M&P45c vs. Other M&P's: Where's the weight?

[mkmckinley]

I'm going to buy an M&P for concelaed carry and I really like the size of the 45C. However the 45C is supposedly 27.3 oz and where the fullsize M&P9 is only like 21.7 oz. Why is the 45 heavier? Where is the extra 6.4 oz in the design?

[opmike]

According to the Smith & Wesson Website:

M&P9 Full Size
Weight Empty (No Mag): 24.00 oz.

M&P45c
Weight Empty (No Mag): 26.2 oz.

I'll let someone else weigh-in on the direct cause of the weight difference, however I would assume it's due to the 45 model simply being more robust in the areas that count to handle the larger cartridge.

[NMBigfoot02]

My guess would be simply that certain areas of the pistol have to be larger for the larger cartridge. Larger parts usually means more weight (when the material stays the same.)