joesnewmatch

Very cool. I've been researching my first M&P and still debating between the 5" LE and the Competitor. Saw a guy use his Competitor yesterday in action and it's making my decision harder.

Really appreciate all the help here, guys--thanks!

Thanks @dtuns!!! If you don't mind, tell me what you like about the Competitor and if there's any dislikes or recommended mods beyond the trigger? Is the barrel accuracy better on that model than the older models? I'm really not looking for a ported gun, but liked the options on the PC ported -- feel, weight, length. Of course, the one I shot had the sweet Apex barrel. Are you happy with the accuracy in the Competitor's stock configuration?

I've been told the Apex is the best. Have you compared the two? Not challenging you, but curious what you like about it or why it may be better.

Quick background - 51, grew up shooting, own lots of handguns. Favorites were 1911 and Glocks. Last few years got into advanced training classes and also open steel challenges with no limitations. This past year I bought a Staccato P when I stumbled on one and thought I would be the perfect marriage my favorite 1911 platform with double stack 9mm. Great gun, super accurate, but the handle fatigues my smaller hands (don't get great purchase), the trigger is heavier than I'd like, and the safety is starting to get annoying. During a recent class I handled a M&P Performance Center 5" ported model and it felt like goldilocks in my hand. I never considered a S&W before, because when I got into Glocks, the S&W couldn't compete (90's) and I didn't keep up with the evolution of the M&P line. Simply put, I couldn't get it out of my head. Loved the backstrap, the texture, the 1911 grip angle, the pointability, etc. I shot it and was impressed -- but found out the owner had installed both Apex trigger and barrel, so not stock. I would like to add an M&P to my collection and looking for the best, flattest shooting, and most accurate and malfunction-free gun I can get. The Competitor is interesting, but I might still change the trigger. The PC Ported is about $700 and I'd be adding extra mags, trigger, possibly barrel (heard it was far more accurate at distance). So it may be a wash? Curious if you would recommend the 5" PC Ported polymer, the 5" Aluminum Competitor, or something all together different. 4.25"? I'm open, but leaning towards 5" flat shooting. I've researched as much as I can online and on YouTube, and understand that the aluminum isn't necessarily better than the polymer. Curious what you recommend in this context? Not a carry gun. Range training, steel challenge, home defense. What should I know? What should I check out? Thanks!