....an M&P for CCW use? If so, how is the change working out? Any insights/experiences will be appreciated.

I happen to be a die-hard 1911 fan, ...so no I haven't

x-D

sorry just had to say that, it's true

Nope do not like plastic..............................

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Freedom Is Not Free

I don't think you are going to get a real "die hard 1911 fan" to admit trading off for the plastic fantastic no matter the brand. If they did I don't know that I could respect them as true die hard 1911 fans. Not that anyone needs my respect, it's just that the 1911 is so packable, was made flat, is full of lifelong lasting steel, and comes in .45 ACP like all guns should...

Yes. I still love my 1911's dearly, but that M&P .40 is a hard piece to beat.

Ergonomics are excellent, reliable, 16rds of .40 S&W at your call.

Do the math:

M&P, 2 spare mags = 46rds
1911, 2 spare mags = 25rds (utilizing 8rder's, carrying cocked and locked)

I did a scientific comparison shortly after I bought my first M&P:

M&P .40, full mag = 2.2lbs
LW Commander, full mag = 2.0lbs
Stainless Gov't Model, full mag = 2.8lbs
Series 70 Gov't Model, full mag = 3.0lbs

Yeah, I hated to relegate my 1911's to part-time service, but the math doesn't lie. In fact, I liked the .40 so much I have since picked up an M&P .45 full size (10rds) and M&P 9 (18rds). You know what? They all feel the same, handle the same, shoot the same, AND offer S&W reliability and quality.

I have both, but don't know that I qualify as a die-hard 1911 fan. Sure love'em though! And a 1911 is certainly my favorite combat pistol, generally speaking.

My current situation is such that capacity and conceal-ability are both very important, and I really don't think the M&P can be beat. I've had a few, and found the .40 compact to be the most versatile, and that's all I have now. I have a Storm Lake barrel for shooting cheap 9mm's, and I can carry full size mags with x-grips any time I want. My spares are all full size. The gun can be concealed anywhere on my person that is normally considered, and that can't be sad of my Commanders.

I "love" going back to my 1911 any time I choose to carry it, but the M&P is a real work horse, and though the plastic may not be aesthetically pleasing, it is comfortable, reliable, and certainly gets the lead out!

I put the Apex sear and plunger in mine, and switched the sights to Bowie Tactical's Ameri-glo "Operators," and don't feel handicapped switching back and forth between platforms.

I feel the need to add to this. It find it funny that each time I buy a new handgun it sets in the highlight for a while, but after a while the 1911 comes right back out. I bought a Glock years ago. Then I bought another 1911. I was in a situation where I had to carry the M9. Finally came home and bought another 1911. Got all into revolvers. Bought another 1911. Went out to buy a new CCW type weapon and after shopping around... Bought another 1911. So I can't fully say that I'm completely die hard but I must be close. I still want to find one of the M&P's in. 357Sig, but I guess I better start setting the money aside because I seem to always buy another 1911 just after that type of purchase...

Tupperware in the cupboard, NOT the vault.

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S&WHF 366

I have actually arrived from the other direction: m&p --> 1911.

I started with M&P9, M&P45 and then SW1911PC. I will be using my 1911 for IDPA competitions and have not carried it CCW yet, although I have carried my M&P45, which is about the same size but lighter. Don't see much difference in terms of physical inconveniences except for the weight: they are both 5" bbl.

In the range and on the bench, at longer distances, I noticed a difference in accuracy (the 1911 being more accurate) but it is certainly no more than 20%.

At closer distances, 7 yds or closer, I cannot pick out the differences in terms of accuracy. I would think almost all CCW encounters will be under 21 ft, more likely under 10 ft.

Not that I have seen an FTE/FTF on my 1911, I have never experienced any issues with both of my M&P in terms of the flow of cartridges during a discharge. The only time the M&P9 had FTE was when my son was shooting it in its early days (brand new) and he has a limp wrist problem. Have I said, they eat any ammo I feed them, including reman ammo from the factory?

Same here, going from M&p9c straight to 1911. Not using either for CCW though (hard to get a permit in California).

The 1911 may be heavier and bigger overall, but man is it slim. It is the supermodel of semi-autos.

Got some of these M&P's and like them just fine for what they are. Got some 1911's, and like them just fine for what they are,

For CCW the M&P's rule for a bunch of reasons. But for making a head shot at 60 yards, I want a 1911. If I wanted to make a shot at 200 yards, it would be a 6 inch 686. Everything has it's place.

