Currently own the M&P9c. Great gun and shoots like a dream. Wife likes it too, so that's a plus!! For our second gun (we always planned on his and hers) I like the M&P 45 Compact... have not made the purchase yet.

1. Is the 45ACP FMJ round suitable as a self defense round? I use JHPs in the 9, but not sure what to do with regarding the 45.

2. What can I expect to pay at a gun dealer for the M&P45c (p/n 109308) without the thumb safety? Cheapest online price is $476 at Buds, so I have to add transfers fees, etc and then compare that to a retail purchase. I do not mind paying a little more if going retail, but I'd like to know the going retail rate. I am in FL if that helps.

Thanks...
-T

Buds prices are retail and "delivered." Buds Police Supply is $60 less expensive with your military or safety forces ID card. $500 ($440 with your ID.) That leaves only the $20 FFL transfer fee. No "etc." involved. If you're paying more than $20 for a transfer find another FFL.

I don't understand your question regarding .45ACP. FMJ is a poor defensive (or offensive) bullet in any caliber as it simply punches holes the diameter of the bullet. Good expanding cartridges like Ranger-T will punch larger holes. Big holes are big wounds and big wounds are the criteria.

9mm JHP diameter beats .45ACP FMJ diameter. And expanded .45ACP is the best of all.



-- Chuck

Thanks for the info. I asked about FMJ 45ACP because I was essentially asking if FMJ in 45 caliber was sufficient. But you put it in perspective for me: big wounds are the criteria.

-T

If you can get it for $475 buy it. You wont find it cheaper. The average dealer cost on that model is $447.

I have seen M&P45c's priced from $475 all the way up to $650 (no night sights or CT) around where I live. The problem is, they are hard to find. If you can find a new one for $550 or less, I would buy it.

As for ammo, use a good quality JHP or Hornady Critical Defense for carry...I would use ball ammo at the range, and during initial firing to "break it in" (although the M&Ps don't have a break in period needed) and to save some money. You should, of course, test fire your carry ammo enough to make sure it feels well too.

Looks like the thumb safety models retail for $20 more MSRP on Smith&Wesson's website. On the other M&P models, my local gun store charges the same for thumb safety or not. But that said, they don't normally carry the M&P 45c without the safety, but they sell the model with safety for $529. And none of that matters to you, if I am in Texas, and you are in Florida. But their prices are usually better than any other store I have seen on everything else.

I don't know what part of FL you are in but DON'T buy it from Shoot Straight! They have the most outragous high prices I have ever seen in my life! And their transfer fee is $50 per gun!

__________________
How many guns are too many?

I recently bought one(no lock or safeties) for $487. plus tax and NICS fees.
That is as cheap as I've found in my area(PA).......

44Frank what are NICS fees?

??????

Bud's and Express Police have them for $442. Free shipping. No tax. And they include three magazines instead of the usual two. Use your military ID and save the money.

Thanks for all the pricing advice. I would not qualify for the Express Police price since I am not a first Responder, nor am I Active Duty. $493.xx would be the price for me (plus $8.99 shipping).

But maybe it is all for nothing I had a chance to put the 45C in my hands today at a local gun dealer (local price $539 + tax). The medium grip was a tad too large for me. And with the small grip, it felt much better. But it was not as comfortable as my current M&P9c.

Looks like my hands are more suited to the M&P40c (same size as my 9c). But I've had the Kimber Ultra CDP II in my hands, and it felt great. Also shot the Colt Officer - felt great in my hands too. Unfortunately, I am unwilling to spend that kind of dough on a compact 45. Plus, I like M&P.

So I'll probably get an M&P40c for my second gun.

-T

I have been out of the army for over 25 years and I qualified for first responder pricing. It's for all current or prior military. I only paid $398 for my M&P's with three mags. You don't want the civilian model because they only have two mags. Believe me, you will qualify.... Just call Mitch and he'll set you up. And tell him you don't want to pay shipping. I have never paid for shipping from Express...

LOL.. i was just going to post "Try shoot straight." I got my 40c for $500 flat.. no xfer fees.
Who around central Florida has better prices? Just curious because I'm looking for other firearms.

I called Shoot Straight(Casselberry, FL - just north of Orlando) regarding the 45c (p/n 109308). It was in stock. What was the price you ask? Wait for it... $629. MSRP is $600, and they want $629. I asked if it had anything special like night sights, and the rep said nope... it's the the stock pistol.

-T

weird. Shoot Straight Smith & Wesson M&P40C w/o Internal Lock

I was at the gun show this weekend and they were selling it there for just over 500..

Edit: ah.. I see. the 45.. Call Apopka, see what they say. It's the "home" store.

National Instant Criminal Background Check System. It's the background check dealers are required to run by law (unless your state has exemptions as many do for CFP holders, for example).

This should be included in the fee from your receiving FFL. Around here, $35 is the going rate for a transfer.

if you are buying a gun, you pay for the gun, sales tax (if applicable in your state) and the NICS check. A NICS check in IL is $5.

M&Ps around here run about $525. I bought my 9FS from Bud's for ~$480 plus $35 transfer and no sales tax.

I am thinking the guy at the casselberry store on the phone made an error about the $629 for the 45c. Anyway, $509 for the 40c is not that made of a retail price.

-T

Shoot Straight best prices are when they have sales...other than that keep looking. I recall them selling the M&P 40 for around $489 on sale.

or he was trying to scare you off so he could get it for himself.

I have bought several guns from Florida Gun Exchange. They always have pretty good prices and a huge selection at the local gun show. I think I paid about $430 for my M&P9 last fall.

Leftnose,
If your being charged $5.00 for a NICS check, your being ripped off! I managed a local gun shop,last year and When you call NICS there are No fees that they charge any shop! So your gun shop is making an extra $5.00 on all you unsuspecting purchasers!

Correct, there is no fee that your LGS or FLL is charged. Some make you pay a time spent fee, some don't, I think my FLL guy charged me a dollar. *shrug*