I've had XD's in 9mm, .40 and .45...I currently have a M&P40, a 4566 and a M&P9 on layaway. When I first saw the M&P, I thought it was butt-ugly, and would never think of buying one. Then I got to hold one...best feeling handgun I've ever laid hands on. And the one I have is the best shooting .40 I've ever had. Being on a relatively restricted budget, I am more limited in what I can have, so I've decided to do what Glock fans do...get as many of one style of gun as I can...I'll get the M&P compacts when they're available, the .45 when it's available, and any 3rd gen S&W's I can lay my hands on...who says I have to go European to get outstanding weapons?