I own ALOT of 1911's and love them all. I also own a M&P 40C and a other M&P's. I put the Trijicon HD sights with the yellow front sight on them all.I posted a pic of them on the SIGHTS page. I love them and put them on all of my M&P pistols. Very easy to get on target fast with those sights. even left them on for my IDPA and IPSC pistols. if you would like any other information or pictures of them again feel free to message me.

I used to exclusively and religiously carry a 5” Wilson Combat 1911 in the winter and a Glock 27 in the summer.

I now mostly carry a Glock 19 in the winter and a G26 in the summer.
I’ll still pack the 1911 when I feel like it, and the same goes for a 4” 629.

I like the lighter weight and lack of sharp edges of the Glocks.

I T&E'd some M&P's while still working and would rather have M&P's with frame mounted safety's than my Glocks, but I'm not switching now.

And I ditched all my 40 Cals just to simplify things and went 9mm/45 acp for primary carry guns.

Works for me.

Emory

Sir, FWIW, I'm very much a 1911 guy, but have to admit that I've been eyeballing Glock 9 mm compacts--not to replace my 1911, but to replace my Model 49 snubbie.

Hope this helps, and Semper Fi.

Ron H.

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Wishin' don't make it so.

No. Now I've got to think of something to say to get enough characters to post.

I experimented with the M&P for about a year. I determined I was more comfortable with the 1911, and returned to it for several reasons. First, I prefer a pistol with a visible hammer. Can't seem to get away from that, except in the case of Centennial revolvers. Second, I do not really need a huge number of rounds to feel adequately prepared. My daily life is what most would consider very low-risk. Third, possibly most important, I am more confident of my ability with the 1911 and its better trigger.

I have done this a couple times with different handguns, but the 1911 always wins. The only close second has been the SIG P226, but I have fatal trouble with it because of the placement of its slide-stop, which I cannot reliably manipulate from my shooting grip. I know there are other ways to handle that problem, but it is just more sensible for me to stay with the 1911.

When I have a desire to have more firepower along than the 1911 provides, I usually take a M-1 carbine in a soft-case. It is always unloaded, but can be loaded fairly quickly. I know it is no powerhouse, but I have a lot of confidence in my ability to hit with it at any range out to 100-yards or so.

I go both ways

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NRA Certified Instructor

No tupperware here but there seems to be at least a few 1911's scattered around.

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Lynnie, Professional Pest

Plastic not A bad thing. Just don't like. (yes I do have a Glock 21). It took me A long time to warm up to the Silver wonders aka stainless steel. Just old fashion Blue Steel is more to my liking. 1911 is king.

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I've been a 1911 fan, along with revolvers, for quite a while. When I tried the M&P, in 40 and 45, a couple of months ago I had to have one. Got an M&P 45 with the thumb safety to keep similar operation with the 1911s. Just qualified on the M&P and a new Sig 1911 and both performed flawlessly. The 1911 was slightly more accurate, but the M&P was close on the 50 round qual course. When it comes to carrying them, the M&P is more comfortable due to lighter weight. Also the M&P holds 2 more rounds in the gun and a total of 6 more with the spare mags. So far the M&P gets carried more. I doubt I'll switch over completely, but the M&P has a lot going for it.

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Tom
"Panem et Circenses"

I am an equal opportunity kind of guy - I like all guns!

I do have a couple of 1911s, but I usually keep my XD40 on the nightstand. However, when I carry, the Colt officer's model gets the nod. It really conceals well, and the extra single stack mags just disappear in your pocket so easily. Maybe I don't have the capacity of the M&P, or XD for that matter, but 22 rounds of GDHP 45acp makes me feel all warm and fuzzy.

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The only verdict is vengeance

I was carring a Kimber pro carry ,then bought my M&P compact in 357 sig.What can I say the Kimber stays in the safe!Love the M&P bought a 4 1/4 in 9mm also in 9mm.Getting med length 45 next.

I'm not a fanatic 1911 owner, I own lots of guns which I like, not just 1911's. I bought a M&P 45 last fall to be the bedside gun at home, and despite taking it to the range several times, I couldn't get anywhere as accurate as I could with my SIG 1911. About a 8" spread at 25 yards with the M&P vs 3" with the SIG. I tired changing the grips, I really wanted to like the M&P. I had a Beretta 92 in the 80's that I couldn't hit the side of a barn with either. I guess there are some guns I just can't shoot well. The most accurate ones for me are my Colt Delta Elite and a Browning High Power, and my S&W 627PC. Sold the M&P two weeks ago.

