APEX M&P 45 Mid

[CoryCop25]

I have had 3 S&W M&Ps in the past year and a half. I first purchased a full sized 45 then a full sized 40 and finally a 40c. I tried as hard as physically possible but I just could not get used to the poor trigger of all 3 and horrible accuracy of the full sized 40. I sold off all three of them and replaced them with comparable Golcks except for the 40c. I replaced that with a Kahr Arms MK40. I really wanted to get used to the M&P because I really like the ergonomics of the pistol and the felt recoil was better than the Glocks from my experience. Even as I was selling off the M&Ps, I was ogling at the M&P 45 Mid. Why? Because Glock does not have a mid sized 45. The 36 and the 30 are not what I consider optimal for self defense carry. The 36 has too low a capacity and the 30 has horrible ergonomics.
So I fell into some extra cash and decided to go for the M&P 45 Mid. My plan was to not shoot this gun until I got it to work the way I felt it should. So I purchased the pistol, 3 mags, an APEX Duty/Carry kit and Amreiglo sights. I did not take the pistol out to shoot it until it was finished.

Before any work was done...
http://i1014.photobucket.com/albums/af269/CoryCop25/Smith%20and%20Wesson%20MP%2045/P1000911.jpg
http://i1014.photobucket.com/albums/af269/CoryCop25/Smith%20and%20Wesson%20MP%2045/P1000913.jpg
http://i1014.photobucket.com/albums/af269/CoryCop25/Smith%20and%20Wesson%20MP%2045/P1000914.jpg

The first thing I did was detail strip the lower half. I decided to reduce the trigger guard to bring the hand closer to the bore.
http://i1014.photobucket.com/albums/af269/CoryCop25/Smith%20and%20Wesson%20MP%2045/P1000917.jpg
http://i1014.photobucket.com/albums/af269/CoryCop25/Smith%20and%20Wesson%20MP%2045/P1000920.jpg
I used a wooden dowel and about 4 different types of sand paper to smooth out the plastic as I sanded it down.
http://i1014.photobucket.com/albums/af269/CoryCop25/Smith%20and%20Wesson%20MP%2045/P1000915.jpg

The next step was to flare the mag well out a bit to assist with reloading. This was an after thought but I decided to do it because I used to hang up the mag wile reloading the first M&P 45 I had.
http://i1014.photobucket.com/albums/af269/CoryCop25/Smith%20and%20Wesson%20MP%2045/P1000918.jpg
http://i1014.photobucket.com/albums/af269/CoryCop25/Smith%20and%20Wesson%20MP%2045/P1000919.jpg

The next step was to stipple the frame. I use a lot of grip tape on my Glocks and I wanted this to be permanent. I figured that if I was going to go all out, I might as well get it rough like I like it.
http://i1014.photobucket.com/albums/af269/CoryCop25/Smith%20and%20Wesson%20MP%2045/P1000925.jpg
http://i1014.photobucket.com/albums/af269/CoryCop25/Smith%20and%20Wesson%20MP%2045/P1000921.jpg
http://i1014.photobucket.com/albums/af269/CoryCop25/Smith%20and%20Wesson%20MP%2045/P1000923.jpg
http://i1014.photobucket.com/albums/af269/CoryCop25/Smith%20and%20Wesson%20MP%2045/P1000926.jpg

I then installed the APEX kit to the frame. I watched the Youtube video and it was truly a simple task.
http://i1014.photobucket.com/albums/af269/CoryCop25/Smith%20and%20Wesson%20MP%2045/P1000927.jpg

I then tackled the slide. I did not have a sight pusher for the M&P so I used a brass punch to remove the front and rear sights. The installation of the APEX parts into the slide was also a snap.
http://i1014.photobucket.com/albums/af269/CoryCop25/Smith%20and%20Wesson%20MP%2045/P1000928.jpg
http://i1014.photobucket.com/albums/af269/CoryCop25/Smith%20and%20Wesson%20MP%2045/P1000929.jpg

