Smith & Wesson M&P 45
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hollowpointt
New member
45acp
I have one that has been flawless. It fits my hand better than Glock 21. The only one I prefer is my USP 45 but it is double the price. Get it you will not be sorry.
I have one that has been flawless. It fits my hand better than Glock 21. The only one I prefer is my USP 45 but it is double the price. Get it you will not be sorry.
Uncle Malice
New member
I have the mid-size (4") model. It's superb. Quite compact for it's capacity and more accurate than I was expecting it to be.
You will likely want to drop in an Apex trigger kit which I can not recommend highly enough. It's amazing.
I use the DCAEK kit with polymer AEK trigger.
I used to have the full-size M&P and I just didn't like the way the extended slide felt. The mid-size is VERY close in size to the normal full size M&P 9/40, only it has front serrations. Shares the same holsters.
Go for it. That's a good price.
You will likely want to drop in an Apex trigger kit which I can not recommend highly enough. It's amazing.
I use the DCAEK kit with polymer AEK trigger.
I used to have the full-size M&P and I just didn't like the way the extended slide felt. The mid-size is VERY close in size to the normal full size M&P 9/40, only it has front serrations. Shares the same holsters.
Go for it. That's a good price.
Roland Thunder
New member
I had an M&P45c (4" barrel) and sold it to buy something else. Wish I had kept it, thinking of getting another one
Uncle Malice
New member
I had the 45c for a while, too. It was nice but the grips felt a bit too short. the 45 midsize is the exact same slide with he full size grip. Really where it shines for me.
As always YMMV.
As always YMMV.
I have the full size 4 1/2" with the night sites. I use it as a home defense gun and it works very well for that. I also carry it in the woods. The gun has been flawless and very accurate for me. With the different backstraps I got it fit my hand very well. Depending on what your are using it for the 4 1/2 in version has a good balance to it but if you are going to use this for carry I would go with the compact version not the mid size or full size version. the full size frame is too big for me to carry. but that is me and not you. you could be comfortable with the full size frame.
I have the MP45c, and would likely never part with it. For whatever reason, I can get fast hits on target with excellent accuracy with this gun like no other I own. For me, it is the ideal configuration for 45 Auto carry--not too small, but small enough. Comfort in the extreme.
Can't speak to the full-size, but I swear by this one and can hardly keep myself from going on-and-on about it. I actually don't consider it 'compact', really, because it feels just right and carries 8+1 in a grip about the same width as a 1911. For me, there's no good reason for the larger model, so I've just not bothered.
Can't speak to the full-size, but I swear by this one and can hardly keep myself from going on-and-on about it. I actually don't consider it 'compact', really, because it feels just right and carries 8+1 in a grip about the same width as a 1911. For me, there's no good reason for the larger model, so I've just not bothered.
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I have an early version of the full size .45 M&P. I did the Apex alum. trigger kit and it is now one of my favorites. In my hands the ergonomics are spectacular. I did TFO sights and it works great as a full sized carry or range gun. I shoot club "action pistol" matches and added a few 14 rnd. mags. That puts me right in there with the .45 Para crowd.
I own some high quality 1911s and the Apex trigger puts this pistol in the same neighborhood on a beer budget. The gun has been 100% reliable which is something not all high cap. .45s can claim.
I own some high quality 1911s and the Apex trigger puts this pistol in the same neighborhood on a beer budget. The gun has been 100% reliable which is something not all high cap. .45s can claim.
Shadi Khalil
New member
The M&P 45 is at the top of my short list and will most likely be my next purchase. I'm conflicted on barrel length, as I'm interested in everything but the full size. What amazes me is how thin and comfortable the grip is for a full capacity 45, even in the compact model. I have only fired the 4 1/2 inch model and it was very comfortable to shoot and I found myself to be pretty accurate out to 15 yards.
What do you intend on doing with it? I plan on using it with a TLR-1 for occasional carry, general range fun and home defense. For all three of those applications, I think the 4 1/2 inch or compact would be suitable choices.
What do you intend on doing with it? I plan on using it with a TLR-1 for occasional carry, general range fun and home defense. For all three of those applications, I think the 4 1/2 inch or compact would be suitable choices.
Uncle Malice
New member
The 4" mid size is really the closest thing to the normal M&P 9/40.
The M&P 45 with the small back strap is nearly identical to the M&P 9 with the medium back strap in feel.
Mine was really an accident. I had the 45 full size and 45 compact in the past and never really warmed up to them. The shortened grip with the change in back strap dimensions just felt 'off' to me.
I found a guy locally selling his BNIB M&P 45 mid size for $400 cash... with the full Apex DCAEK (not installed) for an extra $40. So, I jumped at the deal.
The gun as it comes from the factory had a bit crisper trigger break than my 9, but the actual pull weight was quite a lot more. It was breaking around 8.5lbs. After installing the DCAEK (and also ordering the AEK trigger), it breaks right at 5lbs and it super crisp.
Really a superb gun. It's no wonder it's Larry Vickers second favorite 45 (after the HK 45) - if you give any credence to his opinions.
This thread is worthless without some pics....
The M&P 45 with the small back strap is nearly identical to the M&P 9 with the medium back strap in feel.
