narrowed it down to two, narrow to one?

[AWMP]

Got it down to two carry pistols and would like to get it down to one. (if possible)

M&P full size 9mm / Apex / Crimson Trace/ Thumb Safety and 1911 Commander Lightweight 45acp or 38 Super (with Crimson Trace as well)a.

Pros for M&P 9mm
cheaper ammo
greater magazine capacity
quick follow up shots
easier to shoot off hand due to caliber

1911 Lightweight Commander
easier to carry due to thinner
more traditional / carrying a piece of art/history
more accurate/better trigger

What am I missing? What would you carry and why?

 

[WinThePennant]

In my view, this is the easiest question in the world.

M&P in a walk.

 

[Pyro]

My vote goes for the 1911.
You said it, because of the trigger/accuracy part.

 

[allaroundhunter]

I love M&Ps, but I would take the 1911 in this situation in .45 ACP everytime

 

[Sheepdog1968]

I would opt for more rounds and go for the M and P based on your two options.

 

[JEB]

between the two, i would go with the 1911.

 

[Dr.Rob]

You can train with the MP for a lot cheaper.

Otherwise, whichever one you shoot better.

 

[RoboDuck]

I would agree on the 1911 given you have trained and are proficient in its operation. Once you have trained with the 1911 the M&P has no advantage other than the cost of ammo.

 

[Apocalypse-Now]

LW commander in 45acp.

 

[Dr_2_B]

You said carry, but not ccw. Still, I'm assuming you want it concealed. So I'd go with the 45. I believe it's a bit smaller.

 

[dcarch]

1911 would be more expensive, but I would still probably go that route, were I in your position.

 

[David E]

The Commander is a very good defense gun...but not good for much else. Does that matter?

The Commander/1911 isn't quite as easy to work on yourself. Does that matter?

If I had to choose one handgun to do the most things I'd want to use one of these two handguns for, I'd either go with an M&P in .40, or an all steel Combat Commander.

If I had to stick specifically with the OP's choices, the M&P 9mm would be the more versatile of the two for my uses.

 

[GLOOB]

For fun I carried my GP100 yesterday, in an OWB holster under a jacket. It's a 3" fixed sights, making it 35 oz, or maybe even less, methinks. Before this, I'd never tried to conceal carry anything larger than a G27.

My gawd. I had to drill a new hole in my belt to keep the gun from sagging down and out. Then another. Slimmer doesn't necessarily equate to easier to carry.

Personally, I wouldn't want to CC either of those guns on a regular basis. M&P = really big for CCW for me. 1911 LW commander = smaller but still no lightweight.

 

[leadcounsel]

Shot placement is the most important -

The rest is personal comfort and ergonomics.

 

[Jed Carter]

I would be more likely to carry a commander length single stack pistol than a fullsize double stack pistol. I now carry a commander length .45 1911 with an officer frame, SIG RCS. Much easier to carry / conceal, than say a fullsize or compact double stack 9mm like a G17 or G19, in hot weather. I like the M&P platform, just all those needs are filled by other pistols.

 

[tiro6]

I would agree thats its more about personal choice, as either will serve you well. I was deciding between a LW Commander and a G19 and went the G19 for a couple of reasons: - 1. Cheaper to train with - Case of 9mm is around $200 vs 45 is around $300
2. No external safeties to mess with - I dont know how i'll react if SHTF, but i dont want to fumble around with an external safety when seconds count
3. Can buy 2 G19 for the price of the LW Commander (atleast the one i was looking at) - if one is out of commission, like replacing springs, duracoat, etc, i have another to carry.

 

[Ghost Tracker]

The score is 1911-10 vs. M&P-4

What am i missing?

How much previous pistol shooting have you done & with what type of pistols? I ask because modern trigger-safety, striker-fired pistols (M&P, GLOCK) were developed, in part, to shorten the learning curve of inexperienced shooters & to make the conscious use of a manual safety unnecessary. If you're a pistolero, shoot anything you want. If you're less, it'll take a bit more training & practice to become proficient with the 1911 than with the M&P. (IMHO)

 

[71Commander]

I have both.

I don't find the 1911 to be more accurate that the M&P.

I have 2 M&P's and 13 1911's. I have an apex on one of the M&P's and would never, ever consider that as a carry piece. NEVER!!! I'd shoot my eye out.

 

[ddub13]

There are two apex kits, competition and duty. The competition is way light and probably shouldn't be on a carry piece. The duty kit is (as its name implies) much more suitable for duty and carry purposes.

That said, either is fine. Carry what feels best for you carrying. Either is capable in the shooting arena.

 

[Walkalong]

In my view, this is the easiest question in the world.

Yep. L/W Commander, for many years.

Not an M&P fan. A buddy has two, and really likes them.


My well loved one. It still gets carried, despite owning a sweet 3" CDP now.

 

[jfrey]

1911 hands down my choice.