M&P Core vs. XDM 5.25

[classical_buff]

Seeking some advice from fellow Calgunners.

I have two pistols that I am thinking about upgrading for range toy/possibly steel challenge type shooting.

M&P 5" Core in 9 mm.
Springfield XDM in 5.25 in 9 mm.

Which of these, would you select to be upgraded (possibly by APEX or Power River Precision.)?

What kind of results can I expect from after "gunsmithing"?
Any recommendations on which mods to select or avoid?
Any feedback from dealing these companies?

This is strictly for range toy and possibly steel shooting in the future.

[giv1tatry]

my xdm points better than my performance center core. at least for me, so if i were to decide, i'd get the xdm suped up. i think my performace center comes from the factory with a better trigger than the standard core model. everyone always says prp does wonders for the xdm also.

[L84CABO]

Which gun do you inherently like better? I prefer M&P's over Glocks and XD's. But that's me.

You're also talking apples and oranges here a bit given that your CORE is optic ready. This, alone, might be the deciding factor if you want your toy to have a red dot on it at some point. To that end, they're a ball if you haven't run one yet and I highly recommend! YMMV of course.

With the above said, I have both a 45 M&P and a 9mm CORE (4.5") that I upgraded with Apex Flat Faced triggers. The Apex was significantly better than the factory trigger in the 45 and a bit better than the trigger in the CORE. The factory trigger in the CORE is actually pretty ok for a "stock" trigger. And I like having the same trigger in each gun. Worth the upgrade IMO but the difference will be a bit more subtle in your CORE.

You can do an Apex upgrade yourself btw. Follow the videos and take your time. A vice or their armorers block is very helpful.

[choo2x]

My vote is for the Springfield XDM 5.25 9mm w/a Powder River Precision Extreme Trigger Kit, but I'm a Springfield/Powder River Fanboy. I've never shot an M&P Core, so please take my advice with a grain of salt.

I installed the PRP Extreme Trigger Kit myself. Daniel has posted You Tube videos that make installing the kit very easy. I left the stock recoil spring and stock striker spring in the pistol and I've never had a light strike or fail to fire using CCI primers. I also had to leave the stock trigger in the pistol, because I shoot my XDM 5.25 9mm in IDPA's SSP (Stock Service Pistol) division (no external modifications allowed). If I installed the PRP trigger with the external overtravel stop, I'd have to shoot the pistol in IDPA's ESP (Enhanced Service Pistol) division. If you don't have any competition restrictions, then install the PRP trigger, because it eliminates all of the overtravel. I've installed the PRP Ultimate Match Target Trigger kit in my XDM 5.25 .45 ACP with the PRP trigger, and it totally eliminated the overtravel. I shoot my XDM 5.25 .45 ACP in IDPA's CDP (Custom Defensive Pistol) division where external modifications are allowed. Other than the trigger kit, I've made no other modifications to my XDM 5.25 9mm.

I've shot two sanctioned matches with my XDM 5.25 9mm. The phrase a picture is worth a thousand words comes to mind.



I shoot IDPA with a master shooter that shreds with his M&P. You really can't go wrong with either pistol, so my real advice is to see which one feels best in your hands, then decide.

Shelton

[protohyp]

M&P Core vs. XDM 5.25

I have the XDM 5.25 with PRP trigger and a M&P Pro Series and both are my favorite go to pistols. The Pro edges the XDM out by a small margin because the grip fits perfectly for my hand although after doing an undercut on the XDM it fits much better. I also did an undercut on the Pro and they're both pretty ergonomic for me.

Some people complain about the high bore axis of the XDM but with the slide lightening cutout the 5.25 is a soft shooter.

Also the sight radius on both is pretty awesome but I love the dawson sight on the XDM (i will probably change the Pro to Dawson as well)

with the XDM you don't need the "core" version to throw on an optic as Springer makes a mount that goes into the rear dovetail. They do make a sight ready platform now which we won't be seeing here in california anytime soon

I love that the XDM has an adjustable rear sight.

As far as the triggers I polished the Pro and put a home made overtravel kit on it with a USB plunger and its so much better than stock. I didn't really like the feel of the Apex trigger so I kept mine stock and to me it rivals the reset and crispness of the Apex.

The PRP kit for the XDM blows any trigger away for me but only on the 5.25 model. For some reason it doesn't feel as good on the 4.5 or the 3.8 but something about the slide on the 5.25 makes the pull so crisp and you hear a nice ping on dry fire. I also have a tungsten weighted guide rod for the XDM and it helps it shoot flat.

That being said both pistols are what I shoot the most. I have no glocks but comparing it to my friends G34 the XDM feels so much more comfortable. I have plenty of Sigs and these are my go to striker fire pistols.

If you're down in the LA area or go to LAX you're more than welcome to take them for a spin or join us at Rahaagues on a weekday to REALLY put them through their paces.

I highly recommend both but if you aren't planning on putting an optic on the core just go for a pro series or get a Full Size M&P and buy the long slide. I've seen them around. Either way I think you have two good choices to deal with. Good luck and let us know what you end up with.

[neomedic]

^^^ I want to tag along to Rahaagues to get a feel of the PRP trigger if you have room for one more

[protohyp]

^^^ I want to tag along to Rahaagues to get a feel of the PRP trigger if you have room for one more

We usually go twice a month on Monday or tuesdays. PM me. Headed to Colorado to Rifle for some rock climbing this next week so it'll have to be in October


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