First Impression, M&P 40

3115 Views 12 Replies 9 Participants Last post by HankH, Nov 17, 2006

HankH

Discussion Starter · Nov 3, 2006

I have purchase my first "plastic pistol", a .40 ser/MPBxxxx, without magazine or key lock safety.

It has been 20 years since I carried and that was a model 39. There is definitely a difference! I admit I am very uncomfortable not having that hard double action pull for the first shot. It feels like cocked and unlocked! With one in the chamber, absolutely nothing can touch that trigger. Not clothing, snaps, finger, or any other projection. Safe carry seems to be a little more involved, in that full trigger protection must be maintained.

Well, I have an 86 year old Colt .22 auto that I need to carry with an empty chamber, but I really would not want to do that on a defence gun. I think I shall find a good holster for the M&P.

Shooting it was great. No malfunctions and recoil was moderate. Accuracy was good and I look forward to taking it to a formal range for a work out.

I still am worried about carrying a round in the chamber. Perhaps some of you guys who have carried these striker type pistols for some years can give some reassurance and advice.

Thank you.

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matt7184

· #2 · Nov 3, 2006

Get a holster that covers the trigger fully. Keep your finger off the trigger.

For what it's worth, I don't care what kind of trigger a gun has, I want the trigger fully covered in a holster.

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G56

· #3 · Nov 3, 2006

Like you this is my first "plastic" pistol, I have had a number of S&W semi autos before, I've got a 469 and 908, both compact 9mm pistols, as well as a couple of 1911's, a Beretta M92, and a bunch of S&W and a couple of Ruger revolvers. I carried a S&W model 66 as a duty weapon for a number of years, the action on it had been tuned, so I'm very familiar with shooting double action, or in this case a striker fired pistol.

I don't have any second thoughts about carrying this pistol, just use the standard safety procedures of keeping the finger off the trigger till you are actually going to fire is all the safety you need, as far as holsters, almost all of them these days have a covered trigger, something the Bill Jordan holster that I carried on duty didn't have.

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Bloodnut

· #4 · Nov 4, 2006

You'll be fine. Just get a quality holster that covers the trigger. After that it's a question of maintaining muzzle and trigger discipline. The M&P is not going to spontaneously fire - various internals make it drop safe.

After you shoot it a few times and carry it some, you'll wonder why it was such a big deal. Over at Glocktalk, there is always someone fretting about carrying w/ a chambered round - this generally draws numerous snide comments.

Just trust yourself. Let us know what kind of progress you make. Good luck.

BTW: Helluva good pick (the M&P) to get into the plastic pistol arena.

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iskiuskiweski

· #5 · Nov 5, 2006

I was reluctant at first as well, so I use the mag disconnect for extra saftey. I remove the mag first when holstering and unholstering, that way there is less chance of any accidental tigger contact setting of the weapon. But as everyone else said make sure you have a holster that completely covers the trigger.

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Puffy

· #6 · Nov 5, 2006

I went from a die-hard 1911 user to the M&P.40 like a duck to water. I dont put my finger in the hole unless im ready to drop hammer. All my holsters cover the trigger. But i still wish the M&P had a slide thumb safety.

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Rvrctyrngr

· #7 · Nov 5, 2006

I've carried a Glock in one flavour or another almost daily for over 15yrs without a problem. The stock trigger on a Glock is slightly lighter than a stock M&P.

As others in this thread have stated, get a quality holster that covers the trigger guard, and you'll be fine. Trigger-finger discipline is your key to safety.

Once you get your holster...if you need to prove things to yourself, rack the slide without chambering a round. Insert a full mag, and put the pistol in your holster. Carry as normal and check every evening to see that the trigger has NOT been pulled. I think you'll get over it.

I know how you feel, though. I had a mental block against carrying a cocked and locked 1911 or BHP (just something about seeing that hammer cocked in the holster). I did the above, and though I found the safety had been wiped to the 'fire' position a couple of times during the testing period, the hammer never fell on the empty chamber....I carry a BHP now almost as often as any other pistol.