I had to fit the rear sight a bit by grinding off some metal from the one side. It took about 30 seconds on the grinder. If I ever do this again, I will definitely buy a sight pusher. I ended up denting the rear sight a bit. Barely noticeable but not a perfect job at all. These sights were the best sights I have ever used. The Hackthorne front is awesome to say the least and I chose a pro operator rear with yellow tritium.
http://i1014.photobucket.com/albums/af269/CoryCop25/Smith%20and%20Wesson%20MP%2045/P1000930.jpg
http://i1014.photobucket.com/albums/af269/CoryCop25/Smith%20and%20Wesson%20MP%2045/P1000931.jpg
http://i1014.photobucket.com/albums/af269/CoryCop25/Smith%20and%20Wesson%20MP%2045/P1000932.jpg

Here is a photo of the finished product.
http://i1014.photobucket.com/albums/af269/CoryCop25/Smith%20and%20Wesson%20MP%2045/P1000934.jpg

Finally a trip to the range. I had several hundred rounds of 230gr ball reloads. They were quite dirty but recoil and accuracy was awesome. I loaded up 3 ten round magazines and went to town on an IDPA target. I only shot at 7 yards but I wanted to focus on the new sights. I did some long range shooting prior to shooting this target (25 and 50 yards) but I decided to keep this one for proof that this pistol shot great!
http://i1014.photobucket.com/albums/af269/CoryCop25/Smith%20and%20Wesson%20MP%2045/P1000933.jpg

In conclusion, I am very happy with this configuration of M&P. I think that my Glock 21 is a bit more accurate but for its size and capacity, it's a definite winner!

[Tiny86]

Looks awesome man, nice work!

[G34Shooter]

Good job :cool:

[newyork]

Very nice work. Looking good? How does the trigger feel?

[CQC.45]

I run primarily M&P45s (FS and Compact for CC). All of mine have BTC trigger jobs, and I can honestly say that after the trigger is taken care of. They are the best striker 45s on the market IMO.

[Fire_Medic]

Congrats brother, I am loving my 9mm, and the mid size 45 is next on my radar.

Have you tried all the different inserts to see how it affected your accuracy? Before buying my 9mm, I was able to borrow a friends full size 9mm and mid size 45 and head t the range. The mid size 45 really surprised me how accurate it was even with the shorter barrel. I was every bit as accurate with it at 7 yards as I use to be with my G21. I am running the hackathorn sights on my M&P 9mm as well, they have been on my last few pistols (Glocks Previously) and it is making my transition to the M&P's that much easier.

[longball]

That's a sweet blaster corycop. I would give a testicle for an M&P9 in that configuration.

[Dos Cylindros]

Nice bro.

I recently picked up a full size M&P 45 as a new night stand gun and am currently in the market for a mid size to replace my G23/G27 as my primary off duty gun. The M&P series fits my had a thousand times better than any Glock. I would use them for duty use by am stuck with my department issue G22. I have no issues transitioning between either platform so I am going to replace my two off duty glocks with an M&P mid size.

[C4IGrant]

Very nice!

C4

[Kuro Ookami]

Got to hand it to ya. This is pretty inspiring and getting me to think of ways I'd like to improve my M&P..

Did you just affix the sandpaper to the dowel and go to town? Would you mind disclosing the diameter you used?

[CoryCop25]

Strange HTC EVO double post...

[CoryCop25]

Congrats brother, I am loving my 9mm, and the mid size 45 is next on my radar.

Have you tried all the different inserts to see how it affected your accuracy? Before buying my 9mm, I was able to borrow a friends full size 9mm and mid size 45 and head t the range. The mid size 45 really surprised me how accurate it was even with the shorter barrel. I was every bit as accurate with it at 7 yards as I use to be with my G21. I am running the hackathorn sights on my M&P 9mm as well, they have been on my last few pistols (Glocks Previously) and it is making my transition to the M&P's that much easier.

I think I posted in my gen 4 glock thread about how I test grip insert sizes...
I fire a 5 round group at 10 yards and whichever insert is the most accurate, I use that one. In the case of the 45 mid, it was the small insert.

