Introduction
In the realm of modern handguns, Smith & Wesson’s M&P (Military & Police) series holds a prominent position, lauded for its reliability, ergonomics, and adaptability. Within this lineage, the M&P 40 Full Size stands out as a particularly favored choice, often found in the holsters of law enforcement officers and civilian shooters alike. It’s a pistol that promises a blend of power, accuracy, and user-friendly design. This article aims to delve deep into the M&P 40 Full Size, offering a detailed look at its features, performance, and place within the competitive world of firearms. Whether you’re a seasoned shooter considering an upgrade or a newcomer exploring your first pistol, this guide provides a comprehensive overview to help you understand what makes the M&P 40 Full Size such a significant handgun.
Background and History
The story of the M&P pistol begins with a strategic vision: to deliver a handgun built for the demands of law enforcement and military use. Smith & Wesson, with its long history in firearms manufacturing, embarked on this project with a clear goal: to design a pistol that would surpass existing models in terms of ergonomics, reliability, and ease of operation. The initial M&P pistols, introduced in the early 2000s, quickly gained attention for their innovative features and user-centered approach. They represented a significant departure from earlier Smith & Wesson designs, incorporating polymer frames, striker-fired actions, and a modular design that allowed for easy customization.
The M&P 40, introduced shortly after the initial M&P models, was a natural progression. It was designed to chamber the .40 Smith & Wesson cartridge, a round that had gained significant traction in law enforcement circles during that era. The .40 S&W round promised a balance of stopping power and manageable recoil, appealing to agencies seeking an alternative to the 9mm and .45 ACP cartridges. Smith & Wesson saw an opportunity to capitalize on this trend and provide a reliable platform that could handle the .40 S&W cartridge effectively.
The timing proved opportune. Law enforcement agencies across the United States and internationally were actively evaluating and adopting the .40 S&W, and the M&P 40, with its modern design and robust construction, fit the bill perfectly. It soon became a favored sidearm within numerous police departments. This widespread adoption further fueled the pistol’s popularity among civilian shooters, who appreciated its performance characteristics and availability of aftermarket support. The M&P 40 Full Size quickly established itself as a leading contender in the full-size handgun market, solidifying Smith & Wesson’s position as a major player in the industry.
Features and Specifications
The M&P 40 Full Size is more than just a firearm; it’s a carefully engineered system, meticulously designed to optimize user experience and performance. One of the first things you’ll notice is its well-considered ergonomics. The full-size frame offers a comfortable grip for most shooters, allowing for a secure and natural hold. Smith & Wesson equips these pistols with interchangeable palm swells, providing the user with the ability to customize the grip size. This feature is especially valuable for shooters with different hand sizes, helping them achieve a better grip and enhanced control.
The frame itself is constructed from durable polymer, which contributes to the pistol’s relatively light weight without sacrificing strength. The polymer construction also helps absorb recoil, making the pistol more comfortable to shoot. A prominent feature is the aggressive texturing on the grip, a design element that ensures a non-slip hold even in wet conditions. The frame also incorporates an integral accessory rail, allowing for the easy attachment of lights or lasers.
The .40 S&W cartridge is the heart of the M&P 40 Full Size’s power. It offers a substantial balance of bullet weight and velocity, making it a popular choice for both self-defense and law enforcement applications. The magazine capacity of the Full Size variant varies slightly depending on the specific model but is usually around fourteen rounds. These high-capacity magazines contribute to the pistol’s overall firepower and provide confidence in high-pressure situations.
The barrel of the M&P 40 Full Size is designed for both accuracy and durability. The standard barrel length contributes to a favorable balance of handling and ballistic performance. Sights on the M&P 40 Full Size are generally of the three-dot variety, which allows for quick and intuitive target acquisition. However, Smith & Wesson and the aftermarket offer a wide range of sight upgrades, including tritium night sights for low-light conditions, or fiber optic sights that can improve aiming.
The M&P 40 Full Size operates on a striker-fired action, a design renowned for its simplicity and reliability. The trigger pull is consistent and offers a crisp break, aiding in accurate shot placement. Many consider the trigger design in the M&P to be a solid choice, although aftermarket options are always available for fine-tuning. Integral safety features are built into the design to ensure safety. The trigger incorporates a blade safety, which helps prevent accidental discharges. There’s also a firing pin block, which prevents the firing pin from moving forward unless the trigger is fully depressed. Some models are available with an optional manual safety, catering to those who prefer an additional layer of security.
