M&P 45

[Martial Warrior]

I've had many .45's over the years. Got out of the caliber last year when I traded a Sig P250 in .45acp (a trade I couldn't pass up at the time). I did, however, very much like and enjoy that P250. I liked the ergonomics, feel and how it shot. The rear night sight was very odd to put on but it worked. After trading it I kinda wished I hadn't and have been wanting to get back into a .45acp.

It would not be a primary caliber for me, 9mm is the primary for defense, .40 S&W for woods carry. But I've always liked .45acp.

My duty weapon is a Glock 21 and I very much like and enjoy shooting it. It's a Gen 3 and we've had the G21.3 as a duty weapon for 15+ years (before that was the Beretta 9mm and before that I started my career with a S&W Model 64 .38 Special). I wouldn't mind having a G21.

I recently bought a used M&P 40 which I have a thread on in this section. First M&P I've owned and fired. And I've found it to be an excellent pistol that I like and enjoy shooting. Similar to the Sig P250, I like the ergonomics and feel of the gun. This got me thinking about the possibility of an M&P 45 as a viable option to consider. I haven't fired or even held one but I like the M&P 40 enough to look into it and seek out others thoughts.

If you have one, I'd like to hear your thoughts. If you have one as well as other brands of .45 I'd like to hear your comparisons. Good, bad and ugly.

Thank you.

 

[mckenney99]

I have a Glock 21, Glock 36, full sized M&P 45, compact M&P 45 and Shield 45. While the Glock 21 has the advantage in capacity, I find the M&P has the more comfortable grip ergonomics, especially with the swappable backstraps. Both guns are extremely comfortable to shoot in 45 ACP. For me the grip angle of the M&P points more naturally since I have carried a 1911 for the past 20+ years. The Glocks always point high for me, but that is a muscle memory issue that can easily be resolved through training reps. If the M&P is just going to be a range fun gun, why not try something different. If you plan on carrying the M&P possibly off duty, then you might find switching back & forth to cause some issues. Also the trigger actions between the 2 makes are considerably different. If you do decide to try the M&P, be aware that Smith & Wesson also has a LE program similar to Glock but you may have to call around to find a dealer that handles the S&W program.

 

[gunny4053]

The M&P .45 is one of the next on my list. I've handled several, and they're close enough to the M&P .40 size wise, that it wouldn't be a huge difference. Like your .40, they feel really good in the hand, and functionally are identical. I wouldn't hesitate if I had the chance.

 

[kennyb]

I have the 45 compact...love it!!

 

[joeintexas]

I have owned the S&W FS 45 and liked it, no problems. I do however prefer the M&P Shield in 45, shoots fairly soft and aim seems more natural to me being a 1911 guy it seems similar. I also have the P250 in 40s&w and 357sig, I still like the Shield better. Good luck with your search, that's half the fun anyway.

 

[Martial Warrior]

Good luck with your search, that's half the fun anyway.

Yes it is

Armslist has an M&P 45 2.0 for $400 locally. I haven't started checking into pricing on it yet so is that a reasonable price? How about if I come across a Gen 1? What are they going for these days?

And I appreciate the replies and input from everyone.

 

[Rosco Shooter]

I have a 9mm M&P Pro, 40 M&P Performance Center, and recently traded my son for his 45 ACP M&P. I like the ergonomics of all of them. I liked them even better after installing Apex flat faced triggers.

 

[kthom]

I've owned several handguns in .45ACP. It's my favorite caliber, actually, but I carried a .357 mag on duty and various .38 Special snubbies for years and still do. I found a nice used M&P 45 in a LGS and bought it for what was a good price at the time. I LOVE it. It is the softest shooting 45ACP I've ever owned, it is plenty accurate, and the operation is very similar to the double action revolvers that I carried for so long. Mine does not have the manual safety, and it has a four inch barrel on the full sized frame.
I have no problem with the 9MM with today's ammunition for personal proctection carry, and I also have a full sized M&P MM that shoots very well. Later, I bought a Shield 9MM which has been an entirely satisfactory EDC for me. When the Shield 45 came out, after reading about it for some time, I bought one just to satisfy my curiosity. When I carry a semi auto, it's the one I carry! Again, the transition between my revolvers and these M&P models is very easy for me. The Shield 45 is also easy shooting, plenty accurate, and easy to carry.

I would tell you that I will be very surprised if you do not find the full sized M&P 45 to be an excellent choice, depending on what your main way of intended use might be. It will conceal, but the compacts or the Shield will do so easier, albeit with less ammo capacity, which does not concern me. I love the grip angle and the interchangeable grip inserts that allow you to fit the gun to your size of hand very easily. I have had zero problems or issues with these guns. Personally, I very much prefer the grip and shooting experience with the M&P as compared to the Glock. I have not modified the triggers or anything else on any of these M&P's. I just have shot lots of rounds through them. None of them except for the Shield 45 are 2.0 models. The Shield isn't marked as such, as they are now, but I am told that the Shield 45 was actually the first 2.0 model to be introduced. It just wasn't identified as such at the time. Based on my experience with them, I just don't think you'll be disappointed if you get one, based on what you already have to say about them and your experience with the M&P 40.

 

[walnutred]

I picked up a M&P 45 compact back when police trade-ins were going for around $225 shipped. Only regret is that I didn't buy two at that price. I need to get the night sights rebuilt but other than that have had no issues.

