Just bought M&P 45, how did I do?

[MyDads38]

But if I absolutely had to, I would choose my 45c over my 40c or 9c. I live in Mass and the 10.5lb trigger out of the box was tough to love. Put in the DCAEK and now I spend my spare time looking for good, reasonably priced ammo for it.
I've used Remington, Federal and WWB with no problems whatsoever.

Enjoy your 45. The more you shoot it, the more you'll like it.

The more I shoot it, the more I DO like it!

I've always liked shooting the 45acp and have had several different makes/models over the years. The 1911 platform is my favorite, but the SA/DA & DAO platforms are getting my attention as well! My new M&P 45 is a real pleasure to shoot and as accurate as my Ruger SR1911 (at least at the short ranges I shoot at 5, 7, 10 & 15 yds.).

 

[MyDads38]

Ran a box of Aguila 230 gr. FMJ/ball ammo through the M&P 45 today, no issues at all and as accurate as anything else I've fired through the gun. Just an update...

 

[MyDads38]

Went to the range yesterday to try some reloads I assembled on Friday (used my last vacation day from work) for my 45 auto's.

Load #1 was a 230 gr. Lead RN @ .452" (Falcon Bullet Co.); 4.3 grs. Bullseye and Rem LPP. Loaded on range brass.

Load #2 was a 200 gr. Lead SWC @ .452" (Falcon Bullet Co.); 4.3 grs. Bullseye and Rem LPP.

Besides the M&P 45, I also took my Ruger SR1911. All shooting at 5 yds off hand. The M&P 45 was freshly cleaned the night before; the Ruger still dirty from previous range visit. It was odd that both firearms wouldn't feed the first round from a fully loaded mag. With the Ruger, it was one of the 200 gr. SWC; with the M&P, it was the 230 gr. RN. I shot 5 rounds of each load through both pistols for sighting purposes. Then loaded full mags afterwards.

The first round of 200 gr. SWC into the Ruger jammed half-way into the chamber. When I cleared the round, the brass had a small area that had been pushed back, creating a "nick" in the brass. After re-inserting the mag, everything else shot/fed as usual (25 of the 26 rounds) from my Ruger 8 round mags. The results were 25 rounds into a group 1 1/2" x 2 1/4"-all shots within the 3" black of a standard 50' target. The range provides targets at no charge.

With the Ruger and 230 gr. RN load, the first 5 shots resulted in a one hole grouping of 1/2", I pulled this target to save! The remaining 36 rounds fired into a group 1 1/2" x 2", I did have 2 flyers that opened the group to 1 1/2" x 2 1/2", these were called flyers and my fault, not the guns' LOL

The M&P 45 had a jam on the first round of 230 gr. RN, which I found odd; since it resembles a factory ball load. Same as the Ruger-when cleared, the resulting round had a small "nick" in the case. And once again, everything ran fine afterwards. With this load, (39 rounds) the main group was 2 1/4" x 2 1/2", with one called flyer which opened the group to 2 1/4" x 3". All shots cleaned the 3" bull on the target, with exception being the one flyer.

The 200 gr. SWC load fed flawlessly from start to finish. 24 rounds printed a group of 2" x 2 1/4" with no flyers. All centered in the black of the target.

My goal is to keep all my shots, from 5-10 yards in 3" groups. I am not a target shooter, but accuracy is important to me. And I don't mean 5 shots, 3" @ 5 yrds, ALL shots in 3" at 5 yds (25, 30, 50 rounds). IMO, if you can keep 50 rounds in a 3" group, then you are being consistent, and so is the gun/ammunition.

 

[KJS]

I live in Mass and the 10.5lb trigger out of the box was tough to love.

I'd really appreciate it if somebody could explain the above comment to me. Does MA have some goofy gun law that demands insanely heavy triggers? I mean 10.5 is what you expect from a DA revolver!

I have a Springfield pistol currently getting an action job to bring the trigger pull down to 3.5# (from about 6.5#).

 

[BrianE]

I'd really appreciate it if somebody could explain the above comment to me. Does MA have some goofy gun law that demands insanely heavy triggers? I mean 10.5 is what you expect from a DA revolver!

I have a Springfield pistol currently getting an action job to bring the trigger pull down to 3.5# (from about 6.5#).

