XDm vs M&P40 - Questions

[penguinofsleep]

So I was thinking of getting a full sized .40sw striker fired polymer pistol and had it down to the XDm in .40 (4.5 barrel). However, I tried a M&P 40 recently and then shot it back to back with the XD (no xdm available) and I shot equally well with either. Both had minor drawbacks but it wasn't anything serious.

Anyone have any advice or experience they would care to share before I decide, especially in the way of technical or design merits? Both is not an option. Also open to aftermarket modifications and etc., so one having say a better trigger, sights, etc. out of the box isn't a huge deal, but if I can save money not having to upgrade, even better.

I've already ruled out several other platforms as I think they are either better suited for other caliber for me or not what I'm looking for here.

[penguinofsleep]

Some observations I have made as well as my own experience with each one:

XD:
Slightly more "pointable" for me than the M&P, but not nearly as good as a CZ or the right 1911.
Holds 1 or 2 more rounds if I'm out of state.
Didn't fit my hands as well as it could have.

MP:
Lighter than the XD w/o more recoil
Seems to have more aftermarket support than the XD.
Seems to have a more proven track record vs the XD (i.e. more police depts., etc.) although I have no clue why.
CORE model is micro red dot ready.
Didn't fit my hands as well as it could have, but maybe the different back straps will help.

[BajaJames83]

My vote goes to the M&P,

[galengentry]

I don't think you'll easily purchase an XDm in Cali. It's not on the approved list. It's not going to be on it. I love it. I have fired one and would pay twice the price. I personally like the look of the M&P Shield, but the model is not yet available.

There are after market triggers for both the XD and XDm (available from Springfield) and after market triggers fro the M&P available from various companies, so you probably can't go wrong with either.

Just remember if possible shoot a firearm before you purchase it.

[mif_slim]

Having shot both side by side I did not notice any difference other then the XDm sights are thinner and the entire gun is slimmer then the XD. If I was out of state, XDm hands down, but in 9mm (I shoot more 40sw then any other caliber) for mag capacity.

As for M&P and XD, its a toss up on shooting but I believe the M&P has or will have a lot more aftermarket parts then the XD. But like mentioned the XDm already has as much or even more aftermarket parts then the XD.

[vintagedude88]

I don't know why Springfield never bothered to get the XDm on the roster. Maybe they're just not California friendly.

[Windex]

Get an XDM through Single Shot Exemption. XDM has a significantly better trigger than M&P. I took a class with a well known instructor who use to like M&Ps. He said, however, S&W spends everyday trying to find ways to make the gun cheaper. He feels that the quality is not what it use to be. Another class I took the instructor was former Swat/HRT. He runs an XD. One of the things he comments on it the fact that the trigger guard is big enough to shoot the gun with gloves on. With his skill level he not concerned with trigger. The guy shoots lights out with anything.

He also likes the fact that the front of the trigger guard is flat. It's easy to brace the gun against the edge of a wall or any hard surface to help stabilize for a shot(obviously that depends on situation).

[daybreak]

PPQ . I'm a diehard CZ guy, but somehow a PPQ has found it's way into my stable. Talk about the nicest stock trigger on a polymer gun ever. Great ergos as well.

[sholling]

M&P because the lower barrel axis produces less muzzle flip.

[SilverTauron]

XDm.

Having shot an M&P, the trigger is the epitome of "service grade". It is intended to fire the weapon, and that is that. As a generic bang switch for a cop or citizen uninterested in dedicated practice the Smith and Wesson's trigger is quite serviceable. As an instrument for enjoyable shot placement it leaves much to be desired.

[penguinofsleep]

daybreak - CZs are tied for favorite for me too and want a ppq eventually just b/c, but unfortunately neither one fits the bill here, or else more cz = more happy right now. didn't like the p99 in 40 either.

everyone else - seems split. all valid points. as for the triggers, it looks like an aftermarket drop in part can fix both of them for $100. again, the results at the range were the same with either gun, acceptable but with room for improvement via practice. minor complaints about both and yes, many of those could boil down to how they both felt a little bit "cheap" (not knocking, in some ways CZs do for me too), but i guess that's part of the cost of doing business in this market segment from the company's perspective...

maybe i should just let it come down to whatever i can get my hands on for the right price.

[rsrocket1]

Have you tried both out at least at a store?
I heard the M&P's now have a new trigger that is almost as good as the Apex aftermarket trigger.
My 2 year old M&P40 breaks at 4.3 pounds without the slightest hint of grit, but that was certainly a YMMV case. Out of the box there was a tiny bit of grit, but that's long gone.

I tried out a new M&P40 while visiting a gun store out of state and the break seemed pretty comfortable, but there was a little bit of grit in the take up.

I don't know if other "DAO" striker fired pistols are alike, but the M&P's are like a reverse 2-stage trigger with a long light pull followed by a distinct stopping point before the trigger breaks. This lets you know exactly when you'll shoot the gun and when shooting slower than "rapid fire" makes it act almost like a single action. Not nearly as nice as a 1911, but still pretty good.

I do like the 9mm conversion. Swap in a factory 9mm barrel for $70, a couple of 9mm mags and you now have an M&P 9. No, it's not officially approved, but if you're worried, you can get a Storm Lake conversion for $140 and have the same thing.

[AregularGuy]

Don't forget:

XD 16 rounds max (9mm) vs XDm 19 rounds max (9mm) - not sure if capacity for 40 has a similar difference
XDm has the match grade barrel and adjustable back straps, XD - no backstraps
XDm slightly thinner than XD
XDm 4.5" barrel vs XD 4" barrel
The above change the feel of the pistol slightly and how it shoots vs XD, in a good way.
You will likely pay $800+ (around $600 for pistol+Tax+SSE) for an XDM in Cali (I have 2!) vs price of and M&P or XD

[cfusionpm]

I own an XDM 9mm and a good friend owns a S&W M&P9. Maybe I'm biased because I own it, but I just like the XDM much more. The Smith feels cheaper, like the plastics and construction aren't quite as solid.

The trigger on the M&P has a much more crisp break, but an AWFUL takeup. Feels like I'm dragging a shovel through a pile of gravel. It's bad. Not that the XDM factory trigger is fantastic, but it felt smoother. Regardless, I put a PRP trigger in mine anyway, and I can't compare to a modified M&P because I've never fired a modified trigger.

The XDM just feels "right" in my hands. This may not be true for all, but it points extremely naturally and I can get shots on target faster with this than any other pistol I've owned.

The S&W requires a tool for disassembly (which is stored in the grip). Not a big deal, but you can field strip the XDM in about 2 seconds with the flip of a lever.

S&W has magazine disconnect, will not fire without magazine inserted. I don't like this.

XDM has cocking indicator and loaded chamber indicator. I like how they implemented both of them.

Under slow controlled situations, I seem to fire both of them well, maybe a bit more accurately with XDM because I'm used to it. I don't notice much difference in muzzle flip or controllability, but I was shooting 9mm for both. Speed shooting was much better in the XDM for me.

Just some thoughts.

[Sir Stunna Lot]

Do u want to own something made in the U S of A or... Croatia? I dont own anything from Croatia...