Sidearms & Scatterguns M&P or XD

[japple]

I can't decide between these too. Ergonomically, the M&P balances better, but the grip of the xd feels better to me. For people who have had them both which seems more reliable to you? better accuracy? Easier to handle while shooting?

I could only handle them in the store, no opportunity to shoot one yet.

Thanks

 

[Downzero]

Re: M&P or XD

M&P. Lower bore axis. the rest is basically equal.

 

[Spazz.]

Re: M&P or XD

Full size or compact? What's the main purpose of the gun? I think the XDs get a little smaller than the M&Ps when you get to the compact line. I've handled both and own a compact M&P, which to me feels better than the sub-compact XDs. I haven't subjected either to rigorous tests, but in normal operating conditions such as everyday carry, rough handling, sweating and getting creek water all over them, they both hold up and shoot just fine. The XD may have slight advantage in damp conditions because of a more aggressive factory grip. Both the compact and full sized versions of each seem to have similar accuracy in my hands.

My wife had a problem with her M&P when she got it new - the slide would catch with one or two rounds left in the magazine. We sent it back to S&W and had it repaired and back in her hands in less than 3 weeks. She has yet to have a malfunction since then.

I would personally pick an M&P over an XD again, full size or compact, just because the feel is a little better and they seem to be equal on basically every level. I admittedly would like to take the opportunity to shoot the XDm .45 though, because I'm curious how those feel and shoot versus the M&P .45s. Try and shoot each one in the caliber you're looking for and make your decision from that. I would be satisfied with either's capabilities for an everyday gun. I don't shoot competitively, so I don't know how available mods are or how easy each is to modify.

 

[Strangedays]

Re: M&P or XD

My M&P has never failed on me. My XD has. The XD needed a new striker spring after 1400-2000 rounds my M&P has over 5000 without a single issue with the gun. Smith and Wesson has some of the best CS in the business. Even if a part wears out they will have it to you within two weeks. Springfield sold me the spring, smith and wesson sent me one for free along with a new firing pin. The M&P has a better trigger, fits the hands better and from what I have seen between the two it shoots better.
The XDM is the best shot but the M&P pros still out wiegh that in quality. Last but not least is M&Ps are made in the USA!

 

[japple]

Re: M&P or XD

Thanks for the reply guys.

This weapon will be used for target shooting and home defense. We recently had someone break into the house, and with only rifles here, I wished I had a pistol. Reliability is a huge issue because of this. I also read that the sights on the XD aren't as good in low light as the M&P sights are. Everything that I have read on the two makes me lean towards the M&P. I will be purchasing one in the next week or so.

 

[Spazz.]

Re: M&P or XD

Sounds like a great purchase to me! Enjoy it and hopefully you'll only ever use it as a target pistol.

 

[mizer67]

Re: M&P or XD

I personally feel the XD has a design flaw that prevents me from owning one. If it gets a small amount of crud in the grip safety it will lock up and make the gun inoperable.

However, both have had many examples of inidividual guns that have mechanical breakages or flaws. For instance, I own 3 M&Ps and one of them had a "dead trigger" issue from the factory, and another broke the slide stop lever at 11K rounds. Are those reasons not to own the model? Not for me as they both have been addressed by S&W.

Smith re-designed the sear housing block and increase the sear spring size to take care of dead triggers in newer guns. They've also re-designed the striker several times due to breakage after (primarily) large amounts of dry-fire practice. They replaced my slide stop without a fuss.

Any gun you buy will have had its issues. If you shoot enough, you're bound get a encounter a problem or to break something. Most reputable manufacturers will address them promptly.

My point being, you need to pick one that fits you and shoot the heck out of it so you'll know its weaknesses and strengths and develop confidence in your individual weapon. Anything mechanical can break and only you'll know if the one off example you have is up to the job.

 

[turbo54]

Re: M&P or XD

I would, and have chosen Glock. I am absolutely convinced by them. Ive had XDs and M&Ps. The xds were completely reliable but heavy and clunky. Even though the grip feels smaller and easier to have a good hold on, I'm faster/more accurate with the glock. The M&P was a fine pistol, but more complicated than Glock and had an ergonomics issue I couldnt get over. Im right handed, and my right thumb would accidentally bump the slide catch, locking the slide back on a magazine with ammo still in it. This is a common issue. I highly recommend shooting the MP before buying one.

