[MP4ME]

Hi, I'm new.

I must confess, I've been seriously looking at getting a Springfield XD, and I almost did about a couple of months ago. I got a different gun instead, and am rather happy with it. I've been looking around, and stumbled onto to this site because I am curious about the M&P-40. After reading through an XD forum site, I am rather disappointed of all the rust problems people are having with their XD's. I know guns are made of metal, and metal rusts, but really, it sounds like it's a pandemic with the XD line. I have a 9mm FNP-9 with a stainless slide, and it's perfect. As is my Ruger345. I don't wipe them down probably as much as I should either. I don't mean to sound like I am bashing XD's. I'm just bummed about that problem they have.



Which brings me here. My only gripe with the M&P is it only comes with a blackened slide. But, that is quickly growing on me. Especially after lurking and reading lots of really good reviews about this pistol. But, I have some questions I'd like to ask about the M&P, if that's okay.



First is, other than the gray matter between the ears, what safeties does the gun have? How easy/hard is it to accidentally pull the trigger and fire the thing unintentionally? I ask this seriously, because, personally, I like a little extra assurance even if it is just a little.



XD's have that USA trigger system, as well as that rear lever thing. What does the M&P have?



This is essentially the only thing holding me back (other than saving up some $$$ to get one that is) from getting this pistol. I like that her barrel is low, and seems a bit longer than most other full-size firearms. It has a balanced look to it, and seems to be very ergonomic. Thanks in advance.

 

[mbinky]

First, welcome! The M&P is an excellent chioce, should you decide on it. I am a die-hard Sig man, and I just ordered my second M&P tonight.



As far as safties go, it is my opinion that a handgun is only as safe as its operator. That being said, the M&P has a trigger safety (ala Glock) and a firing pin safety. This, IMHO, is all one needs. The gun will only go bang if YOU pull the trigger. It will (as will any firearm) go off if you "accidently pull the trigger". One does not "accidently" pull the trigger. Follow the rules of firearm safety and you will not have a problem. You can drop the M&P, beat the M&P, talk dirty to it, and it will not go off...unless YOU pull the trigger. The M&P is a very safe firearm.

 

[ClosetCaseNerd]

The M&P has a trigger safety, similar to a glock but uses a hinged apparatus compared to the lever style on glocks and XD's. It's drop safe, but if you "accidentally" (there are no accidental discharges only negligent discharges) pull the trigger your going to put a hole in something. No active safeties on this weapon. Trigger pull weight is roughly equivalent to XD and glock's.



No rust issues with the M&P either, as the slide is stainless steel and then blued, instead of carbon steel like underneath the blued XDs.



Also, FYI, as far as I know the finish of XD's has been changed to tenniffer for a few months now. Any of the newer weapons will have the tennifer finish (the same as Glock, but under a different name) which is very resilient to rust. If rust is your main concern about the XDs you may want to reconsider in light of the new finish.



Both the XD and the M&P are fine weapons, and I plan on purchasing an XD45 in the future to supplement my M&P40. If possible rent them both, along with glock, in the caliber of your choice. I really feel that those three are the creme of the crop when it comes to carry pieces.



Hope this helps.

 

[MP4ME]

Thanks. Sorry for the poor choice of words of saying "accidentally pulling the trigger". I kind of had a hard time with that one. What I was thinking is if it is in a holster, and being able to put it in and/or take it out without a problem kind of thing. Keep finger away from trigger until ready to fire.



How does the trigger and firing pin safety work? I don't have a Glock, nor have I ever bothered with using one. One gun I have has a safety, and the other has a decocker. The M&P seems to have neither in the sense that I am familiar with. Guess my newness to guns is showing bright and clear here.

 

[ClosetCaseNerd]

Oops, some overlapping replies there as mbinky beat me to the punch. :wink:

 

[Jester]

IMO the XD is a fine weapon, although they do have their problems.



Rust:fixing with the finishing process.



Locking block on the 40 S&W is sub par for the stresses put on it even with the "new" locking block.



Smith: Striker issues, Smith is working on the issues as we speak. First they have light primer strikes, they fix that problem and then end up with sub par machining on the striker, weakening it.





If you want a trainers opinion/ and gunsmith as well look at David Bowie's opinion:



http://mp-pistol.com/boards/viewtopic.php?...&highlight=

 

[MP4ME]

The M&P has a trigger safety, similar to a glock but uses a hinged apparatus compared to the lever style on glocks and XD's. It's drop safe, but if you "accidentally" (there are no accidental discharges only negligent discharges) pull the trigger your going to put a hole in something. No active safeties on this weapon. Trigger pull weight is roughly equivalent to XD and glock's.

The XD has a trigger system where all three of the trigger parts have to be pulled together. How does the M&P work? How does the hinged aparatus work? Is the trigger pull long like the XD's?

No rust issues with the M&P either, as the slide is stainless steel and then blued, instead of carbon steel like underneath the blued XDs.

A cost-cutter then.

Also, FYI, as far as I know the finish of XD's has been changed to tenniffer for a few months now. Any of the newer weapons will have the tennifer finish (the same as Glock, but under a different name) which is very resilient to rust. If rust is your main concern about the XDs you may want to reconsider in light of the new finish.

I still read folks buying the NEW XD's with the tennifer finish who also have rust problems. Even with the XD-45's.

