M&P40/40c or something else?

[theme57]

Hello everyone I was wondering if the M&P40/M&P40c would be a good choice for a first handgun. I am thinking of going full size since CA isnt really a place that lets people CCW and by the time I do plan onto the market for compact pistols might have something that better suits my tastes or I will just wing it with the full size ha ha. Either way would you recommend another pistol besides the M&P? I plan on using this pistol for HD and if SHTF so any recommendations for something that might be better then the M&P40/40c? (still deciding on the full size vs compact)

[AdiosKali]

The M&P line is a great platform. Given it is your first handgun, I would say go FS especially since you won't be doing CC. You might think about a 9mm as the caliber is easier to shoot for those just getting into pistols and ammo is less expensive which means more time on the range. 9mm is no slouch in the ballistics department. Less recoil and muzzle blast which equates to quicker follow-up shots. You have choices with the M&P; thumb safety vs. no thumb safety, magazine disconnect or not. Mainly limited by what is on the CA approved list and what your LGS can acquire.

[Jsnscot]

I own the M&P 40C and my buddy has the FS. Definitely go with the 9mm if you get the compact, the 40C is just too snappy.

[Shenaniguns]

I own a FS9 and 9c, for a first gun stick with 9mm so you can practice more and since it's easier to learn to shoot fast and ballistics wise the difference in negligible. The Full Size is easier to shoot and easier to learn on IMO.

[kauaibuilt]

The M&P line is a great platform. Given it is your first handgun, I would say go FS especially since you won't be doing CC. You might think about a 9mm as the caliber is easier to shoot for those just getting into pistols and ammo is less expensive which means more time on the range. 9mm is no slouch in the ballistics department. Less recoil and muzzle blast which equates to quicker follow-up shots. You have choices with the M&P; thumb safety vs. no thumb safety, magazine disconnect or not. Mainly limited by what is on the CA approved list and what your LGS can acquire.

+1. My favorites to shoot would be 1911 (although I sold mine), m&p .40 (ordered an OEM 9mm barrel to range shoot cheaper), fnp 9/40's, hk usp .40 (sold), and then glock (sold).


Other then the 3" 1911 they've all been great shooters out of the box.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk

[SteveG]

I just bought my first firearm ever a few weeks ago... a full size 9mm M&P. The motivation for this gun was home defense (please, no comments on caliber) and also, to introduce my wife to firearms. Up until we took a handgun course together a few weeks ago, she'd never fired anything other than a pellet gun. The M&P went over very well. She shot about 150 rounds through it and was disappointed we ran out of ammo....

Yeah, so my wife likes it. What about me? Loved it. My brain really wanted a Glock 17... great track record, cheap parts and accessories.... I enjoyed shooting the Glock and shot it well, but the M&P just feels sooo much better in the hand. I'm currently shopping for a compact or sub compact and, again, I'm drawn to the G26 but I just can't get past the M&P9C. I'll likely order one within the next few days.

Bottom line, I really doubt you'll be disappointed by the M&P.

[SteveG]

+1. My favorites to shoot would be 1911 (although I sold mine), m&p .40 (ordered an OEM 9mm barrel to range shoot cheaper), fnp 9/40's, hk usp .40 (sold), and then glock (sold).

How much was the 9mm barrel for the .40?

[Shenaniguns]

I will comment and caliber, the difference in the typical service calibers(9mm, .357, .40, .45) with good ammo (HST, Ranger-T, DPX are insignificant for defensive use on humans.

[Shenaniguns]

How much was the 9mm barrel for the .40?

IMO there's no reason to personally select .40 over 9mm unless you're issued it or competing professionally.

[c3 rolling]

M&P is a great choice as well as Glock/XD, low maintenance and a VERY HIGH chance that it will go bang every time. Always go full size for your first pistol, its much easier to get to your shooting fundamentals down with a full size grip/reduced felt recoil. I would get a 9mm because its cheaper to practice with and has sufficient stopping power. Just as a reference point, 50 rounds of the cheapest Federal 9mm ammo is 11 bucks a box at Walmart while the .40 is like 17-18 bucks, .45 18-19 bucks.

[SteveG]

I'm not planing on buying one, I was just curious.

[db42]

Hello everyone I was wondering if the M&P40/M&P40c would be a good choice for a first handgun. I am thinking of going full size since CA isnt really a place that lets people CCW and by the time I do plan onto the market for compact pistols might have something that better suits my tastes or I will just wing it with the full size ha ha. Either way would you recommend another pistol besides the M&P? I plan on using this pistol for HD and if SHTF so any recommendations for something that might be better then the M&P40/40c? (still deciding on the full size vs compact)

The SHTF gun is the Glock 17 - and it has no rival for that post.

As for a personal weapon, I recommend the SR9 - which may be able to challenge the Glock 17 for "top pistol" sometime in the near future.

[MyGlock17]

So many good choices out in todays market...Glock, XD, M&P, H&K, FNP, CZ any 1911 the list goes on and on...You can't go wrong with those choices...But for a 1st handgun i would recommend getting something you really really want the most...Even if it's going to cost you more...If you don't have enough money just save up and get the one you want..Make it special...Make sure the gun fits like a glove and inspect the gun before you buy it...Happy shopping...

My choices for you would be : Glock 17, 19 or 23...Sig 229R, FNP -9 or FNP 40, Springfield XD service size or subcompact, H&K USP compact or M&P compact or full size...

[SteveG]

Make sure the gun fits like a glove and inspect the gun before you buy it...

That's what I did and it worked out well for me.

[Gryff]

I have the compact model as my LTC gun. Great gun.

But, in terms of a "first handgun," I would never recommend a gun that is designed for concealed carry. A full- or mid-sized handgun is a much better choice since it is easier to shoot/control, recoil is milder, and allows you to focus on shooting fundamentals rather than compensating for the reduced size of the gun.