Smith & Wesson's M&P9L stretches the standard M&P with a 5-inch barrel and a longer slide, giving a 9mm striker-fired pistol that measures 8.5 inches overall and weighs 25.6 ounces. Night sights are installed at the factory, capacity is 17+1, and three magazines come in the box. The polymer frame has a blue/black finish, and the pistol pairs a trigger safety with a manual thumb safety and a magazine disconnect. The slide is not cut for an optic.

For a New Mexico owner this reads as a home-defense and range pistol more than a pocket gun; the long sight radius helps on the 25-yard line, and the night sights work when the lights are off. Buying is straightforward in the state, with no purchase permit and no registration, though dealers will not sell a handgun to anyone under 21. The three included magazines mean fewer reloads at the range and a loaded spare for the nightstand.

Key features

• 9mm striker-fired, 5-inch barrel, 17+1 rounds
• Factory night sights
• Three 17-round magazines included
• Manual thumb safety plus trigger safety
• 25.6 ounces, 8.5 inches overall

Handguns go to a New Mexico FFL dealer of your choice; bring photo ID and expect to complete Form 4473 at pickup.