 

[gathumper]

Re: M&P or XD

I own both and would say hands down buy the M&P. Better sights, and a better trigger. I am also a Smith armorer, and will say if you plan on putting night sights on the gun, buy the gun with them installed. There are a lot of moving parts in the gun and changing the sights can be a real pain in the ass!!!

 

[Musket_0]

Re: M&P or XD

Just my personal thing but sold my M&P and bought another XD. Have one in .40 and now one in 9mm also.
If you have a store around you that has an indoor range, try shooting them side by side in the same caliber. The store I work in (Shooters)has this option and is amazing as a quality sales tool. The best gun is the one that fits YOU, not what some one else likes.
And for the record, My XD40 is used for every day carry, work, hunting, IPSC, IDPA, home defense and 200 rnds per week practice. Have had it for years and has NEVER failed!

 

[Musket_0]

Re: M&P or XD

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: gathumper</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I own both and would say hands down buy the M&P. Better sights, and a better trigger. I am also a Smith armorer, and will say if you plan on putting night sights on the gun, buy the gun with them installed. There are a lot of moving parts in the gun and changing the sights can be a real pain in the ass!!! </div></div>


Don't change the sights while shooting and this won't be an issue.
And the white dot sights on the M&P are no better than white dot sights on Glock or Springfield.

 

[BOLTRIPPER]

Re: M&P or XD

i most recently shot an M&P with a light indoors with the lights out.....even though i did fairly well with it, it seemed to have an unusually long reset and drag on the reset trigger pull.



but i adapted.

the grip is very pleasant

 

[Red_SC]

Re: M&P or XD

Pick one, whichever feels better to you, either is a good pistol. I'm thinking hard about the new XDM 5.25.

 

[bunsen27]

Re: M&P or XD

I own both and enjoy shooting both in competitions. Whichever one you pick up here are a few places that either make some nice drop in parts or do custom work on the respective platforms:

http://www.apextactical.com/ (M&P Parts)
http://www.canyoncreekcustom.com/Home_Page.html (XD)
http://www.springerprecision.com/ (XD)


A wealth of information can also be found over at Brian Enos in the respective M&P and XD froums:

http://www.brianenos.com/forums/index.php?showforum=205

http://www.brianenos.com/forums/index.php?showforum=207

 

[Maximusmax51]

Re: M&P or XD

Go to a range and get some trigger time on both, and throw in another variable like glock or sig to mix it up. You're the only person who can tell you what pistol is going to be the best fit. Good luck!!

 

[dirkreader]

Re: M&P or XD

I have XDs and my brother in law has M&P. I prefer the XD's. Maximum in the post above said it best. Go shot them both and get what you like. I'm sure you will love it whichever direction you go.

 

[japple]

Re: M&P or XD

Hopefully this weekend I can take some out and try them. I know a freind has the XD, I am hoping he has bought the M&P as well.

 

[brutus895]

Re: M&P or XD

Easy choice. Get a M&P upgrade trigger with Apex kit. Shoots almost as well as 1911s.

 

[Shootinsurveyor]

Re: M&P or XD

I own both guns. I have 5" barrel models in both guns. The M&P handles recoil better than the XD. Much less muzzle flip in the M&P. My XD has jammed twice in the 7 years I have had it. Only had the M&P 6 months, but no problems yet. XDs can be had at a much better price around here than the M&P. The corner of the XD frame digs into the corner of my thumb whereas the M&P has a beaver-tail which alleviates that problem. Smith and Wesson CS is the best.

 

[Downzero]

Re: M&P or XD

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Shootinsurveyor</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Smith and Wesson CS is the best. </div></div>

Springfield's CS is second to none as well, equal in every regard to S&W.

The S&W is made in the USA and has a (blackened) stainless slide, has interchangable backstrap inserts, and is completely ambidextrous if those things matter. Add that to my earlier comment that it has a lower bore axis.