All MA guns are sold with a 10 lb double action trigger pull and we have 10 rd magazines... you can have trigger work done to lighten it, but just can't be sold new with less than. And we can have pre ban mags that hold more then 10 rounds..... 2 absolute dumb laws that make no sense to me...... but who am I? [emoji57]

 

[TheFactor]

Glad your happy with your M&P 45 , that's the only caliber I don't have in my "M&P" family . I have two 9's and a 40cal and there all sweet shooters and very dependable . I haven't had a malfunction what so ever in any of them . Next on my list will Probably be a M&P 45acp

 

[MyDads38]

Glad your happy with your M&P 45 , that's the only caliber I don't have in my "M&P" family . I have two 9's and a 40cal and there all sweet shooters and very dependable . I haven't had a malfunction what so ever in any of them . Next on my list will Probably be a M&P 45acp ��

You definitely need to add the 45! It's a sweet shooter. Don't know what was up with both my 45's, for each to have a FTF with the reloads, and for both to be the first round from a full mag. Otherwise, they both ran like champs afterwards and accuracy was what I expect, since I was the one doing the shooting! LOL

 

[TheFactor]

You definitely need to add the 45! It's a sweet shooter. Don't know what was up with both my 45's, for each to have a FTF with the reloads, and for both to be the first round from a full mag. Otherwise, they both ran like champs afterwards and accuracy was what I expect, since I was the one doing the shooting! LOL

I think when your running reloads and also a different variety of ammo your bound to have a issue here or there, I wouldn't be concerned . I normally run only a few different brands for target rounds and test a couple defense rounds just to make sure they feed and eject . That's great though that your testing a larger variety . Keep up the good work and have fun !

 

[MyDads38]

I think when your running reloads and also a different variety of ammo your bound to have a issue here or there, I wouldn't be concerned . I normally run only a few different brands for target rounds and test a couple defense rounds just to make sure they feed and eject . That's great though that your testing a larger variety . Keep up the good work and have fun !

I guess what bothers me, is this is the first failure of ANY kind I've had with either gun. The Ruger has never had an issue with any bullet shape, including SWC; so I couldn't believe it failed to feed the Lead RN.

The M&P failed on a Lead SWC round. I've never fed any lead bullets through the M&P, so I wasn't sure how it would perform. With exception of the first round, everything else ran fine.

So now, I will work on working up loads for the M&P; maybe different COL, although once I cleared the first round everything else ran fine. Maybe it was just Murphy paying me a visit? No complaints as far as ejection or accuracy, so maybe I'll just try again and see what happens.

 

[TheFactor]

I guess what bothers me, is this is the first failure of ANY kind I've had with either gun. The Ruger has never had an issue with any bullet shape, including SWC; so I couldn't believe it failed to feed the Lead RN.

The M&P failed on a Lead SWC round. I've never fed any lead bullets through the M&P, so I wasn't sure how it would perform. With exception of the first round, everything else ran fine.

So now, I will work on working up loads for the M&P; maybe different COL, although once I cleared the first round everything else ran fine. Maybe it was just Murphy paying me a visit? No complaints as far as ejection or accuracy, so maybe I'll just try again and see what happens.

I hear Ya any MF can be frustrating .
You have to watch out for Murphy he hides out well lol .
Sounds like you really enjoy testing out different loads and rounds . That's what's so much fun about our hobby is theres so many different ways to enjoy it from accessarizing to shooting it and the list goes on
Also more importantly it can save a life !

 

[MyDads38]

I hear Ya any MF can be frustrating .
You have to watch out for Murphy he hides out well lol .
Sounds like you really enjoy testing out different loads and rounds . That's what's so much fun about our hobby is theres so many different ways to enjoy it from accessarizing to shooting it and the list goes on ��
Also more importantly it can save a life !

You should've seen all the test loads for my Ruger SR1911! And it was just lead bullets. Haven't even started with plated or jacketed.

Reloading/handloading, besides saving money (allowing yourself to shoot more for same amount of $$$), is an enjoyable hobby unto itself. Finding loads that work well in each gun and knowing you assembled those yourself-BONUS!

I'm really enjoying my M&P 45 and can't wait to get my M&P 9mm out of layaway. One of these days, I'm gonna have to try a 40 S&W and see if I need to add one to the fold.

 

[TheFactor]

You should've seen all the test loads for my Ruger SR1911! And it was just lead bullets. Haven't even started with plated or jacketed.

Reloading/handloading, besides saving money (allowing yourself to shoot more for same amount of $$$), is an enjoyable hobby unto itself. Finding loads that work well in each gun and knowing you assembled those yourself-BONUS!

I'm really enjoying my M&P 45 and can't wait to get my M&P 9mm out of layaway. One of these days, I'm gonna have to try a 40 S&W and see if I need to add one to the fold.

