Which to get, M&P 40 or XDM?

Question

I initially fell in love with the XDM, and when going around to nearby gun shops looking at prices, one shop told me the XDs are bad guns, basically called it a brick and boat anchor, and told me he highly recommends the M&P 40. He says he does tactical training and competition shooting and the M&P 40 is best. Also the price tag was about $50 cheaper which is better for me.

I'm not trashing any gun, but it just simply i do not know enough about each gun to be certain. Also I'm not going to be competing or anything. the fire arm is going to be for range practice/fun and home defense. I plan on buying the cheap bulk ammo and go have a great time. I know their are legions of people who support both guns, for whatever reason. I'm asking for an unbiased opinion as to what you would do.

one concern that i have is the XDM's 'match grade barrel', would that be extremely picky to the cheap ammo i intend to run through it. i know a person who has shot his own reloads through the XDM with out a problem. would the cheap ammo be a problem for a M&P 40?

what do you guys think? XDM or M&P 40?

and please do not mention anything about Glocks, i personally do not like them, and am not considering to get one. Thank you

Answer 1

I have been scared away from S&W semi-autos because of my experience with my S&W Sigma. (my first handgun). It would jam every three rounds even after a Smith approved gunsmith "fixed" it.

My favorite semi-auto would be the Springfield Armory XD. I have a 9mm and a .45acp and I love them both. I am not a fan of the .40 caliber as I do not like the snap-like recoil it has....I am willing to try it again but using the XDm this time. I figured I may get turned back onto .40 by using a gun I am in love with...Not to mention you cannot beat the 16+1 capacity you get with the XD in .40....that is like unheard of.....but that is just me.

Hope it helps

Answer 2

go with the springfield, smith & wesson builds great wheel guns but their semi-autos leave a lot to be desired.  I have an m&p 40 and its been very typical of smith semi-autos, even though it shots well, It had to go back for repairs after only 1500 rounds (was dropping mags after every shot), tactical my ***, no combat quality firearm fails after 90 days and 1500 rounds, out side of smith & wesson the only other firearm I've had to send back was my sig sauer p220 and it took 30,000 rounds to stop it, sig replaced all the springs and guide rod and she's back in business.  my sig pro 2340 (probably Sig's worst gun) has over 10,000 rounds of .40 and about 1000 .357sig and has never given me any trouble.  I stopped counting on my H&K and its never given me problems

I'd bet your gun shop makes more money on the m&p,  springfield has been claiming to have a mil-spec xd .45 which would be the first striker system to pass mil-spec, glock hasn't been able to do it, and the xd is on far more approved carry lists than the m&p.  that should tell you something.  the only problem I've heard of with the xd was back when it first became the xd (was originally imported by intrec I believe)  there was a few that had freak accidents, basically the gun was dropped and some how the guide rod was bent make it impossible to field strip the pistol.  other than that I haven't heard anything but good about them.

Answer 3

The "match grade" barrel is a marketing ploy.  It is an improved barrel but not  match grade in the same sense that rifle barrels are with a tight chamber and picky appetite for ammo.  Go ahead and get it without fear of being any more picky than a standard XD.

Answer 4

Before I owned a pistol, I was convinced I would like the looks and feel of the Walther's PPK .380..

I went shooting with a few pals, glocks, XD .40, and the walthers. I wasnt baised against any of them as reliable handguns.

I didnt like the grip (Ive got huge hands) of the glock and the Walther's seemed a lil small as well. I fell for the XD...the looks, feel and its track record.

For 550.00 you get the case, two high- capacity clips, loader, holster..'twas nice! Ive yet to have a failer to feed or any jam out of thing gun. I shoot the cheapest load from WALLY-WORLD! Im now looking into the sub-compact 9mm for concealed weapon permit and cheaper to shoot than the 45acp

Hit the range, find one that has a few rentals--shoot 'em all and find one that fits you well. I have no expereince with the M&P...

Answer 5

if price is an issue, get a standard xd. i'm getting the 45 for carry.

my brother in law has the m&p. great gun, but that trigger safety feels like it would just snap off. in my head i "know" it won't, but with my luck, i "think" it would.