Mine was really an accident. I had the 45 full size and 45 compact in the past and never really warmed up to them. The shortened grip with the change in back strap dimensions just felt 'off' to me.
I found a guy locally selling his BNIB M&P 45 mid size for $400 cash... with the full Apex DCAEK (not installed) for an extra $40. So, I jumped at the deal.
The gun as it comes from the factory had a bit crisper trigger break than my 9, but the actual pull weight was quite a lot more. It was breaking around 8.5lbs. After installing the DCAEK (and also ordering the AEK trigger), it breaks right at 5lbs and it super crisp.
Really a superb gun. It's no wonder it's Larry Vickers second favorite 45 (after the HK 45) - if you give any credence to his opinions.
This thread is worthless without some pics....
Nakanokalronin
New member
My M&P 45s are 100% reliable and very accurate.
I like my full-sized M&P .45 and would not trade it for another make. I am wishing I had gone with the 4 inch model though, which feels so much better in hand. I'd like to hear/see some solid comparative info showing what you give up in terms of thump and accuracy. Lot's of opinion on this, but haven't seen any hard data.
Currently, I prefer the weight, balance, and accuracy of my M&P .40 (bottom gun in pic). From a bench rest at 15 yards, I can shoot nearly holes in holes on paper, either from the stock .40 S&W barrel or the Stormlake 9mm Luger conversion barrel (pictured). The .45 doesn't even come close. Nevertheless, I have been CCing the .45 a lot lately. Can't explain why. By the time I get home at the end of the day, my tired old hip is feeling it.
Spats McGee
Administrator
Squabbling Removed. Let's get back to the OP's question. Further bickering over the data on ballisticsbytheinch, gelatin tests or whether or not another 1/2" makes any difference in velocity will result in infractions.
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Also, with pinkie extension you give up pretty much nothing for CCW, yet for me at least, a lot is gained in comfort & control.
One opinion not expressed I don't think is that the stock triggers on any of the M&P pistols are not works of the gunmaker's art. I consider them to be no issue at all for any practical purpose, but whether you get a Pro Series gun or a compact carry gun, you may find a bit of sponginess or 'gritty' feeling.
As already mentioned, Apex makes a number of aftermarket triggers and trigger parts (as I'm sure do other manufacturers) and if you choose to, you can go that way and get lighter, crisper, better-defined, etc. However, there is also a DIY option if you're at all skilled with small tools and understand the ideas behind the modifications. The 'Burwell DIY Trigger Job' I think it's called--google it--is a fairly complete online instruction set with photos that I know many folks have done. But, the most important aspects of that trigger job can be had by simply replacing the stock 1) sear and 2) firing pin block. These two parts are quite easily swapped out by the amateur in maybe 40 minutes, and can provide a far smoother trigger pull. I'd like to stress again: if you don't understand the essence of interaction between the sear and the striker, you can modify the sear until you have an extremely dangerous gun in your pocket-so to speak.
Again, for most shooters interested in action games and self defense, neither of the changes means jack--they are personal appeal/preference kinds of things that you'll notice at the range, and probably nowhere else.
So, to repeat the question in a reply above, knowing what your intended application is would help--but I think you mentioned night sights so I have to think CCW is your end game. I can only express my personal opinion: I don't think for CCW there is a better choice, at any price. I LOVE my Glock 29, but if you have the chance, at least handle both the MP45c and the Glock 30, if Glock is even a consideration for you. I think you'll find 'no comparison' for how the MP feels and points. You be the judge!
One opinion not expressed I don't think is that the stock triggers on any of the M&P pistols are not works of the gunmaker's art. I consider them to be no issue at all for any practical purpose, but whether you get a Pro Series gun or a compact carry gun, you may find a bit of sponginess or 'gritty' feeling.
As already mentioned, Apex makes a number of aftermarket triggers and trigger parts (as I'm sure do other manufacturers) and if you choose to, you can go that way and get lighter, crisper, better-defined, etc. However, there is also a DIY option if you're at all skilled with small tools and understand the ideas behind the modifications. The 'Burwell DIY Trigger Job' I think it's called--google it--is a fairly complete online instruction set with photos that I know many folks have done. But, the most important aspects of that trigger job can be had by simply replacing the stock 1) sear and 2) firing pin block. These two parts are quite easily swapped out by the amateur in maybe 40 minutes, and can provide a far smoother trigger pull. I'd like to stress again: if you don't understand the essence of interaction between the sear and the striker, you can modify the sear until you have an extremely dangerous gun in your pocket-so to speak.
Again, for most shooters interested in action games and self defense, neither of the changes means jack--they are personal appeal/preference kinds of things that you'll notice at the range, and probably nowhere else.
So, to repeat the question in a reply above, knowing what your intended application is would help--but I think you mentioned night sights so I have to think CCW is your end game. I can only express my personal opinion: I don't think for CCW there is a better choice, at any price. I LOVE my Glock 29, but if you have the chance, at least handle both the MP45c and the Glock 30, if Glock is even a consideration for you. I think you'll find 'no comparison' for how the MP feels and points. You be the judge!
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Uncle Malice
New member
Congrats! Hope you enjoy it! Which size M&P did you get?