Thats how my M&P adventure started , I picked up a FS 9 pro series and after I went to the range and it and I lol shot so well I was already contemplating which one would be next a 40 or 45 . It really was like flipping a coin wanted them both equally . Ended up putting a 40 FS on lay away so I wouldn't change my mind . So got it out of layaway and started zeroing in on the 45 acp and got side tracked with the Shield that peaked my interest . Long story short I just bought it "Shield" about a week ago . So next on my list is the 45 . I've got a few Glocks and have been a Glock guy for many years but these M&P's I really like and have been enjoying in all areas
I thought about reloading and have for years but thats as far as I've got with it . Don't know if I have the patients lol.

 

[MyDads38]

Another 50 rounds Federal Aluminum 230 gr. FMJ through the M&P 45 on 12-13-14, no issues at all.

 

[TheFactor]

Good news glad she's been flawless !

 

[M29since14]

I'm really enjoying my M&P 45 and can't wait to get my M&P 9mm out of layaway. One of these days, I'm gonna have to try a 40 S&W and see if I need to add one to the fold.

Hopefully the 9mm won't sour you before you get to the .40. The 9s are "controversial" in the accuracy department, from what I can tell. The .40s may be a bit better. (IMHO)

The .45s, on the other hand, are the breath of fresh air. My M&P45 has always shot rings around the 9mm and .40 M&Ps. You mention lead bullets. My gun of similar vintage shoots lead just fine, so the good luck should continue when you get to that. Just be sure to check your seating depth before you head off to the range. What worked OK in my 1911 .45s of various brands was a touch too long for my M&P and I had to shorten up my loads about 0.020" to make them function normally. Since then, zero problems.

 

[scorbing]

The M&P 45 is a nice piece. I got mine for $499 at FGE.

 

[TheFactor]

Hopefully the 9mm won't sour you before you get to the .40. The 9s are "controversial" in the accuracy department, from what I can tell. The .40s may be a bit better. (IMHO)

The .45s, on the other hand, are the breath of fresh air. My M&P45 has always shot rings around the 9mm and .40 M&Ps. You mention lead bullets. My gun of similar vintage shoots lead just fine, so the good luck should continue when you get to that. Just be sure to check your seating depth before you head off to the range. What worked OK in my 1911 .45s of various brands was a touch too long for my M&P and I had to shorten up my loads about 0.020" to make them function normally. Since then, zero problems.

My Pro 9mm is the most accurate gun I own and you could shoot the eye out of snake with it so if he gets one like mine it definitely won't sour his taste lol .
My Glock 30S 45acp though is right there in the accuracy department it's amazing to say the least . Now my M&P 40 my groupings are a little spread out , not bad but I'm not punching one big hole in the target but she'll getter done and it's highly possible it could just be my fault . One thing for sure though my M&P's hands down feel the best in the hand for me !
Also on a side note I'm sure he'll enjoy the low prices on 9mm vs especially the 45acp. It allows me to shoot more often and even enjoy it more .

 

[MyDads38]

Range trip yesterday...

Loaded 50 rounds of 185 gr. cast lead SWC over 4.3 grs. Bullseye to try in the M&P 45. Really enjoyed shooting this load! Very accurate and very pleasant to shoot in the M&P! No issues at all. My Ruger SR1911 prefers bullets 200 grs.+, but the S&W seemed to like the 185 gr. I was surprised it didn't shoot a little low, with the lighter bullet weight, but POI was same as everything else I've fired through the gun so far-BONUS!

FYI: R-P once fired brass; Rem #2 1/2 LP Primer; 185 gr. Falcon Bullet Co. cast lead SWC; 4.3 grs. Bullseye.

Just thought I'd share

 

[MyDads38]

Hopefully the 9mm won't sour you before you get to the .40. The 9s are "controversial" in the accuracy department, from what I can tell. The .40s may be a bit better. (IMHO)

The .45s, on the other hand, are the breath of fresh air. My M&P45 has always shot rings around the 9mm and .40 M&Ps. You mention lead bullets. My gun of similar vintage shoots lead just fine, so the good luck should continue when you get to that. Just be sure to check your seating depth before you head off to the range. What worked OK in my 1911 .45s of various brands was a touch too long for my M&P and I had to shorten up my loads about 0.020" to make them function normally. Since then, zero problems.

If the accuracy of my new M&P 9 is on par with my SD9VE, then I'll have no issues at all Got my layaway paid down to about half, so shouldn't be too much longer. When I checked the gun out, the fired cartridge date was 11-2013, almost a year to the day that I put it in layaway.

Loving the M&P 45. Still on the fence about a 40 cal. Although, Bud's had police trade-ins w/3 mags listed @ $299; so I may at some point add one to the collection

 

[hcso617]

I have a MPU serial number also, test round was shot in August of 2007 it got it in October 2007. I have about 8000 rounds through it with zero malfunctions. The only thing I've done to it is replace the springs a few times. enjoy it.