S&W M&P45 45ACP Night Sights 4 1/2" NMS

[GUN MONKEY]

I love 1911 pistols. They look cool, they're fun to shoot, they make big holes, they fit my hand perfectly, it's the first pistol I learned to shoot (military training), they are all beautiful works of art (Did I mention they make big holes?), and the list goes on and on. However, I was looking around on budsgunshop.com and ran across the M&P 45ACP.

I currently own a 1911, and needless to say, it is a heavy gun for concealed carry, especially here in the dirty south where shorts and a tee shirt are my everyday business attire. So, when I came across the M&P 45ACP, it looked like it might make for a lighter, more rust resistant option than my current all-steel 45. The price is very reasonable, too.

I would probably carry OWB with a tee shirt and loose-fitting button down shirt (usually Hawaiian) over that. Any thoughts and opinions on this 45 from experienced owners would be greatly appreciated.

 

[scattershot]

Before you pull the trigger, look at the .45 C. Same pistol, just a little more ... well, compact. About the size of a Glock 19. 8 rounds instead of 10, but it's a great pistol. I love mine.

 

[arhayes]

S&W M&P45 45ACP Night Sights 4 1/2" NMS

I carried a Colt Defender in .45 for years, and have had 1911 Colts since the 70s. But when I retired 3 years ago and started a more casual lifestyle wearing shorts a lot, the Colt was a little heavy. I bought an M&P Shield in 9mm and that has been my EDC. I recently bought another Shield in 45acp. I'm very happy with the performance and ease of carry of both.


Alan

 

[tlay]

I have a M&P 45 that is great to shoot but is really large to carry. I too live in Georgia and the Shield is much better to carry. Have you considered a 45 Shield?

 

[Rastoff]

I love 1911 pistols.
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I would probably carry OWB with a tee shirt and loose-fitting button down shirt (usually Hawaiian) over that. Any thoughts and opinions on this 45 from experienced owners would be greatly appreciated.

I love 1911s too. They're just the right thing in every way. JMB really got it right and the modern upgrades just polished the design to perfection. It's what I usually carry.

The full size M&P 45 is my second favorite handgun. With the Apex Forward Set Sear kit installed, the trigger is really nice, even if not exactly like a 1911. I use the same carry wardrobe and carry my M&P 45 OWB without difficulty.

It is lighter than an all steel 1911, but not by much. The extra 2 or 3 rounds add a little weight back to the equation. If you go with a 14 round mag, it's a wash. Still a very good gun though.

 

[GUN MONKEY]

OK, I looked at the Shield. It is 1/2 the weight of my 1911. I'd lose one round of capacity over my 1911. I think I'm starting to like it. I don't need night sights, really, because I rarely go anywhere after dark. And if I do, it is usually a well lit restaurant or store. I have other, more suitable/lethal home protection firearms for those times that I might need low-light sighting capabilites. This pistol would only be for concealed carry, not home protection.

Thanks for the input. Now I have two forty-fives to think about.

 

[MyDads38]

I have a 1911, the FS M&P 45 and the Shield 45. What's not to like?? LOL I like the M&P just a tad more than the 1911 (the M&P feels more like a "push" during firing), the Shield can't be beat for concealed carry. I had always preferred a FS handgun for carry until a few years ago, the FS 1911 just got a little Heavy. Never thought I'd carry a compact pistol, until I tried a Shield. I have all 3 calibers in the Shield and FS M&P's. Good luck in your choice/decision

 

[tlay]

Just buy both!! One for carry and the other for the night stand!

 

[arhayes]

OK, I looked at the Shield. It is 1/2 the weight of my 1911. I'd lose one round of capacity over my 1911. I think I'm starting to like it. I don't need night sights, really, because I rarely go anywhere after dark. And if I do, it is usually a well lit restaurant or store. I have other, more suitable/lethal home protection firearms for those times that I might need low-light sighting capabilites. This pistol would only be for concealed carry, not home protection.



Thanks for the input. Now I have two forty-fives to think about.

Same here as the 1911 is my at home piece. The thing I failed to mention is that I can go between my 1911 and Shield seamlessly. For me, the stock trigger on both of my Shields has a pull that just feels right after 40 years of shooting 1911's. I can go to the range, pick up either weapon and not lose an effective shot regardless of beginning weapon. I've not been able to to transition platforms that easily before. I'd sure recommend you try it. As with all things, YMMV.


Alan