Smith and WessonM&P in 45...your thoughts?

[Bcj128]

I’m considering picking up a full-size 45. I have the opportunity to get a new, old stock M & P (1.0) in 45 for dirt cheap. Or do I save up for the 2.0 version? What’re your thoughts?


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[spinmove_]

What are you going to use it for? And how dirt cheap is dirt cheap?


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[Bcj128]

What are you going to use it for? And how dirt cheap is dirt cheap?


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I think it may end up at dealer cost - ish. Maybe a little lower. 400-ish. I would like to carry it, backup duty gun, range toy.


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[MK11]

I don’t think so. The .45s are the best of the original M&P line. I snagged a police trade in .45 last year and it’s excellent. While I lucked out with a reliable, acceptably accurate first gen 9mm M&P, I really want a 9mm 2.0. I don’t feel the need to upgrade with the .45.

[Trooper224]

The .45 M&P is the only one I've shot that I'd even consider buying.

[ranger]

If you are LEO, .MIL - S&W has their service based rebates of $50 for a new M&P 2.0.

[DamonL]

The Gen 1 guns have heavy triggers. Many people add the Apex trigger kit as an upgrade.

[HCM]

I think it may end up at dealer cost - ish. Maybe a little lower. 400-ish. I would like to carry it, backup duty gun, range toy.


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M&P .45 is a great gun, best of the M&P’s but $400 is not a bargain for a 1.0.

[1slow]

Are they having magazine spring durability problems with the Gen 1 M&P .45 autos ?

[HCM]

Are they having magazine spring durability problems with the Gen 1 M&P .45 autos ?

They had a bad batch of springs. They have addressed the issue. The springs are color coded.

[revchuck38]

M&P .45 is a great gun, best of the M&P’s but $400 is not a bargain for a 1.0.

Nor is it a bad price for a NIB one. I have an early 1.0 and it's excellent, 100% reliable. If you don't need a manual safety, there are some police trade-in mid-size ones (full-size frame, 4" barrel) for $299 here (http://summitgunbroker.com/m-p-45.html).

ETA: It's funny how spoiled we've become. When I started into this in the early 80s, if you wanted a .45 ACP you'd spend >$400 for a new Colt and then send it with a check for a similar amount to a gunsmith just to get it to run. 35 years later we're fussing about 100% reliable box stock .45s for $400 because their triggers aren't match-grade. :rolleyes:

[LockedBreech]

I own a 1.0 in .40 and a 2.0 in 9mm.

I prefer the changes in the 2.0 enough that I’d save if I were you. The trigger alone is better than a 1.0 with Apex gear. It’s only another $100, maybe less. Definitely feel a 2.0 yourself first though, the grip aggressiveness is love or hate.


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[1slow]

Thanks, glad they fixed it.

[Nephrology]

I have a FS M&P45 1.0 that I got for like $325 or something. Police surplus with dim but useable NS.

I really like it. I bought it because I wanted a cheap .45 with 10rd standard capacity that I trusted for personal protection for travel to ban states and to have a reliable pistol in that caliber. I don't shoot it much, but it's a great shooter and completely reliable.

The 2.0 sounds like it might be a better pistol, so if you plan on putting a lot of rounds through it, the 2.0 is probably better investment. If you just want a .45 that you aren't afraid to lose or break, get a used 1.0. They're a steal.

[HCM]

Thanks, glad they fixed it.

Basically replace the black or green springs with the blue springs or Wolff aftermarket.

Thread on it here: https://pistol-forum.com/showthread.php?2177-M-amp-P-45-magazines&highlight=magazine%20spring

[mmc45414]

ETA: It's funny how spoiled we've become. When I started into this in the early 80s, if you wanted a .45 ACP you'd spend >$400 for a new Colt and then send it with a check for a similar amount to a gunsmith
The first 1911 I ever had (would have been shooting it in my avatar photo) was a Combat Commander that I had a local guy put K-frame sights on (that promptly started shearing off the screw...) and a few other little things. Showed it to my dad and he thought it was cool, but thought I had a hole in my head to have spent $75 having the work done. Now you can buy a great gun for $400 and $75 is a typical dinner tab!

ETA: I have a M&P 45 that I really like, one of the first things I threw Apex stuff at.

[spinmove_]

I think it may end up at dealer cost - ish. Maybe a little lower. 400-ish. I would like to carry it, backup duty gun, range toy.


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Yeah, $400 isn’t that great a price for a used 1.0.

Having said that, they’re pretty solid and if I were in the market for a polymer .45Auto pistol that one would be pretty much at the top of the heap.

If the price were nicer, I’d say jump on it. Given it’s price point, you might be better off with a new 2.0.


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[andre3k]

Spend some time on Gunbroker and the usual websites that sell a lot of police trade ins. You should be able to find one for less than $300.

http://summitgunbroker.com/m-p-45.html

[Bigghoss]

I picked up a police trade-in a while back. Not a bad gun and easier to shoot that my .40 Glock.

[JAD]

Spend some time on Gunbroker and the usual websites that sell a lot of police trade ins. You should be able to find one for less than $300.

http://summitgunbroker.com/m-p-45.html

For clarity the op’s gun is new old stock.

[ralph]

45M&P's are the best of the lot...very accurate, reliable.. If the OP dosen't need a NOS gun, I'd consider a police trade in, plenty of life left in them, and, they're priced right..

