Smith & Wesson M & P Gun Review

By Stephanie

Smith & Wesson M & P Specifications

Model: M & P 9c

Caliber: 9mm

Barrel Length: 3.5″

Ammunition Capacity: 12

Price: $319.95

Smith & Wesson M & P Usage & Features

Primary Use:

Home Protection

Are you right handed or left handed?

Right

What features does this gun have that appealed to you?

I wanted a handgun that I could carry concealed, but that had a decent round capacity. I had tried handling the M&P Shield, but it just felt too small. Once I held this pistol, I knew it was the one for me. It comes with interchangeable back straps and an extra magazine. For those who think about wanting to be able to carry a large number of rounds, you can actually get a 17 round magazine for this pistol, and then get a grip extension for it. This gun works well as a range weapon, home defense weapon, and also works for concealed carry, it is just a matter of figuring out where on your body works best for its slightly larger size.

Tell us about shooting this gun:

Shooting this gun is great. It’s a 9mm, so obviously there isn’t a lot of recoil, but there is some. I had very few jams, but the ones I did have were easily remedied.

How does it fit your hand, how do you like the sights, how difficult is it to rack the slide, how would you describe the trigger pull, and how would you describe the recoil?

This pistol fits in my hand wonderfully. That is one of the primary reasons I chose it. And the fact that it comes with changeable back straps so that you can find the best fit for your hand is a plus, and I noted that this feature was not available with the M&P Shield. The sights are great on this gun, though I have been spoiled by experiencing the sights on the Springfield XDs, which are my absolute favorite. They do the job, though! Initially, the slide felt very stiff to rack, but once warmed up, it just became routine. The trigger pull is great, nice and smooth, and allows for a nice steady pull, leading to an accurate shot.

How reliable is it?

To reiterate, there were a few jams that occurred, but otherwise the gun handled extremely well.

Any problems with any type of ammunition?

Both ammo types that I fired worked great.

Does this gun have any specific ammunition requirements? If so, please explain:

9mm Luger.

What do you dislike about shooting this gun, if anything?

There is nothing I dislike about shooting this gun EXCEPT that I find that, as opposed to other manufacturers, I have a very difficult time reloading Smith and Wesson magazines. I am sure that with enough practice, it will likely get easier, though several seasoned individuals I’ve talked to have said the same thing. Therefore, I purchased a speed loader, and it really makes a world of difference.

Was it easy to take down and clean?

The 9c is incredibly simple to take down and clean. The  manual provides information on the areas that need grease, and there are numerous tutorials online that show how to properly clean the gun for those who may still not feel 100% confident in their abilities (though there is really not much to it!).

Would you recommend this gun?

Yes.

For someone considering this gun, what would you tell them?

If you want an all-around reliable, comfortable pistol that serves as a good range weapon, home defense weapon, and concealed carry weapon, this gun would be a great choice. A bit larger than the M&P Shield, but it carries a lot more rounds, which is one of the significant factors involved in my decision.