SMITH & WESSON M&P9
Posted Jun 16, 2023
The Smith & Wesson M&P9 is an exceptional polymer pistol designed for self-defense and sport shooting. It combines the user-friendly features of the Smith & Wesson M&P with the power and accuracy of a 9mm handgun. As a result, this gun is suitable for a variety of shooters.
From the moment I opened the box, I was impressed with the attention to detail and quality that was put into this gun. The firearm’s construction is top-notch and features an extruded aluminum chassis with a black-oxide finish. While not a necessity for precision shooting, this feature adds to the aesthetics of the gun and is a great touch. The design is comfortable in the hand and the reversible magazine release is an excellent addition for left-handed shooters.
As far as performance, the M&P9 is a powerhouse. The stainless steel barrel and slide are both 4.25 inches in length, providing this gun with a short, compact design while also helping to ensure that it can handle the intense pressures of the 9mm round. The three dot phosphorous night sights are an excellent touch and are mounted atop the slide for speed and accuracy.
One of the most impressive features of the M&P9 is its trigger. It has a smoothened action that can be upgraded with an aftermarket kit, allowing the user to customize the trigger pull weight. Additionally, the trigger reset is very short and audible, allowing the user to know exactly when the gun is ready to fire again.
The M&P9 is also incredibly accurate. I tested the gun out at several different ranges and it consistently performed well. At 50 feet, the gun produced tight and consistent groups. I was also impressed with the gun’s recoil and felt that the slide cycling was incredibly fast and easy.
The best feature that the M&P9 offers is its modularity. The gun allows for the easy addition of aftermarket components, which is a big plus. The grip can be modified with interchangeable back and side straps and the slide can be outfitted with a wide variety of sights, optics, and other modifications. This gun is highly customizable, allowing the user to tailor it to their specific needs.
Overall, the Smith & Wesson M&P9 is an outstanding polymer pistol. It is reliable, accurate, and highly customizable. This gun is perfect for self-defense, sport shooting, and concealed carry. It is a weapon that will serve you well and is sure to impress. I look forward to spending a lot of time behind this great gun.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Durable construction with an expertly crafted frame and barrel.
- Highly adjustable sights for precision accuracy.
- Lightweight and ergonomic design for comfortable shooting.
- Quick and easy takedown system for simple and fast cleaning/maintenance.
- Available in a number of calibers.
- Interchangeable back straps for better grip and fit.
- Interchangeable magazine options.
- Ambidextrous slide and slide release.
Cons:
- Limited aftermarket upgrades and customizing options.
- Only accepts factory magazines (none of the aftermarket ones work).
- Trigger pull is heavier than some other handguns making it difficult to get a smooth, comfortable shot.
- Limited number of holsters available for the gun.
- Price is higher than some polymer framed competitors.
Who Should Buy
The Smith & Wesson M&P9 is a semi-automatic handgun that is intended for use by trained and experienced shooters. It is not an appropriate choice for a first-time gun owner. It is suitable for target shooting, home defense, and competitive shooting.
Those who should consider buying this handgun would include experienced firearm enthusiasts, competitive shooters, and those who are looking for a reliable self-defense option. People who should not buy this gun are those who are not comfortable handling firearms, as well as those who are not willing to take the time to learn how to shoot correctly and safely.
Comparisons
| SMITH & WESSON M&P9 | SMITH & WESSON PC1911 | WILSON COMBAT CQB TACTICAL LE | HECKLER & KOCH HK 416 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | 9mm | .45 ACP | .45 ACP | 5.56 NATO |
| Capacity | 17+1 | 8+1 | 8+1 | 30+1 |
| Barrel Length | 4.25" | 5.0" | 5.0" | 16" |
| Overall Length | 7.63" | 8.75" | 8.6" | 28.75" |
| Sight Radius | 6.3" | 6.9" | 6.9" | 14.1" |
| Weight | 24.7 oz. | 39.4 oz. | 38.3 oz. | 7.3 lbs. |
| Trigger Pull | 6.5 lbs. | 5.5 lbs. | 3.75 lbs. | 7.9 lbs. |
Features / Specs
• Caliber: 9x19mm
• Action: Semi-Automatic Double/Single Action
• Capacity: 10/15/17/20 Rounds
• Barrel Length: 4.25"
• Overall Length: 7.5”
• Weight: 24 oz.
• Frame: Polymer
• Slide: Carbon Steel
• Safe Action Trigger System
• Thumb Safety
• Three Dot Adjustable Sight System
Popular Accessories
Shield?
- holsters
- spare magazines
- gun cleaning kit
- tritium night sights
- laser sights
- mag extensions
- grip extensions
- magazine carriers
- flashlights/lasers
- gun case
Accuracy
The Smith & Wesson M&P9 is known for its accuracy. In fact, the company says that its accuracy is within 1.5” at 25 yards. This means that it is a very accurate gun when you consider the average range at which guns are fired in practical scenarios. This gun is also incredibly accurate when shot in rapid-fire situations. The M&P9 has a minimal muzzle lift due to its comfortable recoil-absorbing grip, which allows for faster target acquisition and accurate shooting. It also has a crisp trigger with minimal to no stacking, which is desirable for accurate shooting. All in all, the Smith & Wesson M&P9 is known for its high level of accuracy and reliability, making it an ideal weapon for a variety of scenarios.