I'm an old 1911 guy. With an emphasis on old .... Carrying a 1911 since about 2004. Carrying other things since 1967.

One big rule - everything you carry should work more or less the same, and if there are differences, they should be of the "not there" variety - i.e., a 1911 as a primary and an M&P as a BUG, where the latter lacks a thumb safety.

While it's safe enough to carry an M&P without a thumb safety, it might not be wise to carry it with the safety off, and expect it to stay that way.

In my case, I'm pretty heavily trained up on the 1911, and the M&P that I normally carry (when I do) has a thumb safety, but it could just as well not have it. A little disconcerting to try to flick off a safety that's not there, but it beats trying to flick one off that's there, but backwards....

When I'm "out", my preference is a small 1911. "Officer's" sized. One's a 4", and one's 3.5". Both carry well with the proper belt and holster, and I'm big enough to conceal a full sized 1911 if I want to. I just find the smaller one more convenient.

Around the house, though, it's now that M&P40C. It just doesn't need a special belt or really good holster to be adequate. The holster and belt combo should tuck the gun up against your body, and put the holster more or less in the same place whenever you need it. The M&P is light enough to get away with a cheap belt and about any decent holster, including the Kydex one that came with my 40FS.

I've decided that the 40C will be an "airline travel" gun - one that I wouldn't mind an insurance check for, preferably after the final leg of a trip.... Although I've put an APEX DCAEK kit into it, I'm not "attached" to it like I am to my 1911's, and likely would just turn around and buy another one. The 1911's are both worth at least twice what the M&P is, both in costs (including night sights and lasers) and time & effort. I really hesitate to carry those around town, but they're not family heirlooms, either.

All of that said, the M&P is at least as reliable, IMHO, as the 1911's, and a tad easier to carry around the house. Outside, "dressed up" (v.s. grubby jeans), the 1911 just seems to be a better choice.

Regards,

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Stu.

I have a FS M&P 40 and a Rock Island Mid-size (4") 1911A1. I grew up on and was trained on the 1911, so it's natural. I have to carry a Gwock on duty so the switch to the M&P was easy. I carry every day-the 1911 when it's the "usual" places but the M&P anytime I venture in to "uncharted" territory. Twice the rounds of 40 cal is comforting, but if I ever have to decide, it'll be 45ACP. Just my 2 cents

Amazing to see how many older generation of folks don't like plastic pistols. I can understand some preferring all metal guns but blatantly not liking them just bc they have plastic frames is plain ignorant. Hopefully when I'm 60 I won't have the same mentality. Traditionally stubborn mentalities get you stuck on stupid. Move on.

I've got 15 1911's right now (.45-.38 Super- 9MM) -- so I guess you can say I'm a 1911 fan -- I also have a .45 M&P and a 9MM sigma -- I like them both despite the Tupperware factor -- I also have 29 S&W revolvers (my true love) -- As an old fart I love steel and wood in a gun -- That being said my prime carry piece is a 442 I got when they first came out -- Can one really have too many guns????

Butch,I'm like you in the fact we both love our wheel guns .I have 47 S&W revolvers.I carry an M&P because the my dept would rather keep the ammo purchasing to semi auto rounds:9mm, 357 sig, 40S&W and 45.They furnish ammo for our carry guns and duty guns. We have to carry the ammo we qualify with and only the weapons will qualify with.I'll carry something else for a quick trip to store but out of town I follow the dept request.

Ha!

I have been carrying 1911s concealed or open for more than 40 years so I guess that exposes me as being in my sixties.

I don't care for Glocks, they just don't fit my hand right and as a consequence, I wasn't as accurate as I know I could be.

I picked up an FNP 9 and I really liked that gun but it was almost impossible to find leather for it.

A friend let me try his M&P 9 and I was sold right there. I not only changed guns, I changed calibers.

I am freaking unbelievable with the M&P 9 out to 25 meters. I am shooting the gun like crazy because it is so much fun to be able to call every single shot.

Now I am going broke buying 9mm but the addiction was still there.

So I just bought an M&P 22 off the Internet. I should have it by Saturday and now instead of 200 round range days I will be able to have 500 round range days.

Now I need to find more magazines for the 22

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Bud
Lots of S&Ws

Or the dishwasher...



Call me ignorant if you must but handguns hold my interest because they have soul. For me that soul is embodied in a S&W revolver, a 1911 auto, a Colt SAA. That soul resides in steel...born in the heat of the forge. Polymer handguns...no matter how reliable, accurate, or popular...are nothing more than tools and have no soul. I have no desire to take a photo of a screwdriver. No urge to woods wander with a hammer on my belt. No reason to trust my life to a pair of pliers. Soul simply cannot exist in plastic. Even a poor, mistreated, LE trade-in Model 10 has an aura about it, an unexplainable palatability you notice when you heft it, shoot it...even when you gaze upon it in a picture. Soul.

