and feels similar to the new M&P9 2.0 recently released.
The Melonite finish has held up nicely. I can see a little wear/discoloration on the front of the slide. I am assuming this is from many holster presentations.
Over the last 10 years I’ve been introduced to many defensive pistols and the Smith & Wesson M&P9 continues to be my favorite. I plan to get the 2.0 this summer as it has everything I like about the M&P9 plus some minor – but welcomed – improvements.
I’ve seen the gen 1 M&P’s on sale for under $500. Good deal and highly recommended.
Rourke
Was the accuracy good enough for you? There have always been reports of the pistol’s accuracy issues.
Interesting I have never heard of any accuracy issues with any of the main combat/defensive pistols(M&P, XD, Glock). No – never had any issues at all.
S&W M&P, what a great pistol. I have two, the older one I love to shoot and it is very accurate. Since I loved it so much of course I had to purchase another one about 3 or 4 months ago. The new one I don’t like so much but I believe it is all in the trigger pull. I am not as accurate with it as the older one I have. I am hoping that what JR said is true, after 1000 rounds down range it will get better. I don’t know anything about replacing the trigger for one with less trigger pull so I guess I have to shoot it more!
Just wondering if the 2.0 new version will be a big improvement.
My first pistol was a S&W model 4006. Heavy stainless. Double action. First shot had a rather heavy trigger pull but after that, smooth as silk. Still have it. I also have the M&P .40. I have only had problems with it using reloads. Accuracy, being mostly the operator, I have no complaints. Both the 4006 and the M&P are consistent and very accurate. The practice I employ requires me to be able to shoot both right and left hand. These weapons are the same no matter what hand you shoot. Fast or slow, they deliver faithfully. I’ve shot other pistols but I’ll stick with my S&W’s.