[JAH 3rd]

As far as price goes, just check around online to see what they are selling for. Then you can tell if your price is good or not. I have the full-size M&P 45 as well as the compact M&P 45, both the 1.0 version. I like them both and have had no problems with either. My default mode when handling a new pistol is how does it feel in the hand....and the 1911 Government model is the pistol I judge all others by. That Government model just fits me to a "T". The full-size M&P 45 runs close behind the 1911 for that "ahhh" moment when I handled the M&P for the first time.

Now for personal preference. I like the full-size frame better because it has a beaver-tail built into the rear of the frame. For me, this helps anchor the pistol in my hand, the web between the thumb and index finger. My compact model does not have this feature and I really miss it on the compact model. Because the 2.0 does not have this beaver-tail, I don't feel the need to rush out and buy one. Anyway, I like the M&P.

[ranger]

I have always been a 9mm M&P guy - how would the M&P 45 handle the more powerful loads for a "woods/field pistol" like the thread GJM had?

[spinmove_]

I have always been a 9mm M&P guy - how would the M&P 45 handle the more powerful loads for a "woods/field pistol" like the thread GJM had?

If you wanted to turn an M&P45 into a “bear country” pistol, you’d probably be best off with making sure the Lehigh Xtreme Penetrator loads will feed in it. There’s a good chance it will.


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[1slow]

I have always been a 9mm M&P guy - how would the M&P 45 handle the more powerful loads for a "woods/field pistol" like the thread GJM had?

By the time the ammo was bought to test it a HK USP45 could be paid for. I like a proven answer. YMMV.

[willie]

I had a gen 1 but soon sold it. It was too big for anything other than range or house. Mine had point of aim problems, mag spring problems, and mediocre accuracy. Trigger was not good. My lgs has the 2.0 versions. Trigger is much better. There are other differences. My vote is buy the newer one. I suggest the compact. Paying $300 for a 1.0 version means that it would have a trade value of $175. Hence the market places low value on them. There's a reason that Smith improved these guns.

[cjb1911]

2.0 45s can be had for $420 or so. I have one that is incredible. The trigger changes alone make it a much better value than the 1.0. I’d put the 2.0 right up there with the hk45c as my favorite plastic 45s.

[ranger]

I normally shoot 45 in my 1911s with 185 grain Bayou coated bullets - does the M&P 45 handle SWC reliably for practice? Thanks

[willie]

Mine did. OAL may determine feeding these.

[jlw]

Both of my M&P45s (1.0) are tack drivers. However, I have had to repeatedly change the magazine springs due to catastrophic failures. As such, I have never carried them.

[cjb1911]

I normally shoot 45 in my 1911s with 185 grain Bayou coated bullets - does the M&P 45 handle SWC reliably for practice? Thanks

I haven’t been able to get mine to reliably feed Bayou 200 swc. It eats 230 rn bayous like candy.

[Salamander]

I had a 1.0, carried it briefly, sold it about a year ago.

I had to replace the mag springs, and also had a bad extractor. Once those two things were fixed it ran reliably (and S&W customer service was cooperative and helpful). I didn't particularly care for the trigger or the factory sights, so rather than put more money into it to upgrade those I decided to simplify and ended up getting rid of it and a couple of others and focusing just on H&K for my semi-autos.

In general it was OK and with a little work could have been even better, I just wasn't in the mood to do the extras at the time.

[Spartan1980]

I normally shoot 45 in my 1911s with 185 grain Bayou coated bullets - does the M&P 45 handle SWC reliably for practice? Thanks

Mine has eaten every load I've put in it. Every different HP and 200 SWCs. It's never malf'd on me. Only about 2000 rounds, my 9s are much cheaper to shoot.

[GJM]

The thing about an HK USP is you know exactly what you are getting. Incredible magazines — as Darryl has previously said, HK is a magazine company that also builds firearms. Bullet proof design, proven for decades, with never a hint of QC issues. Multiple trigger options, but none you would pick to win a match with. Utterly reliable for many thousands and thousands of rounds. USP = field pistol.

[LockedBreech]

The thing about an HK USP is you know exactly what you are getting. Incredible magazines — as Darryl has previously said, HK is a magazine company that also builds firearms. Bullet proof design, proven for decades, with never a hint of QC issues. Multiple trigger options, but none you would pick to win a match with. Utterly reliable for many thousands and thousands of rounds. USP = field pistol.

Is that equally true of the Compact variants?


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[Sherman A. House DDS]

Everyone here knows me to be an M&P apologist...

But I’m also a pragmatist, and I’ve been at this awhile. I STILL use my USP as a field pistol, and wouldn’t think of using anything else.

I have 1.0 M&P’s (tweaked...except the Pro, which is factory tweaked) and 2.0’s. The 2.0’s don’t need anything done to them to work well. Save the money, get the USP .45 or the 2.0 .45.


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[GJM]

Is that equally true of the Compact variants?


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Depends. I have found the USP C and HK45C to be very much like compact versions of a USP FS, except while multiple copies of the HK45C has proven reliable with Super ammo, the USP C 45 has not. That was with Buffalo Bore FMJ Super ammo that I carried prior to the Underwood Lehigh. I have not tested the Underwood Super in the USP C.

