Ok so I'm currently waiting (im)patiently for my p2p to be approved and have been researching my next firearm purchase which obviously will be a pistol. I have my choices narrowed down to three but would really appreciate input from the good people of this forum to help me make my final decision. Most of my experience with handguns had been with Glock pistols and prefer the DAO style trigger action. I also had a S&W 669 many years ago but really disliked the disparity of the 2 stage (heavy) initial trigger pull then remaining single stage (light) action. So I want a pistol that will have the same trigger action from 1st thru last shot. Even though I liked Glock I was looking for something different this time around. At this point my picks are:

 

Springfield XD,

Sig Sauer P250

Smith+Wesson M&P

Walther PPQ (edit added 9/5)

(either .40 or .45 cal)

 

As far as I can figure each of the above have a trigger action that I'm looking for (If I am wrong, please let me know). Anyone who has had experience (good or bad) with any of these handguns please post your comments/thoughts. Thanks in advance for any assistance you can offer.

Sig P250 is DAO, Hammer Fired, trigger pull of about 5.5-6.5 pounds.

 

The XD and M&P are striker fired, which means it's a consistent trigger action.

What is the gun going to be used for and what are you trying to hit with it?

 

If the gun is for target shooting, why not consider a single-action or even a revolver, as they are better suited for the task in most cases.

 

If the gun is for carry and you need to worry about "threat management" tacitics, then DAO is a viable alternative.

 

Having everything the same in terms of striker-fired guns is like having Breyers and Company X's Chocolate flavored ice creams. At the end of the day, they're both just chocolate.......

The Sig P250 is a good bedside gun but not much else IMHO.

I love the p250. The trigger does take some getting used to

Three different trigger actions:

 

Sig P250 - Hammer fired, so has double strike capability. DAO, very long pull and very long reset. Revolver guys love it and wish their favorite wheelgun had a trigger pull like the P250. Those used to regular semi-autos think the reset is too long. The modularity is a neat feature and makes it easy to clean.

 

The XD is really a SA firearm. It is striker fired (no second strike) and the striker is fully cocked every time the slide cycles. Trigger is consistent.

 

S&W M&P is, what has come to be called, a safe-action firearm. Again striker-fired, but the striker is only partially cocked during the slide cycle. Pulling the trigger finishes fully retracting the striker and releasing it. Trigger is consistent shot to shot.

 

HTH

 

Adios,

 

Pizza Bob

I have a Springfield XD (9mm SC) and an S&W M&P 9mm, and they are both very similar to Glocks. Not coincidentally, I love them both and think that you will too.

 

Sig P250 - Hammer fired, so has double strike capability.

 

 

What do you mean by double strike capability?

What do you mean by double strike capability?

 

Pull the trigger, gun goes "click" (light primer strike). You can pull the trigger again to see if it will go off on the second trigger pull. Striker fired guns, you (generally) can't do that.

love my XD9! so my vote is the XD. 1400 rounds and never a problem.

rent a 1911

glass break triggers

Thanks guys. You've been a great help. Part of my problem was trying to understand the terminology (striker fired, double strike, hammer fired, etc) that the mfr's used on their respective websites and how it equated to a trigger action that I understood. You've all helped me greatly. Oh, btw, the gun that I plan to purchase will mostly be for HD with some target shooting for fun, nothing too serious.

For Duppie and BlueLineFish: Could you explain a bit more about the P250? Accuracy issues? Gritty trigger pull? etc. Thanks guys.

OK, I'm neither of those guys and I'll admit to a Sig bias. The P250 has a wonderful trigger. Those that do not like it (and remember it is a very subjective thing) are used to the tactical tupperware as represented by Glocks and suchlike. The P250 trigger is like the best double action revolver trigger you have ever pulled. Nice, consistent 5# - 5.5# with no stacking (weight of pull increases the further the trigger is pulled). Not everyone's cup of tea, but it does teach you proper trigger discipline and follow through.

 

As for accuracy - I saw the owner of a range in Manchester, NH take a P226 X5 L1 (a $2200 gun) from the sample case of a Sig rep, load the mag with Fiocchi 9mm ammo and empty the magazine at a target at ten yards. Result? One ragged hole where the x-ring used to be. He then took the, then brand new (so first generation P250) from the case and repeat the exercise. Result? An even smaller one ragged hole. I know, I know, not the arrow, but the Indian - but doesn't matter how good the Indian is if the arrow is bent.

 

The P250 is a unique handgun that is an acquired taste. Certainly not for everyone and vastly different than most plastic fantastic pistols, but don't sell it short. Remember: Try before you buy.

