I am considering purchasing my first M&P 9. I will want to install the Apex competition kit in it. Is there any advantage to purchasing the Pro model since I am going to modify it anyway? Any other advice?
I haven't been ordained as an M&P evangelist yet, but I believe the Pro series is more than just the upgraded trigger. It also has a longer barrel (and therefore sight radius) and a fiber-optic front sight.
The M&P pro series is coming different ways now. It still comes with the longer barrel and fiber optic sights or the standard full size with night sights and the words Pro Series engraved nicely on the slide.
If you are going to change out parts anyway I would stick with the standard model.
I have changed all my Pro models to the Apex Sear and RAM. Although the Pro Series has a very nice trigger out of the box, it is still not quite as good as the Apex Sear enhanced trigger. Why then did I buy the Pros, only to upgrade them with Apex parts... Because I am a M&P snob, and I like the Pro designation on my M&P's.
Actually the Pro series models do go through the Performance Center division of S&W, and they do get a better final fit there. I can tell you that my M&P40 Pro Series is a bit more accurate than my older M&P40 with Apex parts. It is not just a placebo effect... There is a measurable difference in the group sizes between the guns. Is it enough of a difference to justify the price? That is up to the buyer/shooter.
I am considering purchasing my first M&P 9. I will want to install the Apex competition kit in it. Is there any advantage to purchasing the Pro model since I am going to modify it anyway? Any other advice?
Not really. The Pro model has an upgraded sear, but the Apex sear that comes in the competition kit is superior to the pro sear.
The pro model does come with competition sights (fiber optic front, black rear), so if the sight configuration suits you, it might be worth it to go for the pro version.