[HCM]

https://www.sportsmansguide.com/product/index/smith-amp-wesson-mampp45-mid-size-semi-automatic-45-acp-4-barrel-101-rounds-used-police-trade-in?a=2083401

PD trade M&P 45 mid size on sale - $249.99 non members / $ 237.99 members.

Per Mr. Guns and Gear - with code SG3477 you get $15 off orders over $150 and free shipping.

As a non member, with the coupon code and the $9.95 “gun handling fee” it came out to $244.98 shipped.

[HCM]

Doubke tap.

[LockedBreech]

https://www.sportsmansguide.com/product/index/smith-amp-wesson-mampp45-mid-size-semi-automatic-45-acp-4-barrel-101-rounds-used-police-trade-in?a=2083401

PD trade M&P 45 mid size on sale - $249.99 non members / $ 237.99 members.

Per Mr. Guns and Gear - with code SG3477 you get $15 off orders over $150 and free shipping.

As a non member, with the coupon code and the $9.95 “gun handling fee” it came out to $244.98 shipped.

Holy cow


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[HCM]

Holy cow


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Hard to resist with a box of M&P 45 mags and a holster or two in the garage.

Given the current popularity of the 320 Carry, the 19X, P30, etc I’m surprised these M&P 45 mid size (full size grip / compact slide) trade in’s aren’t the newest PF fad for ban states.

[Erick Gelhaus]

I carried M&P45s on & off duty for year. It's the gun that got to break-up with the 1911. Both the full size 5" and the Commander-size one were very reliable & more than accurate enough for me (it's me, not the gun).

You can get a NIB one for a good price? I'd grab it & not look back.

[Bigghoss]

I'm having a really hard time not ordering two more trade-in 45's for that price.

[revchuck38]

Hard to resist with a box of M&P 45 mags and a holster or two in the garage.

Given the current popularity of the 320 Carry, the 19X, P30, etc I’m surprised these M&P 45 mid size (full size grip / compact slide) trade in’s aren’t the newest PF fad for ban states.

I've got a dozen mags with orange springs (early adopter) and payday is Friday...I don't need a backup for a gun I don't carry often, but...

[Bigghoss]

I’m surprised these M&P 45 mid size (full size grip / compact slide) trade in’s aren’t the newest PF fad for ban states.

I'll be taking a trip to visit a good friend in Los Angeles next year. I'm planning on taking my wood-stocked Mossberg 500 12ga but my M&P45 also makes a lot of sense. I should tell my friend about these.

[Bigghoss]

Sportsman's guide has a 30-day free trial to their buyers club which gets a discount and gun.deals had a coupon code which knocks the price down even more. The code is SG3477. With SG's gun processing fee and CO sales tax two M&P45's cost $494.32. I'm having a really really hard time not hitting submit on this order.

[Nephrology]

I've got a dozen mags with orange springs (early adopter) and payday is Friday...I don't need a backup for a gun I don't carry often, but...

In...the...same...boat....willpower...fading...

[jlw]

https://www.sportsmansguide.com/product/index/smith-amp-wesson-mampp45-mid-size-semi-automatic-45-acp-4-barrel-101-rounds-used-police-trade-in?a=2083401

PD trade M&P 45 mid size on sale - $249.99 non members / $ 237.99 members.

Per Mr. Guns and Gear - with code SG3477 you get $15 off orders over $150 and free shipping.

As a non member, with the coupon code and the $9.95 “gun handling fee” it came out to $244.98 shipped.


Be advised: The M&P 45 midsize uses the same holsters as the 45 compact. The midsize and the compact are more blunt at the muzzle end of the slide than is the full size. A holster with some flexibility will probably accommodate both full and mid/compact, but I ran into issues with some makes such as Safariland.

[richiecotite]

I’ve also found many holsters that were cross compatible with 9/40 and 45’s.

[Nephrology]

In...the...same...boat....willpower...fading...

Didn't last long... after transfer fee it will be $264.66 delivered into my hands. Couldn't resist, given the general trend of CO politics...

[Bigghoss]

Didn't last long... after transfer fee it will be $264.66 delivered into my hands. Couldn't resist, given the general trend of CO politics...

I was super close to ordering two of them. But I decided to use that money to freshen up the used PX4 pistols I have. But I literally had them in the shopping cart, coupon codes punched in, FFL selected, just needed to confirm the purchase.

[Nephrology]

I was super close to ordering two of them. But I decided to use that money to freshen up the used PX4 pistols I have. But I literally had them in the shopping cart, coupon codes punched in, FFL selected, just needed to confirm the purchase.

It was much easier to justify given that I already own an M&P45FS and 8 mags.

[Bigghoss]

It was much easier to justify given that I already own an M&P45FS and 8 mags.

So do I.

[richiecotite]

In for one. I ran a pair of M&P 45's a few years back (a compact that ended up with an RM02 on it) and a fullsize. Other than the spring issue and a truly terrible trigger made manageable with an apex kit, the guns are great. My compact fed SWC with no issues; my FS would hiccup every hundred or so rounds with SWC's, all were great with ball and hollowpoints.

Also going to see if it needs the larger spring sear housing block. I've had issues with the smaller blocks across calibers.

