Finally, my first handgun.

[adriankeith]

After much searching and many (failed) attempts to buy my first handgun here on the calguns forums, I went to ammo bros and picked out my S&W M&P 9. Now the long waiting game =\

I'll likely put the gun through a few hundred rounds before I even think of doing anything to it. This will be my first handgun and so I want to get a good feel for it.

Can anyone recommend a good holster for this gun? Also, I was thinking of putting the Streamlight TLR-3 or Surefire's X300/X400. I'm pretty sure the Streamlight TLR will fit but I'm not 100% on the X300/X400.

Any thoughts? Thanks all, I received a lot of help and feedback for purchasing my first handgun through here.

Also, I'm curious if anyone happens to know the differences in the serial number ranges.

[bandsaw]

Congratulations.

Yeah definitely wait till you're very comfortable with it before you do anything to it. You won't fully appreciate the mods unless you know what it's like without them.

As for holster. I don't know a whole lot about holsters, but it would help if others knew what it'll be used for; concealed carry, range holster, etc?

Great choice of firearm. Congrats again.

[THE NEW GUY]

Nice choice!!!

Don't think you will be disappointed at all.

[THE NEW GUY]

As far as the light attachement, get use to shooting it without the light first. I mean dont get dependant on the lazer, because the day you need to use your gun in self defense, may be the day you need batteries.

If any upgrades, I would look into night sights. Doesn't need batteries.

[beerg8ggles]

Can anyone recommend a good holster for this gun? Also, I was thinking of putting the Streamlight TLR-3 or Surefire's X300/X400. I'm pretty sure the Streamlight TLR will fit but I'm not 100% on the X300/X400.

Congrats, nice gun! if you're looking at lights, get the TLR-1s; it's on sale now at OMB Express for $84 (order $5 more worth of stuff and shipping is free). For the normal price of a TLR-3, you get the strobe feature and brighter light (160 lumens vs 90, or something like that) in the TLR-1s, and not have to deal with funky batteries in the TLR3.

(While you're on their website, you might also notice they're having a sale on the MP in .9 or .40 for $398 with free shipping.)

[Fishslayer]

This is Kalifornistan. No need for a holster....

[drunktank]

Sure here is. Desert shooting comes to mind (if you don't have a table). Many people say the triggers feel better after several hundred rounds so don't be discouraged if they are rough at first. I personally don't think they're as bad a some people say, but congrats!

[Fishslayer]

Sure here is. Desert shooting comes to mind (if you don't have a table). !

I was kidding. Went & bought a $7 Crossman holster for my KP90 for just such occasions. It fits my gun like custom made, BTW.

[NorCal Einstein]

Can anyone recommend a good holster for this gun? Also, I was thinking of putting the Streamlight TLR-3 or Surefire's X300/X400. I'm pretty sure the Streamlight TLR will fit but I'm not 100% on the X300/X400.

Depends how much you want to pay, what kind of holster you're looking for (Kydex or leather), and how long you're willing to wait.

I just ordered an OWB holster from "Garrett Industries" who make a Kydex/Leather combo holster (Kydex on the outside, leather lined). Another Calgunner recently picked on up for his Glock, and I just love the way they look, so I couldn't resist. My holster from GI also shipped in under 2 weeks (should arrive on Thursday). I know that Garrett Industries will be able to accommodate for the popular X300 and TLR-3, but I'm not sure about the X400.

It all really boils down to what you're looking for in a holster, and if you're under a time constraint. You probably know the long wait associated with Raven holsters, and that is going to hold true to many of the popular makers of custom leather holsters as well.

[theneko]

Congrats - that was my first too! I have a crimson trace laser grip and a TLR-1 on the front rail. I like that combination, you may want to consider it. I usually take the TLR off at the range but can still use the laser if I want. It has instinctive activation (just grip the pistol) and the grips look just like the stock grips so they don't change the look of the pistol at all. Of course if you want to change your backstraps to different sizes then you wouldn't want to do this. Have fun shooting it!

[ZX-10R]

Congrats...That is a SOLID choice.

[morrcarr67]

Very nice. Welcome to the club

[IrishPirate]

congrats. Hope you didn't buy it with the idea that it will fit you better after some modification.....you might end up very disappointed. Everyone I know who has bought one loves their M&P. it seems to be one of those guns you either love or hate. hope you end up loving yours!!!

[adriankeith]

Thanks for all the responses.

@IrishPirate: I went out to the range a few times and fired the gun and really liked the way it felt. I have every intention of using it as it is out of the box without any modifications for quite some time. I like the "if it ain't broke don't fix it" mentality so I probably won't do anything to it for a very long time and until I really know my way around it. I have some learning to do as far as cleaning and all that is concerned so my thoughts about mods on the thing are way down the road. I've enjoyed it at the range and have been able to put some really nice groups together. It feels just right in my hand and I feel like I can get a consistent grip every time I pick it up.

@theneko I'll probably look into the light/grip combo that you recommended. Sounds like a good setup but others have made a good point about relying on them and how they may become a point of failure. I'll probably get these some considerable amount of time later.

Thanks for all the responses. Definitely excited about the purchase and it was a decision based on a few range trips as well as some really high regards from forum members.

As far as the hoslter, I will probably never be able to conceal carry this and I'm sure that even if I did get a compact version that I'd never be able to get the CCW license. I'm not overly concerned with that type of holster. I suppose the desert shooting would be the most likely case. I just want something durable for a decent price. I haven't looked at any holsters so I guess a decent price doesn't really tell you the price range. I'm not opposed to kydex or leather but I'm sure that I'll have to do some research in that regard.

Thanks again for all the responses.

I don't want to turn this into another thread but has anyone seen this site and if so, any thoughts on the exercises provided?

http://pistol-training.com/drills

I want my range time to actually translate to something other than popping off rounds. I've seen some clips of the magpul tactical handgun videos but some of the exercises probably won't fly in the local ranges (they don't like you shooting too fast).

Thanks again! Can't wait to pick her up!

-- btw did anyone know anything about the serial numbers? just curious. I had seen a video review about some recent changes that were made to the newer S&Ws and I was wondering if mine was part of that newer batch.

sorry for the dark picture also, my cell phone photo stinks.

[Chuck67]

Congrats great pick