Performance and Handling
The M&P 40 Full Size’s performance is the main reason for its popularity. Accuracy is generally excellent. At typical defensive ranges, the pistol is capable of grouping shots tightly, making it a suitable option for both target practice and self-defense. The sights, as mentioned, contribute to this accuracy, allowing for a clear sight picture and rapid target acquisition.
Recoil, an important aspect of any firearm, is managed surprisingly well, given the potency of the .40 S&W cartridge. While the .40 S&W does generate more recoil than 9mm, the design of the M&P 40 Full Size helps mitigate this. The polymer frame absorbs some of the recoil, and the grip design contributes to a comfortable hold. Even experienced shooters can maintain control during rapid firing.
Reliability is a major strength of the M&P 40 Full Size. The pistol is engineered for robustness and is known for its resistance to malfunctions. With proper maintenance, the M&P 40 Full Size typically functions flawlessly, even in demanding environments. The simple and rugged design of the internal components helps reduce the likelihood of mechanical issues.
Ease of use and maintenance further enhance the appeal of the M&P 40 Full Size. The pistol can be field-stripped quickly and easily, allowing for routine cleaning and lubrication. The user-friendly design requires minimal specialized tools, and most maintenance tasks can be performed by the user. The availability of detailed manuals and online resources makes it easy to learn how to maintain the pistol.
Pros and Cons
The M&P 40 Full Size has many advantages. The ergonomics, particularly the grip design and interchangeable palm swells, are often praised. The secure, comfortable grip helps shooters maintain control during firing. The trigger, while not always the best in class, is still a step above many other factory triggers and allows for consistent shot placement. The accuracy, as mentioned, is also a significant benefit. The pistol is capable of achieving tight groupings, even at longer ranges. Its reliability is another key selling point. The M&P 40 Full Size’s robust design makes it a dependable choice for self-defense and law enforcement applications.
Aftermarket support is extensive. The M&P platform is extremely popular, meaning you can find numerous accessories, from grips and sights to triggers and holsters. This allows you to customize your pistol to your specific needs and preferences.
There are a few disadvantages to consider. The recoil of the .40 S&W cartridge is more pronounced than that of the 9mm. This can be a concern for shooters who are sensitive to recoil or those who are new to handguns. Some shooters may also prefer the trigger pull. There are many opinions on this point, and this is where personal preference will come into play. Finally, the .40 S&W cartridge may be less common or more expensive than the 9mm in some areas.
Competition and Alternatives
The M&P 40 Full Size competes against several other popular handguns in the full-size category.
The Glock 22, another dominant player in the .40 S&W market, is a direct competitor. The Glock 22 is renowned for its reliability and simplicity, and also has a huge aftermarket support. The key differences lie in the ergonomics. The M&P 40 often feels more comfortable in the hand for many shooters, thanks to its more sculpted grip.
The Sig Sauer P226 in .40 S&W offers a different approach. The P226 is a premium handgun known for its high quality and accuracy. Compared to the M&P 40, the P226 is usually more expensive. The P226 is known for its all-metal construction which gives it a more solid feel.
Other contenders include handguns from companies like Springfield Armory and Heckler & Koch, all offering unique features. When choosing between these options, it’s essential to consider factors such as ergonomics, trigger feel, reliability, and personal preferences.
User Reviews and Experiences
The M&P 40 Full Size has garnered a dedicated following. Many users praise the pistol’s ergonomics, with many saying that they find the grip particularly comfortable. Many also appreciate the pistol’s accuracy. Users report that they are able to achieve tight groupings at a range of distances. The M&P’s reliability is consistently highlighted in user reviews, with many owners reporting few if any malfunctions, even after extensive use.
Conclusion
The M&P 40 Full Size is a well-rounded handgun that excels in several key areas. Its ergonomic design, reliable performance, and ease of use make it an excellent choice for a wide range of shooters. The .40 S&W chambering provides a compelling balance of power and controllability. While there are alternatives available, the M&P 40 Full Size’s blend of features, accuracy, and reliability has secured its place as a prominent and respected handgun in the market. Whether you are a law enforcement officer, a self-defense-minded individual, or a target shooter looking for a reliable and adaptable firearm, the M&P 40 Full Size is worth your consideration.
