The Smith & Wesson M&P 9mm as my first Conceal Carry weapon: thoughts, advice?

My M&P 9c ran flawlessly for the first 3500-4000 rounds

then the mags started dropping out while I was shooting. I flipped the mag release around to left handed mode and the problem stopped while I waited for S&W to replace it. Took a little over 2 weeks to get a replacement mag release.

It was a pretty decent gun. Easy to shoot and easy to conceal... but I sold it after it started flaking out on me

I carry the full size M&P9 with a Kramer leather IWB holster. It is a great combination. The holster is a little expensive and I had to wait about 2 months to get it once I ordered it but it is very comfortable to wear. I can wear it all day and hardly notice it. I've got over 1000 rounds through my gun and love it. No problems at all. Hghly recommend both the gun and holster.

I have the 9c on me now in a Crossbreed Supertuck. My cousin has the service sized 40, and the recoil is definitely snappier to me. While it is smaller, remember the 9mm is a higher velocity round. Seeing as I can take almost twice the ammo to the range with me for the same money, I'd rather have the ammo to practice with. I see a lot of people at work that have survived abdominal gunshot wounds. Not too many with thoracic or head wounds though. Placement is key when stopping a threat.

Get the M&P9c. It's my CC and it's just flat out flawless. I own three M&P's and they are tippy top. I just can't recommend them enough.

I got the m&p 9 full size 2 or 3 years ago as a xmas gift from the father-in-law, i asked for a 45 but i am so happy he got me this and a 9

I have put 1000 of rounds in it, blaser winchester mostly, and have cleaned it twice and it wasnt even dirty

I got my ccl in nov and a thesis holster coupl weeks ago, i dont understand why anybody would carry the compact or anything else, in about a second i can draw and hit a 6in target 10' away and have 17 follow up shots

I carry a full size XD in my MTAC Minotaur and love it. The holster is fantastic, just as I'm sure the Crossbreed and others are. The leather/kydex IWB hybrids are a great way to comfortably carry a concealed handgun.

Hindsight being 20/20 (and the principle driver of new purchases), I would go with the compact or subcompact for concealed carry. Also, there is nothing wrong with the 9mm with the fantastic defensive ammunition made these days.

Welcome!!

Full Size M&P9 was my first carry weapon when I obtained my CCW. I liked it so much I went out and bought the Full size M&P40/357Sig with a Crimson Trace Laser Grip. My M&P40/357Sig is my current carry weapon and has been flawless just as my M&P9. I would not hesitate to recommend either one for carry or home defense.

A buddy has the 9c. I've shot it a few times. It's a fine gun but I'm perfectly happy with my full size 9. Very comfortable to shoot and quite accurate. The fact that it holds 17 rounds in the clip with another chambered it has all the fire power I can imagine ever needing. Hopefully it won't ever be needed but........

Been carrying my 40c for 5 years almost every day all day. Loved it so much I added a 45c, which I also love.

Do it!

I wouldn't mind trying the 45 just to see the difference in recoil compared to my 9MM. Although I have just ordered some +P ammo for my 9. From what I read the +P ammo should be just fine. I can't wait to get the ammo so I can try it. Speer HP +P.

I can't believe out of all these M&P owners nobody has told you how to solve the problem of full size verses compact size. From one M&P owner to a soon to be M&P owner, this is what you should do. Get the M&P9 Compact, then just get the Full size mags from the M&P9. They fit right in.

Then you spend an extra $10-$14 on this XGRIP : Sub-Compact Handgun Magazine Adapters : Product List
which converts the full size mag into a full size grip (so you are not just gripping the mag)

Problem solved Two guns for the price of one. Trust me you will want to be able to have the Compact version on those hot days.

P.S. I shoot competitively with my full size M&P40, my dad, uncle and girlfriend all carry the M&P9c, my Boss has/carries the M&P40c and my manager has/carries the M&P9...we all love and trust our lives with them.

P.P.S. I have over 3500 rounds through mine without any major problems... when I pull that trigger It goes BANG!