Frist of all welcome to the site. I'll tell you this much, if it don't feel right don't buy it. The MP has a good reputation so far as I know. I don't own one but I do have a Sigma VE .40 and it is tight on the slide. I would go to another shop and check one of the same model. Good luck.

WhoUtink: Sir; I agree with "Baldy". If it don't fit don't buy. [Johnny Cochran]
Too many folks buy xyz because of friend, companion, reading, have all the answers. Buying a 'car' how many makes and models. Same premise.:
Trying a 'hand fit' to start with is proper. Some prefer color. All should have fittings much as shoes should fit.
My failures are "I want" xyz, because, fit, caliber, designation, maker, function.
Spend the time in understanding 'why' you want and does it fit. Hype is hype

Ask your questions here and the answers are understandable and good.

I agree...

Try several of the same model. Some will be tighter, and better fit than others. Pick up a few other brands. XDs, Glocks, HKs, etc... Fit and finish often follow price, but there are cherrys and there are turds in every brand... Like cars... but unlike guns, they won't let you "test drive" every car on the lot.

Find a range that rents, and shoot some. Spending a few bucks in rental fees will pay off a lot in satisfaction with your purchase.

99% of M&Ps, XDs, Glocks, HKs, Sigs, will be fine, run fin, and not give you issues, even if they have a little slop. But if you can pick them over... do it.

Welcome,
JeffWard

Im going to take a gun safety course and the ccw course and whatever else they offer at the range close by, before I purchase anything. The place where the courses are rents, so I plan on trying a bunch of different pistols, before I buy. It will mainly be a HD, and target shooting for practice and fun thing. If I ever decide I want to carry I will probably by something a bit smaller.
I have another question about the M&p. IS the grip that comes installed the large ,medium, or small grip. I asked the guy but he handed me the compact and said it was the small grip. I guess he didn't know what I meant.

Neighbor is a SWAT commander and in charge of gun training for his small (45 officers) department. He recommended the M&P, and in fact just ordered 50 of them for his department.
I am getting used to sighting with both eyes open, and find this weapon is a fine, accurate shooter, with NO jamming! Like the choice of 3 grips, and found one is just right for my hand
.

If the range allows, you could remove the M&P backstrap and look at it's backside. They are marked small, medium or large. The large has some fairly obvious bulge to it but the others would be more difficult to tell.

Simply go to a gun store and ask to look at one then have them switch out the backstraps for you. If they won't do that they can at least show you the "Kit" and you can check size markings on the parts not on the gun. If they won't do either you don't want to deal with them anyway.

You are the customer with the money so make them cater to you.

The M&P's are nice combat weapons. I have 2. They are not however gold plated 1911's with .0005" clearance slip fit parts. Because of that a bit of dirt will not stop them from functioning.

Have fun in your search.

I bought the M&P 9 a little over a week ago as my first handgun because it was the best fit for my hand and it was completely lefty friendly. (I finally get to bring it home tomorrow!) I'm pretty much a newbie too when it comes to pistols, but mine feels pretty tight. The barrel wobbles a bit when the slide is locked back, but I suspect that is normal. I've had no trouble at all during the first 100 rounds. It's very comfortable to shoot.

The gun comes shipped with the medium grip and that's the grip my local shop had installed on the one in the case.

Originally Posted by TOF

The M&P's are nice combat weapons. I have 2. They are not however gold plated 1911's with .0005" clearance slip fit parts. Because of that a bit of dirt will not stop them from functioning.

I never thought of it like that, thanks. It makes sense now, I guess that is why you can bury you a glock and still have it work.

Originally Posted by RightTurnClyde

The gun comes shipped with the medium grip and that's the grip my local shop had installed on the one in the case.

Thanks for the info on the grip. The palm swell part is what felt a little bulky in my hand. I gotta find out if the small one fits better.