M&P 9mm accuracy

[spr1]

I have read a few scary reports of poor accuracy from the M&P's, but I recently shot one with the Apex kit and was impressed by both the accuracy and the shootability of the gun in general. I fondled a 5" PRO in the funshop today and came very close to giving in..... What is the concensus on accuracy expectations with the 9's?

[SteveL]

I have a compact and a full size 9mm and both are quite accurate IMO.

[Beat Trash]

I have no issues with the accuracy. Mine are more accurate than my gen3 Glock 9mm's. With that said, My gen 3 Glock 9mm's re accurate enough for their intended usage.

[Joe R.]

I had two 9mm M&Ps. The best groups I was able to attain from them were about 3 1/8" for ten shots standing unsupported at 25 yards. One, which has over 15k rounds was closer to 4 1/2-5" at that distance. I felt this was excessive. I tried a Storm lake barrel and while the results were not any worse, they were also no better. Subsequently I sent the gun back to Smith & Wesson.

The gun was returned to me within two weeks with a new barrel. Lockup was the same with the new barrel and there was in excess of .004" play in the barrel hood when in battery (just like the original). While group size did improve very slightly, it was now impacting 6" high at 25 yards. Given the unavailability of varying front sight heights w/tritium inserts the gun was sold. Ammunition for these tests was Federal 124 gr HST.

In doing a bit of research I found that accuracy for the 9mm and .40 is usually about what I was experiencing. As a point of reference I shot a beat to hell Glock 19 during the same range trips while I was investigating the accuracy issue and was able to shoot sub 3" groups with no problem and regularly manage sub 2 1/2" with well built 1911s.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not bashing on the M&P. I like the system for it's ergonomics and the fact it comes with real sights from the factory as opposed to slot fillers. They have been reliable for me and durable. I carried a 9mm M&P by choice for almost 4 years on duty.

There are things that need to be addressed. The triggers go from just okay to holy shite that sucks. This is easily fixed by a trip to the Apex website for one of their excellent trigger kits. The accuracy issue however is not an easy fix. I even tried Bar Sto for a gunsmith fit barrel and was told they will not be available until at least after the first of the year. For most people 4 1/2-5" groups at 25 yards may be acceptable. I want my gun to be able to shoot better then I can. As a result my carry gun is now the beat to hell 19 and a RTF2 17 is on order.

Note: YMMV, bla bla, small sample size, bla bla, offer not available in AK and HI, bla bla...you get the picture.

[SWATcop556]

I've found my M&P9, 9c, and both 40 FS are plenty accurate and I can get 2-3" groups when I do my part however I have found that my 9's group tighter with hotter NATO or +p ammo. The 40's are GTG with most ammo other than just shit bulk ammo.

[Robb Jensen]

I find them to be on par with Glock for accuracy and generally they are more accurate with faster bullets. Not always but much of the time.

A couple of weeks ago for the fun of it we were shooting a 10"x12" plate at 200yds offhand. About 1 out of 12 rounds could I hit it. I was using 124gr Montana Gold FMJ reloads.

[mattjmcd]

My M&P9 has been my most accurate service-style handgun in that caliber. This is compared to my P228's, P226, G19, and my old USP9. I am slightly more accurate, consistency-wise, with the 228. But I am accurate and FAST with the Smith. YMMV but I wouldn't worry about a supposed lack of accuracy.

[RogerinTPA]

I've found my M&P9, 9c, and both 40 FS are plenty accurate and I can get 2-3" groups when I do my part however I have found that my 9's group tighter with hotter NATO or +p ammo. The 40's are GTG with most ammo other than just shit bulk ammo.

My experience is the same, having the same pistols, except surprisingly, they shoot pretty damn accurate with Wolf and Barnaul steel ammo, which is shot overwhelmingly during my range visits and class, besides Blazer.

[GermanSynergy]

No problems with accuracy from two full size M&P 9's or my 9C. The 9C is scary accurate with +P ammunition.

[mizer67]

My .40 FS will only do 5" at 25 yards with 180 grain PD FMJ travelling ~850-880 fps. MG is about the same

135 gr Nosler HP's at ~1150 fps do 2".

155's (MG HP) are in the middle at ~3".

I really don't prefer shooting the 135's, but my gun has a definate preference for faster, lighter rounds.