I am new and would appreciate help.

[CouchOperator]

If you've got extra cash, get a Browning Hi Power!

Ah yes, the $44 mags, long crappy trigger, hammer bite, numb manual safety, and unenthusiastic extraction. Whats not to love?

[newbie1234]

Love M&P Shield and hate Beretta M9. Oh that is easy, your choice will narrow down to polymer frame (M&P Shield) and you seem don't like metal frame (Beretta M9). So just check out the polymer frame pistols.

Congratulation, you just join the "Glock fan boys" and remember to get away from the "1911's lovers"
Ah, one more thing, you should tell your pistol budget range , it will make ease for Calguner for the recommendation.

[L84CABO]

I just moved to CA recently and purchased my 1st firearm.(M&P shield 9)

I've shot the M&P 9 full size and fell in love with how the recoil and grip fit my needs. I've only shot the Beretta M9 before this and hated it.

Here's my question, are there any companies that have similar recoil and design of the M&P series that anyone would say is equivalent or better?

Striker Fired Polymer Guns:

Glock 17, 19, etc.
Springfield XD's, XDM's, and XDS's
Sig P320
Walther PPQ
HK VP9

"Better" is very subjective. All pistols that I listed are high quality weapons. Buy with confidence based on which one feels better in your hand and/or which one you shoot the best. You'll never get agreement on which is "best" overall.

I highly suggest you go to a range with a good rental counter. You'll sort out more in an afternoon than anything any of us can tell you. Plus it will be fun! But I would make absolutely sure you shoot any subcompact (like the Shield) before you buy. Some subcompacts can be pretty uncomfortable to shoot...even some 9mm's

Note that not all of these guns are on the Ca DOJ approved list. You may have to buy used through private party sale or get gifted if you happen to have an appropriate family member in another state.

As a side note, Apex makes outstanding triggers for M&P's...and a whole host of other guns too at this point.

Welcome to the forum!

[Wordupmybrotha]

Springfield XD 9mm feels very similar to M&P. Trigger feels excellent.

[Beendare]

I think if you give more info WHY you didn't like the beretta...you will get more accurate answers.

My guess is the grip is too large...or the long DA/SA trigger pull.

I would say this to you; Once you gain experience, some of the pistols you didn't like on first flush.....you might come to love. Its not necessarily which one feels best in your hands...[though that helps]

[scamp62]

glock 19