Mike's Smith and Wesson M&P Pistols Review

You won’t be disappointed with the new M&P pistols from Smith and Wesson!

Smith and Wesson took the best features of their existing models, incorporated some of the best features from competitor’s firearms, blending them together into the new M&P line. The price is right too! I had the pleasure of shooting both the 9mm and .45 models with some very pleasant results.

All M&P models come with three different sized backstraps to fit any palm. Changing them is extremely easy; eject the magazine, ensure the pistol is unloaded, turn the frame tool (next to the magazine slot) 30 degrees, pull the tool out, swap the backstrap and replace the frame tool. All done in under a minute. All M&P models also have an equipment rail mount for adding tactical lights, lasers or other items. I like this because at night, I slip on a tactical light in case I should ever need it. During the day, I slip the light off and it is back to a concealed carry pistol.

Breaking the pistol down for cleaning is also a breeze- lock the slide back, flip one leaver, push the sear deactivation lever with the frame tool (or a pen, stick or other clean item), release the slide and it comes off. Again, all done in under a minute. I’m getting impressed and I hadn’t even shot the pistol yet at this point.

The M&P 9mm full-size and compact models were both very comfortable to hold and easy to operate. Maintaining target sighting was very easy because recoil was light. My groupings were around an inch at 7 and 12 yards- and that’s without me having shot anything for a couple of months. I loved shooting it and easily recommend the M&P 9mm pistols to anybody looking for a great pistol for both target shooting and self defense.

Now, any of you who know me also know that I favor .45 caliber pistols. I waited patiently until the .45 M&P compact became available in August and purchased one of the first ones to hit the streets. It has the features mentioned above, so I won’t repeat myself. As for shooting, WOW – I loved it! Even in the compact model, recoil was minimal (for a .45) and I had no problems shooting tight groups as I did with the 9mm. While my daughter was shooting on the rifle range, I took a moment while she was reloading to shoot the M&P45 compact at the 25 yard target (75 feet) and put eight rounds within 4 inches.

Prior to the M&Ps, I was a diehard Smith and Wesson Chiefs Special .45 fan and you couldn’t talk me into switching it to another concealed pistol. That changed – I now carry the M&P 45 compact.

Mike

New JD Defense Clothing!

You asked for it - we now have it! Because of popular customer demand, JD Defense now sells t-shirts, polo shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies, and jackets- all with the JD Defense logo! For more information, visit our clothing page!

We Now Sell Taylor's & Co., Inc. Firearms!

Taylor's & Co. makes it easy for you to own replicas of the most famous black powder firearms that ever saw military or civilian service at the hands of some of the most legendary figures in American history. Their lines include single action, conversion, top break, and open top revolvers, lever-action, slide action, single shot rifles, and coach guns! To see the various models, click on their logo below!

Looking for a Quality Derringer? We Sell Bond Arms!

We now sell the award-winning Bond Arms derringer -- the finest in double barrel protection! You'll find a line of customized products as well as a line of accessory products such as holsters, extended grips, and additional caliber offerings.To see what we offer, click on their logo below!

Homicides Rates Rising in Delawares

In an article published by the News Journal on July 7th, they reported an alarming trend of higher homicide rates rising across the entire state of Delaware. During the last 25 years, Delaware averaged 33 homicides a year, but by mid-year this year, there were already 24. While a number have surrounded drugs or alcohol, an alarming number are related to domestic violence, including a double-murder in Sussex county earlier this year. full News Journal story

Change to Delaware Hunting Laws

House Bill 46, sponsored by Senator Venables and Representatives Ennis, Lee, & Thornburg and signed by the governor in May 2005 creates a new handgun deer hunting season south of the C&D canal and defines what handguns can be used during it. The exact text of the bill reads as follows:

SENATE BILL NO. 46 AS AMENDED BY SENATE AMENDMENT NO. 1 AND HOUSE AMENDMENT NO. 1
AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 7 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO HUNTING.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE:

Section 1. Amend §704, of Title 7, Delaware Code by adding thereto a new subsection “(g)” to read as follows:

“(g) Except as set forth herein, no person may use a handgun in the pursuit, taking or attempted taking (hunting) of protected wildlife. A handgun as described herein may be used for the pursuit, taking and attempted taking (hunting) of deer on privately owned lands situated south of the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal and those lands within the State owned by the State of Delaware so designated for this purpose by the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, at its discretion, under the following conditions: (1) the handgun shall be limited to revolvers and single shot pistols with a minimum barrel length of 5.75 inches and not exceeding 12.5 inches and chambered for and using straight-wall handgun ammunition in .357 magnum, .41 caliber, .41 magnum, .44 caliber, 44 magnum, .45 caliber, .454 caliber, .480 caliber or .50 caliber and using open sights, metallic/mechanical, optical or telescopic sights; (2) the handgun must be carried openly on a sling or in a holster and not concealed; (3) to be used during a separate six (6) day season to begin on the first Saturday in January through the second Saturday in January.”

Range Upgrade

We have been hard at work redesigning the range to provide an even better experience for our customers. Improvements include expanded facilities and improved target backstops. Over the past two months, we have created and tested several new backstop designs- finally arriving at one that is more durable and easier to use for our members. Members who have used the new backstops love them. We have also doubled both the pistol and rifle range areas and will continue expansion to ensure customer comfort and ensure you can go straight out on the range and shoot anytime without waiting.

About John Davis (JD)

John Davis (JD) began in the 70’s serving in the Army and Army National Guard. After that JD joined the Georgetown Delaware police force. During this time he was given the opportunity to attend the FBI Firearms Instructors Course. He enjoyed that training so much that he became a firearm instructor. At one time he was training 21 police departments in Sussex County. JD received his Federal Firearms License and was able to offer ammo with his training. The path from conducting training led him to selling firearms. In 1995 he began teaching courses on firearms training and safety at Delaware Technical & Community College, Georgetown Campus. He continues to teach courses at Del-tech. In 1995 the Delaware Superior Court deemed him an expert witness in firearms.

In 1998 he retired from the Georgetown Police Department as a Lieutenant. At that time he realized that the part time work he had been doing selling and training in firearms was ready to become a full time business. JD updated his instructors training through Smith and Wesson in 1998. He currently offers training to police departments, bail bondsmen, bounty hunters, security companies and private individuals. He offers courses that meet the requirements to receive a permit to carry concealed deadly weapons in Delaware. His training has been accepted in Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Florida. He conducts training for handguns, shotguns and rifles, and the use of pepper spray. (courtesy of SunDragon Bail Bonds)

Students are given personalized instruction with no questions left unanswered. No matter what skill level or previous experience, John has an uncanny knack of making students feel comfortable and confident. For increased comfort, John also instructs female-only and personal classes upon request. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call us!