Both the XD and the M&P are fine weapons, and I plan on purchasing an XD45 in the future to supplement my M&P40. If possible rent them both, along with glock, in the caliber of your choice. I really feel that those three are the creme of the crop when it comes to carry pieces.



Hope this helps.

Helps a great deal. Thanks. I have heard great things about the XD, it's just I don't want to spend money on a gun that could rust long before it's time.

 

[mbinky]

The trigger is sort of hard to describe. The lower half is hinged to the upper half. The upper half is connected to the trigger bar. In order for the upper half to move, thus moving the trigger bar and releasing the sear, the lower half must be moved first. Once the lower half is pulled, the upper half is allowed to move to the rear, pushing the trigger bar to the rear to release the sear. As the trigger bar moves rearward, it also contacts the firing pin block plunger. This plunger prevents the firing pin from moving forward. As the trigger bar contacts the plunger, it moves it disengaging the plunger from the firing pin, thus allowing the firing pin to move forward to strike the primer. The firing pin will only be allowed to contact the primer if the trigger is pulled. This means the trigger safety must be disengaged (pulling it) and the firing pin safety must be disengaged. (pulling the trigger) The gun will not go off if it is dropped, striked, etc. As to your question about holdters, etc., yes, if the trigger is caught on an object other than your finger, and pulled all the way to the rear, the gun will discharge. The M&P does not have an active safety like a 3rd gen Smith or a Beretta. I know this is confusing, and visual aids would be a plus, but all I would say is if you can, check out the different designs. Go to a range, and ask to see the the different operating systems. It is the best way to learn.

*ETA* The finish on the M&P is Melonite, another trade name for nitro carburizing process, similar to Tennifer, the finish Glock uses. VERY durable and good looking. Although I only have 609 rounds through my M&P 9, it looks brand new, to include the barrel.

 

[MP4ME]

Ah, I noticed that it does have something of a hinge on the trigger. I didn't realize it was, in fact, literally a hinge. So, in a sense, it is like an XD trigger where things have to go in a certain way for it to fire. That's re-assuring. Thanks.



So far, no one has experienced any wear, or breakage from continuous pulling on that hinge? Doesn't seem like it from what I've read thus far. Thanks again. I appreciate it.

 

[mbinky]

Although this is my first Smith with a hinged trigger, they have used the design successfully on the Sigma line. It is durable, and I have never heard of any failures due to a trigger breakage.



Although it sounds simple, just pull the trigger and it will fire, many things actually have to happen in a sequence in order for it to discharge. Simple way to put it: don't pull the trigger, and it will not go bang. Kinda like a revolver, and hell, they have been around for a few years...

 

[Bloodnut]

RE: the safety. You could wait a little for the .45 with thumb safety to be released. That's as "safe" as it gets.

 

[MP4ME]

I'll pass on the .45. The trigger hinge safety thing seems adaquate. I figure with all those Glocks, XD's, and M&P's out there, and so far no one's been blowing themselves away, or injuring themselves unintentionally in mass quantities shows that the system works, and people are careful in properly handling them.



I have a Ruger with a safety. I got it that way instead of the decocker model because I thought it would be "safer" for me since it was my first gun purchase. Now, I prefer a decocker. Live and learn I guess.

Edited to add: For those who may use their M&P's as their home defense weapon of choice, how do you keep your gun handy in case the worst happens? Nightstand? In a small gun box/safe?

 

[Jester]

Tell you what, I'll make another topic for your last question.

 

[snscott]

For what it is worth, I've had my XD-9 since June and have had zero problems with rust. Haven't seen any. I think the Melonite finish on the XD line is the same as what is used on the MP (but I am not certain).



The number one advantage of the MP over the XD is the interchangeable grip palm swells that let you fit the gun to your hand. I can not emphasize enough how different each of these makes the MP feel in your hand.



The number one advantage of the XD over the MP is that, out of the box, the XD has a smoother trigger.



And the MP just "looks better".

 

[MP4ME]

Tell you what, I'll make another topic for your last question.

Cool. Okay. 8)

 

[MP4ME]

For what it is worth, I've had my XD-9 since June and have had zero problems with rust. Haven't seen any. I think the Melonite finish on the XD line is the same as what is used on the MP (but I am not certain).

It isn't so much the finish, more about the metal being used. The M&P's seem to be made out of better quality steel, and all models are stainless. I'm glad that your XD has no problems, and hope it stays that way. Not everyone is experiencing rust issues, but I see it more often talked about with the XD series (even surprisingly the .45 version) than in others. I could be wrong though.

The number one advantage of the MP over the XD is the interchangeable grip palm swells that let you fit the gun to your hand. I can not emphasize enough how different each of these makes the MP feel in your hand.

My FNP-9 has that same thing; interchangeable rear grip straps. Works very well, and is a most excellent idea. A big thumbs up to S&W for thinking that through.

The number one advantage of the XD over the MP is that, out of the box, the XD has a smoother trigger.

I've heard that the XD's have a "longer" (if that is the correct choice of word?) trigger pull? Is that true? If so, I kind of like that. Don't know about the M&P though.

And the MP just "looks better".

Heh, I like 'em both asthetically. B) I just wish that M&P would come in Stainless without the black finish. I love how it looks with the pictures I've seen on this board with it hard chromed (is that right?). But that's a minor nitpick.