Handgun Forum banner

Seeking Your Expert Opinions: PX-4 and S&W MP

1K views 6 replies 3 participants last post by  skoro 
#1 ·
I have a pair of very old (collector's items) pistols in 9mm and 45 ACP. I want to update in both calibers. After visiting a local gunshop, I'm leaning towards a Beretta PX-4 in 45 ACP and the Smith and Wesson MP compact in 9mm.

I'd appreciate any feedback you gents could give me on these two handguns. My itended purpose for both is general plinking and range firing. The compact 9mm will be a take-along on walks through country where feral dogs and pigs have been known to be a problem.

Thanks!
 
#2 ·
If I was truly concerned about Hogs I would up the power to M&P40 full size for round count or a .357 revolver. 44Mag might be better.

:smt1099
 
#3 ·
Well, I probably should have said javelinas. No full-size feral hogs around this area that I've heard of. The javelinas are pretty small, so I'd think the 9mm would be decent pig medicine, if need be. But feral dogs? I've run into packs on two occasions. Once, I had a .22 rifle and was able to disperse the pack when I put a round right through the biggest boy's boiler room. I assumed he was the alpha. Another time I was unarmed and felt lucky to get away in one piece.

Anyway, thanks for the feedback. Any further comments on these two pistols? I've been doing some reading up in the S&W and Beretta forums.
 
#4 ·
Hogs are tough to kill sometimes and it takes a keen shot with a .357. I would get me a 4" M-629 S&W or a 4" Ruger Redhawk in .44mag. Both guns carry good in a holster and you can make good follow up shots with them. Even if you don't stop a big boar you will stun him enough to get the second shot off. The 9mm will not even turn him if he charges. Most 9mm will not even get pass his layer of fat. Good luck.:smt1099
 
#5 ·
I don't consider Javelina to be a problem but I guess they could be. I have had herds pass on both sides of me after I shot one of the herd. The 9MM will be adequate for them. 9's don't always pierce dog skulls though so be prepared for multiple shot requirements if a mad Pit Bull comes after you..

I would get the full size M&P. I carry a full size M&P40 or GP100 4" concealed and will not go smaller. IWB or OWB with a square cut bottom shirt on the outside does the trick.

:smt1099
 
#6 ·
I wasn't even thinking of a holster. I was just going to carry it in a small fanny pack. Not a good idea?

And the dogs I've seen all appear to be 2nd or 3rd generation ferals. Totally mixed breed, but with obvious Rotty coloring. My old .22 rifle put down a big one with one shot through the ribs at about 20 yards, so the 9mm seemed to be plenty for my purpose. Besides, I already have a supply of 9mm and .45 ACP for my old "retired" pistols and I'd like to stick with those calibers, since they're what I'm accustomed to.

I've heard and read a lot of good things about the .40 S&W cartridge, but I'm too old to start collecting a bunch of different calibers. ;)
 
#7 ·
I ended up purchasing the S&W M&P 9C and then went with the M&P full-size 45, too. I compared the M&P 45 to the Beretta PX4 and the Springfield XD 45. It was close. All three seemed to be very good pistols with comparable features. The M&P just felt best, especially with the large backstrap in place. Over the next couple of weeks I'll shoot a few targets and see how they work.

 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top