M&P 45 - 4" Barrel

[Dennis The B]

I already owned three M&P pistols; an M&P 40 CORE, an M&P 40 Compact, and an M&P 40 Shield. They've all been extremely reliable, and the recoil with various .40 S&W types of rounds, has been snappy, but not punishing.

I but Storm Lake conversions on the CORE and Compact, and now run 9mm, since it's dirt cheap now. This past Friday, I picked up 1K rounds of locally mfd. 9mm 115gr hardball for $210. I've used it a lot in the past and its reliable and affordable.

However, at the LGS today, the demons behind the counter beguiled me, and before I knew it, I had bought an M&P 45 with a 4" barrel. I found a nook in the shop, cleaned it thoroughly, then took it on the range using some Blazer 230gr Reloadable (SP primer). I also had 25 rounds of Winchester Silver Tip 185gr HP's.

It ran 100% with no failures. I was a bit surprised that the polymer frame didn't have a bit more flip, but the recoil was not bad, and the gun was very easy to get back on target.

I'm a real fan of the 1911, but this is a very fine pistol.

One of the big pluses of the M&P's is the interchangeable back strap system. I have nothing against the Glocks, Springers, etc., but the M&P's become eminently more user friendly with the back strap options. The M&P's are extremely comfortable in my hand, and each pistol feels the same.

 

[msjdgman]

I too am a 1911 guy who picked up a FS M&P 45 this last fall. Mine has the 4.5 inch barrel. I have been totally impressed with how soft shooting the M&P is...of course soft shooting is a relative term. But All kidding aside, it is a pleasant shooter.

 

[triaxle]

I have the same mid size or commander size M/P 45 its been flawless lighter than a 1911 more rounds also ,put night sights on it get a couple more mags the 1911 will stay home more .

 

[kthom]

my MP45 with the 4.5" barrel is the softest shooting .45 ACP I've ever fired. It also fits my hands better overall than any other I've owned or fired. I can't see the sights nearly as well as I usta be able to do, but this gun is also plenty accurate for it's purpose. It's a shooter for me and it ain't going anywhere! I have found nothing to dislike about it at this point. Mine is an older model than yours which came with the bat winged ambi safety installed. First thing I did was to lift that sucker outa the frame and button it back up. Ah! Much better now, and I don't mind the small slots in either side of the frame. Mine is a using gun so function is far more important to me than looks. You have a nice example and from where I stand, I think you did well to liberate that one from the gun counter! Congratulations!!

 

[MyDads38]

My FS M&P 45 shoots on par with my Ruger SR1911. The M&P has a softer feeling recoil-more of a straight back push. As much as I like the 1911, the M&P usually gets more range time! Enjoy And BTW, mine is a 2007 model-all stock!

 

[B0308]

OP,

I'm glad you had a good experience. My first pistol was a Colt 1911A1, maybe not the best first choice for a teen, but a great pistol. Since then I've had a six pack or so of Colt's, some worked over by some of the best smiths in the 1911 business, two semi-custom 10-8 Springfields, a couple of Colt Commanders, a real 1911 Springfiled Armory, a Sig 220, G21s & 30s, an original Detonic's Combat and a Kimber that actually worked.

Long story not too short, the mid-sized (4") is the best out of the box .45ACP I've ever bought. Reliable, accurate and a soft shooting .45, basically the same size as a G19!

I've replaced the rear sights with 10-8 Performance "U" and done the Apex duty carry kit. Still reliable and solid shooters.

Be careful, though, you might get the urge to put an RMR sight on one! Done by a reliable installer, I used L&M Precision, it's an even better shooter (once you get adapted to it) especially if you have older eyes.

Enjoy yours, buy magazines and ammo while both are available and reasonably priced.

 

[caleb4387]

How's the back strap/grip size compare to the smaller caliber m@p's

 

[Wee Hooker]

The M&P 45 was my first M&P. On the first trip to the range with it , I was surprised and impressed on how it minimized felt recoil. Basically, it seemed to have the same recoil as a full size , full steel 1911 but at 12-14 oz less weight. I came to find out latter that beyond the excellent ergonomic grips, the low bore access is what tames the recoil in the M&P design. At near a dozen M&Ps latter (including a pair of 45's), I'm still impressed with how they handle.

 

[Dennis The B]

How's the back strap/grip size compare to the smaller caliber m@p's

I put the smaller back strap on the pistol before I ran the first rounds through it. I used the same ones on my CORE .40, and my Compact .40. Seems like they fit me the best. Haven't measured, but the grips feel the same size on the two full size guns.

I with a couple of others. The recoil is less snappy than my LWT Commander. I ran both side by side while at the range on Wednesday. I really believe it has to do with the grip geometry. There's more surface area at the back to absorb recoil.

 

[shutupdata113]

M&Ps are great guns. My first was a 40c bought in `09 and since then have owned 5. Currently in the safe is a SHIELD 9 and 45c. I absolutely love these two M&Ps and everyone I have owned has been 100% reliable OTB!

 

[triaxle]

The mid size M/P 45 is the modern day 1911 replacement , night sights mags every, where rust proof, light weight and shoot real good. The 1911 can take a rest now.