Do any of you carry a fullsize .45 M&P?

[ABPOS]

And what holster do you like?

I was watching some youtube vids last night and a guy said his fit in a G19 holster. It was a blackhawk owb I think.

Anyways..... I would've preferred a compact but I bought this more because the person could use the money but I'm thinking I might carry it. It's a bit smaller than my M9 which I've also carried before. But that one is a bit of pain. It always pushes up on my belt when I sit down. The slide is a bit shorter on the M&P

I gotta get out there and shoot it. I've actually shot it a few times but it's been a while. I'm kind of a recoil wuss but I do remember thinking it was a soft shooting .45. And watching some videos a lot of people seem to think it's a soft shooting .45. What do you guys think?

I said this on my intro member thread a week or so ago but it bears repeating. I think I'm turning into a S&W fanboy. The guns I have experience with just seem to be working for me. I carry a 442 every day and like it a lot. I've got a Model 19 6"er that shoots like a dream. And now this.

And I've always lusted after a Victory and a 1917. Not sure if I'll ever get either one. A HB model 10, or any model 10 would be high on my list and then I've also always lusted after a M39. Might as well add in a 3rd Gen auto in 9mm or .40 and I might just have a good start. Heck, I'm starting to think about what guns I have to trade or sell to start doing this. It just seems like they work. And have for a long time.

 

[B0308]

I EDC a M&P .45 midsize (same frame size, 4" barrel) in a Milt Sparks VM-II. If you dress smart I'd conceals well and I have no trouble with the frame pushing up when seated (about 6' tall).

The mid .45 is virtually the same size as a G19, but never tried fitting it into a G19 holster.

Good luck

 

[ABPOS]

I didn't even know that had "mid" size. I thought it was full and compact but that must've been a while ago. I think my barrel is longer than that. Maybe 4.5"?

 

[kenv1950]

I carried a S&W--M&P .45 for one day, to bulky ,now it sits in it's box with only 20 rnds. through it.... Sticking with my model 60,feels good and comfortable

 

[ABPOS]

LOL. Yeah, the 60 would be downright tiny in comparison. If you compare it to full sized guns though, the dimensions aren't half bad. The grip is a lot slimmer than some. And the slide is thinner than some too. And like I said not quite as long. You want bulky... My dad bought an XD .45 tactical. It's the 5" version and holds 14 rounds. Now that's a big gun. Still not as big as a Mk23 though I don't think.

 

[shutupdata113]

Love the M&P 45. Had it for a year and a half and wanted to try a 1911 so I traded....the 1911 couldn't get through a full mag without FTF or FTE. Then I traded that for an M&P 45c and having looked back. 45c conceales better than the full size I originally had and can use full size mags too. For some reason the recoil is softer than with the all steel cmd 1911 I had. I carry the 45c in a galco king-tuk iwb and for a "grab n go" holster I have a foxx trapp iwb.

 

[Jhawk412]

I carry my M&P9 full sized, slightly smaller than the .45s but not much, in an IWB Klipt Blade-tech holster under jeans and a t-shirt all summer long. Love it. I carry more towards the front, like at 2 or 2:30.

 

[B0308]

Yes, if you want to carry a .45ACP for personal defense, the M&P, any size is a great way to go! If you go with a 1911 type, buy well, live near a good Smith and plan about $2K to be reliable. Comparing a FS M&P to a J-Frame is kind of apples and oranges, but whatever works for you in your environment.

If carrying the M&P .45, I prefer an IWB leather holster. It works for me (body type, climate, style of dress, etc.). For some roles, like quality training as a secondary weapon to a carbine, an OWB holster might be better.

To the OP, enjoy your M&P and good luck on you choices for a holster.

 

[pawncop]

I carry a full sized as my duty sidearm and love it. Been carrying it for about six (6) years now.

 

[Rastoff]

This is mine in an RGrizzle Georgia Snap holster. I have no trouble concealing it and it's a great gun.

For some reason the recoil is softer than with the all steel cmd 1911 I had.

Don't judge all 1911s on the experience you had with that one. It is unusual for them to be that bad.

The reason the M&P 45 feels softer shooting is due to two factors. First, the bore is lower in relation to the grip. This means the force is more directly in line with your forearm. Thus, there is less muzzle flip. Second, the grip is more ergonomic. For most people the M&P grip is more comfortable. This translates to less felt recoil.

If you go with a 1911 type, buy well, live near a good Smith and plan about $2K to be reliable.

You obviously don't know much about the 1911 and are going on internet hype.

 

[kenv1950]

LOL. Yeah, the 60 would be downright tiny in comparison. If you compare it to full sized guns though, the dimensions aren't half bad. The grip is a lot slimmer than some. And the slide is thinner than some too. And like I said not quite as long. You want bulky... My dad bought an XD .45 tactical. It's the 5" version and holds 14 rounds. Now that's a big gun. Still not as big as a Mk23 though I don't think.

The M&P is bulky to me, i'm 5.5 / 130lb.

