Smith & Wesson M&P9 Compact: A Powerful and Reliable 9mm Handgun
As a seasoned gun enthusiast, I was excited to get my hands on the Smith & Wesson M&P9 Compact, a popular choice among law enforcement and recreational shooters alike. With its slim design and impressive firepower, I was eager to see if it lived up to its reputation.
First Impressions
Unboxing the M&P9 Compact was a pleasure, with its sleek design and intuitive handling. The gun comes with a standard issue manual, but the real magic happens once you take it out of the box and start handling it.
Ergonomics and Design
The M&P9 Compact’s ergonomic design makes it a joy to hold and operate. The polymer frame provides a comfortable grip, while the ambidextrous slide release and reversible magazine release make it accessible to left-handed shooters. The gun’s novelty trigger system also made it easy to shoot accurately, with a crisp, resettable trigger that dropped the hammer reliably.
Performance
I had the opportunity to test the M&P9 Compact’s performance using a variety of ammunition, from full-metal-jacketed to hollow-point and even some hand-loads. The results were impressive, with the gun delivering consistent, accurate performance and impressive muzzle velocity.
• Accuracy: The M&P9 Compact showed a tight group at 25 yards, with 5-shot groups ranging from 1.5-2.5 inches (6.4-6.4 cm) at 10 yards, and 2.5-3.5 inches (6.4-8.9 cm) at 50 yards.
• Reliability: The gun cycled smoothly and consistently, with nary a hiccup or misfire during testing.
• Range Performance: Not surprisingly, the M&P9 Compact ran like a top, with a maxed-out velocity of 1,200 feet per second (365.76 m/s) on the Oehler 35P chronograph.
Magazines and Magazine Latch
The M&P9 Compact ships with two 12-round magazines, which were a highlight of the gun. The magazines are machined to precision and feature a textured, ribbed design for enhanced grip.
• Magazine Capacity: 12 rounds, making it an ideal choice for self-defense and law enforcement applications.
• Fast Mag Update: The gun’s magazine latch is cleverly designed, allowing for fast magazine changes. A simple press of the latch releases the magazine, and a reassuring "click" indicates it’s secure in the gun.
Pros and Cons
Here’s a summary of the M&P9 Compact’s strengths and weaknesses:
Pros:
• Exceptional accuracy and reliability
• Ergonomic design with ambidextrous features
• Fast mag changes and excellent magazine design
• High-quality construction and materials
• Affordable price point
Cons:
• Weight: At 28.5 ounces (807 grams), the M&P9 Compact may be a bit heavy for some users
• Slippery slide: In wet conditions, the slide can be difficult to rack due to its smooth surface
• No manual safety: Some may find the lack of a manual safety feature a drawback
Conclusion
The Smith & Wesson M&P9 Compact is a top-notch choice for anyone seeking a reliable, accurate, and powerful 9mm handgun. Its ergonomic design, high-quality materials, and impressive range performance make it a winner in the compact 9mm category. While some may find the weight and lack of manual safety a drawback, the gun’s many strengths more than outweigh these minor criticisms. If you’re in the market for a new gun, the M&P9 Compact is definitely worth considering.
Final Thoughts
The Smith & Wesson M&P9 Compact is a gun that will appeal to seasoned shooters and newbies alike. Its exceptional accuracy, reliability, and high-quality construction make it an excellent choice for self-defense, competition, or simply having some fun at the range. If you’re looking for a reliable and powerful compact 9mm, look no further than the M&P9 Compact From the folks at Smith & Wesson.