S&W M&P 45acp

Sources: GunBlast, S&W press, Guns and Ammo Magazine

I’m not a big fan of Smith & Wesson, but my feelings for the gun maker are shifting. The M&P pistol line was created by S&W using the latest state of the art technology, user feedback and alot of research. The M&P45 model features a 4.5-inch barrel with an overall length of 8.05 inches. The full size pistols comes with a 10+1 capacity magazine, with an option for 14+1 capacity becoming available sometime in 2008. Featuring one of the smallest grip sizes available on any .45 ACP pistol, the M&P45 benefits from the addition of three interchangeable grips, allowing the user to customize grip size to their preference.

The M&P45 utilizes a steel dovetail mount front sight and a steel Novak® Lo-mount carry rear sight. Tritium sights are also available for low light conditions. A universal Picatinny style equipment rail has been incorporated for tactical lights and lasers. The polymer pistol has an empty weight of 29.6 ounces.The full size pistols feature a Zytel polymer frame reinforced with a ridged stainless steel chassis and a thru-hardened black melonite finished stainless steel barrel and slide for durability; a passive trigger safety to prevent the pistol from firing if dropped; and a sear release lever that eliminates the need to press the trigger in order to disassemble the firearm. A loaded chamber indicator is located on top of the slide. The firearm also features an ambidextrous slide stop and a reversible magazine release, as well as an enlarged trigger guard designed to accommodate gloves. The Smith & Wesson lifetime service policy is standard with each pistol.

The result is a state-of-the-art lightweight, reliable, and affordable auto pistol. They are priced right along with the Glock 21 and the Springfield XD. The Glock and XD have an ammo capacity advantage of three rounds, but the M&P has better ergonomics (vs. Glock) and a shorter pistol grip (vs. XD). The new kids on the block, Beretta Storm PX4 and FNP, have limited user feedback so its had to compare these two presently.

The M&P, like most utilitarian tools, are not things of classic beauty to hang on the wall and admire. They are cold, black, plastic guns, but they exceed in being able to accurately and quickly place a lot of bullets into a target at across-the-room distances. Much like the 1911 .45 auto pistol, the M&P points naturally (17 degrees), allowing the shooter to concentrate on the target, instead of the pistol. It is not a bull’s-eye target gun. It is a fighting pistol, although it does produce excellent results (sub-two-inch group) on a sandbag rest at 25 yards. The M&P .45 is a progression of the fighting pistol to fill the needs of the US Military and police forces.

In August of 2007, the M&P45 pistol was named "Handgun of the Year" from the Shooting Industry Academy of Excellence. Also, local and state police agencies have been selecting the M&P45 as their new sidearm of choice. These agencies include but are not limited to...

New Hampshire State Police and Highway Patrol Convert to Smith & Wesson M&P45, 08/20/07
Hartford, Connecticut Police Department replaces primary duty firearm to S&W M&P 45, 08/02/07

Other recent additions include:
· The Iowa State Patrol;
· Harris County Sheriff’s Office in Texas;
· Charles County Police Department in Maryland;
· New Castle Police Department in Delaware;
· Berkeley Police Department in California;
· Kenner Police Department in Louisiana;
· Rocky Mount Police Department in North Carolina;
· Brookline Police Department in Massachusetts;
· Hampden County Sheriff’s Office in Massachusetts; and
· The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office in Wisconsin.

Considering it was introduced in January of 2006, that’s a pretty good list.



Articles:
GunBlast
Guns & Ammo
Defense Review