M&P .45 or 9mm ?

[rpxr400]

Hey all - new member here. I just posted my intro at the new members forum, and came here for opinions.

I'm looking to get an M&P for a lighter carry option than a High Standard .45 officers model I currently carry.

I know this can open a big debate, but I don't really want to do that.

I realize the pros and cons of both rounds - which mostly boils down to more rounds and quicker recovery, or less rounds but better stopping power.

Here's the ultimate question: If you carry an M&P .45c or 9c, which is it. If you do not, which would you rather carry?
I didn't include the .40 because I've had one and find the .45 more manageable.

 

[hdfinder47]

9: lighter, more concealable, more capacity, cheaper to practice with and good ammo availability.

 

[MP1SG]

45c Bigger bullet Bigger holes

 

[DanWales]

Carry Gun

A year or so ago I was kinda making the same choice.

Roughly the same weight and size.

I have to admit I'm an old .45 man. So I went with the .45C.

If I'm in more than an 8 shot event I'm in trouble.

I don't think you could make a bad choice here.

I carry in the Cross Breed Super Tuck. There are several holsters that are very close to the same.

Great pistols lots of fun to practice with.

Dan

 

[dmar]

Between these two choices, I'd go with the 9c. I guess I like the idea of the 13 rounds, and quick follow up shots.

I am also a fan of .45 for carry, and when I want to carry an 8 round .45, I go with my Colt Defender, or LW Commander. IMO, these guns conceal/carry better than the M&P, and I shoot them better, too... My M&P carries ok, I just don't think you can beat the slim 1911, and the lightweight models don't seem much different in weight than the plastic guns, to me anyway...

 

[45caldan]

9: lighter, more concealable, more capacity, cheaper to practice with and good ammo availability.

This sums it up nicely!
With the premium JHP ammo available these days (I use Golddots and Ranger +P), the .45 doesn't hold the advantage over the 9mm that it does when talking ball ammo.
I am a .45 guy at heart but carry 9mm pistols these days do to above stated reasons (I will add faster follow up shots as well).
I do not believe in 1 shot stopping power in handguns.....shoot them till they are down! Higher capacity is a good thing!

 

[sna0403]

"While a 9mm or .40 JHP may expand, a .45 will not shrink."

 

[45caldan]

"While a 9mm or .40 JHP may expand, a .45 will not shrink."

A Gold dot expands pretty reliably and with dramatic effect.
Do a little research.....

The SEALS have a saying (they use a 9mm Sig P226):
"When I place 2 in their chest and 1 in their head, they never ask if it was a 9mm or a .45".

 

[rpxr400]

Between these two choices, I'd go with the 9c. I guess I like the idea of the 13 rounds, and quick follow up shots.

I am also a fan of .45 for carry, and when I want to carry an 8 round .45, I go with my Colt Defender, or LW Commander. IMO, these guns conceal/carry better than the M&P, and I shoot them better, too... My M&P carries ok, I just don't think you can beat the slim 1911, and the lightweight models don't seem much different in weight than the plastic guns, to me anyway...

Yeah - I like the slimness of the 1911, but even my High Standard officer's model is not lightweight, at 11 oz heavier than the 9c empty, and 7 oz more than the 45c. My HS is only about 2 oz lighter than my 5" Kimber.

I had an XD .45. Great gun, but bulky with the double stack, and it didn't have a manual safety (preference of mine).

 

[Lost Lake]

Isn't the reason for the .40 just because of this question? More capacity or more power?

 

[Just Shoot]

Isn't the reason for the .40 just because of this question? More capacity or more power?

Lost Lake has a valid point with the 40. I like my 9 for recreation but it is hard to beat mass anytime. I have a 45c for that reason. Now IF Illinois would just come into the 21 Century like the rest of our Country.....

 

[MP1SG]

A Gold dot expands pretty reliably and with dramatic effect.
Do a little research.....

The SEALS have a saying (they use a 9mm Sig P226):
"When I place 2 in their chest and 1 in their head, they never ask if it was a 9mm or a .45".

True statement, However fortunatley for the SEALS, they do not have to account for every round in combat. SO target saturation and supressive fire is the way to go. Civiliand (and LEO) MUST account for EVERY round fired. I still fell a Bigger Bullet is a better bullet

 

[rpxr400]

Isn't the reason for the .40 just because of this question? More capacity or more power?

I didn't include the .40 because I had one, and was not crazy about it. IMO, it would be harder to get back on target with a .40 than the .45 - more muzzle flip. I met somebody who once described the difference in recoil between the .40 and .45 pretty well: The .40 has a snap, and the .45 is more of a push. I have owned both, and agree with that analogy.

 

[Lost Lake]

I met somebody who once described the difference in recoil between the .40 and .45 pretty well: The .40 has a snap, and the .45 is more of a push. I have owned both, and agree with that analogy.

Hmmm.... I said that on this forum before.... I have to go back and see when! Have we met???

 

[Will Carry]

You know it really doesn't matter that much. Both are excellent choices.
I voted for the 45acp. If you carry the 9mm and you ever, God forbid, have to use it, you will wish it was 45acp. Of course if you run out of ammo and the fight ain't over, you'll wish it was a 9mm.
I carry a 9mm sometimes and a 45 sometimes....and a 380 or a 38sp or a 357 or a 40. I have way too many carry guns.

 

[Fir Fer]

I carry the MP.45 4" has 10+1. If you need more than that, good luck

 

[Out West]

I am also a fan of .45 for carry, and when I want to carry an 8 round .45, I go with my Colt Defender, or LW Commander...I just don't think you can beat the slim 1911, and the lightweight models don't seem much different in weight than the plastic guns, to me anyway...

Ain't that the truth! Plus, I already have a lightweight Commander. Even though I've been looking at the M&P 45c, I may just wait. If it ain't broke...

Out
West

 

[DAVEB47]

This sums it up nicely!
With the premium JHP ammo available these days (I use Golddots and Ranger +P), the .45 doesn't hold the advantage over the 9mm that it does when talking ball ammo.
I am a .45 guy at heart but carry 9mm pistols these days do to above stated reasons (I will add faster follow up shots as well).
I do not believe in 1 shot stopping power in handguns.....shoot them till they are down! Higher capacity is a good thing!

100% agree. I love my 9c and never feel like I lack anything. I use the same ammo for carry and also appreciate the ability to get cheaper ammo to practice with.

 

[Pete 45]

45...

Easy for me...

45

(cause they don't make a 46)

 

[gunlovingirl]

Carry whatever you feel most comfortable with and whatever you shoot best. Between a 45 and a 9mm, I choose a 9mm. I have rheumatoid arthritis in my hands and the 9 is more manageable and a lot less painful.