Hey, an older thread revived ...
Somebody had an interest in the topic and some time on their hands, it seems.
Since my earlier posting in this thread I've picked up a M&P 45 full-size model (with thumb safeties, as a nod toward my long time use of 1911's, and night sights).
It has become the first .45 pistol I reach for when getting ready to leave for a long session at the range. I finally had to start making myself leave it at home and take one of my 1911's to the range, instead. While I enjoyed running a few hundred rounds of duty-type loads through my XSE for a few range sessions, at the same time I missed the M&P 45.
My M&P 45 has easily rivaled the inherent and practical accuracy of my XSE and SW1911SC 5" guns, even out to 50+ yards. Naturally, having night sights on the M&P makes it a bit more practical for low/reduced light sessions. For some reason I've just never gotten around to putting night sights on my 1911's, although several of my other 'working' guns have them. I suppose that indicates to some extent where my priorities have been shifting over the years.
Although I also picked up a M&P 40c, I rather like the M&P pistol platform chambered in .45 ACP.
I've handled and fired a fair number of plastic framed .45's over the years, and the M&P was the first one which has suited me this well. Of the nine .45 pistols I presently own, it's my only plastic .45.
I'm fairly sure that I'll add either Mid-size or Compact M&P 45 to my retirement collection sometime. The shorter slide/barrel configuration interests me for actual carry use. The slightly smaller grip frame of the compact model interests me the most in this regard, at the moment, but I may well end up with both.
