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Old August 28, 2009, 08:47 PM   #1
newguy07
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compact 40 for carry help

looking to buy a compact 40 for carrying. I currently carry a taurus 605 5 shot revolver with +p but am looking at buying a 40. Narrowed down to 3 choices.

Taurus millenium pro, springfield xd subcompact, compact sw m&p

Tarus is a lot more affordable and Im happy with the revolover but what do you guys who know a lot more then I do have to say? Which would you pick and why? Price is a factor.
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Old August 28, 2009, 10:03 PM   #2
ScaryWoody
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I have a Glock 23 that I am very pleased with. It's easy to ccw out or in the waist. Take a look at the best before you look at the rest.
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Old August 28, 2009, 10:06 PM   #3
mrt949
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S&W MP.
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Old August 28, 2009, 10:21 PM   #4
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What about the Sig P239 ?
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Old August 29, 2009, 01:41 AM   #5
acpfan
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Walther PPS nice and small.
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Old August 29, 2009, 06:34 AM   #6
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Of those listed, I'd go with the M&P. I've never shot the Taurus but I have shot the XD and I just recently sold the M&P.

To me, the XD had more recoil than the M&P (I shot them side by side as my nephew owned the XD). Also, the XD didn't feel as balanced in MY hand. The M&P is a great shooter and manages recoil extremely well for a compact. The triggers can be somewhat spongy out of the box but they smooth up after about 500 rounds. The only reason I sold my M&P40c is because I have a 9c and a 45c so I decided to get a M&P 40 full size.

Most importantly, find a range that rents them. Shouldn't be too hard for the XD and the M&P, the Taurus may be a little harder to find at a range. Go shoot them, a lot. Don't just put one box of ammo through all three guns but actually shoot them. Then, get what you shoot the best. After that, practice. There's a special joy that comes with being able to out shoot the mall ninja in the lane beside you with the $$$$ gun that is advertised the most in the gun rags...
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Old August 29, 2009, 07:29 AM   #7
wilson133
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I have the Taurus and the M&P. Used to carry the Taurus for a main gun, but have switched to the M&P.
The Taurus is smaller and easier to conceal, accurate as it needs to be and has a second strike capability. I really dislike the 2 dot sights and tend to shoot low because of them, I would like the gun better with different sights. The only problem I had with it was light primer strikes caused by dirt and grit in the firing pin channel. The firing pin channel is open and attracts crud, keeping it clean solved that problem.
The M&P is a bit larger gun and is a bit harder to conceal. I fits me better and I shoot it better. It had feeding issues when I got it and S&W paid the shipping and made it right. I wish it had the second strike capability.
Recoil is snappy with the .40 with both guns, but controllable for me. If I didn't have the M&P, I would put the money and effort into changing the sights on the Taurus and be happy with it.
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Old August 29, 2009, 07:33 AM   #8
miker84
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M&P or XD40SC.
I really liked both of them, but went with the xd because it felt better to me.
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Old August 29, 2009, 07:38 AM   #9
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I have owned all 3, I still have the XD compact but in 9mm. I had a M&P 9mm that had to go back to S&W twice. The gun had FTE 2 out of 5 average right out of the box. I had cleaned the gun and lubed it before taking it out to my range. S&W had to replace the extractor and clean the chamber. Then the gun wouldn't group, the barrel had severe tool marks in the rifling.

The Taurus mill pro I had in 40cal was a reliable gun, but the trigger left much to be desired. I bought a XD(m) and was so impressed, I ended up getting a XD subcompact also.

The XD sub has been 100% reliable with everything I put in the magazine. The XD sub is also surprisingly accurate. I can average 5 shots in a 4 inch group offhand at 25 yards, my 15 year old grandson can put 5 in a 3 1/2 inch group at 20 yards offhand. I think considering the shorter sight radius of a subcompact, thats pretty good.
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Old August 29, 2009, 08:36 AM   #10
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I also like the XDsc, I have the 9sc but have fired the 40 as well as the glock27, and the XD felt much nicer to me but has a blockier grip so doesn't conceal as well. Never fired the M&Pc, but am interested in their .45. Is there a range near you wher you can rent them and see what you prefer? Thats the way to do it!