Other than that they're pretty much equal. I prefer the M&P but the preference isn't strong. I greatly prefer either over a Glock.

 

[rmyers2213]

Re: M&P or XD

I have owned XD's and Glocks and recently just sold them all and moved over to the M&P's and I don't regret it one bit. I love the feel in my hand. It pretty much just comes down to personal preference but personally, my vote goes to the M&P after owning them all...

 

[Captramrod01]

Re: M&P or XD

Add me as another who has gone m&p. I have owned the xd45 compact, xd9 sub and xdm9 4.5in but after picking up my m&p45 I sold them all and have replaced them with comparable m&p's. The trigger on the 45's is kinda crappy but my 40 full size has broken in very nicely. Must be the lower bore axis because they just point so well for me and have less felt recoil (for me anyways).

Also I think the grip angle kind of feels like a 1911 so going between the two isn't a huge culture shock.

 

[Bazgab]

Re: M&P or XD

Wasn't an XD but an XDm, I was severely underwhelmed as I thought I would love it. I didn't like the grip and overall the M&P that I shot at the same time was a much better gun for me. I found the M&P both easier to shoot and more comfortable.

 

[dpairborneranger]

Re: M&P or XD

Too easy.....GLOCK

 

[mizer67]

Re: M&P or XD

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DonniePD</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Too easy.....GLOCK </div></div>

Ummm - no.

I own a Gen 4 G17 that's been problematic with a born-on date of 4/11/11. I used to be able to recommend a Glock wholeheartedly for anyone who wanted a factory gun which would run flawlessly out of the box. With the extraction and ejection problems the Gen 4 and Gen 3's with the new extractors have experienced, there's no reason any longer to own a Glock over any other handgun mentioned in this post.

They don't point well for most, don't fit well for many and now they are no longer bullet-proof reliable like a pre-2009 Gen 3 9mm gun would be. Hence, they are no longer what made a Glock, a Glock.

 

[dpairborneranger]

Re: M&P or XD

I shoot my Gen 4 22 every week sometimes multiple times a week with at least 250-300 rounds a week and have had no problems. My wife shoots my Glock 17 gen 3 every week and have had no problems ever. Maybe cheap ass ammo was your problem?

 

[MinorDamage]

Re: M&P or XD

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mizer67</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DonniePD</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Too easy.....GLOCK </div></div>

Ummm - no.

I own a Gen 4 G17 that's been problematic with a born-on date of 4/11/11. I used to be able to recommend a Glock wholeheartedly for anyone who wanted a factory gun which would run flawlessly out of the box. With the extraction and ejection problems the Gen 4 and Gen 3's with the new extractors have experienced, there's no reason any longer to own a Glock over any other handgun mentioned in this post.

They don't point well for most, don't fit well for many and now they are no longer bullet-proof reliable like a pre-2009 Gen 3 9mm gun would be. Hence, they are no longer what made a Glock, a Glock.
</div></div>

They point well for plenty of people. Sorry you got a bad one, but they are just as reliable as most of the other semis out there. I do agree that prior to the Gen 4 no weapon rivaled the reliability of a Glock.

Now to the OP's question since he didn't ask about Glock...

I had an XD when they were first branded by Springfield (Previously the HS2000). The XDm has addressed many of the perceived ergonomic issues, but the fact still remains that the bore axis is EXTREMELY high. The M&P will be easier to control in recoil. While I like Springfield for 1911s, the XD and XDm just do not match up well against the M&P.

The one thing I do like in the XD over the M&P is the factory trigger. The M&P has excellent aftermarket options because they are needed. Outside of the Pro model trigger, the M&P is one of the worst I have felt in the striker fired and safe action world.

Bottom line.

1. You really need to shoot them
2. What works for me may not work for you
3. I shoot a Glock Gen 4 G19 (See #2 above)

Josh

 

[Mike_in_FL]

Re: M&P or XD

I had a full size M&P 9 and would still have it if it wasn't for needing $. I've handled the XDs and while the grip felt good, it seemed like the frame was too long there.