Keep your boogerhook off the bang switch, and all will be well.

Scott

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HankH

Discussion Starter · #8 · Nov 6, 2006

Thank you all for the suggestions and advise.

Kindest Regards,

Hank

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markh

· #9 · Nov 12, 2006

Congrats on a great pistol.

BTW welcome to the forum.

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HankH

Discussion Starter · #10 · Nov 13, 2006

Since I made my first post, I purchased a high-quality Desantis holster, an IWB model called "Tuck This". This holster provides a very secure protection for the trigger and I have not been successful in getting the striker to release while in that holster.

With an unloaded (checked 3 times) pistol, I practiced drawing (not fast draw) and inserting this new pistol, being careful to leave my finger out of the trigger guard. On one of the insertions I heard the audible click of the striker. From what I am able to determine enough clothing protruded into the trigger guard to release the striker.

Had that pistol been loaded, it would have discharged and I would have an unwanted hole in my leg. Now this leaves me with two choices. 1) Carry the pistol with a full magazine and empty chamber. 2) Carry with a cartridge in the chamber and the mindset never to insert the pistol into the holster, while it is on my body.

I have chosen option 2, if I ever draw while carrying, I will remove the holster and it will come to the pistol, which will be pointed in a safe direction. Once the pistol is secure in the holster, I will put it back on. Moreover, sticking the pistol in a pocket or in the wasteband is out, as are most gun bags or any other mode of carry than that which will provide absolute protection to that trigger guard area.

I am posting this only to remind all of the importance of safe handling practices and absolute familiarity with one's chosen equipment. Accidents will happen, hopefully without tragedy.

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Rvrctyrngr

· #11 · Nov 14, 2006

Hank,

I understand your apprehension. Practice is just that....PRACTICE.

As you stated in your original post, it's been 20 years since you carried.

Doesn't matter what pistol you're carrying, you should ALWAYS ensure there are no obstructions when you reholster. Selection of cover garment is important. Trust me....been there. Forget to de-cock a Sig or SW, re-safety a 1911/BHP, and you have a much worse scenario than with a Glock or MP when you go to reholster.

Thanks for the reminder. It does all of us good.

Best,

Scott

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PENS-66

· #12 · Nov 15, 2006

HankH said:
Since I made my first post, I purchased a high-quality Desantis holster, an IWB model called "Tuck This". This holster provides a very secure protection for the trigger and I have not been successful in getting the striker to release while in that holster.

With an unloaded (checked 3 times) pistol, I practiced drawing (not fast draw) and inserting this new pistol, being careful to leave my finger out of the trigger guard. On one of the insertions I heard the audible click of the striker. From what I am able to determine enough clothing protruded into the trigger guard to release the striker.

Had that pistol been loaded, it would have discharged and I would have an unwanted hole in my leg. Now this leaves me with two choices. 1) Carry the pistol with a full magazine and empty chamber. 2) Carry with a cartridge in the chamber and the mindset never to insert the pistol into the holster, while it is on my body.

I have chosen option 2, if I ever draw while carrying, I will remove the holster and it will come to the pistol, which will be pointed in a safe direction. Once the pistol is secure in the holster, I will put it back on. Moreover, sticking the pistol in a pocket or in the wasteband is out, as are most gun bags or any other mode of carry than that which will provide absolute protection to that trigger guard area.

I am posting this only to remind all of the importance of safe handling practices and absolute familiarity with one's chosen equipment. Accidents will happen, hopefully without tragedy.

Hank, Would the M&P compact fit into the Desantis Tuck This holster for the full size? Or if anyone else knows this answer please let me know...I wouldn't see why it wouldnt fit....What is the actual size difference between the two other than the barrell and grip length? HELP????

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HankH

Discussion Starter · #13 · Nov 17, 2006

The Desantis holster should fit the compact model, but I would call them and make sure before purchasing.

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