As a steel revolver shooter (Ruger GP-100, S&W 66-3 2.5", and S&W 686 4"), I never thought I would like a "Tuperware" gun.
But I love my M&P 9, and now shoot IDPA and USPSA almost exclusively with it!
A nice benefit is that it cleans up in about 15 minutes, as opposed to an hour and a half.
How does it compare with a Springfield XD? The reason I ask is that I have an NRA grant to buy pistols for our collegiate marksmanship group. Glocks are out because we train women, and the grip is just too big for their small hands. I've shot the Springfield, but not the M&P (though I have examined one, and found it to be very pleasant). If it were me we'd buy Browning HiPowers, BUT, the $150-200 price difference isn't a good use of the Friends of the NRA's money (IMHO).
