Did you have anyone else give them a spin?
Yes. Others did give them a spin.
With over 10,000 rounds thru my primary M&P I never was sure if it was me or the gun. Had several friends who shoot better than me try them with the exact same results. Those pistols would not hold minute of sheet of paper at 25 yards. I shot a friends Glock and held under 2" at 25 yards. Immediately realizing that it was not me, but it was indeed the pistols. Bought that Glock and even more after that. They all shoot 2" or better at 25 yards. I love the ergo's of the M&P. I know some M&Ps shoot accurately, but enough don't, that I won't buy another without being able to shoot it first.
I've known three other shooters that have dropped M&Ps because of the lack of accuracy.
Substantial enough for me!