[CoryCop25]

That's a sweet blaster corycop. I would give a testicle for an M&P9 in that configuration.

The 9mm is going to be my next project....stay tuned! :D

[CoryCop25]

Very nice work. Looking good? How does the trigger feel?

The trigger feels like breaking a glass rod! I will put it on a scale soon but it feels like about 4 pounds. Whatever the weight is, it is super consistent. It is, however in desperate need of a RAM.

[CoryCop25]

Very nice!

C4

Thanks for the kind words and the Apex kit!

[CoryCop25]

Got to hand it to ya. This is pretty inspiring and getting me to think of ways I'd like to improve my M&P..

Did you just affix the sandpaper to the dowel and go to town? Would you mind disclosing the diameter you used?

I will post pics when I can get to a computer.

[Fire_Medic]

I think I posted in my gen 4 glock thread about how I test grip insert sizes...
I fire a 5 round group at 10 yards and whichever insert is the most accurate, I use that one. In the case of the 45 mid, it was the small insert.

Gotcha, I didn't see the glock thread so didn't read that part. Good looking pistol, nice work.

[CoryCop25]

The diameter of the wooden dowels are 3/4 inch. I went to the hardware store and got a 4 foot long piece for like 2 or 3 dollars. I got some sandpaper and wrapped a 5 or 6 inch section and stapled them tightly. I used 60, 100, 150 and 220 grit to get it as smooth as I could.
http://i1014.photobucket.com/albums/af269/CoryCop25/Smith%20and%20Wesson%20MP%2045/P1000951.jpg
http://i1014.photobucket.com/albums/af269/CoryCop25/Smith%20and%20Wesson%20MP%2045/P1000952.jpg

[CoryCop25]

Thanks for all of the kind words guys!

[dirksterg30]

Very nice setup, but I think the rear sight is an Ameriglo Pro (not an Operator). The Operator rear sight does not have the white outline around the tritium capsule.

[Nephrology]

This model of M&P specifically most tempts me to move away from Glock. I don't particularly like the sizing of their .45 ACP models. The Glock 21 is a fine full sized pistol but I do not particularly care for the G30.

How does it compare, size wise, to the Fullsize .45 M&P? Is the grip length shorter or just the slide/barrel?

[TAP]

Just a quick tip for the future. It is usually much easier to stone the bottom of the sight and remove metal if it doesn't fit. This allows you to keep the profile of the side bevels intact instead of grinding it. I suggest only removing a little material at a time because too much will produce a loose sight.

[Fire_Medic]

This model of M&P specifically most tempts me to move away from Glock. I don't particularly like the sizing of their .45 ACP models. The Glock 21 is a fine full sized pistol but I do not particularly care for the G30.

How does it compare, size wise, to the Fullsize .45 M&P? Is the grip length shorter or just the slide/barrel?

Same size grip as the Full size 45, shorter slide and barrel.

[Magsz]

TAP.

Thats usually advise i give as well BUT you CAN change the height of the sight itself so you have to be careful with that one.

Some sights are so tight in the dovetails that removal from the bottom simply wont cut it.

Using a needle file on the dovetail to remove just a LITTLE material usually does it.

I find that usually a combination of filing on the bottom and the dovetailed portion of the sight results in an easy to install yet extremely tight sight without changing your sight height.

[CoryCop25]

I only had to remove a fraction of an inch from the dovetail of the sight. I literally touched the sight to the grinder and it went right on.
The rear sight was the operator not the pro, the pros were out of stock at the time.

[CoryCop25]

This model of M&P specifically most tempts me to move away from Glock. I don't particularly like the sizing of their .45 ACP models. The Glock 21 is a fine full sized pistol but I do not particularly care for the G30.

How does it compare, size wise, to the Fullsize .45 M&P? Is the grip length shorter or just the slide/barrel?

I don't care for the 30 or 36. The M&P is something Glock doesn't have. I really like the Glocks but this M&P is the perfect size for a large frame carry pistol.