 

[ScaryWoody]

I have two Shield 45's. Great pistols that carry easily and shoot great. For such a small pistol it doesn't feel much different than shooting a 9mm. I think it shoots better than my 1911.

 

[joeintexas]

Yes it is

Armslist has an M&P 45 2.0 for $400 locally. I haven't started checking into pricing on it yet so is that a reasonable price? How about if I come across a Gen 1? What are they going for these days?

And I appreciate the replies and input from everyone.

If it comes with case and papers and extra mags that's not a bad price, at least that's around what they are going for here. They might have a little wiggle room there also, never hurts to ask as long as you stay reasonable. Good luck!

 

[Kframerbluvr]

Town Police here in Richmond has NIB M&P .45 midsize pistols on sale for $319. I suppose they are clearing out the earlier version for the 2.0.
I have resisted buying one so far b/c I carry Glocks for work per policy.
Is it worth buying considering the trigger most likely will need improvement? The 2,0 version seems to sell for considerably more, even at LE pricing. The .45 Shield I borrowed from a co-worker had an exceptional trigger and shot very well. If if had another inch of barrel, I would buy one. .45 ball averaged 698 fps from it.

 

[ScaryWoody]

I put an Apex sear in my Shield 45. Made a big difference in trigger feel. The hardened steel gives a more crisp break. I also put in a heavier trigger return spring to raise the pull weight. With just the sear it was around 4 lbs. The spring raised it to 4.5 ish.

 

[kthom]

I personally have had no need to make modifications to the triggers on any of my 1.0 M&P's, Shields included. I just shot them a good bit after new or new to me, and they are perfectly acceptable to me. No sense breaking something that isn't broken (my personal opinion). I know others feel differently and that's OK, but my M&Ps all will shoot better than I can and they all work just fine without issues at all.

 

[B0308]

Hi all,

I've got 3 M&P mid-sized .45s and 2 Shield .45s, so I guess I'm kind of committed! In my defense I have two early Shield 9mm's that I paid way too much for.

I went with the mid-size .45, because it's virtually the same size as a Glock 19, but in .45, and I find the thumb safety meets my needs. One has an RMR sight and if/when I can get an Aimpoint ACRO, I'll probably have a second fitted too. Old eyes appreciate the RDS. All the mid-size have the Apex Duty/Carry trigger. The Shields are stock and see, to work well.

Real happy with all of them and they function flawlessly. YMMV

 

[ultratec00]

That's a good buy. Keep in mind if it's a 1.0, the midsize can be turned into a FS simply by swapping slides. Gives you the either/or option. You can drop an apex kit w/ polymer trigger in for ~$100. Makes a world of difference and still have less cash invested than buying a glock 21. I have a 21. Accurate, I shoot it well, but totally hate it even after installing an aftermarket trigger. No comparison to my M&P 45s.

Town Police here in Richmond has NIB M&P .45 midsize pistols on sale for $319. I suppose they are clearing out the earlier version for the 2.0.
I have resisted buying one so far b/c I carry Glocks for work per policy.
Is it worth buying considering the trigger most likely will need improvement? The 2,0 version seems to sell for considerably more, even at LE pricing. The .45 Shield I borrowed from a co-worker had an exceptional trigger and shot very well. If if had another inch of barrel, I would buy one. .45 ball averaged 698 fps from it.

 

[moongoon]

I bought a M&P .45 in FDE when they first came out. Compared to the Glock 22 I was used to, it felt like a sports car in the hand. Used it on bowling pins for a while with good results until I found a Canik SFX and have never looked back, but that's nothing against the M&P. It's still one of my front line defenders. My only criticism is it only holds 10 rounds.

 

[apd9216]

Yes it is

Armslist has an M&P 45 2.0 for $400 locally. I haven't started checking into pricing on it yet so is that a reasonable price? How about if I come across a Gen 1? What are they going for these days?

And I appreciate the replies and input from everyone.

If that is a private party sale (without taxes, background check fee, etc.) you need to jump on that immediately! That is a good price, just a few bucks above LE price.

M&P45 2.0 is better than the original for the improved trigger, improved grip texture, and extended stainless steel chassis.

 

[RetiredUC]

The federal agency I retired from issues the M&P 45. It has been in the field about 12 years I would guess. They M&P seemed to hold up very well which says something about the durability of the basic design as they shoot WAY more than just about any agency that comes to mind.
Overall it seemed to be pretty well accepted by the force and they transitioned to the 2.0 version several years ago which I understand was well received given the useful modifications that are included. Sitting here wondering why I bought the Glock 41 when I don't own an M&P 2.0 in .45ACP...
I personally thought the ergonomics of the M&P were superior to the Glock 21 and I have a pretty big hand. Let us know how you like one if you decide to pick one up, would be surprised if you weren't impressed with it.

 

[dpierce02]

I have the KahrCM 45 and the Shield 45 and Shield 9. I like the Shield 45 over the 9 it seems to be a little lighter on the recoil and I can stay on target better for some reason? I like the Kahr 45 to its about the same as the Shield 45 but for me I can shoot the Shield a little better and more consistent.

GB has several 45 M&P's and Shields for sale at around $200 with shipping from $15-$30 with a few hrs to a couple days left on auctions? Bet you can get one NIB on there for under or at around $300 from past auctions I have followed? Good luck!!

I have bought 5 guns from GB all for $300 or less each over the last couple of years including my Shields?