Thinking....

[Shawn]

S&W M/P .40 for my first... Yes?

 

[mbryson]

Nothing wrong with that weapon. Have you went to a retailer and handled a bunch of weapons? That was th bet advice I heeded. I was surprised what I liked but I really do lie he gun(Kahr cw9)

 

[SAMI]

That's what I shoot/carry. LOVE it. I really liked my XD40SC too, but I found that I was more accurate with the M&P; especially with follow up shots. It all really comes down to what feels comfortable to you, and what you shoot the best with.

 

[TRD270]

Just to beat a dead horse, don't buy a gun based on looks, cool factor etc...... Hold the gun, if possible shoot the gun, i'd also look at a Glock, and the springfield XD if you are in the market for a Poly gun. I personally don't like the trigger on the M&P, its a great reliable weapon, I actually carried at work for awhile because thats what they started issuing us. But i'm back to my Glock, it just works better for ME, but I also really like the XD.

Kahr's are also fine weapons I had a PM9 for a while, super comfy to carry.

Also make sure you shoot what ever caliber with what ever gun before you choose. Don't buy a .40 just because it's a .40, some people can't handle it (not saying you) it's just surprising how much more accurate*some* people are stepping down to a 9mm.

1 well aimed 9mm is far more effective than 15 misses with a .40 cal

 

[Hickey]

Shawn, I recommend you go down to a gun range such as Impact Guns or Get Some and do the rental thing. That way you can test drive a bunch of different handguns and really get a feel for what you like. You don't want to drop 5 bills on a gun only to find out you dislike it. For a first gun, I would go with a Glock or Springfield XD. They are both super simple and reliable weapons.

If you don't like this idea, plan on buying a lot of guns. This is not necessarily a bad thing either.

 

[glockman]

I find it funny that when Smith came out with the .40 and Glock was one of the first manufacturers to make one, they made all sorts of claims that "Plastic" guns would never work. Now they make a pretty good version in my opinion. I have fired the M&P in both the 9 and the 40. I liked them both. They feel really good in my hand. I tend to lean more to Glocks because I have shot them for a long time, they ALWAYS work and the grip angle helps me switch to my revolvers for Cowboy Action easier. The grip angle on the M&P is more similar to a 1911.

 

[sixstringsteve]

Shawn, I recommend you go down to a gun range such as Impact Guns or Get Some and do the rental thing. That way you can test drive a bunch of different handguns and really get a feel for what you like. You don't want to drop 5 bills on a gun only to find out you dislike it.

x2

 

[TuckerUT]

I agree that you should try as many weapons as possible before you buy one. I'm not a big fan of the m&p personally, while I do like the ergonomics, I hate the trigger.

 

[TkMeHomePlease]

I carry springfield xd 40 sub compact, I carry every time I'm not at work . So used to it now I feel like I'm missing something when I'm gettin dressed and don't put it on . Would carry at work but cant drive city bus ,dot won't let me

 

[Hickey]

I carry springfield xd 40 sub compact, I carry every time I'm not at work . So used to it now I feel like I'm missing something when I'm gettin dressed and don't put it on . Would carry at work but cant drive city bus ,dot won't let me

How is DOT preventing you from carrying? They have no authority in this area.

 

[Cascadia]

I'm with everyone else on trying them out first. I also think it depends what you'll use it for? Are you carrying or just using at the range? My brother in law and I got our first guns the same day. I knew since it was my first gun I would want to shoot at the range a lot. I tried telling him that but he still went with the m&p .40. He loves it but when we go to the range he doesn't love it. Because of the price difference in ammo I have probably put about 800-1000 rounds through mine and he has only put about 150 rounds through his. He doesn't regret the gun choice at all, he loves it. Especially since he's a lefty and the grip is made for both. Ammo is just expensive, as is any higher caliber gun.

 

[thefirstzukman]

How is DOT preventing you from carrying? They have no authority in this area.

I'm with Hickey on this one... Curious to hear this.