Modded S&W M&P 9mm vs new Sig P229R 9mm

[BionicMan]

I bring you a somewhat unique comparison today . . . do I spend the money to modify my current M&P to make it what I really want, or sell my 2 month old mint specimen to put towards the new 229R? That said, I love Sig's in general, and after shooting the new 229, I do like it more than my stock M&P. The Sig would also allow me to retain the manufacture's warranty.

So my choices:

1. M&P 9mm with an Apex FSS kit, Apex FRE, Apex RAM-U (when released in a few months), TruGlo TFO or Trijicon sights, and stippled grips done by myself.

Used M&P value: ~$400
Apex parts: ~$245 shipped
Sights: ~$150 shipped
Apex parts + sights install: ~$80
Wood burner: ~$20
Total: ~$895

2. Sig's new P229R with SIGLITE sights, short trigger, and E2 grips. (plus SRT added seperately)

New 229R: $810 shipped
Transfer fee: $20
SRT kit+install: ~$150
Total: ~$980

So what would you do?

Additional info . . .
Purpose: Bedside / range gun
M&P model: full size 9mm with manual thumb safety and no magazine disconnect

[Mity2]

I'd keep the M&P. Sig never did anything for me..

[1988 Olds]

I have to ask what's the purpose of this weapon.

[mojo]

I'd keep the M&P. Sig never did anything for me..

+1 ... I like mine. Plus there has been some serious QC issues with Sig

[41800216]

FWIW, my vote is for modding the Smith. I've always been a tinkerer (Legos, RC cars, computers, real cars, etc.), so I personally would enjoy doing something like that IF, and that's a decently large IF, I knew that the parts being put on are not only high quality, but will alter the operation/usability of the gun in a way I know I'll like.

Seems like the parts you're putting on are quality pieces, but is the end result a known quantity or are you modding in the hopes of renewing interest in a gun with which you're bored or unsatisfied?

[BionicMan]

I have to ask what's the purpose of this weapon.

Good question, added to original post.

I've always been a tinkerer (Legos, RC cars, computers, real cars, etc.), so I personally would enjoy doing something like that IF, and that's a decently large IF, I knew that the parts being put on are not only high quality, but will alter the operation/usability of the gun in a way I know I'll like.

Seems like the parts you're putting on are quality pieces, but is the end result a known quantity or are you modding in the hopes of renewing interest in a gun with which you're bored or unsatisfied?

Excellent questions. I'm in fact a tinkerer much like yourself, hence why I think this could be a fun project. I did quite a bit of leg work on various forums figuring out which parts were best and what the failure rates looked like. I was pretty satisfied with what I found on the Apex parts and spent about 20 minutes on the phone with Lisa from Apex discussing my goals for the project. (I'm rather impressed with their customer service, btw) I very much like my M&P, but I'm also very difficult to please. My goals with this gun would be to improve the level of grip, the quality of the trigger pull and reset, and get a nice set of sights on the gun. I believe that would quench my thirst for improvement.

[kel ruger man]

simple...buy the sig, why would you have a 800 m&p that is still worth 400.? sigs are great guns.....no matter what u do to the smith, its still not a sig. i am not partial because i own both...m&p a great gun....leave it alone or buy the sig.

[mookinator1313]

I vote for the M&P. For me its just more fun to make something fit your needs/wants/desires. IMO you'll get more enjoyment out of something you invested your blood, sweat and tears into, rather than just throwing some money at something new/different

But I'm weird like that

MOOK

[arjohnson]

I'd keep and mod the Smith, I don't think any Sig pistol is worth what they sell them for.

[RXM]

I have a bunch of Sigs (e.g., P226, P228 x2, P238, and P239). That being said, I would never give up my daily carry M&P9c. I sent it to Apex to get their Level 4 Trigger Service done and it is amazing - as close to a 1911 trigger as you can get. Had Sean Reed over at CDI install my Warren Tactical 2 dot tritium sights. Great setup