First handgun

[jsha22lr]

Hi all, this is my first time posting in this section of the forum (I'm a 15-22 junkie). My big question is this: I'm graduating this year from high school and tradition in my family is getting your first center fired handgun. I really want something american made and in a american caliber (10mm, 45, or 40). Now I know that the M&P only comes in 45 & 40, but a 1911 comes in 10mm. How is the practical accuracy of the M&P 40s and 45s? The handgun will mainly be a recreational use, maybe hunting. Where I'm located in the heart of the mississippi delta its very humid and can get dusty if thats a factor for anything. What about the S&W brand 1911's?

 

[SurgicalShark]

M&P 40 and 45, I own both and they are both flawless. The one real thing I like about my Full size 40 and 40Compact is that they are three guns in one with a simple drop in barrel swap in 357 and barrel and magazines for the 9mm. I have upgraded the trigger to the Apex DCAEK in all of my M&P Pistols and competition AEK on both of my competition pro series M&P's its really up to you in what your comfort zone is. I can tell you that 10mm is an expensive toy to feed and unless you are reloading your own rounds you will have a hefty ammo bill. I'm not a big fan of the 1911's,however I do enjoy the M&P 45 A solid platform in the M&P line with a smooth firing weapon. Just my two cents... Good luck with your quest...

S&W M&P FS 9/357/40/45, 40PRO, 40C, 22LR

 

[sheltbt]

10mm is what got me into reloading.

 

[jsha22lr]

Do the M&Ps have a high bore axis? I know that the XD/XDm does.

 

[Nico Testosteros]

The M&Ps have a low bore axis.

 

[Tom Goodrick]

I have an M&P 40 FS. I have liked it. To say a centerfire pistol is only recreational is ridiculous. Chances are good during your lifetime, you will need to save your life, or the life of a loved one using that type of gun. At least it should be adequate for that purpose and you should spend some time practicing for that event. The 40 M&P FS is a good home defense gun, on a medium-large adult it can be carried concealed. But carrying a large gun like that means you must be able to draw it from a concealed holster. After some practicing I decided a smaller gun would be better for carry. The Shield was not available when I was shopping and trying out smaller guns. I bought the Ruger SR40C. You might want to try that out if you can rent one. I found the M&P 40C had too much recoil for me. After four months, I am shooting the Ruger more accurately than the S&W. I am thinking of putting a laser on the M&P.

It might be a good idea to work with dumbells to strengthen your wrists. When I was just a little older than you, I started shooting heavy caliber pistols - 45 ACP, 45 LC and .357 Mag revolver. I didn't shoot anything for many decades so in my late 60's I used 10-lb dumbells to get in shape to shoot the 40's .

 

[jsha22lr]

I've had the opportunity to shoot both the 40 and 45 version of the mp. Both guns were the full size versions and both shot extremely well. I honestly think that the mp line shoots better in terms of recoil and ergonomics, than the glock or the xd series. I know I want a .45 thats for sure. Now its just between the Full size mp or the venerable 1911. I already have a gsg-1911 so the .22 option is good for just plinking, but if I get the mp then i could sell or trade the gsg for a mp22 for practice also. Just so many chioces not enough money or time!!

 

[Tom Goodrick]

Seems to me you've got plenty of time! Have fun!

 

[andrewcdub]

I have the fullsize 4.5" .45 that I've been carrying and using as a hd gun for almost 3 years now and love it. Trigger work is done by 3500 rounds so far. I would think that since you already have a 1911 in .22, why not a .45 1911? It would be a familiar platform.

 

[jsha22lr]

Well I'm stuck between the m&p and the 1911. The only beef I have with the 1911 is there are so many reputable manufactures to choose from that it's a hard choice to make. The 1911 & the m&p point nicely in my hands and both shoot smoothly to me. Is there a reputable 1911 mfg that's good? I hear that RRA will be releasing a polymer framed 1911.

 

[ma deuce]

A real man needs a real pistol, and that means a 1911. Seriously, though, I've got an S&W E-Series that's worked flawlessly for about 1,000 rounds, several hundred various hollowpoints and the rest ball. A very different platform from the M&Ps, different flavors suit difference people. But I do believe that every handgunner owes themselves a good 1911.

I should add that I've had a number of other 1911s, Colts and Springfields mostly, but I like the E-Series as well as any and better than most.

 

[George9]

jsha22lr,
You said...""I already have a gsg-1911 so the .22 option is good for just plinking, but if I get the mp then i could sell or trade the gsg for a mp22 for practice also.""

What state are you in? George

 

[arjay]

A good 1911 in 45 acp.

 

[mewisemajic]

My vote is for the M&P in either caliber.

 

[jsha22lr]

jsha22lr,
You said...""I already have a gsg-1911 so the .22 option is good for just plinking, but if I get the mp then i could sell or trade the gsg for a mp22 for practice also.""

What state are you in? George

i'm in the state of mississippi.

So does anybody recomend a good 1911 pistol? How does the S&W brand stack up? I personally think it would be cool if S&W made a 10mm M&P, just saying.

 

[shutupdata113]

dont u need to be 21 to own a handgun?....

 

[Deadeye Dick]

dont u need to be 21 to own a handgun?....

I think you have to be 21 to carry a handgun (with CCW of course). You can poses one at any age. Note I said poses not purchase, dad may have to make the purchase. Check you local lays to be sure.

Hey, I don't make the laws I just try to abide by them... well most of them anyway.

 

[vigil617]

You seem to be leaning toward the 1911. A worthy choice, to be sure. I carried one as a Coast Guard boarding officer back in the early 80s, and it was not only a fine service weapon, but also a link to the thousands of American military members through two World Wars, Korea, and Viet Nam who had carried it. I liked that. (Shortly thereafter, after I was out of the service, the USCG adopted the 9mm; later still, the 40 caliber).

Having gotten back into pistol shooting in my mid 50s, I have now owned both the M&P 45 and 40 full-size models, as well as a Shield 40. From that perspective, I can assure you that those pistols will provide outstanding service to you as well.

There are those who will argue that only a metal pistol is worth owning, and I respect that, but I disagree. Polymer framed pistols have already proven themselves, and the M&P series is if not already a classic, then well on its way. The design, low axis, weight, and reliability of these pistols make them as good as, maybe even better than, the 1911s. Whether you ever would need to defend yourself or someone else with either pistol is unknowable, but I think you will find that for everyday carry (EDC) the polymers are up to the task. Their price point also is in their favor compared to the 1911, partly because you pay a premium for that beautiful, timeless design and metal construction. Ammo-wise, among your choices, a 40 caliber will be a bit more economical to shoot than a 45 and compares favorably with a 357 in the "American calibers".

In sum, if it's going to be a gift to you, then you can't go wrong with any of your choices. When you're spending your own money for a pistol, I think you'll find the M&P 40 to be the best of all worlds, all things considered. Just my opinion, of course.

 

[MP22]

I would go with the M&P....JMO.

 

[gkitch]

I own an M&P in 357 SIg with a spare 40 S&W bbl. I cannot offer the first reservation as it is a superb pistol.
I own several 1911s and would recommend staying away from the 10mm unless you handload. Besides, the 1911 was designed around the 45 ACP and it is a fine round. That said, I own a Delta Elite and it si a personal favorite.
As for 1911s in general, I favor the Colt and the Springfield Armory as they are both produced on the studiest of forged frames, while the vast majority of the others are produced by lesser methods. The Colt and Springfields have been known to stand up for decades of use.