[LockedBreech]

Could those of you who buy these snap a pic so I can see what condition they’re in? If they look decent and any are left I can see jumping on the bandwagon for a dirt cheap woods gun.


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[HCM]

Be advised: The M&P 45 midsize uses the same holsters as the 45 compact. The midsize and the compact are more blunt at the muzzle end of the slide than is the full size. A holster with some flexibility will probably accommodate both full and mid/compact, but I ran into issues with some makes such as Safariland.

Thanks. I’ve had both an FS and a compact at one time. ALS is for the FS

[revchuck38]

They're listed as sold out now.

[LockedBreech]

Crud. Oh well, thanks for saving me 250 bucks fellow gunners.


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[cjb1911]

FYI cdnn was selling used mp45 mags dirt cheap, like $8 a mag. I bought 10 and can barely tell they are used.

[richiecotite]

Looks like cdnn has new mags for $19...used mags at summit are $15 and theres a guy on ebay selling trade in mags for $16.50 shipped.

[Robert Mitchum]

The 2.0 M&P 45 is worth getting over the Gen 1
Sold off my Gen 1's and very happy with my results with the new version M&P 45.
I shot my M&P 45 2.0 faster and better than my HK45's under a timer.
Slow fire at 25 yards a little better with my HK's

This is good for my skill set ..The Test ..10 rounds at 10 yards in under 10seconds.
Score 97 Time 9.89 seconds
27459

25 yards the M&P 45 is GTG.
This is Indoors with my 65 year old eyes
2746027461

I put : TRUGLO TFX Sights on mine ..they just came out with one that has them stock from the factory.
https://www.personaldefenseworld.com/2018/05/smith-wesson-mp45-m2-0-pistol-fde/

[Bigghoss]

Crud. Oh well, thanks for saving me 250 bucks fellow gunners.


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Still tons of them around for $300-ish. And .40's are $270-$300.

[LockedBreech]

Still tons of them around for $300-ish. And .40's are $270-$300.

You stop that.

I do have an unissued Gen 1 .40 of 2011 Detroit PD vintage that is a nice fun, but my PX4 full-size .40 is a nicer shooter. After my recent gun purge, they both remain in the stable as some of my last .40 guns though.


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[Bigghoss]

You stop that.

I do have an unissued Gen 1 .40 of 2011 Detroit PD vintage that is a nice fun, but my PX4 full-size .40 is a nicer shooter. After my recent gun purge, they both remain in the stable as some of my last .40 guns though.


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I've also seen 9mm's for $300.

[mmc45414]

I’ve also found many holsters that were cross compatible with 9/40 and 45’s.
My JMCK OWB is for the FS45 and everything else seems to work just fine.

[richiecotite]

Just a quick update on mine.

Picked it up yesterday. Slide internals and barrel were dirty, quick wipe down with CLP and all was better. Dim 3 dot M&P sights, serial is HUKxxxx. This one is a trade in from Durham NC police. Frame has plugs, so adding a thumb safety is possible. Recoil spring is red, mag spring is black.

Took it to the range with 85 rounds of crappy reloads consisting of 255 gr Missouri coated over 3.8 or 4.0 gr of Bullseye and 230 gr HST’s over 7.5 gr of silhouette.

Had issues with some of the 255s not chambering (loaded to 1.206, should probably be down near 1.18 or so), then had a squib with the first 230 hst.

Trigger was smooth and heavy with a pretty crisp break. Considering adding an apex usb to get the trigger down a couple of lbs, but it’s pretty usable straight out of the box.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180701/faf7d1816d40eb69f53b6f3c44eaddc9.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180701/0dea51bfdac810b577d3bc6631012135.jpg

[HCM]

I've also seen 9mm's for $300.

Lawmans has gen 1 9mm with thumb safety and three mags for $279.

[Nephrology]

Just a quick update on mine.

Picked it up yesterday. Slide internals and barrel were dirty, quick wipe down with CLP and all was better. Dim 3 dot M&P sights, serial is HUKxxxx. This one is a trade in from Durham NC police. Frame has plugs, so adding a thumb safety is possible. Recoil spring is red, mag spring is black.

Took it to the range with 85 rounds of crappy reloads consisting of 255 gr Missouri coated over 3.8 or 4.0 gr of Bullseye and 230 gr HST’s over 7.5 gr of silhouette.

Had issues with some of the 255s not chambering (loaded to 1.206, should probably be down near 1.18 or so), then had a squib with the first 230 hst.

Trigger was smooth and heavy with a pretty crisp break. Considering adding an apex usb to get the trigger down a couple of lbs, but it’s pretty usable straight out of the box.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180701/faf7d1816d40eb69f53b6f3c44eaddc9.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180701/0dea51bfdac810b577d3bc6631012135.jpg

This is the midsize from Sportsman's Guide? I'm still waiting to pick mine up. Was delivered to a new FFL I havent used before that is not the most responsive...

[Bigghoss]

Lawmans has gen 1 9mm with thumb safety and three mags for $279.

Well they probably won't be there Thursday but if they are I'll order one. I already committed to a Beretta 92 compact and it looks like I might win a 92D on Gunbroker.

[richiecotite]

This is the midsize from Sportsman's Guide? I'm still waiting to pick mine up. Was delivered to a new FFL I havent used before that is not the most responsive...

