I am looking to purchase a new duty weapon. I am between the M&P 40 and the XDM 40. I currently carry a 1911 but want something with a bigger capacity and a tac rail. Do any of my fellow LEO's have any suggestions or insights. Thanks

I'm an XD lover, I go with that, or better yet, an XDm.

sounds like you are a fan of the 1911 platform and already familiar with it but you just need to enhance its capabilities. In that case i would recommend a double stack 1911 with a tac rail. I have had one for years and can speak very highly for it.

look at these:
http://www.dawsonprecision.com/ProductDetail.jsp?LISTID=5DB0001-1115949313

I had the XDm in .40 S&W... no issues in several hundred rounds. Sold it ONLY because I simply did not like the feel as compared to the XD Tactical and Glock. I currently have two XD Tactical pistols, one in .40 S&W and the other in .45 ACP. For me, I find the XD Tactical and Glock to feel and point the same.

The M&P's are nice, I'd like to have one. Like I said, either will do well I'm sure.

M&P, without question. Its simply a better gun, with better OEM and aftermarket support.

I carry a XD9 working as a cop, and a M&P .40 working security. Both pistols are great and will get the job done. They are essentially the same thing anyway...striker fired pistols with adjustable palm swells. The only real difference would be price, which is rather negligible. Beyond that it is mainly personal preference. Keep in mind that there are more holster options out there for the M&P.

That being said, I prefer the XD...the reason being that I feel it is a slightly more durable pistol. I like the metal trigger of the XD as opposed to the polymer of the M&P; I also like the additional grip safety of the XD. Also, several people that I know from work have been having issues with the epoxy giving out on the trijicon night sights on the M&P. Not to say that is really against the M&P, rather it is more an issue with Trijicon.

Ultimately, if "get both" isn't an option, I highly suggest that you shoot both and then decide what you personally like and what yields the best results.

I have both and prefer the M&P for the ergonomics. It also gives you more options for whatever safeties you want it to have or not. Other than that the only real difference is the smoother contour of the M&P slide if you are into looks.

I will say that the first time I took out the M&P compact I was blown away by the accuracy. Pretty much sold me on the spot when I hit a steel plate at 100 yards every shot with the first magazine.

I am a dyed in the wool Glock fan and that is what I carry off duty.

My current department requires you carry the full size Smith and Wesson M&P in .40. I was initially turned off by the crummy trigger and the fact it was not a Glock. The first time I took it to qualify I was surprised by the accuracy. Since then it has proven to be just as accurate despite the "mushy" feeling trigger.

I have owned an XD in the past. If I could carry a Glock I would, but I am content with M&P and I have gone from hating it to loving it!

I do love love LOVE Glocks, by the M&P blows the Glock away in the shape of the grip.

Have both an M&P45 and XD45. Carried both for duty. I prefer the M&P, but that's just me. Go with what feels best in your hand. Neither is a 1911, and at some point I'll probably go with an E-series S&W 1911.

I am firmly in the camp of "try them and see for yourself." Personally, I greatly prefer the M&P and that's what I carry on duty. As long as the weapon is reliable, then all else is in how it fits you.

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I currently carry the M&P .40 and have carried an XD. I like both pistols alot. They are alot alike and also greatly different for being a polymer grip striker fire pistol. I like the grip on the M&P better than the standard XDs. Have not handled an XDM. Like others have said, shoot both. Preferably in the same setting on the same day. That will show you what it is you really want in a handgun.