The M&P trigger sucks, but can be fixed. If you're into DIY, google Dan Burwell trigger job and read the .pdf. BTW, the parts you'll be working with are tiny, go slow, reassemble, test. The difference is night and day. I dropped the trigger pull over 4 lb. and shortened up the reset.

If you just want to buy parts and replace, Apex sells various pieces but I've never used them.

If you want night sights, buy it with them. If you plan on replacing your sights, better buy a big, strong sight pusher before you even think about dicking with that gun. And there is a spring loaded part under the rear sight.

You can buy an M&P with the mag safety and remove it or buy one without it in the first place and have the warning on the slide. Crimson trace grip on the M&P gives you roughly the same feel as the largest backstrap of the 3 that comes with the gun.

 

[turbo54]

Re: M&P or XD

Good point about the HIGH bore axis on the XD. A serious problem as far as Im concerned. The perceived recoil/muzzle flip difference between the XD and MP is night and day, with the MP head and shoulders better than the XD. For that matter, the Glock is much softer than the MP.....for me anyway.

OP: Any reason you havent included Sigs and Glocks in your search?

 

[coues103]

Re: M&P or XD

m&p all the way

 

[DPontius]

Re: M&P or XD

Having shot my sub-compact XD9 side by side simultaneously with my friend's M&P9 compact, I can't see the "serious problem" caused by a slightly higher bore axis. I am sure as you move up in caliber or in the size of the frame and barrel it may make a larger impact, but from my personal experience the difference in muzzle jump/recoil between the two was negligible. Both shot extremely well, as do my M&P compacts in 40 & 45. Having said that, I have carried my XD9 SC for a year now and have confidence in my ability to operate it and its ability to function properly and that's what matters. They're both great guns and you can't make a bad decision, go with whatever feels better to shoot.

 

[japple]

Re: M&P or XD

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: turbo54</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Good point about the HIGH bore axis on the XD. A serious problem as far as Im concerned. The perceived recoil/muzzle flip difference between the XD and MP is night and day, with the MP head and shoulders better than the XD. For that matter, the Glock is much softer than the MP.....for me anyway.

OP: Any reason you havent included Sigs and Glocks in your search?</div></div>


The reason I didn't include glock was because I have shot them before and never liked then, very uncomfortable for me. The sig didn't enter my mind because my local store didn't have any there. I would deffintaly consider a sig, it just wasn't on my mind when I wrote the post. Thanks for all of the good input folks.!

 

[427Cobra]

Re: M&P or XD

Get Gen 3 Glock, I know the Gen 4's have issues, but none of those problems exist in the Gen 3's, or put Gen 3 parts in your Gen 4 and be GTG. I would have a safe full of XDs except I'm not paying the price SA wants for the 200 dollar HS2000 renamed XD, SA made no changes and doubled the price, and you suckers got it balls deep and are happy about it, so if Glock is out of the question get a long reset M&P add a APEX trigger kit and rock on.

 

[fasteddie565]

Re: M&P or XD

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Downzero</div><div class="ubbcode-body">M&P. Lower bore axis. the rest is basically equal. </div></div>

Downzero speaks the truth, although I would never admitt to that in public.

Bore axis and the grip safety seem to be the complaints we get on the XD. Kyle Lamb is shooting an M&P in his Pistol DVD's probably due to the fact they are building rifles to his specs, none the less, I think the bugs have been worked out. I am thinking of getting one just to try it out. M&P gets my vote.

 

[Strangedays]

Re: M&P or XD

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: MinorDamage</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mizer67</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DonniePD</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Too easy.....GLOCK </div></div>

Ummm - no.

I own a Gen 4 G17 that's been problematic with a born-on date of 4/11/11. I used to be able to recommend a Glock wholeheartedly for anyone who wanted a factory gun which would run flawlessly out of the box. With the extraction and ejection problems the Gen 4 and Gen 3's with the new extractors have experienced, there's no reason any longer to own a Glock over any other handgun mentioned in this post.