Yes, this is the one from sportsman’s guide

[HCM]

This is the midsize from Sportsman's Guide? I'm still waiting to pick mine up. Was delivered to a new FFL I havent used before that is not the most responsive...

Mine showed up at the FFL Friday but I have had a chance to get over there.

[chances R]

Out of all my guns, if I could only have one, it would be my 1.0 full size M&P 45.

[JAH 3rd]

Just a quick update on mine.

Picked it up yesterday. Slide internals and barrel were dirty, quick wipe down with CLP and all was better. Dim 3 dot M&P sights, serial is HUKxxxx. This one is a trade in from Durham NC police. Frame has plugs, so adding a thumb safety is possible. Recoil spring is red, mag spring is black.

Took it to the range with 85 rounds of crappy reloads consisting of 255 gr Missouri coated over 3.8 or 4.0 gr of Bullseye and 230 gr HST’s over 7.5 gr of silhouette.

Had issues with some of the 255s not chambering (loaded to 1.206, should probably be down near 1.18 or so), then had a squib with the first 230 hst.

Trigger was smooth and heavy with a pretty crisp break. Considering adding an apex usb to get the trigger down a couple of lbs, but it’s pretty usable straight out of the box.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180701/faf7d1816d40eb69f53b6f3c44eaddc9.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180701/0dea51bfdac810b577d3bc6631012135.jpg

I put an Apex usb in my M&P 45 and it really cleaned up the gritty pull as the trigger bar engaged the usb.

[Jhp147]

Carried a mid-size (plainclothes) daily and a full-sized 1.0 gun a little on duty and a bit of IDPA for 8 years. Mid-sized outshoots full-sized. Shoots 200SWCs at 1.125 OAL and 3-4 brands of factory JHP without any hiccups, but I have to make sure primers are very well seated in reloads to avoid light strikes. Haven't broken a factory part in one yet, did have an early Apex trigger return spring break in the FS gun. Replaced it with an new Apex that had a dampener like the factory spring. IIRC, armorer's class said change factory one every 5000 rounds, but I think maybe more often is cheap insurance. Underused/underappreciated guns because other plastic guns hold more .45.

[KeeFus]

Basically replace the black or green springs with the blue springs or Wolff aftermarket.

Thread on it here: https://pistol-forum.com/showthread.php?2177-M-amp-P-45-magazines&highlight=magazine%20spring

OP, the M&P 45 mid-size is probably in the top 3 of duty weapons I’ve carried over 26 years, probably tied for second behind my Gen 2 G21 which takes first. We had some bad springs, which HCM linked here. The blue colored springs with new followers fixed the issue for us. I bought mine and it is beside my bed at the moment with an extended magazine. Its the most accurate 45 i have in the stable.

The Durham PD 45’s were traded in for the Gen 2 versions, if what I was told is correct. Raleigh PD still has the original version of the M&P 45 midsize and they’re still running strong. Like jlw mentioned, get the compact size holster for the midsize. We had no issues with the Safariland 6360’s and to my knowledge neither did Durham or Raleigh PD, which collectively have over 1000 officers.

If anyone has green or black magazine springs you should call S&W and request replacement blue springs and follower. The original orange colored springs are GTG.

[DocGKR]

From 1986-2010 I primarily used .45 Auto custom 1911's. In 2011, I switched to the M&P45. Like Angus McFee, the M&P45 was the pistol that caused me to stop using my beautiful custom 1911's. The M&P45's I've shot are nearly as accurate as a custom 1911, at a fraction the cost and are much easier to maintain.

[HCM]

Picked mine up Tuesday after work. Shot it yesterday. No malfunctions. Kept everything in a fist sized group out to 15 yards. Had a few low left flyers at 25 y. I’m sure it is 100% shooter induced as the trigger is clean but heavy.

I see some APEX in my future.

PS - it fits in an ALS and Blade tech for a full size M&P though there is a little drag.

[HCountyGuy]

Columbus (GA) PD was running them until recently, changing to the 2.0 in 9mm. They liked them pretty well and they (the guns) did just fine in their few OISs. IIRC one incident was at about 30+ yards, suspect shot at officers with a rifle and two officers fired back. One of the officers only fired once and it was the show-stopper.

[HCM]

Columbus (GA) PD was running them until recently, changing to the 2.0 in 9mm. They liked them pretty well and they (the guns) did just fine in their few OISs. IIRC one incident was at about 30+ yards, suspect shot at officers with a rifle and two officers fired back. One of the officers only fired once and it was the show-stopper.

The M&P 45 (and 45’s in general) were popular duty guns in Coastal GA and the Carolinas when I lived there about 10 years ago. Our county PD ran G21’s and UMP 45 SMG’s but it seemed most of the surrounding agencies went with M&P 45’s.

[Nephrology]

Finally got mine today. Couldn't be happier with the gun, especially given the price (FFL waived my fee, so $250 out the door). Took a rasp to the beavertail just like I did my first po surp M&P45; happy with the results so far.

https://i.imgur.com/GlbZZo9.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/x48kbg9.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/IChHm0D.jpg?1

https://i.imgur.com/ZGv8G2s.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/kyizJEv.jpg

[Nephrology]

Forgot to mention, the NS are probably not much more than 4 years old - still plenty of life in them. Definitely really satisfied with this purchase. Total steal.

