S&W M&P .40 or American Classic 1911?

[DavidB2]

I am wanting to get an autoloader and my final choices are the M&P .40 or one of the 1911 tactical pistols made in the Philippines. I am working with a limited budget of about $530.00. I would like to even get a Taurus PT 1911; but can't afford it. However, from what I have heard the American Classic or RIAs are about as good or better quality than the Taurus.

My other option is the M&P .40. I want something that will kill hogs as a back-up pistol. Have a 9 mm and want something with more knockdown. I have heard excellent things about the M&P; however I wonder about the .40 being more uncomfortable to shoot than the .45 due to more recoil.

Can any of you offer suggestions to me. Thanks.

 

[CZ57]

M&Ps are excellent pistols. I have an XDm 4.5 in .45 ACP and I actually prefer .45 recoil compared to .40 S&W. For shooting hogs, I'd feel a little more confident about using a 230 gr. handload or +P 230 gr. factory load.

Most of the 1911s of today are more reliable with JHPs but within your budget, I'd feel more comfortable with the M&P except that I would opt for the .45 ACP version.

 

[Dr_B]

I've fired both. Go with the S&W M&P40. It is lighter, but surprisingly easy to shoot. Recoil isn't a problem. The 9mm is my competition gun. The Shield is my carry gun. And I've tried the 45, 40, and subcompact 40. The American Classic pistols aren't bad, but there are some quality control issues. I'm sure someone will come along and sing praise for the American Classic, but the M&P is a better investment.

 

[smalls]

Apples and oranges.

Which feels better to you? Is capacity a huge concern?

The 1911 will be thinner, but they're not far off from each other in the size department. The 1911 is longer, unless you get the M&P pro.

Holsters and accessories are plentiful for both.

Why did you rule out the M&P .45?

 

[Skylerbone]

Depending on the capacity of your current pistol I'd consider the 9mm an easy choice for your purpose. Save your money and consider whether either of your two options should be on your future buy list. Nothing against either of your choices but shot placement will be the only thing bringing down a charging boar. In the heat of the moment, better to have more capacity and less recoil, watched the Pig Man empty his Beretta (looked like a 92) into one on last night's episode while flipping channels.

 

[DavidB2]

M and P .40 vs. M and P .45 acp

Several folks have suggested I go with the .45 acp vs. the .40. I have a 9 MM so the .40 or 45 acp are my other options.

 

[Jaymo]

I have both 9mm and .45 ACP. I have both ends of the diameter/weight/capacity/velocity spectrum, so I have no use for a .40. I also don't care for the .40 recoil, and will take a .45 any day.
I have a friend who bought an American Classic 1911, Commander size (4.25" barrel) and he loves it.
I'm a 1911 fan, and I have to admit that the M&P feels GREAT in my hands.
I was looking for a new 9mm carry gun, and was down to M&P, G19, XD9, and Ruger SR9.
They all had things I liked.
I ended up with the SR9, because it fits my hand very well (only the M&P fit better), it's reliable, and the ergonomics of the Glock don't work for me.
The M&P .45 and XD45 are what I'm looking at for a new carry .45.
As much as I LOVE the 1911, you won't find a new 1911 that's as good, out of the box, for the price of the XD/M&P.
Not in my neck of the woods, anyway.

1911s are a lot like Holley 4 Bbl carbs. They're great, and you can customize them with a lot of aftermarket parts, but they can be finicky out of the box.
The difference being, the 1911 doesn't need to be rebuilt if you let it sit for a week or two.

 

[Skylerbone]

David, if you talk to enough people they'll eventually learn you that most everything you have isn't good enough to do what you've already done and that the brand you chose just ain't up to snuff.

I own pistols ranging from .22 LR to .45 ACP in all steel, polymer frames and lightweights as well. I can honestly say if I were packing a back-up for hog (which I don't hunt, not many ferrel pigs here) I'd grab a double stack 9mm.

Now if your current 9mm is a 6-shot compact and has trench sights then sure, there's a case for buying a higher capacity or bigger caliber. If not, I say you're fine using what you have. The advantages of higher capacity, less recoil and faster follow-up shots play to your favor in a high stress fast moving situation.

 

[rcmodel]

In equal weight guns, the .45 ACP actually kicks about 20% more then a .40 S&W.

But the recoil is more of a shove then the slap of the .40.

The .40 also has more intense muzzle blast, as the .45 operates at much lower chamber pressure.

(21,000 PSI vis 35,000 PSI)

The blast of my Glock 23 bothers me way more then the recoil of my 1911's.

rc

 

[BILLG]

Buy the M&P doesn't matter caliber.I have 2.45s and a 9mm,my wife has a 9.They are good guns and guess what they are made right here in the U.S.A.Keep American dollars in America.

 

[LightningMan]

I have the M&P compact in a .40 S&W and its no problem handling the recoil, so a full size .40 should be easier yet. To me it's an easy answer, I'd buy the M&P, besides being a well made reliable pistol, its made in the U.S.A. by a reputable company thats been in business sence the mid 1800's. In the end, its your choice, buy what you like and what will fit your needs. LM