They don't point well for most, don't fit well for many and now they are no longer bullet-proof reliable like a pre-2009 Gen 3 9mm gun would be. Hence, they are no longer what made a Glock, a Glock.
</div></div>

They point well for plenty of people. Sorry you got a bad one, but they are just as reliable as most of the other semis out there. I do agree that prior to the Gen 4 no weapon rivaled the reliability of a Glock.

Now to the OP's question since he didn't ask about Glock...

I had an XD when they were first branded by Springfield (Previously the HS2000). The XDm has addressed many of the perceived ergonomic issues, but the fact still remains that the bore axis is EXTREMELY high. The M&P will be easier to control in recoil. While I like Springfield for 1911s, the XD and XDm just do not match up well against the M&P.

The one thing I do like in the XD over the M&P is the factory trigger. The M&P has excellent aftermarket options because they are needed. Outside of the Pro model trigger, the M&P is one of the worst I have felt in the striker fired and safe action world.

Bottom line.

1. You really need to shoot them
2. What works for me may not work for you
3. I shoot a Glock Gen 4 G19 (See #2 above)

Josh

</div></div>
I have had issues with Glock 2nd and 3rd gen guns. I have yet to buy a gen 4 and will never do such inless someone is just about giving it away

I used to shoot glocks until M&P came around. After shooting the M&P and the glocks I would never buy a glock. M&P has more to offer than glock in the same price gun. I have heard people compain about the reset but in most of the M&Ps I get the reset is shorter than glock. In the ones thats not the trigger job is easy and the APEX kit will make it a near 1911 trigger. GLock has a gritty trigger regardless. Factory compared to factory both need trigger work. At the end of the day I carry a M&P not a glock due to the fact that the M&P has never failed me and the glock has and so has the XDs. If you work on any of the three the glock and M&P are built better and easier to work on the XDs just don't add up. JMHO

 

[scsbronco]

Re: M&P or XD

Glock= the number one gun in the world that gets pushed in you face.

The OP asked M&P or XD.
I agree with everyone else shot what fits your hand. I have shot both and prefered the Pro Series I had to the XDM. It seemed to me that after a few thousand rounds the M&P got much better. Whatever you get shot it as much as you can afford.

 

[devildog62]

Re: M&P or XD

I like the xd. Have both in 45 and my xd went on every patrol I went on. Shoots everything extremely well, swear I could load rocks in there and still shoot covers from 40 yards. Love it a lot. M&p is not bad, just felt more confidence with the Springfield every time. Personally fits my hands well both right and left handed, durable, and fairly cheap. Go xd, you won't be sorry

 

[scsbronco]

Re: M&P or XD

Hey Devildog,

Is your XD a compact? My best friend swears by his too. He shoots it better than any of his other guns.

 

[RockSteady]

Re: M&P or XD

I vote M&p. As a poster already mentioned, lower bore axis. This leads to greater control and faster follow up shots. I also like the feel of the m&p plastic a bit better. Also i think the m&p looks sleeker...

The xd-45 I had worked 100%, but it was blocky, had more flip than my m&p45, and felt very slick in my hands...especially once you start sweating.

Another feature of the m&p is interchangable grips. I keep 2 different types of grips depending on what I'm doing. For competitions I'll run a heavily stippled medium backstrap for greater control. If I'm carrying it, I'll run a standard medium backstrap so it doesn't catch on anything.

Goodluck.

 

[GSRswapandslow]

Re: M&P or XD

i had an xd, it felt bulky and cheap to me
i tried an mp that my friend owns...and like it overall
but i still ended up buying a glock

i'll prob still go back and get an mp as well...but won't own another xd

 

[shoot4fun]

Re: M&P or XD

Attended a class once where all the guns on the line (20) were M&P9 full size. twenty thousand plus rounds expended in nine hours and none of them had even a hiccup. I own a M&P9 Pro and just bought a M&P45 mid size in FDE.
I have not owned a Glock in several years. I agree with the statement above that they are the gun most shoved in the buyer's face but that is changing.

 

[Outdoorsman9]

Re: M&P or XD

XDM!