Roe

Wow!

Well, I guess this thread is...........................

wait for it, here it comes...................................




all washed up!

(talk about a thread killing reply)

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Bud
Lots of S&Ws

I have several 1911s and 3 M&Ps. My favorite is the mid size 45 M&P, carries 10 in the mag, never failed and Apex fitted shoots like a dream, but tough to get to the quality of a nice 1911 and being thin and in lightweight versions my commanders are a dream to carry.

I have to respectfully disagree with you on the theological argument of polymer pistols having no soul. I have a First Generation G17, purchased in 1987 when they couldn't give Glocks away. It was with me for five years traveling some rough, dusty terrain on the Southwest Border, taken "swims" in the Pacific Ocean and nearby saltwater estuaries, at my side through the LA riots, my competetion pistol, digested an uncountable number of +P+ rounds, and at 12 years old, was called back to duty to get me through an FBI regional firearms instructor school when I had access to newer stuff. That pistol has a soul, because it has been utterly reliable and true, and its finish is worn, the polymer scratched, and the trijicons burned out and rusted (when I replaced them with a set of Heinies last year). It has that same "been there, done that" patina that one might associate with the proverbial Model 10 police trade in. True that steel and wood are timeless expressions of our art, both esthetic and martial, but if you bond with your sidearm, it has a soul.

I consider someone a "die hard" if they have constantly carried and trained with, and appreciate a particular operating system (1911, revolver, DA/SA, Safe Action, etc) for a lot of years. It is what feels comfortable in your hand, is comforting to you, and puts the rounds where you call them. I did not carry or shoot 1911s enough in the Army to become what I define as "die hard." I've owned a couple and appreciate shooting a well tuned specimen, but when the last one I owned kept going back into the holster with the safety disengaged during range drills, I knew that I'd been carrying a Glock too long, and because my employer did not authorize a 1911 package, would continue to do so. The place I work for authorizes both the Glock and M&P pistols in 9/40/45, and it was a no-brainer to transition to the M&P. Even with a thumb safety, the M&P might not feel right to a die hard 1911 fan, even though it might be rock solid reliable, require less maintenance, and be just as accurate under real world, off hand conditions. The same can be said for long time Sig DA/SA shooters who were exposed to Glocks and even after a lot of years, still hate them. I know quite a few of those. I would have to say that any die hard 1911 shooter that switches to the M&P has considered all of the advantages and disadvantages and has made a rational decision; and furthermore will still continue to be a die hard 1911 advocate.

I converted over to a M&P Mid 45 this last winter. It now has over 1,300 rounds through it and not a single malfunction so far. I had the Apex DCAEK installed and Ameriglo night sights installed. It is my daily carry gun. Light like a LW Commander, ten rounds, functional thumb safety, (our department tested a first run M&P 45 with a loose thumb safety) What's not to like.

I use a Raven OWB holster for carry.

Count me into the club. Been shooting them steadily since 78 and packing one for CC since 93. Both my Springer Standard and Colt Commander are my go to weapons, with the CC now being my daily carry for the last two+ years. Both have had the standard reliability work done and are both accurate and utterly reliable. I keep em cleaned and lubed and they will let me know when it's time to swap the springs or do some tweaking by keeping an eye on where they are ejecting. Weapon was made for packing, feels like an extension of my hand and is a delight to shoot and carry in the best caliber going for Self Defense IMHO.

Just cannot warm up to a plastic weapon but I have tried (unwillingly) with a couple of Glocks.

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V/R
Roger / SG

Great for laying down cover fire with all them rounds then reengaging your target. Carry 2 spare 8 round chip McCormacks with Speer Gold Dots for a grand total of 25 shots. If I need more than that I'm out of the area ASAP. The most important part of the equation is hitting what you are aiming at and ending a fight. Accuracy and a 1911's trigger aids in that very important area and to this day I, like many others think it's the best SD handgun ever made. All of them rounds are great to fight your way to an 870 or AR (preferably an 870 for me) with at home or in the trunk if nearby. JMHO.

As far as weight goes a 1911 is a breeze to pack in a quality IWB holster and belt. Much lighter than the 3" 657 .41 mag I carry with 2 speed loaders OWB in the winter or out camping.

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V/R
Roger / SG