Selected Handgun Detail

Manufacturer
	Smith & Wesson More Info

About the Gun

While not their first endeavor into polymer frame striker-fired pistols, Smith & Wesson's M&P features many design improvements over their lower cost Sigma series pistols. These features include an improved trigger action, field interchangeable palm swells, black Melonite finished stainless steel barrel and slide with twin scalloped slide serrations, a Zytel polymer frame reinforced with a stainless steel chassis, and an accessory rail.

Production

Production began in 2005 and ran through 2016/2017.

Market value

MSRP during production was around $570. Used examples in good to excellent condition are currently valued at $300-$450.

Cartridge Specifications
Cartridge:	.40 Smith & Wesson
Alias:	N/A
More Info

Analysis

The .40 S&W original M&P met requirements for greater muzzle energy in the same platform during a time when .40 S&W held significant law enforcement share, following its development in the early 1990s. Recoil and capacity were trade-offs relative to 9mm, but the caliber supported its role in duty applications until industry shifts toward 9mm accelerated. Performance Center ported barrel variants added factory porting and slide modifications to reduce muzzle rise, primarily targeting competition or rapid-fire applications within the same production window.