 

[ABPOS]

I've owned a few 1911's and carried one for a bit. I actually like carrying it but it's my Brother in laws. It used to be mine and I put a lot of rounds through it without any issues. It's a run of the mill springfield milspec. However it did shoot low when I first got it and I installed a higher rear sight. I trust that gun though. It runs fine. But it's no longer mine.

7 yards... I had a Kimber that I could shoot really well..... But I sold it when I was short on money.....

So anyways... circumstances have left me 1911less and this is now the .45 I have. I am on a slow recovery of lyme disease and I found the 1911's with 230 grain a bit more than I wanted to wrestle with at times. Lyme disease can fatigue a person pretty bad at times. Anyways.... I'm hoping this one is a bit easier to shoot well for me. When I use lighter loads in the .45 it's fine. I've shot some recently that didn't feel any more recoil than a 9mm but I'm not sure how well they do for a carry load. PLUS, they're more expensive loads (federal guard dog and some low recoil 165 grain stuff, hydra shoks I think) and not practice ammo. And strangely enough 185 grain is sometimes hard to find on shelves. I want to try some though. Might have an excuse to order some on line now.

Anyways.... that's my story and I'm sticking to it. Thanks for the holster recommendation guys. If anyone else has any, I'd like to hear about it.

 

[ABPOS]

Hey Kenv, I'm down to 130 from the lyme disease and I'm 5'8". But up here in winter we wear more clothes. So.... It's really not bad to carry a bigger gun at times.

 

[B0308]

Rastof

Originally Posted by B0308

"If you go with a 1911 type, buy well, live near a good Smith and plan about $2K to be reliable.

You obviously don't know much about the 1911 and are going on internet hype."

No, not at all, based on 30+ years experience with 1911's. Buying, building and carrying.

Mostly Colt's, a few Springfield's, to include an original one from the arsenal. Carrying a 1911 for defense purposes is not an easy task. You need a good quality base gun, for sake of easy carry, someone to radius the sharp edges, ensure it feeds a JHP round and a set of good sights. You also need to fit an extra extractor or two, as over time they will wear and fail.

None of that is cheap or a fire and forget weapon. If you choose to carry and 1911 you need to commit to proper assembly of the base gun and maintain as required.

I don't want to contribute to thread thrift, but please don't make unfounded assumptions.

YMMV

 

[andrewcdub]

I carried mine in a comp tac C tac for about 5 years. Liked it a lot.

 

[Rastoff]

I don't want to contribute to thread thrift, but please don't make unfounded assumptions.

Sorry, I didn't realize that you had >30 years of experience with 1911s. It's strange then that I've seen so many 1911s that haven't had any malfunctions, have never been to a smith and didn't require $2K worth of work to function. Weird huh?

Still, the M&P 45 is a great gun. Like any big gun for carry though, take the time to research a good belt. Any gun can be carried easily with the right belt.

Just because a belt has thick leather doesn't make it a good carry belt. Most will sag over time. Get one that has a polymer insert like this one:

Uncle Mike's - The Leader in Shooting Accessories
The polymer won't sag over time and spreads the weight of the gun across your hips better.

 

[tyusclan]

I carry a full-size M&P45 in a holster identical to the Crossbreed SuperTuck, but it's made locally. I usually like to have my shirt tucked in, and this combo works well for me.

My wife carries a Shield 9mm, and I like it as much as she does. I've toyed with the idea of picking up one for myself just to cut down on weight, but I love my .45 so much I hate to give it up.

 

[ABPOS]

Wow you can get away with wearing a shirt tucked over it. That's sweet. I've never tried it yet, because none of my holsters for any of my guns are tuckable. But I've been wanting to .

 

[Magload]

You don't need a touchable IWB as your tee shirt hangs down over the gun. Long tailed shirts help. Don

 

[tyusclan]

Wow you can get away with wearing a shirt tucked over it. That's sweet. I've never tried it yet, because none of my holsters for any of my guns are tuckable. But I've been wanting to .

The Crossbreed SuperTuck is one. The one I have is identical, but made by a local small company in Destin. Galco also has the KingTuk that is tuckable. I think there are a few others besides those.

 

[tyusclan]

You don't need a touchable IWB as your tee shirt hangs down over the gun. Long tailed shirts help. Don

That's fine for those that like the shirt tail out; I just prefer mine tucked in. I use the tuckable holster for that reason.

 

[Magload]

That's fine for those that like the shirt tail out; I just prefer mine tucked in. I use the tuckable holster for that reason.

I could keep mine tucked it in my slimmer trimmer days now unless they are very long I spend all day tucking them back in. I have started wearing a colored tee shirt tucked in to start with and suspenders then a button up fishing shirt unbuttoned over that to conceal the gun. I am not real happy with the added shirt in this hot weather even as light and vented as they are. I guess dress to carry. I can draw from it petty fast it conceals well. Don

 

[OldeTSgt]

I carry my M&P45 in a Serpa OWB holster with a t-shirt over it - concealed enough that it goes unnoticed by those observing casually will it still be concealed to someone looking for a gun - maybe not but that doesn't bother me either

 

[Freedom's Teeth]

I don't have an M&P 45 but I have a Gen. 4 Glock 22 and an M&P 9. Both carry very well with the Kydex Safariland 578 GLS for OWB applications. Amazingly, this holster does not scratch the weapon at all with all screws being recessed. It also does not have the cheesy exposed button screws on the periphery of the holster. I like the paddle and I will buy a steak dinner for anyone who can rip the holster of of your person when using a belt.

