What model do I have?

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How do I determine model of my gun? All i know is 40 cal......
 
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If you are photo challenged, a description of the slide and frame stampings (letters, numbers, words) will do.
 
Sorry, thought picture posted earlier.
 
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Ok, I have some time and I've been meaning to put something like this together so, buckle up...

Initially the S&W M&P semi-auto pistols (not to be confused with the M&P revolvers) came in 4 calibers:
  • 9mm
  • .40S&W
  • .357SIG
  • .45ACP

The 9mm, .40S&W and .357SIG shared the same frame while the .45ACP was slightly larger.

The .357SIG and .40S&W even shared the same magazine. Alas, the .357SIG was dropped from the line early on.

All of them came in two sizes initially:
9mm and .40S&W
Full size - 4.25" barrel
Compact - 3.5" barrel

.45ACP
Full size - 4.5" barrel
Compact - 4" barrel

The compact models had a shorter grip.

A little bit later S&W offered a 5" model of the 9mm and .40S&W as part of the Performance Center version with a slightly better trigger. They also made a C.O.R.E. edition that had a cut out in the slide for an optic and taller sights to co-witness with that optic.

To add confusion, S&W offered each caliber in a stupendous amount of configurations. With a thumb safety, without a thumb safety, with a mag safety, without a mag safety. Then they offered different colors, black and FDE. When you consider all the possible combinations of color, safety, C.O.R.E., frame size, caliber and Performance Center, you come up with a dizzying array of models.

This is why people are asking for pictures.

All the models have the caliber stamped on the top of the chamber like this:
MV7uO7E.jpg


And on the slide like this:
S5Wc7z6.jpg


The compact models have a "C" after the caliber on the slide like you can see on this:
hq5DxJW.jpg


When they came out with the 2.0 series, they added M2.0 on the slide. Like you can see here:
11521_03_lg_0.jpg


There are other differences, but I've covered enough of the major ones to tell basically what model you have. Even so, there is a way to tell exactly which model you have and that is with the SKU number. S&W uses this number to not only tell what caliber and size your gun is, but what configuration and color it is. If you have the original box, it will have a sticker on it like this:
id2CiIX.jpg


You can take the SKU number and enter it in the search field on this site: Smith & Wesson | Smith & Wesson and it will tell you exactly what model you have and all the features. The SKU is not on the gun anywhere.

I hope this helps a little.
 
Well, I was a little slow with my post.

You have an M&P .40S&WC. It has no mag safety and no thumb safety. It originally came with two magazines; one with a flush base plate and one with an extended plate which you have inserted in the gun in the picture. There were a few "kits" that included a third mag, holster and mag loading accessory.

Yours is an original model and not the 2.0 which you can tell by the relatively smooth texture on the grip and frame. It also came with three interchangeable back straps, small, medium and large. You currently have the large back strap installed.
 
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I have what originally was called a Midsize in 45acp. A full-size grip with a compact slide. I love mine.
 
I have what originally was called a Midsize in 45acp. A full-size grip with a compact slide. I love mine.

Yep, the M&P 45 was the only caliber that was initially offered in 3 model configurations made by mixing 2 sizes of slides/barrels and 2 frame sizes, allowing them to make a Full-size, Mid-Sized and Compact.

I waited until the were offering the thumb safety models in what they called Dark Earth before I ordered mine from the factory. I ordered the full-size version, as that was what I'd initially handled and liked when a S&W rep showed me one of the original prototype test M&P 45's from the canceled JCP Program in '05.

In retrospect, I wish I'd gone ahead with my first inclination and ordered one of the Mid-Size models. Nice lively balance and heft.
 
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