Not on the range.... just starting to look around a bit. Right now, I'm definately inclined to the Smith- It felt very natural. The Glock just didn't feel right in my hand - it felt like the finger ridges in the hand grip were mis-aligned(too high- close to the trigger guard by about 3/16"-1/4". - the XDM was just kinda "there" - nothing really pro or con to it in my senses.
Try the Springfield xd40, good feel, great safety features, good impact, in the black of night by feel you can tell if it is loaded and cocked.
I never cared for the Glocks. I rave about my SA XDM in s&w .40 cal. Came w/ a match barrel. I can strip it to the grip, slide and barrel in under 3 seconds.
Plus tack on the viridian green laser and it is something w/ not many peers. Kit comes w/ case, paddle holster, 2-magazine holster, cleaning brush, and a lock. I recomend buying another magazine. Each mag holds 16 rounds, plus one in the pipe and you are 1 round shy of a full box. I even cleaned mine today.
just my .02' worth
I have seen Glocks deployed in downtown Vienna.
Worked well there.
If you do not like the fit don't worry about.40 S&W which is an unnecessary and unused round.
It comes down to 9mm parabellum or .45 acp.
Take your choice and be glad that you have one. I like .45 acp.
I have A Taurus 45. A bit less expensive, feels nice, along with shooting straight. It's also a nice size for concealed. The Taurus is just a Smith copy, so I've heard. I've been told a 45 is better for defense. It will drop an intruder and if you miss one the shells won't travel as far. The 40's (and 9mm) are designed to pierce and will travel much farther. Putting neighbors/innocent bystanders at more risk of a wild bullet.
My 2 cents.
Hand guns are like gloves, one size doesn't fit all, but over time you can get use to them.
i have owned a glock 23 and a xd 45. i love the 23 and i hated the xd. my glock is a generation 2 with no finger grooves and i have added a rubber houge grip. it fits my hand perfect and i can shoot the bull all day at 15 yards. i have had it for 17 years and not a single hiccup with literally thousands of rounds down the pipe. the xd i had was a tactical model (5 inch) and it was just too big. it shot pretty good but i just never warmed up to it. felt like a brick in my hand. i traded it for a RIA 1911. i have not shot the smith. don't listen to the haters who tell you 40 s&w is a useless round. i carry everything from 380 to 45. if you can hit center mass with anything in between those rounds it will end a fight. the glock 23 is my 'nightstand gun'.
Also check out the new SigSaeur 40 cal. Auto. Looks really sweet.
Of the ones you listed, the M&P is the real winner.
I have no experience with the M&P or the Glock, but agree with Frank on the XD. I bought an XD (not XDm) subcompact last October and love shooting it. It's got me thinking of getting a full size one in .45