 

Adios,

 

Pizza Bob

BlueLineFish uses a P250 as a off duty gun and likes it very much from what I've gathered. I on the other hand purchased it as a primary HD firearm and thought it innovative with the ability to exchange calibers,frames and whole platforms as well as the Sig reputation.

My wife found it difficult to rack the slide,the long but admittedly linear trigger took practice to consistently get tight groups and the mags,caliber/chassis kits rare and expensive.

I fear the P250 will be the considered a grand experiment that failed and regulated to the discount bin.

Thanks again guys. You've cleared up any questions I had about the Sig trigger from the previous posts.

If you want, I have a P250 you can shoot. Since you're not far from me we can set something up.

Love my 250. Need to break it out again. I fear i will have to relearn the trigger pull again

4 inch Revolver in 357

4 inch Revolver in 357

 

586 yoooooo

If i had to choose a safe trigger i would choose my p250 over my modified ny duty glock. Longer but smoother. Hard to explain. Just gotta shoot it.

If you want, I have a P250 you can shoot. Since you're not far from me we can set something up.

 

Thank you for your gracious offer. Actually I'm planning on taking a run up to Shore Shot within the next couple of weeks so that I can rent several guns and compare them at once. After reading several posts I've added the Walther PPQ to the list. Hopefully after a trip to shore shot I'll finally be able to decide on "the gun" that I will puchase. (I knew I should've submitted for more than 1 p2p, lol)

Well, also, I work at Just Sports. I could bring it in to work with me one day and you could check it out. I'm there Thursday, Friday and Saturday this week. Let me know.

That would be great. Thursday would be the best day for me. I could drop by anytime in the afternoon. I really appreciate your help. Thanks Joe

No problem, I'll bring it in.

OP, if you are considering the M&P line, you're probably going to want to do some upgrades to the trigger. While all of the above descriptions of the M&P have been correct, one thing that has been left out is that the trigger on the M&P pistols are pretty horrible to say the least. It is extremely gritty, and even after close to 2k rounds through mine, its still gritty. Not as bad, but its still easily evident. Also, the reset is almost non existent. Its short, but very very mushy and you can hardly feel it. If you shooting, you will not even notice the reset. I can only feel it when I manipulate the gun with an empty chamber. And by feel it, I mean barely. Other than that, the gun is great. The ergonomics are the best compared to other pistols I've held. Its reliable like a glock. Shoots straight and true. The Pro series is not worth the extra cost however, as even with it, you will want to upgrade the trigger. Good luck on your decision.

I have a S&W M&P 9 and it shoots great. I mean, REALLY good. Trouble is, it's a Gunsite model, and I got it from a shooting show guy, so it has probably been worked in some fashion. (Most likely trigger work).

I like the M&P, even though I'm a Sig fan, except I've never handled a 250 and don't like the idea of them. It's not what Sig is all about- a little odd.

If, like you say, you want something different and it's target and some HD, get a decent 1911. I have a stock Sig GSR that has an incredible, snap-glass trigger. A great running machine and a lot of fun to shoot, clean, and show off.

I just got a Springfield XDs which is strictly carry, not much of a target pistol, but once you get used to it you could keep up at short range.

We have a couple of S&W revolvers...a 686 which I believe is one of the great revolvers of all. We also have a Model 19 that has a crisp 4 lb trigger that is really fun to shoot.

Hold the gun...if it feels good in your hand you can always tweak the trigger.

I agree the M&P is a very nice pistol. The Pro series is worth it if it has what you want. The longer barrel and sight radius, fiber optic front site, low glare rear, and a better trigger than stock. Sure the aftermarket triggers are nicer, but you will not be in a rush to change it out immediately.

I agree the M&P is a very nice pistol. The Pro series is worth it if it has what you want. The longer barrel and sight radius, fiber optic front site, low glare rear, and a better trigger than stock. Sure the aftermarket triggers are nicer, but you will not be in a rush to change it out immediately.

 

Hmm. Maybe that is why I was not impressed with my 40 Pro. Mine came with Novak tritium night sights. Great at night, but it takes me way too long to acquire my target during the day. But the trigger still sucks.

Any reason why you didn't list the M&P9 as an option?

But anyhow, among the choices you selected, I think you'd be happiest with the M&P series in the long run.

There is so much info to assimilate I feel like my head is going to explode, LOL. But on a serious note, I appreciate all of your help and the additional info.

I've narrowed my list down to those particular models due to styling that I prefer. As for caliber, I wanted a larger round for stopping power, moreso for hd purposes (higher priortity) than target shooting. 9mm is a less expensive round, but has a tendancy to overpenetrate compared to the slower and larger .45 cal round (Walther is N/A in 45 cal though). I was considering .40 cal as a compromise between the calibers (price/stopping power).