The leading edge will wear in time but the same happens with leather and even nylon. You adjust the tension with an Allen wrench and for pistols with narrow or smaller trigger guards there is an easy to install shim.

The release mechanism uses your middle finger and is a safe, instinctive component of the draw. Your pistol will not wobble and is very secure. All this comes at $55 after tax. You cannot beat it.

 

[tyusclan]

I could keep mine tucked it in my slimmer trimmer days now unless they are very long I spend all day tucking them back in. I have started wearing a colored tee shirt tucked in to start with and suspenders then a button up fishing shirt unbuttoned over that to conceal the gun. I am not real happy with the added shirt in this hot weather even as light and vented as they are. I guess dress to carry. I can draw from it petty fast it conceals well. Don

I definitely have more gut than in days gone by, so I can relate there. I am 25 pounds lighter than I was at my heaviest, but still carrying too much weight. That's one reason I started buying "tall" sized shirts. The longer tail helps keep it in better.

 

[kthom]

I could keep mine tucked it in my slimmer trimmer days now unless they are very long I spend all day tucking them back in. I have started wearing a colored tee shirt tucked in to start with and suspenders then a button up fishing shirt unbuttoned over that to conceal the gun. I am not real happy with the added shirt in this hot weather even as light and vented as they are. I guess dress to carry. I can draw from it petty fast it conceals well. Don

Don,
A suggestion for you. I purchase "Buck Naked" undershirts from Duluth Trading. You can get them in crew and v-neck style tees and athletic styles and in black, white, charcoal or grey, and maybe another color. The material these are made from is a moisture wicking type with a fairly coarse weave. They are very comfortable, not compression fit, and in my experience they wear like iron. They are not cheap, but I have some that are five or six years old and show no signs of needing replacement anytime soon.

I wear one of these shirts year round and I wear a set of Perry's dress style suspenders every day, even over the athletic style in the summer time. But the tee shirt styles are not too hot in the summer time, and I wear them at times as well as the athletic style in the heat. These tees are cool in the summer time and warm in the winter time and do not collect perspiration (sweat) like cotton/polyester etc. They dry quickly, and do not feel clammy when wet. I live in a pretty dry climate where humidity seldom gets above 35%, but I've also worn these where humidity is much higher than that. Nothing much is really comfortable there, but these shirts sure beat anything else I've ever tried.

They do not pill or snag and get runs in the material. Like I said, they are tough but lightweight and cool and because they tend not to collect moisture, they are surprisingly warm in cold or cooler weather. I wear longsleeved Buck Naked tees in winter time when it's pretty cold. They give good protection for my love handles against an IWB carried semi auto or revolver. I wear various kinds of shirts untucked on the outside, sometimes closed or left open, usually at least partially closed. I also sometimes wear banded bottom or straight bottomed polo style shirts on the outside. The outside shirts are not bad to hang up on the material of the Buck Naked undershirts, and the suspenders are comfortable on the outside of the undershirts and underneath the outer shirt. In cooler weather, I will tuck my outer shirt underneath a vest of some sort with good results (suspenders worn over the outer shirt).

I really get along well with this method of dress and carry. I suggest you give these undershirts a try. If you will sign up for Duluth's email notices, they put these shirts on sale two or three times a year. Not a huge sale, but if you buy three shirts, they sell for two or three bucks less per shirt than normal prices. I also wear a style of the Buck Naked Skivvies and I am as pleased with them as I am the undershirts. Neither shirts nor skivvies are bad to collect odor either. As I have said, these will last for a very very long while ... not sure exactly how long yet since I've not worn any out yet! Give 'em a try and see how they work for you!

 

[Magload]

I get the Duluth catalog and I will give them a try sounds like a good shirt. Thanks for the info. Don

 

[ABPOS]

I still have yet to ever try owb with any of my guns. It just don't seem like it would work. Seems like it'd be sticking out. Maybe with a sportscoat I could see it working. Which obviously is like the old FBI or traditional way of doing it. Or if you had one of those vests. But I've always IWB'd. Which is what I meant earlier. I've never used a tuckable holster yet. I know they're out there of different kinds and I keep wanting to pull the trigger on one. But what I have seems to be working. I just have been wearing untucked shirts at church. Or in winter I wear a sweater vest over my collared shirt at church.

 

[DBinOhio]

I carry a FS45 a lot. I also wear overall, becuase of work, a lot. The FS 45 just happens to fit in the front pocket of my bibs. My FS40 does as well. When dressed for casual purposes I almost always carry my 1911E as it is a bit dressier...

 

[ABPOS]

LOL. Right in the bibs eh? That seems like it would be like the way some of the soldiers carry their M9's with the holster right on the front of their vest kind of high up.