Threw an Apex sear in it and the trigger is maybe just a hair lighter than I'd like. Suggestions? I do have the rest of the kit in my parts box somewhere, I think...

[jlw]

Forgot to mention, the NS are probably not much more than 4 years old - still plenty of life in them. Definitely really satisfied with this purchase. Total steal.

Threw an Apex sear in it and the trigger is maybe just a hair lighter than I'd like. Suggestions? I do have the rest of the kit in my parts box somewhere, I think...

On my full size model, I put a heavier trigger return spring in it.

[Quantrill]

On my full size model, I put a heavier trigger return spring in it.

I did the same in my 9fs. I ordered the green heavy spring from apex. Way spendy for just a spring, like $13 IIRC. I like it though.

[jlw]

My thoughts has been use both my 45s for trade fodder or to eventually sell them. I'm now contemplating trying the Wolff springs to see if my mags will be trustworthy with an eye on keeping them as travel pistols. These are 10-rounders than I can actually shoot well compared to the tiny pistols such as the Shield and G43.

[JBhunter45]

OP, the M&P 45 mid-size is probably in the top 3 of duty weapons I’ve carried over 26 years, probably tied for second behind my Gen 2 G21 which takes first. We had some bad springs, which HCM linked here. The blue colored springs with new followers fixed the issue for us. I bought mine and it is beside my bed at the moment with an extended magazine. Its the most accurate 45 i have in the stable.

The Durham PD 45’s were traded in for the Gen 2 versions, if what I was told is correct. Raleigh PD still has the original version of the M&P 45 midsize and they’re still running strong. Like jlw mentioned, get the compact size holster for the midsize. We had no issues with the Safariland 6360’s and to my knowledge neither did Durham or Raleigh PD, which collectively have over 1000 officers.

If anyone has green or black magazine springs you should call S&W and request replacement blue springs and follower. The original orange colored springs are GTG.

Does this apply to the 14rd mag?

Won a full size last year at The Pin Shoot (Second Chance)
Its a PD trade in night sights with 3 10rd mags that have the blue springs, but recently purchased 14rd mags have black springs.

[KeeFus]

Does this apply to the 14rd mag?

Won a full size last year at The Pin Shoot (Second Chance)
Its a PD trade in night sights with 3 10rd mags that have the blue springs, but recently purchased 14rd mags have black springs.

That I don't know. You would need to call and ask.

[JBhunter45]

That I don't know. You would need to call and ask.

Thanks for the quick reply, I looked through the referenced thread and did not see 14rd springs mentioned.
$19 on sale at CDNN if anyone is interested.

[LockedBreech]

The rebate going on has me very inclined to buy a full size .45 M&P 2.0, as I like my 2.0 Compact 9mm quite a bit. Is there any indication whether or not Smith solved the magazine spring issue, and/or if there have been any documented issues with the 2.0s in .45?

[cjb1911]

My mp45 2.0 has completed the 5k challenge. [emoji16] At 350 it's a crime not to have one.

[HCM]

The rebate going on has me very inclined to buy a full size .45 M&P 2.0, as I like my 2.0 Compact 9mm quite a bit. Is there any indication whether or not Smith solved the magazine spring issue, and/or if there have been any documented issues with the 2.0s in .45?

Addressed in post 15. Smith solved it several years ago. Long before the 2.0.

[LockedBreech]

Addressed in post 15. Smith solved it several years ago. Long before the 2.0.

Thanks. Read the thread, not sure how I missed that.

[LockedBreech]

Caved. Final price with shipping was $414 for the .45 fullsize (no thumb safety so the training matches my Glocks and 2.0 Compact). -50 for the rebate brings it down to 364. My local shop will transfer for me for $20. Final price will be $384 for a brand new M&P M2.0 .45 4.6" with lifetime warranty.

I am very happy with that. My other modern .45 options being shopped were in the 550-650 range, and I have loved my 2.0 Compact 9mm.

Combined including shipping and FFL costs, I have spent less than $800 on two brand new pistols that so far have exhibited high quality and a lot of holster and accessory availability. I am happy to support Smith with the recent product and customer service improvements I've seen, and I'm a sucker for a deal.

[LockedBreech]

FYI, the M&P45 2.0 4.6" I ordered from GunPrime was manufactured August 2017, just a month after they were introduced. I am not expecting issues, since the 45s have always been reported as undramatic and solid, and the design is basically the same, but since I like to wait a least a year before buying new designs, this is just an FYI.

That aside, I really like the gun a lot. Comfortable and solid.

[JAH 3rd]

As far as price goes, just check around online to see what they are selling for. Then you can tell if your price is good or not. I have the full-size M&P 45 as well as the compact M&P 45, both the 1.0 version. I like them both and have had no problems with either. My default mode when handling a new pistol is how does it feel in the hand....and the 1911 Government model is the pistol I judge all others by. That Government model just fits me to a "T". The full-size M&P 45 runs close behind the 1911 for that "ahhh" moment when I handled the M&P for the first time.

Now for personal preference. I like the full-size frame better because it has a beaver-tail built into the rear of the frame. For me, this helps anchor the pistol in my hand, the web between the thumb and index finger. My compact model does not have this feature and I really miss it on the compact model. Because the 2.0 does not have this beaver-tail, I don't feel the need to rush out and buy one. Anyway, I like the M&P.

