S&W M&P 45 Advice Wanted

[Charles Foxtrot]

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I'm interested in picking up a 45 pistol to flesh out my handgun caliber collection, and I thought I'd ask my fellow THRers for their advice.

I'm usually a Glock/ poly-gun aficionado. I have looked at the Glock 21, but those 3rd Gen finger grooves are exactly in the wrong place. #$@^$#%. I shot/ handled a bunch of other 45s and was impressed with the HK USP and the S&W M&P 45. The HK is a superb pistol, and I shot it very well; but it's a big hunk of metal with a matching price tag. (I should say that price is really not an object, but I've got a wife, two German Shedders, two rotten cats, and a house to feed. And I'm a Scot by heritage. That's fiscally responsible, not cheap, to all of you extravagant, spendthrift baaaaaastards! 8^)' )

I picked up a S&W M&P 45 for the first time, and immediately had a "Glock Grok" experience: It fit my hand like it grew there. Exactly like the first G17 I held (and bought) lo, all these many years ago.

The M&P feels, handles, points, and dry fires well. I like the size, ergonomics, capacity, feel -- and price ($579 before all the Kali nonsense)-- very well. The trigger might take some getting used to.

Web research has shown that this is a generally very well received pistol. Although many of the pieces read like paid ads. I though I'd ask people that I trusted: High Roaders, for their thoughts. Any opinions on the M&P 45: value, reliability, accuracy, capability, and suitability to its intended mission: HD and range work?

Thanks!

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

I don't (yet) have one in .45. I've shot a full-size 9mm and own a 9mm compact, which has been outstanding. I would have no trouble recommending a .45.

 

[EdLaver]

The M&P .45 has quickly became a .45ACP favorite of mine. The trigger is crisp and functionality is flawless. I have the version with the ambi thumb safeties and WITH the mag disconnect feature. I have about 250 rounds through it with NO failures. As you said, it fits my hand like a glove ( I use the Large backstrap) Accuracy for me is 1.5" groups at 15 yards using 230 gn WWB ball ammo, I am yet to try it at 25.

The only current regret I have about the gun is magazine capacity. S&W will be releasing a 14 round mag next month I believe ( as heard from other fellow THR'ers )

Check out http://mp-pistol.com/boards/portal.php for more reviews and info on the M&P .45 (click on "forums" button)

 

[Landric]

A friend and I both bought the M&P45 at the same time, same model, no manual or magazine safety and Trijicon night sights. We both use them for IDPA. I have to say that he has taken to it better than I have in terms of his performance at IDPA. He was recently bumped up from CDP/MM to CDP/SS using the M&P45 at the NC State IDPA Match in Boone. I was already in CDP/SS and there is no danger of me moving up to expert anytime soon, but I have been very pleased with the performance of the M&P45. It is very accurate and totally reliable. It is also a lot of fun to shoot. Get one, you won't be sorry.

I have to admit that I am both a S&W and a M&P fan, so take my opinion for what it is worth, but I own one of each of the models currently available, full-size 9mm and .40, compact 9mm and .40, and full-size .45. The compact .40 is the only one that has been less than 100% reliable right out of the box, and its only hiccups were two FTFs during the first 200 rounds.

 

[Anna's Dad]

As with others, I don't have the .45 but have two in 9mm. Fantastic guns and I wouldn't hestitate to recommend the .45.

The only thing I don't like about the .45 are the serrations at the front of the slide. You can't have everything, though!

 

[Landric]

I don't know why so many people are down on the M&P45 magazine capacity. The huge majority of .45ACP pistols are single stacks holding 7+1 or 8+1 rounds. The M&P45 has a 20-30% improvement over those pistols in capacity; a very comfortable, adjustable grip, and is both accurate and reliable.

Yes, the Glock gives you three more rounds. It also feels like a bar of soap or a brick in the hand (depending on whether you get the SF or standard model), and the grip cannot be adjusted without paying someone like Robar too much money to lower the resale value of the gun and make it even ulgier.

The XD45 is a 13+1 gun too, but the grip is longer than the M&P's and also not adjustable. It has never worked for me personally, but that is a different, and obviously personal, issue.

The M&P45 is really competing with its self at the moment. All the other polymer .45s on the market are quickly becoming old technology. There are plenty of adjustable grip polymer guns in 9mm and .40, but few in .45ACP. The only one that comes to mind right away is the SW99 .45 (out of production, also a S&W, and also a 10+1). I am sure there are others out there somewhere. The HK45 (if it ever arrives) will compete with the M&P (though it will cost about $300 more) and it is also a polymer frame, adjustable grip, 10+1. Glocks need a major overhaul to stay on (or get back to) the cutting edge.

Yes, there are classic designs like the 1911 and BHP. Perhaps one day the Glock will be thought of as a classic design. Both the 1911 and BHP can be great guns, but how many major government/military/law enforcement contracts have either scored lately? The 1911 still gets some, but not to the extent that the new, cutting edge, polymer handguns do. Right or wrong, classics often loose out to new technology or improvements to technology.