[theblackknight]

Awesome. I like mine tree bark rough too. Your hand gets used to it.

[ArRazorback]

Great looking work CoryCop! I should pick up my mid size from the FFL this weekend, and am definitely looking forward to sending some rounds down range.

[12gauge]

Looks good...I too have a MP 45 but its a F/S. I love the DAEK trigger. I have found that aggressive stippling above the trigger area will catch in holsters and clothing.

If it's your CCW i suggest making a couple hundred draws from different cover of clothing to check it out.

Just a heads up.

[CoryCop25]

Looks good...I too have a MP 45 but its a F/S. I love the DAEK trigger. I have found that aggressive stippling above the trigger area will catch in holsters and clothing.

If it's your CCW i suggest making a couple hundred draws from different cover of clothing to check it out.

Just a heads up.

I use a Peter's Custom with attached light and I also have a SERPA and there are no issues with those two holsters. I have a very aggressive draw and I have no hang ups. Thanks for looking out though!

[CoryCop25]

That's a sweet blaster corycop. I would give a testicle for an M&P9 in that configuration.

The 9MM is here!

http://i1014.photobucket.com/albums/af269/CoryCop25/Smith%20and%20Wesson%20MP%2045/IMAG0277.jpg

[MSteele]

Nice job, got the F/S 45 and what a difference the DCAK makes. It becomes a totally different gun, especially because I live in MA with mandatory 10#+ triggers. Also added Trijicon HD NS and the gun as a whole is a dream.

[SeaSoldier]

I wish I could find a mid size 45. Let alone a mid size 45 with a thumb safety. I'll look at the gun show this weekend but won't be holding my breath. :suicide2:

[longball]

The 9MM is here!



Awesome man! Are you going to set it up the same way as your 45 mid? If you do please post pics! I'm marking threads with information to re-read if I ever grow a pair large enough to tackle something like this with one of mine. Maybe after you are done I can just buy yours! :lol:

[longball]

I wish I could find a mid size 45. Let alone a mid size 45 with a thumb safety. I'll look at the gun show this weekend but won't be holding my breath. :suicide2:

I just sold one to a firefighter a couple weeks ago. He came into the store where I work looking at an XD but I talked him into saving about $250 and going with the M&P. It was used but I don't think it could have had more than 100 rounds through it. After a few discounts he walked out of there with a helluva nice gun for not a lot of money. Just keep your eye open, they are out there.

[CoryCop25]

Awesome man! Are you going to set it up the same way as your 45 mid? If you do please post pics! I'm marking threads with information to re-read if I ever grow a pair large enough to tackle something like this with one of mine. Maybe after you are done I can just buy yours! :lol:

I am actually planning on selling this one because it has a magazine disconnect. I bought it used from a guy who put 100 rounds through it.

[Fire_Medic]

I am actually planning on selling this one because it has a magazine disconnect.

Can't you just remove it? :confused:

[Palmguy]

Can't you just remove it? :confused:

Agreed. If you are capable of installing the Apex kit, you can remove the mag disconnect.

[CoryCop25]

Agreed. If you are capable of installing the Apex kit, you can remove the mag disconnect.

I suppose I can..... Never gave it any thought.

On the QT, if you install a non magazine disconnect RAM, it bypasses the disconnect.

[longball]

I wish I could find a mid size 45. Let alone a mid size 45 with a thumb safety. I'll look at the gun show this weekend but won't be holding my breath. :suicide2:

There's one in the EE:

http://m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=85439

[longball]

I suppose I can..... Never gave it any thought.

On the QT, if you install a non magazine disconnect RAM, it bypasses the disconnect.

If you do remove it will it effect your ability to use the warranty if needed in the future?

[C4IGrant]

If you do remove it will it effect your ability to use the warranty if needed in the future?

No as you can just put it back in.


C4

[RepeatDefender]

I just picked up a 45 mid on Sunday. Then picked up 4 more 10rd mags on Monday. Can't wait to shoot it some. Probably going to add the APEX DCAEK to it and do the stipple job, as well.

I loves my M&P's!