So I am quoting myself....which sounds odd. I said I was in no rush to buy the M&P 2.0 in 45 acp. Well that thought lasted about 6 weeks. Found a full-size online at Grabagun for $399 with a $50.00 rebate, so the final retail price is $349. My resolve vanished, so buy it I did. Oh well.

[LockedBreech]

So I am quoting myself....which sounds odd. I said I was in no rush to buy the M&P 2.0 in 45 acp. Well that thought lasted about 6 weeks. Found a full-size online at Grabagun for $399 with a $50.00 rebate, so the final retail price is $349. My resolve vanished, so buy it I did. Oh well.

I don't think you'll be disappointed. After shooting mine for the first time I have been geeking over it for weeks. I have high hopes for my M2.0 .45 and M2.0 9mm 4" Compact.

[JAH 3rd]

FYI, the M&P45 2.0 4.6" I ordered from GunPrime was manufactured August 2017, just a month after they were introduced. I am not expecting issues, since the 45s have always been reported as undramatic and solid, and the design is basically the same, but since I like to wait a least a year before buying new designs, this is just an FYI.

That aside, I really like the gun a lot. Comfortable and solid.

My M&P 45 2.0 I bought last week had a July 2017 production date.

[Corse]

Seems like a lot of year old pistols being sold. Is it that the demand for the 45 isn't there?

I had excellent luck with my gen 1, plus it is much easier to carry than a HK45. Any reason to upgrade to the 2.0, besides a better stock trigger?

[LockedBreech]

Seems like a lot of year old pistols being sold. Is it that the demand for the 45 isn't there?

I had excellent luck with my gen 1, plus it is much easier to carry than a HK45. Any reason to upgrade to the 2.0, besides a better stock trigger?

I personally vastly prefer the 2.0s, but it’s 99% the trigger and the super aggressive grip texture (30 minutes of carry with no undershirt will leave you a good scrape). If you like the 1.0 grip and trigger well enough the 1.0 .45s are good pistols, as I understand it.

I think you are right as to demand. I called S&W and they said there have been no recalls or notable part upgrades in the intervening year. I think pretty much everyone public and private sector is going into 9mm so hard right now the price of .45 has it easing pretty sharply in demand (though not compared to .40’s plummet)


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[DocGKR]

Since all my first gen M&P45's have been grip textured and have Apex parts, I see no major reason to go grab a 2.0 at this time....

[Nephrology]

Since all my first gen M&P45's have been grip textured and have Apex parts, I see no major reason to go grab a 2.0 at this time....

I'm reasonably happy with this pistol's (surplus 1.0 45) stock trigger, to be honest. It's not great, but it's totally workable. Was not the limiting factor to my marksmanship when I took it out this past weekend.

[Randy Harris]

I got a police trade in Gen 1 MP45 a couple of years ago. To make the short story long, I was tasked with going through a batch of M&P .45 guns we got in at work and checking for broken parts since these were police trades and they ran the gamut from barely used to barely usable....(how the heck do you break BOTH slide releases off?)

Anyway, I found a nice one that the only thing wrong was the magazine follower stuck an inch down in the mag tube. I asked the powers that be if they'd sell me one of those "broken ones" at cost and they said "ok". So I switched out the mag for a good one and ended up with a "very good to excellent" M&P 45 for $285. I didn't especially want an M&P45 before that but it just kind of fell into my hands. It was close in feel to the Glocks I was used to , and I was wanting to make Master in IDPA in CDP since it was the only division left I wasn't Master in and I didn't want to go buy a full size Glock .45 just to shoot an IDPA classifier....besides $285 is a smokin deal even on a gen 1 M&P .

The trigger was less than ideal but it was better than "awful". I have not yet put in any of the Apex trigger stuff , I just added Warren Sevigney fiber optic sights and shot it a bunch to get used to it. I missed making master the 1st time I shot it in a classifier due to it just not liking the "gamer" 185 gr winchester flat point ammo I was shooting. It had 2 or 3 malfunctions which is hard to recover from in an IDPA classifier . So I dropped back to using full power 230 gr FMJ and I finally made Master with it. And with that gun it is quite ironic for "Custom Defensive Pistol". The only CUSTOM thing about it is in matches I do the "ghetto grip reduction" by just simply removing the backstrap altogether and running it without a backstrap on it which makes it feel about like the same size grip as a Gen 3 G17.

I have handled the M2.0 M&P 45 and the trigger is better and the grips are grippier but for me the original version is functional enough. Now for full disclosure I carry a G17 daily and was never going to be carrying that gun for serious use but if for some reason I was going some place that only allowed 10 rd mags I might be tempted to roll with the $285 Mp45 .

[Sensei]

I'm reasonably happy with this pistol's (surplus 1.0 45) stock trigger, to be honest. It's not great, but it's totally workable. Was not the limiting factor to my marksmanship when I took it out this past weekend.

I suggest this if you want it to be great:

https://store.apextactical.com/WebDirect/Products/Details/191851

[Nephrology]

I suggest this if you want it to be great:

https://store.apextactical.com/WebDirect/Products/Details/191851

I actually am pretty sure I have a complete Apex trigger in my parts bin somewhere. Bought it for my 1st M&P45, but never got around to getting a pusher for the rear sight. I do have a semi decent universal pusher now... might be worth the effort one of these afternoons.

