I have a question for those of you with both a 1911 Gvt model and a full size M&P. How do they compare in size? I have looked at the spec's, and it seems like they are almost the same dimensions as far as height and width, which are the two that I am mainly concerned with. However, I have seen several comments saying how much fatter the M&P is than the 1911.

I ask because I am trying to decide between the M&P 9 full size and compact for a next purchase. I can pack a 1911 without a bobtail IWB without a problem as far as printing, so I am wondering if the full size 9 would be a problem or not.

Let me say I started out shooting the 1911 and a Ruger Service Six and both had excellent triggers and were very accurate. I then got an M&P Fullsize because I wanted more capacity than six rounds and more reliability than my 1911 which at the time was choking on SWC's. I've since stuck with RN and cast TC's and have had much better reliability.

The M&P fullsize will be easier to carry because it's lighter. I would personally say the M&P 9 FS shoots comparably with the 1911 in terms of accuracy one I put the Apex FSS trigger kit in it. The trigger is almost as nice as the revolver and 1911, but not quite. The recoil of the 9mm FS is trivial compared to a 1911, but the recoil of the 40 is magnified by the lighter weight of the gun compared to the all metal 1911 so that will take getting used to also if you go with that caliber.

I would definitely prefer the 1911 for accuracy compared to the stock 40 FS. The double stack grip of the FS takes some getting used to if you are familiar with the single stack 1911 grip but I recently got a Shield and admit it is taking a little getting used to going back to a narrow grip.

For range shooting the 1911 is easier to get good at, but for carry purposes a FS 9 would probably be easier.

IMHO a 1911 is great for .45 the weight of a 9mm 1911 makes it a non contender. I would get a 4.25" M&P 9mm put an APEX FSS trigger in it and seriously you have a superb gun. Change the sights too for the very best performance. It'll be quicker on target, lighter and higher capacity than a 1911.

Thanks guys. My main worry is about the width of the grip on the M&P 9. When I look at the specs, it shows the width to be 1.2" compared to 1.3" on the 1911; however, when I'm looking at it, it seems to be bigger than the 1911, probably because of the swell in the grip. I'm just worried about that sticking out more when carrying. I carry a Beretta 92FS during cooler months, and it's no problem. The length and weight don't really bother me wit it, but, once it gets to be tshirt weather, the thickness of the grip (1.5") starts to make it stick out more than I would like. I thought about moving to the PX4 Storm since I am very fond of the Beretta DA/SA trigger, but it's about the same width. I have just the last couple of weeks been carrying my 1911, and it works great. I would just prefer more capacity in my carry weapon.

If you have a chance, check out a Sig SP2022 in 9mm. It's a little heavier than an M&P but has a great trigger out of the box. The DA is long and heavy but smooth, I would say the SA is just as good as a 1911. The slightly heavier weight makes shooting it real easy and it is priced right (sometimes in the mid $300's but make sure you get at least 2 magazines with it. It can come with 1 mag and they are expensive).

The biggest difference is size will be in slide width. The 1911 has a very slim and profiled slide, which causes it to conceal more comfortably.

The grip width will be pretty similar with standard-thickness grips on the 1911. With slim grips, it will be a fair bit slimmer there, as well.

I have a Ruger SR1911 5" FS 45 and all 3 FS M&P's in 9, 40 & 45. Also have the SD9VE & SD40VE. I don't carry IWB, just don't like it, personally; so I carry OWB with good quality holster/belt no matter what the season.

The 1911 is a totally different format/platform than the striker fired polymers. M&P 45 vs 1911-the M&P feels like a softer shooting pistol due to the design. 10 + 1 vs 8 +1 (how I carry the 1911). Recoil on the M&P is more of a straight back push vs the more "up" recoil of the 1911 (muzzle flip). 1911 45 vs M&P 9mm-no contest weight/recoil/round count-the M&P wins period. I also have a set of Hogue wrap-a-round grips on the 1911, so it fills my hand as much as the M&P's.