On a side note, N.H. Yankee...hope thats geographic reference and not a MLB team preference! Evil!
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Old August 29, 2009, 08:52 AM   #11
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Jericho 941 Compact
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Old August 29, 2009, 01:33 PM   #12
fredneck
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I shot a 40 M&P compact the other day that was accurate as h***. Might have to get one. Much more accurate it seemed than any G27 I have shot.
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Old August 29, 2009, 02:30 PM   #13
ejfalvo
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I have a XD 40 subcompact. Fits my hand great, shoots to point, and so far is flawless. I tried the Glock and Beretta, but the XD felt better. Its always with me.
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Old August 29, 2009, 03:12 PM   #14
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out of the few options you listed, my recommendation would be for the SW MP40C. It is the most ergonomic and very comfortable to shoot. Other suggestions that you did not list, that would suit your needs would be a Glock 23 and HK P2000SK. If you buy brand new the p2ksk can be pricey, but if you find a slightly used one like i did you can get it from anywhere from $600-$650.
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Old August 29, 2009, 07:31 PM   #15
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I'll take the 239 over any of your choices but I have not shot a M&P and they certainly have a great following.

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Old August 29, 2009, 07:32 PM   #16
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S&W customer service is apalling - go with the XD. I've got one and its never jammed or stovepiped on me once. I just took my CCW 2 weeks ago and I can't wait to carry it!
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Old August 29, 2009, 08:01 PM   #17
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Another vote for the Glock 23 here; shoots as well or better than fullsize autos and carries easily IWB.
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Old August 29, 2009, 09:19 PM   #18
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I have the Springfield XD40SC. IMO, there's not a finer carry .40 on the market today. This gun is small, yet a sweetheart to shoot. Tightly-built and damned accurate. It's just the ultimate.
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Old August 29, 2009, 09:26 PM   #19
rptrower
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I have S&W M&P 40C which I have fired approximatly 1500 rounds through. When I first brought the pistol home and fired 20 rds; I was consistently shooting right. After a close inspection I noticed the front sight blade was 1/16" off center.

I called S&W and they instructed me return the pistol. With my 62 yr old site not what it used to be, I was considering switching to fiber optic & laser sights. After about 2 months of use I sent the slide to Novak and had green fiber optic sights installed. I also installed an M&P RSS Laser sight from ArmaLaser. The fiber optics in daylight and laser in low light conditions are a very accurate combination. This is my favorite pistol to carry in the winter when I have plenty of clothes to conceal. It is slightly large for my summertime carry.

I have a friend who has allowed me to fire 100 rds in his springfield xd. I agree with one of the other posts, the m&p has less recoil and seems to be better balanced for my needs.

I grew up shooting a Colt 1911 from WWII. I also own a Colt 1911, Beretta 92FS and a Ruger LCP. As much as I love my 1911, the m&p is my favorite pistol to shoot. I think guns are like cars; everyone has slightly different taste and needs.

Last edited by rptrower; August 29, 2009 at 09:39 PM.
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Old August 29, 2009, 09:43 PM   #20
Dallas Jack
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I've had a Taurus PT140. (still have a PT145) Also have a M&P 40c (and a M&P 45c). They are both fine carry guns as would be the XD40. If you could try each one that would be the best way to decide. For myself I prefer the M&P 40c.
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Old August 29, 2009, 10:03 PM   #21
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My vote would go for the M&P 40c. I would also suggest the Glock 27 or 23 but it sounds like Glock is not on your list of possibilities, so M&P it is! Both are excellent weapons.
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Old August 30, 2009, 12:06 AM   #22
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Quote:
I have the Springfield XD40SC. IMO, there's not a finer carry .40 on the market today. This gun is small, yet a sweetheart to shoot. Tightly-built and damned accurate. It's just the ultimate.
I could not agree more. Of all the compact carry pistols I have fired, the SA XD40SC takes the prize. I have about 1200 rounds through mine and my experience is the same as CWPinSC's.


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Old August 30, 2009, 07:42 PM   #23
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Quote:
S&W customer service is apalling...
There's no better CS in the firearms industry...
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