 

[bricktop]

Re: M&P or XD

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Outdoorsman9</div><div class="ubbcode-body">XDM!</div></div>

I will say that if you want to go xd, go xdm. The trigger alone is worth it. I had a XD40SC, and traded it in on a XDM40C, and I couldn't be happier. 25yd groups shrunk significantly. Can usually keep them all in the 8 ring on an NRA 8B target (with scores in the 170-180/200 region using 10 shots two-hand, 5 shots right hand only, and 5-shot left hand only), and I don't think I'm that great of a shot.

No problem with muzzle flip either. On a fast-fire drill, I can do 6 shots on a 6" by 8" piece of paper at 7 yds (and usually with plenty of margin) in 11 seconds with a tap-rack and a reload in between.

 

[RoosterShooter]

Re: M&P or XD

I own several M&P pistols, an M&P 9 Pro, M&P 45C, & M&P 45. I also own an XD 45 Tactical & XD-M Competition 5.25.

I have owned my XD 45 Tactical the longest, but lean towards the M&P 9 Pro. Out of the box, the M&P 9 Pro shot remarkably well, and I continue to have a great time shooting it. Both M&P 45s that I own do not hold the typical felt recoil that usually goes with the .45 ACP. I can recover and make accurate follow-up shots with little effort.

The XD-M Competition 5.25 is a little more finicky. I was under the impression that I was getting a competition ready pistol out of the box, but instead have a pistol with a 7# trigger out of the box! As a reference, the M&P Pro 9 has a 4.5# trigger. Also, the felt recoil on the XD-M 5.25 is a lot more pronounced than my M&P Pro, and resembles a 'Hot' 40 S&W round.

I am not knocking the XD-M 5.25, but feel like it was just a marketing ploy to get people to buy more XD-m pistols. All they did was lengthen the slide, add some fancy sights, and make a lightening cut on the top side of the slide, which I'm not so sure helped the pistol at all! They should have left the extra metal so that the extra weight would help balance out the front end!

So, as an owner and shooter of both, I would go with the M&P line of pistols. Springfield is going to have to make some improvements to it's stock trigger before I buy another.

To all of the die hard XD fans out there, you should really try an M&P pistol!

When you shoot an M&P you won't go back. You'll also think, "Wow ... look what I've been missing!"

 

[notquiteright]

Re: M&P or XD

Several people who liked my XD didn't appreciate the XDM. Felt odd in the hand, and recoil was sharper for the same caliber.

I haven't shot one. Do like my XD over the Glock and I found the MP's trigger pull a bit rougher.

The 4" XD handles the best in my opinion, but my 5" drops back on target as fast as I need/like.

 

[RockSteady]

Re: M&P or XD

Oh yeah, add a APEX trigger to the m&p... easy install and makes the break and reset amazing for a "plastic" pistol.

 

[FX44]

Re: M&P or XD

I like the M&P. I purchased a new XDM .40 and had FTE issues. Springfield Customer service was great about fixing it but I decided to go with the M&P, it feels good in my hand and I have has no issues with of the ammo I use. I sold the XDM.

 

[benchmstr]

Re: M&P or XD

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: japple</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I can't decide between these too. Ergonomically, the M&P balances better, but the grip of the xd feels better to me. For people who have had them both which seems more reliable to you? better accuracy? Easier to handle while shooting?

I could only handle them in the store, no opportunity to shoot one yet.

Thanks </div></div>
XD, or XDm...i dont own a XD....but i have a XDm, and M&P both fullsize 9mm's...like both of them....i have short thumbs so the M&P is easier for me to hit the mag release....but i like the XDm trigger better...not saying it IS better..i just prefer it more

either way you are good

 

[tmada45]

Re: M&P or XD

I love my m&p. I was used to shooting 1911's and didn't care for the glocks that I had shot. I was surprised at how comfortable the m&p was. It changed my opinion of polymer pistols.

 

[TOPO-sniper]

Re: M&P or XD

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: tmada45</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I love my m&p. I was used to shooting 1911's and didn't care for the glocks that I had shot. I was surprised at how comfortable the m&p was. It changed my opinion of polymer pistols. </div></div>

This^^