If you're going for weight/size reduction, I'd go with a 9mm shield. Yes, single stack, still more rounds (I'm guessing here since I don't own a Shield), slimmer/easier to conceal IWB than 1911 or M&P FS. Don't know what you think you might encounter that you need 16 + 1 in a FS 9mm, but You can have nearly that round count with Shield & 2 mags.

And if you like Beretta's, look at some of their options that might work for you. I recently shot a Walther PPQ and really liked that-very nice :-)
Hope this didn't muddy the waters too much....

I have the Ruger 1911 as well. You said you have Hogue grips on it, but how do you think thickness of the grip with the standard wood panels on it compares to the grip thickness of your M&Ps?

I'm just your typical 9mm primary carry guy. Why carry 16 rounds when you can carry 52?

The M&P is more nearly the size of a Commander; much broader across the slide. 1.2" vs .92" but lighter in weight.
My Commander, with Colt checkered walnut grips, is 1.25" across the butt, right down to the bevel at the bottom.
My Plastic M&P is 1.28" across the palm swell in the middle of the butt, the very bottom is the magazine floorplate at 1.19".
I think the holster will make the difference.

Here's a few pics. This compares my Ruger SR1911 CMD (commander size) and my full size M&P9. Bear in mind that the 1911 can have skinnier grips.

My apologies to those on slow links or phones only.

It seems you really like 1911's so check out the Sig 938 that'll just slip into your pocket no need for a holster, great for summer. It's a lot more accurate than it should be for such a small gun. It's 6+1 or 7+1 depending on the mag. There's also the Shield, PM9, LC9 but the P938 is a 1911 platform the others aren't. The 5" M&P is too long for carry the 4.25" is the better choice and you still have the same capacity 17+1. Again there's also the M&P Compact you really need to get them in your hand to compare looking at dimensions on the internet is not the way to make a decision

That was perfect. Exactly what I was looking for, only better. Thank you so much.

For the record, I don't carry yet.

As you can see these are pretty close in over all size. Especially with the Ruger still sporting the stock grips.

Here in CA I'm limited to 10 rounds anyway so the M&P doesn't offer a lot of extra rounds. However the Ruger weighs a ton.

When the day comes that Peruta V San Diego is decided in favor of 2A rights, I'll pack my Shield and likely my 9C.

It's been so long since I had wood panels on the 1911, changed them right after I got it. With wood panels, the grip would definitely feel thinner, whether there was much actual difference or not. If you look at the response from Jim Watson you see there's not much difference in width.

My primary "grab & go" EDC is my SD9VE. 16 + 1 capacity. No replaceable back straps, but several different grip sleeves available. I had a Hogue HandAll on mine for a while, made it feel just like my 1911 w/finger grooves. Only thing was when shooting for more than 30 minutes, it would twist slightly to the left. I didn't want to use anything to keep it in place such as adhesive; so I just took it off and use the gun as stock.

With exception of the M&P 40, I have enough rounds through all of my pistols that I would feel safe/confident enough to carry any of them for SD. I would hate to think that 9 rounds of any caliber wouldn't be enough; and if I had to carry 52 rounds each time I left the house-well, I'm living in the wrong place!

ATF You don't use a holster for the 938 for pocket carry ?? Your a dangerous man !! But you are right a 12 round compact could be a more concealable option and carry a full size mag with a x-grip as a back up mag if capacity is a concern .

Why make the change ? Weight or round count .

I really got fed up of carrying big guns around a P938 plus a spare mag should be all a civilian should need. I still keep a fullsize in the car but I don't go to down dark alleys anymore and generally stay out of trouble. It's the weight and size that makes it my ideal EDC. It's light but not so light that it doesn't feel substantial. I've tried holsters but no holster just feels better. Completely unnoticeable in a pair of Levi's.

It'll be pretty noticeable when you put a round into your thigh. Do what you want, but in my opinion, pocket carry of any platform with no holster is an invitation to an ND and, thus, a bad idea. I suppose if you are carrying that 938 Condition 3, then you eliminate the ND risk, but Condition 3 carry is just a different bad idea.