[Wayne Dobbs]

I got a police trade in Gen 1 MP45 a couple of years ago. To make the short story long, I was tasked with going through a batch of M&P .45 guns we got in at work and checking for broken parts since these were police trades and they ran the gamut from barely used to barely usable....(how the heck do you break BOTH slide releases off?)

Anyway, I found a nice one that the only thing wrong was the magazine follower stuck an inch down in the mag tube. I asked the powers that be if they'd sell me one of those "broken ones" at cost and they said "ok". So I switched out the mag for a good one and ended up with a "very good to excellent" M&P 45 for $285. I didn't especially want an M&P45 before that but it just kind of fell into my hands. It was close in feel to the Glocks I was used to , and I was wanting to make Master in IDPA in CDP since it was the only division left I wasn't Master in and I didn't want to go buy a full size Glock .45 just to shoot an IDPA classifier....besides $285 is a smokin deal even on a gen 1 M&P .

The trigger was less than ideal but it was better than "awful". I have not yet put in any of the Apex trigger stuff , I just added Warren Sevigney fiber optic sights and shot it a bunch to get used to it. I missed making master the 1st time I shot it in a classifier due to it just not liking the "gamer" 185 gr winchester flat point ammo I was shooting. It had 2 or 3 malfunctions which is hard to recover from in an IDPA classifier . So I dropped back to using full power 230 gr FMJ and I finally made Master with it. And with that gun it is quite ironic for "Custom Defensive Pistol". The only CUSTOM thing about it is in matches I do the "ghetto grip reduction" by just simply removing the backstrap altogether and running it without a backstrap on it which makes it feel about like the same size grip as a Gen 3 G17.

I have handled the M2.0 M&P 45 and the trigger is better and the grips are grippier but for me the original version is functional enough. Now for full disclosure I carry a G17 daily and was never going to be carrying that gun for serious use but if for some reason I was going some place that only allowed 10 rd mags I might be tempted to roll with the $285 Mp45 .

Put in the Apex firing pin block and sear. It made both my M&P 45s whole new creatures. I think they're a real sleeper gun.

[Nephrology]

Put in the Apex firing pin block and sear. It made both my M&P 45s whole new creatures. I think they're a real sleeper gun.

I'll probably also want to put a new trigger return spring too - the trigger on my my M&P45 midsize was just a little too light for duty/carry with the sear alone. Haven't installed the FPB yet, though.

[Suvorov]

I have a first gen 45 and it's been a wonderful pistol since I put the Apex sear in. The trigger was heavy and inconsistent before that. Accuracy has been impressive and in my hands indistinguishable from my target grade 1911. I just don't shoot mine much because - too many guns........

Here in Kalifornia behind enemy lines if I came across a NIB first gen pistol for $400 I would have the credit card out so fast it would probably melt.

[Nephrology]

I have a first gen 45 and it's been a wonderful pistol since I put the Apex sear in. The trigger was heavy and inconsistent before that. Accuracy has been impressive and in my hands indistinguishable from my target grade 1911. I just don't shoot mine much because - too many guns........

Here in Kalifornia behind enemy lines if I came across a NIB first gen pistol for $400 I would have the credit card out so fast it would probably melt.

Given the non-0 odds that I will end up in a ban state at some point in the next 10yrs (against my will, for sure) $250 delivered and transferred to me was impossible to pass up.

[Randy Harris]

Put in the Apex firing pin block and sear. It made both my M&P 45s whole new creatures. I think they're a real sleeper gun.

Thanks Wayne, I will take your advice and give that a try. I like the feel of gun alright , I'm just not a big fan of the trigger and I have just been hesitant to spend extra $$ to upgrade it. Like I said its not "awful" but it is certainly not good either. Maybe that stuff will make mine a whole new creature too.....

[DocGKR]

My M&P45's have been nearly as accurate and just as reliable as any of the custom high-end 1911's I used to use, for a fraction of the cost and maintenance....

[Randy Harris]

My M&P45's have been nearly as accurate and just as reliable as any of the custom high-end 1911's I used to use, for a fraction of the cost and maintenance....

In all honesty I'm pretty sure my early reliability issues with that gun was simply due to the fact I was using the light loaded Winchester 185 grain flat point (USA45A) with the standard recoil spring. I'll bet if I used a weaker recoil spring it would have run better.

I just hate having to get a new recoil spring to reliably run " gamer" ammo and that is why I just went back to running 230gr ball and gripping the gun like I was mad at it.......

[JAH 3rd]

So y'all know I just recently (8/6) bought a new M&P 2.0 45acp from a previous post in this thread. I sent in my $50.00 rebate on 8/7/18. You can only send it in online. Today, 8/17/18, I got my rebate in the mail. Now that is crazy fast. Usually rebates forever to get.

[LockedBreech]

So y'all know I just recently (8/6) bought a new M&P 2.0 45acp from a previous post in this thread. I sent in my $50.00 rebate on 8/7/18. You can only send it in online. Today, 8/17/18, I got my rebate in the mail. Now that is crazy fast. Usually rebates forever to get.

Wow, thanks for reminding me I have a rebate coming. Totally forgot. Now I’m even happier with the gun.


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