range report S&w MP

How did you decide on the MP 45 over the Glock 21 and XD 45?

I've had my Glock 21 well before the M&P came out, its about about my least favorite gun. If I was starting fresh picking up a MP45 vs a Glock 21 would be very easy for me to go with the M&P 45 without hesitation -- the Glock 21 is just too fat for me, the M&P offers slightly different feels with the changeable back straps all of which fit me better than the Glock.

Springfield XD was my favorite polymer pistol until I shot the M&P.

--wally.

I also went with the M&P over the Glock or XD. For me personally there is much more appealing in the M&P...better grip angle, better grip diameter, better trigger, better accuracy. I never could get used to the Glock 21, mostly because it felt like I was holding a brick in my hand. The XD is a fine weapon, but that grip didn't feel as good to me as the M&P. I say, for anyone looking for an excellent polymer pistol, the M&P series is the way to go.

I suspect that the $50.00 rebate and 2 free magazines S&W is offering didn't hurt either. In my experience the M&P45 is generally about the same price at the Glock 21 and slightly more expensive than the XD. When you factor in the $50.00 rebate, the S&W is cheaper than either, and with the free mags S&W is offering, you get four magazines for the pistol rather than two. S&W also offers a lifetime warranty (to be fair Springfield does too, although they don't actually manufacture the XD; Glock does not offer a lifetime warranty). S&W has an almost universal record for good service when it comes to warranty work, Springfield is hit or miss (I missed, I had an awful experience with Springfield warranty service).

I went with the M&P45 too. I've owned a Glock 21 in the past. It was a great shooting gun, but the grip was just too big. I always felt like I was holding a new bar of soap and the grip angle on Glocks has never worked for me. I've handled the Glock 21SF, and while it does feel slightly smaller, to me it feels like a bar of soap that has been used a couple of times, but one can still read the brand on the bar. I don't find the 21SF to be any kind of major improvement, although I will grant that it feels slightly smaller. It still has the God awful grip angle though.

I didn't even consider an XD45, I don't like the grip, the trigger, or the high bore axis on it. I'm also not interested in a grip safety.

On the other hand, the grip on the M&P fits me perfectly, and it offers interchangeable backstraps so it can be adjusted for different hand sizes. S&W also offers an optional manual safety, magazine safety, or both for those people who want them. Glock offers neither, and Springfield just introduced an XD45 with a manual safety at the Shot Show but does not offer a magazine safety. One can debate the merits of both all day long, but the simple fact is that S&W offers them because some people want them.

My IDPA shooting buddy and I both got M&P45s about the same time. Both have been totally reliable, very accurate, and a lot of fun to shoot. I couldn't be more pleased with mine.

I didn't even consider an XD45, I don't like the grip, the trigger, or the high bore axis on it.

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I've already espoused how the M&P is my favorite polymer pistol, but the high bore axis of the XD is an illusion. I too dismissed the the XD until I actually shot one at a "try mine, try yours" swap at the range. The XD was my favorite polymer gun until the M&P came out. Its still a close second and worth considering for sure.

--wally.

I love what I've heard of the M&P line. I'm waiting for the M&P45 Compact. I really, really, want one of those.

is S&W planning on coming out with a compact MP line?

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They already have a compact line. They may not have the .45 in compact yet, but I suspect that's because the .45 was intended to be S&W's contention for the (now indefinitely suspended) military .45 sidearm proposal, and may not have been in the original plans for the M&P's. There are compacts in 9mm and .40 S&W.

Jason

Midsize M&P 45's are nearing release, and were unveiled at SHOT.

No info on the .45's but I have a 9mm M&P.
After a few hundred more rounds w/o any issues (and I'm well on my way) it will become a primary CCW.
After that, I'm going to be wanting a backup.
I'll keep them stored together and hope that they reproduce.

I'm used to being disappointed with guns but I think S&W has broken my losing streak.

congrats on the good buy and thanks for the review i am glad that you are happy with it, what no pics, no ics it didn't happen!

I've had the MP 45 for 3 months. I also own a few Glocks. For my money the MP 45 stands out just a little higher. I've shot some really good groups with it.

I am looking to add a.45 to my home defense tool kit in the near future. I am deciding between the G21 and the MP. I am leaning toward the Glock for the 13+1 capacity right now.

I'm not sure but I think SW is on the verge of releasing a 14 round magazine for the MP45 full size.

Actually, it is a 15rd, and it's out now.

b-

They have a M&P 45 full size, medium, and compact in the 2008 catalog. The compact is 8+1.

I have a MP 9 and love it!

The S&W website is SLOW:banghead:

yeah - and the 15rd isn't on their website yet. Check local S&W dealers.

b-

I've fired Glocks and XD's. Thought they were good shooting pistols. I bought an M&P9 because I liked the feel better. It's been darned reliable and, once the part that pulled the trigger got a bit of upgrading, an accurate shooter. I'd certainly give one a good look. I think "better" is a matter of fit and feel.

I think I prefer .45 on the 1911 frame or in an SA revolver, but 15-round mags and a $50 rebate. HMMMMM!