I carry it hammer down and locked very easy to cock the hammer in your pocket and drop the safety once you draw. I certainly wouldn't advise anyone carrying a striker fired pistol with no safety in this manner.

I pocket carry, truck keys in one pocket LCP in the other always.
& yes among other things I have been called dangerous.
,
As for the full size carry I would pick the M&P over my 1911 that thing drags my pants down.
,
After it's been out a year or so I will be looking to replace my LCP with the new curve.

I pocket carry frequently, but always with a holster.

__________________
NRA Instructor & RSO

I do have a pocket holster for it but found I have trouble get it out. So while looking for a better one I just got used to it.
Carrying a weapon is a danger. it is just a matter of degrees.
With this particular pistol I am comfortable

I pocket carried a snubby for 20 years and a cm9 for a 3 more while building homes I conceder pocket carry with out a holster . If for no other reason you could find your handgun up side down and not be able to make a clean quick draw and the right holster only aids in both protection , concealment and fast access of your pistol.

But to each there own. I just hope some one other than you never find them self on the receiving end of a stay bullet . Now I'm retired and I can carry something a bit more practical for dealing with a problem .

Pocket carry without a holster=bad idea.

Pocket carry without a holster in condition 2= VERY bad idea. Condition 2 is a bad idea even in a holster.

__________________
USAF, 69-92
Vietnam, 72-73

There is a new pocket pistol out that has a pocket clip.
,
Sorry bout the thread high jack

micocyco Just because some one makes something does not make it good common sense to use or even try it ether . Belt /pocket clips for handguns have been around for decades . Sort of gives a slightly more control to a mexican carry !!

I grew up with and carry 1911s. A few years ago, I bought a M&P45, because my beloved 1911s were taking a lot of abuse, being carried everyday. My M&P45 is still the only poly-framed gun I've ever liked and it's the closest thing I've found to a (dare I say) "replacement" for a 1911, in a cheaper, poly-frame gun. My M&P, loaded 10+1, is still lighter than my commander-length, bobbed, stainless 1911 loaded 8+1. The extra width of the M&P is the only downside, and it IS a noticeable issue, but from my experience, the (slightly) lighter weight and the ability to absorb daily abuse more than make up for it.

I am a 1911 fan. Because I shoot it better than any other gun, that's my "go to" gun. Even so, I also have an M&P 45. After a few upgrades I shoot it almost as well as the 1911.

The differences in size are so slight that concealing one or the other will be about the same. At least I have no difficulty concealing the M&P 45 and I carry OWB.

I find it humorous that people complain about the weight of the 1911. Yes, it's not light. Still, it's not that heavy. A good belt is what you need. Something sturdy that won't flex too much. I have no trouble carrying a 1911.

__________________
Freedom isn't free.

,
I will give the new Curve with it's pocket clip a good year to see how it shakes out even then I'm sure I would take the clip off seems like it would be even harder get out of my pocket than my LCP was in the holster. I would carry IWB before I would depend on any of the pocket holsters I have tried.
Not sure what Mexican carry is or if I am suppose to be offended,
but i am sure I don't give a flying money wrench.

Are you Mexican !! ?? Mexican carry- just stuck in you waist band with out a holster . Google it .

Good luck with the curve . I'll take ether our tcp or cm9 in a holster pocket or waist line carry for a small pistol

First find out which 1911 you want. I know it may seem weird but a 1911 is a style or type of a gun, made by many companies to their own specs. For the most part the slides will be the same but for instance Sig 1911 are slightly thicker and have a different profile. A lot of holster manufacturers will list Sig 1911 separate from the rest.

The grip thickness on a 1911 can be changed with a swap of the grip panels. You can go real thin or just as thick as any other gun. I prefer mine to be on the thicker end.

A Beretta weights 34oz (2.1lbs). For a typical 1911 you have to add another 10oz on an empty mag (2.6lbs)