Why I love my M&P 9mm ...

1.  It's ergonomically perfect.  This firearm might not be the prettiest on the planet, but I can't tell you how many times I've heard others who own it claim it just "feels" right in the hand.  It's balanced and has a natural on-target cant when loaded.  Feeling comfortable in the hand is an important component of a good pistol.  Here's a basic photo from a poor angle, but you get the point:

Smith & Wesson M&P 9mm (full-size, 17 rounds)

2.  It's Accurate.  Right out of the box, an average shooter will have very little trouble putting rounds on target (or at least, close enough to count).

3.  It's Incredibly Reliable.  I'm nearing the 2,000 round mark without experiencing a single failure of any kind with all types and brands of ammo.  That's a Glock-like and nearly unheard of reliability rate in a semi-auto.

4.  It's Easily Upgradeable.  Without getting too technical, for about $90 and 90 minutes of your time (or 20 minutes of time from a quality gunsmith), you can replace several trigger components (sear, springs, etc...) which will improve the trigger pull significantly (increasing accuracy).  There are also a number of gunsmiths who perform upgrades on these guns on the cheap.  It also has standard rails for a light or other add ons.

5.  It's Great for Action Pistol Shooting.  There are few reasonably priced pistols that are as suitable right out of the box for IDPA competition.  If you are so inclined, you can spend a few extra dollars for a trigger kit and perhaps some new sights (like I did), and be WELL equipped in the Standard Service Pistol category.   This past weekend, of the 15 or so shooters in my beginner's squad, I counted 5 M&Ps and no more than 2 of any other variety.   (Note: I'll have more on IDPA later.)

OVERALL RATING: **** (of *****).  This pistol fits many categories very well.  For a full size 9mm, it has few peers in its price range.  Most pistols in that price range are going to be *** or below, but the upgradeability and superior reliability make this weapon a cut above the others in the marketplace.