M&p 9mm or .38 special for first handgun?

[natalianame]

I've been planning on saving some money and buying a handgun to use at the range for about a year now. It will also be my home defense handgun, so I'm not considering a .22lr. Also, my range does not allow magnum loads, so no 357. I like simplicity, so I was thinking of getting a .38 special. A number of people have recommended the m&p 9mm for me. I like the idea of a semi-auto pistol, magazines, etc., but wonder if I should have a first handgun that is DA only. I also wonder how difficult it will be for me to maintain. I don't have anyone I'm close to that has handgun experience that will help me with this. I live in MA, so I'm limited to 10 round magazines, if that helps anyone. Any recommendations, anyone? Things to consider that I'm not? Ammo for both is available and not too expensive where I live. Ammo for the .40 is less available and more expensive where I live, so I'm not considering it. I also have a pump 12 gauge for home defense, but my living space is a little too cramped for it.
Thanks

[iluvmycolt]

Have you fired/handled the m&p 9 before? How about the 38 that you're eyeing, have you fired/handled it? If not, you will probably want to go to the range and rent it out to see how you like it. Me personally, I'd pick the m&p 9 because it has more fire power. Good luck.

[mnichols]

If possible, rent them both.

I have the M&P 9 as well as a 686. The M&P lives in my nightstand, the 686 lives in the safe.

[Area 52]

You must hold and preferably fire a gun before you know if it's going to work for you. That being said, almost any modern semi-auto made by a major company would be hard to go wrong with, given it fits your hand well. I personally did not like the grip on the M&P but many swear by it. Springfield Armory has a promotion now until October where they'll give you three extra magazines and a mag pouch when you buy any of their pistols, and their handguns are all highly rated. I will be going with an XD 9 Service for my first handgun partly for that reason.

[SoberClurichaun]

An M&P 9 was my first handgun. It was great I don't have it anymore. Wish I held onto it though!

[Sputnik]

For HD use you'd likely want those 5-6 rounds you'll get with a semi auto (whether M&P, Glock, xd, Springfield, etc.)
With a good revolver you'll get the complete reliability revolvers are known for. Keep in mind that whether or not your chosen range wants you shooting magnum loads you can still shoot .38spl in a .357 and keep some .357 defense loads for nightstand duty.
I guess it comes down to personal preference...I have both so I don't have to choose

[Fenixgoon]

When I was pistol shopping, I looked at the Glock 17 (I think?), Springfield XD, S&W M&P, and Stoeger Cougar. All excellent firearms, but the Stoeger fit my hands like a glove. I instantly knew it was the one I wanted.

So try a bunch of different ones in your hands. Obviously better if you can shoot! Comfort is definitely not overrated

[Marquand]

The choice between revolver and semi-auto pistol is a tough one.

The revolver offers simpler operation, easy verification if the firearm is loaded, no safety to disengage, no stored energy (compressed springs) to possibly wear out, and extreme reliability.

The semi-auto pistol offers a variety of ways to partially disable the firearm to prevent unauthorized use (safeties, leaving the magazine out, etc.), increased ammunition capacity, a shorter and lighter trigger pull (depending on model), and a larger variety of customization options.

I tell most people who ask me this question the following: If you don't plan on taking firearms up as a hobby and your self defense firearm is going to occupy the same role as a fire extinguisher (used only in event of emergency) OR if you have someone in your home who can be trusted to use a firearm but won't share your level of commitment to learning how to use a semi-auto, then buy a revolver. Otherwise, buy whichever firearm appeals to you more.

[gun toting monkeyboy]

Okay, the thing is, with an M&P, a Glock, an XD, all of them will give you what is basically the same trigger pull as a DA revolver. So you don't realy gain any additional control by going with the revolver. Also, IIRC, you will have to get an MA version of any handgun you buy, which means it will come with a stupid-heavy trigger pull of at least 10 pounds. Again, that negates any advantage a revolver might have. As the others have said, go to a range and try renting the handguns you are looking at. I like the M&P. It is fun to shoot, and fits me well. That being said, the only loaded handgun in my house it a .38 Smith and Wesson (pre-)Model 10. Why? Because my wife wanted something that was foolproof, and would go bang without her having to remember to rack the slide, or anything else. It is a point and click kind of simplicity. Or rather, a point and pull the trigger. Decide what you like, and buy accordingly.

-Mb

[MCM]

I would pick up a 4" - 6" S&W .38 special. Grab a used police trade in. Spend the xtra money on ammo & practice. Then play around with semi auto's.
Most all defensive shootings are less than 3 rounds fired. Just to throw that out there. Its also a gun you can easily teach others to shoot. Wife kids etc.
Just my two.

(my wife's 1st gun was a 3" model 65 Ladysmith . Still her favorite with 38's. after 20 yrs.......) Easy, effective & Fool proof.

[Barang]

You can't go wrong with either one. It comes down to which one you're more comfortable with. So make time to rent them to see which one suits you better.
Good luck!

[FX-05 Xiuhcoatl]

+1 on m&p40/9, I own one and its my go to gun, if you realty want a 38 special, buy a wheel gun in 357mag and feed it 38 for practice and load it with 357 for home defense.

[Mr.Cip]

I would pick up a 4" - 6" S&W .38 special. Grab a used police trade in. Spend the xtra money on ammo & practice. Then play around with semi auto's.

Most all defensive shootings are less than 3 rounds fired. Just to throw that out there. Its also a gun you can easily teach others to shoot. Wife kids etc.

Just my two.



(my wife's 1st gun was a 3" model 65 Ladysmith . Still her favorite with 38's. after 20 yrs.......) Easy, effective & Fool proof.

I agree...
A four inch .38/.357 revolver is perfect.. Personally I have a GP100, or a S&W 686 or a 19 would be ideal. I also have S&W 442, but that is too uncomfortable for a beginner.
A Glock 19 or Sig SP2022 in 9mm is good pistol to start with.


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