M&P .45 vs 1911 .45

stev32k

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I'm in the market for a new .45. I have a Les Baer 1911, M&P 9c, and M&P .40 FS. I believe I like the M&P better than the 1911, but I wonder about the accuracy of the M&P compared to the 1911.

Has anybody actually compared the two for accuracy?
 
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Comparing M&P to 1911 is like comparing apples to cheesestakes. They do the same thing but totally different things.

What kind of accuracy are you expecting? Whats the minimal you will settle for? What are your intentions for it? The 1911 is probably the most accurate semi auto so if youre looking for bullseye shooting or something or youre one of those who thinks guns should only be benched, shooting little holes at 15ft..... stick to the 1911.

The M&P is very good and more then capable of holding its own. If you want less fuss and more business I'd go with the M&P.

I have both. Love both. But the M&P 45 is perfect for me

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Both guns will be far more accurate than you'll ever be. The M&P is a much more modern handgun and the 1911 is a classic. If you're looking for round count and something that's a bit lighter to carry, I would go for the M&P, HK45, FNX45, XD or a Glock 21.
 
Like Arik asked, what is your intended purpose? They are both more accurate than I am.

I like 1911s for the classic design...and the sweet trigger. However, for a carry gun, an easy to maintain gun, a very reliable gun, and one that is acceptably accurate (or better), it's hard to beat the M&P. You have both a 1911 and two M&Ps, so you have an idea how the two platforms will compare.

Back to your intended purpose...if for carry, the M&P45c, Springfield XDS, or Glock 36 make good CCW pistols. If you want another polymer gun just to shoot and have fun with, the Ruger SR45 is a good choice, and it isn't expensive. If you want a range/target gun, it's hard to beat a 1911...you might want to check out the Springfield Range Officer.

You have lots of options in .45!
 
One of the most respected .45's for accuracy is the Sig P220. The P220 is in the same $ ballpark as a 1911. Personally, if I wanted to spend P220/1911 money, I'd buy the Sig, been there done that. But my personal opinion for what you are asking is save some money and go with the M&P 45. For the money I just don't think you can go wrong with the M&P 45.
 
My use is strictly target shooting both free hand and bench rest. I shoot some competition, but not much. I'm getting up in age and not nearly the shooter I once was, but I still like to shoot.

I reload my own ammo and shoot about three times per week. Like others have said all the guns I own are more accurate than I am, but I still like accurate guns and ammo. In fact one of the things I enjoy most is testing guns and ammo for accuracy.
 
Either gun would be an excellent choice for defense, competition or general carry. The 1911 has the benefit of 100 years of aftermarket tinkering and "race gun" parts, while the M&P45 has the edge in magazine capacity 10/13? (depending on where you live) +1 VS 7/8 +1 (depending on which magazines you are using).

The choice is yours, shoot both at the same time and see which one feels/works best for you.
 
If you own and shoot a LB 1911, you will likely find the accuracy of a striker fired poly pistol lacking. I have a M&P 9 and a STI Trojan in 9mm. There is no comparison as far as mechanical accuracy is concerned. Still the CT equipped M&P has its place on my nightstand.
 
I have owned both and only own one of the two at this current time. I also don't plan on getting the one I am missing, any time soon. Guess which one I prefer.

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The big issue with a 1911 that's carried for defense is that it has to be carried cocked, locked & loaded. There's a training issue with that. If you're GTG under those circumstances, the 1911 is a good solution. If not... :(
 
The big issue with a 1911 that's carried for defense is that it has to be carried cocked, locked & loaded. There's a training issue with that. If you're GTG under those circumstances, the 1911 is a good solution. If not... :(

Why is that an issue?
 
The big issue with a 1911 that's carried for defense is that it has to be carried cocked, locked & loaded. There's a training issue with that. If you're GTG under those circumstances, the 1911 is a good solution. If not... :(

The only difference in the two is that the 1911 has an exposed hammer. Not sure what you're getting at here.
 
The big issue with a 1911 that's carried for defense is that it has to be carried cocked, locked & loaded. There's a training issue with that. If you're GTG under those circumstances, the 1911 is a good solution. If not... :(

Good point, it all comes down to how much practice (both mental and practical) he is willing to do. IMO, it's not much different than me remembering to flip the decocker/safety on my 3913 on & off after firing off a set.
 
1911 or M & P

Every couple of months, I used to get the feeling that I should get a 1911 so I could have that classic design in the roster. But every time I'd pick one up, it just never felt "right" in my hand. To me, there is nothing out there that matches the feel and ergonomics of the M & P.

I could change my mind again somewhere down the road but for the foreseeable future, I can't picture myself choosing the 1911.

Your mileage may, of course, vary. Neither option will disappoint. Have fun with whatever you choose.
 
I have a Sig Sauer 1911 and an M&P 45, between the two the Sig is more accurate shooting free handed at 15yds. I think the M&P is very capable of good accuracy but unless they have gotten better the trigger on my 2yr old M&P is not very good. I think the M&P is a great weapon and out of about 800 rds fired I have not had one issue and this is why it is my home defense choice.
 
After shooting my first M&P45, I sold my 1911s and bought more M&Ps. The last one to go was a very nice Wilson Combat. I don't miss them one bit.

As for accuracy, all of them are way more accurate than I am.
 
For what you paid for the precision fit of the Les Baer 1911, it BETTER be more accurate then box stock M&P .45.

Look at serious target shooters - How many use plastic service type auto's?....Not many.

Now, for combat use, carry, and all around shooting, the M&P .45 is a fine choice, just don't expect the accuracy to mimic a well fitted 1911.

My M&P .45c is about a 2 1/2 - 3 inch gun off the bench with loads it likes, my better made 1911's (including a 3 inch Kimber Ultra Carry) cut an inch or so off that with loads they like...

If your LB is shooting like it should, you are already close to or at the benchmark of what an accurate .45 should be.

Larry
 
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