Wow, sorry for the rant...

 

[.357 magnum]

MP Rocks!

The MP is the one pistol I recommend the most lately. Because I own one and they are Great! The first time I picked one up I could not believe how balanced it felt. Mine shoots like a dream. I have been Blessed with absolutely NO failures of any kind through the first 1200 rds. The last time I called SW they said the 14 RD .45 Mag is coming out in October. Check when you make the purchase. I am a .45 connoisseur and my 13 Rd mags on my XD's are great! A 14 Rd -.45 Mag makes me Drool! Buy the MP it is one Sweet gun! And a purchase you will always be proud of.

The Best to You and Yours!

Frank

 

[sholling]

FYI: October through December of this year the two additional free mags by mail promotion is back.

 

[Charles Foxtrot]

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Thanks everyone!

This is exactly the response I was expecting from this community. Informative, factual, well-reasoned, respectful, enthusiastic but not overly partisan, all with a good natured touch of humor. This THR Community is the best of the best.

You've convinced me: I'm going to wait for the M&P Dark Earth 45 and then plunk down my ducats. The magazine capacity does not worry me a bit, as I currently live in California, 10 rounds is all our benevolent fathers will allow.

Thanks again!

 

[..]

Aside from their issues, Smith has a home run with the M&P. The first real improvement over the Glock design. It's only drawback is it's overpriced mags, and those mags not being offered in stainless like every other Smith.

 

[SWATcashJeremy]

I just bought one of these today. I can't say how it shoots as the range closes in less than an hour and a half, which we all know is not enough time to break in a new gun. :banghead: However, I can say that the feel of it is as good or better than my Glock 19, my Beretta 92FS, and my Hk USP40. And believe me...I love those guns. But this one feels like it was made for my hand. My only complaint is without a speedloader putting round #10 in the magazine is a . The 10+1 is a pain too. Does anyone know when the 14 rounder is coming out for sure? I read October on here, but S&W's website says nothing about it. I will post tomorrow to let you all know how it shoots for anyone who is still wondering.

BTW..this was my first post and I am new here. Please don't make me feel too dumb on my first day

 

[boomstik45]

Buy it, buy it, buy it.

I love the .45. While I have enjoyed ownership and use of the glock 21, Hk USP .45, Ruger P90, XD .45, and Beretta Cougar 8045, I have thoroughly enjoyed the M&P. If you're not going to get hung up on the mag capacity (there's really no need to) then you'll love it too. Trust me.


Buy it , buy it, buy it.

 

[10-Ring]

I haven't shot them much, but form what I've experienced, the M&P45 is a nice pistol -- I've handled the one w/ & the one w/o the frame mounted safety. Personally, I see no need for it

 

[BsChoy]

I would like to see an M&P 45 compact soon...prob buy that over the g30

 

[gudel]

Personally, I see no need for it

well 10-ring, you should've dropped your jamomatic and replace it with the M&P 45

I like mine. I got my 2 free mags and the free range bag as well.

M&P 45, no mag lock, no internal lock, with safety.

 

[.357 magnum]

Welcome! SWATcashJeremy

I just wanted to say Welcome to THR! I have called Smith on the phone a couple of time and each time they have said October on the new 14RD Mag. I will call again Monday to check if they are doing the two free Mag thing again, and the 14Rd mag, then I cannot resist and will get an MP .45 to go with My others! Hopefully in the next two months.

The Best to You and Yours!

Frank

 

[mgregg85]

If the M&P doesn't feel right or if you want to try something different, look at the XD45. With the XD you get more of a choice of barrel lengths/grip frame sizes(compact, service and tactical in .45 ACP). Ultimately it comes down to what fits your hand the best and I found that I prefered the XD.

 

[SWATcashJeremy]

Well I fired it today...Love it love it love it. I use very small targets (3x5 index cards) and was able to put 4 shots in a row in the same hole at about 20 feet (still getting used to it.) I recommend this gun to everyone now

Thanks for the welcome .357 Magnum

 

[boomstik45]

Love those Novak sights, don't ya?

For what it's worth, I think the Xd .45 is a great weapon, and it's nice that you have the compact models. An especially interesting option is the compact model with the 5" barrel. Very interesting. All said and done though...I think the M&P is still a bit better. But that's personal preferrence. I would NOT feel bad about having either. I've had both. The M&P I kept, but my get another XD, I don't know.

 

[jon_in_wv]

I haven't tried the 45 yet but I own the compact and fullsize M&Ps in 9mm. The y are OUTSTANDING guns. My compact is MUCH more accurate and easy to shoot than it has any right to be! The only thing stopping me from getting the 45 is practicality. I don't NEED a full size 45. When the compact comes out, I'm sure I will find a NEED to get it!!