FOCUS S&W M&P9 Pro Series
the M&P9 Pro Series C.O.R.E. Our choice was the 5-inch version of the 9mm M&P Pro Series, which is still considered a box-stock, factory pistol.
The M&P9 Pro Series was also intro- duced in 2008. More competition-oriented, the Pro Series has two major improvements over the basic M&P pistols. First, the Pro Series uses a Novak® green (or red) fi ber- optic front sight and a Novak® Reduced Glare rear sight. A plain black rear sight is gaining popularity among today’s ac- tion pistol shooters. The low rake angle of the rear sight cuts down glare. Since both sights are dovetail mounted, both may be changed to M&P tritium night sights for departments that require them. Perhaps the biggest improvement in the Pro Series over the basic M&P pistols is the enhanced trigger system. For the Pro Series pistols, the S&W Performance Center adds a different sear, and polishes some of the mating surfaces in the trig- ger group. The basic M&P pistols have an average trigger pull of 6.5 pounds. The smoothed-out Pro Series pistols have an average trigger pull of 4.5 pounds. The Pro Series trigger group has less slack than the basic M&P pistol and also a much shorter trigger reset distance. The Pro Series trigger is simply amazing.
M&P Pro CORE
In 2013, S&W announced an even more competition-oriented version of the M&P Pro Series: the C.O.R.E. (Compe- tition Optics Ready Equipment). Again built by the S&W Performance Center, these M&P Pro Series pistols are avail- able in 9mm and 40 S&W and in either 4.25-inch or 5-inch barrel lengths. The M&P Pro Series C.O.R.E. has a spe- cialized mounting platform on the top of the slide engineered to accept six popu- lar styles of competition-based optics. Through the use of removable brackets, the handgunner can install the corresponding mounting screws to achieve the precise fi t and height required. The M&P C.O.R.E. of- fers quick and custom installation for the industry’s top aftermarket red-dot sight manufacturers: Trijicon RMR, C-More STS, Leupold DeltaPoint, Docter, Insight MRDS, and JPoint. In addition, Smith & Wesson added much higher profi le, triple white dot, front and rear sights that can be used with the mounted red-dot optic. The M&P C.O.R.E.
28 LAW and ORDER I January 2016
pistols use a crowned muzzle for improved accuracy. The new C.O.R.E. pistols also include a new textured, interchangeable back strap with more prominent stippling, unique to the C.O.R.E. line. The M&P Pro Series C.O.R.E., considered by most groups to be a Custom-class pistol, is probably too competition-oriented to be a true dual-pur- pose, patrol-competition pistol.
Home on the Range We went to the range with 15 different kinds of 115-grain, 124-grain 147-grain JHP and FMJ ammo from Federal, Hor- nady, Remington, Winchester, Sig Sauer and HPR. According to the S&W Per- formance Center, the factory specs for Pro Series accuracy are 3-inch, 25 yard groups or better. Obviously, this is both ammo and shooter dependant. The best accuracy from our random se- lection of ammo just happened to be the Remington 115-grain FMJ (1.5-inch), the
The S&W M&P Pro Series uses a Novak green (or red) fiber-optic front sight. The standard M&P pistols use a three-dot sighting system.
A dual-purpose pistol is one pistol that can be used for both patrol-tactical use and also for pistol league competition.
Federal 124-grain FMJ (1.8-inch), and the Winchester 147-grain FMJ Match (2.8-inch). Four of the 115-grain, fi ve of the 124- grain, and three of the 147-grain loads shot under 3-inch, 25-yard, sandbagged groups. A few of the 115-grain and 147- grain loads shot over 3-inch groups. All shot 4-inch groups or better. The M&P Pro fi ts in most standard duty holsters, despite the extra barrel length. The advantages of the Pro Series in competition will translate to the street if the need arises.
Offi cer Steve Tracy is the Editorial Director of The Police Marksman (online) and may be reached at
steventracy@hendonpub.com. Lt. Ed Sanow is the Editorial Director of Tactical Response (print and online) and may be reached at
esanow@hendonpub.com.
LaO Post your comments on this story by visiting
www.lawandordermag.com
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