M&P 357sig/40 vs 45

[BrianE]

Im looking at getting an M&P45, but was also thinking the M&P357sig due to being able to swap out to the 40. Can anyone throw out some comparisons? Id like some real life experience info between the 2/3 calibers.

What do ya think?

 

[S. Kelly]

I have the M&P45 and think it's a great gun. The M&P is perfect in 45 caliber.

 

[Trippy]

i have a m&p .40 and i love it, its very accurate i have not put any 357 through it yet but i plan on it some day. i have run about 1000 round in it no problems, and im mostly running walmart Winchester target load in it.

 

[SPEEDGUNNER]

I have both. The .45 is a bit bigger, and seems heavier even when it only holds 10rds vs. 15rds in the .40. I have a S&W .357SIG barrel but haven't tried it yet. I think all around the .40 is the best bet.

 

[kmyers]

I have yet to shoot a M&P .45, but I do have a .40 FS and have conversion barrels for .357 and 9mm both. One firearm that cans shoot three calibers. Nothing there to not like.

Very nice combination and I have had no problems with mine.

 

[1066]

I think Speedguner hit it on the head - the M&P 45 seems a little big to me for a ten round pistol.

The 40W&W is a much "handier' gun, and holds a few more rounds. I don't have a 357 M&P, so I can't comment directly, but it is the same size and has the same capacity of the 40 so it should be a handy gun for you.

 

[kscardsfan]

Haven't fired the M&P yet. But the .357 is my all time favorite service round after running rounds down range. Although .40 caliber ammo is substantially easier to come by than .357 is. All in all, its a good excuse to by a new gun. Regardless of caliber lol

 

[GaryM&P]

I have all calibers of the M&P. I carry a M&P357 full size. I think it offers the best balance of power, size, and capacity. YMMV.

 

[OKFC05]

As noted, the .45 is a larger frame.
If you reload, the .357 SIG bottleneck is a PITA.
If you pick up range trash brass for reloading, some of the .40 brass may be "Glocked."

If you're going to buy me factory ammo, I'll take the .357.

 

[BrianE]

The round count for me doesnt matter because in MA you cant have anything more then 10 unfortunately .

If you get the 357sig can you put the 40 barrel in like you can vice versa? Im a huge 357 fan and I really want one...

Tell me some more about the 357sig! I want to get all the knowledge of this caliber possible.......

Thanks to all so far and to the ones in the future!

 

[Hyperbiker]

I know in most of the gun stores around me 357 sig ammo is close to non-existent, and when found is more expensive than 40. What I would do is get the .40 and then somewhere down the road buy a 357 barrel. I did this with my Sig226, my barrel was $160 and was suggested to be done that way because if I bought a 357 it would be really hard to find a .40 barrel (more demand) Then its like having 2 guns

 

[Wee Hooker]

You don't mention primary use so it's hard to vote one better than the other. That said, if I could only have one, it would be the 45. Yes it's SLIGHTLY bigger but has a longer barrel & sight radius. Weight is still near 10 oz lighter than a 1911. Recoil is more of a comfortable push vs harsher snap. Mag capacity is hype. Learn to shoot and you'll never need the 10 rounds, never mind 15.
Besides, the 45 acp has been THE standard for semi auto pistols for near 100 years.

 

[BrianE]

Wee Hooker: It will be for winter carry.

I just did a search on Google and read a few articles... Looks to have similarities to the 357 magnum which is good. Ammunition seems to be readily available via the internet, never really looked in the local shops.

Just looking for some pros and cons of the round...

 

[GaryM&P]

If my trips to Walmart in the last year are indicative of availability, 357sig is more available than 45acp.

 

[GJH77]

40/357

BrianE-I do not see anyone answered your question, but from what I have seen, the 357 Sig amd the 9mm conversion barrels only drop into the 40, and not vice versa.
Unfortunately I did not realize that the 40 would allow you to do that when I bought my M&P9 a year ago, or I would have probably gotten the 40 and the extra barrel(s).
And around here, the .357 is pretty hard to come by in the WalMarts, and is more expensive than either 40/45.

 

[BrianE]

GJH77: Thank you very much for that answer.

From my research and the help here, it looks to me that the 40 would be a no brainer, due to the facts I could always purchase the barrel in the other calibers. Currently I have an M&P9 FS and love it. Its functioned 110% and thats the reason Id get another.

The reason for me liking the 357sig is I love the 357 magnum, but wanted that same power (comparible to) in a semi-auto.

Does anyone have any information on the 357sig round specificlly?

Thanks all!

 

[M29since14]

Does anyone have any information on the 357sig round specificlly?
Thanks all!

It's LOUD!

Seriously, I have an M&P357 and a P229. They are loud. But it's a fun round to shoot, and not terrible to handload. If you do decide to load for it, get a gage and check your die adjustments. It does seem to be a bit more sensitive to the dimensions of loaded ammo than, say, a .45 auto. I had to grind a few thousandths off the bottom of my FL size die to get my ammunition to get along with the gage. (You can compare factory loads and your handloads using the gage - BEFORE you make up your mind to shorten a die.)

I have always been pleased with the accuracy of both of the guns mentioned. They are not target guns, but shoot very well - for me, consistently around 2 to 2.5 inches at 25 yards. No reliability issues. Recoil is quick, but not violent.

Really, if you have an M&P9 already, you won't gain much over 9mm +P+, if you don't mind using that in your gun. You probably only pick up about another 10% or so with the 357. It's hardly worth it, unless you just need a new toy.

 

[Wee Hooker]

Brian, if your in Springfield, why don't you just go over to S&W and test fire an M&P in 357sig? I've test fired there several times. The folks there are very friendly and knowledgeable.
p.s. Too bad the M&P 45c isn't MA compliant yet :-(

 

[BrianE]

Wee Hooker: Very true on test firing and the compliancy of the 45 in mid size and compact.

I want the mid size in the 45... I dont understand what the wait is all about..

I did pick up a year membership to the range too...... I think I may go next week and test one out..

 

[Wee Hooker]

Wee Hooker: Very true on test firing and the compliancy of the 45 in mid size and compact.

I want the mid size in the 45... I dont understand what the wait is all about..

I did pick up a year membership to the range too...... I think I may go next week and test one out..

Keep us posted. I'd be interested in what you think after a test fire session. I've got 3 M&Ps. There is something different and sweet about each one.
Don't let the 10# triggers scare you, they are easy to fix.