M&P 45/45c Concealability

[OldState]

I have decided to move away from my 4" 1911 (that I carry IWB) and give a modern platform a try.

After much research and fondling I think I have settled on an M&P pistol. Being that I already own, shoot, and reload for 45acp so I thought I would give them a look. Also, the reported accuracy issues of the M&P9 have scared me off.

I really want a 40c but I shoot IDPA and want to have a gun that is reasonable for that. If I like the platform I will probably get a 40c as well

I was all but ready to pull the trigger on a 45c but then handled a full size 45. I have shot all of them.

My question is for those who own these pistols and conceal them. What are your thoughts and opinions?

[TAZ]

Don't own the compact or mid size 45, but ran the full size for a bit. I had no issues concealing the full size using a Raven Phantom IWB. The Raven combo has served me well no matter what I'm carrying. I could to the MP with an untucked tshirt. Not latex tight, but also not XXXXXL over sized either.

Over the few moons of carrying, I've run a 1911, G19, MP9, USP45C, HK45, MP45, XD45, and G21. What I've discovered is that, assuming quality holster and belt, concealment has less to do with the gun than with body type. Some people print like crazy with a 32 while I have no issues with the brick also known as the G21.

[Sensei]

I have all three members of the M&P45 family: full-size, mid-size, and compact. That's right, there is a mid-size with a 4" barrel and full-size grip. The mid-size is my favorite of the three. It conceals just fine in a RCS Phantom with a Surefire X300. It is a little harder to find locally in my area, but they can usually be bought online for about $520.

Mine has the thumb safety and Apex FSST modification which basically turn it into a reliable polymer commander size 1911.

Here's a picture

Attachment 11517

[maximus83]

I have 4 M&P 9's in various sizes (compact, FS, Pro), and also the mid-sized .45. The mid-size is the most accurate of my M&P's and is only about 3.7 oz heavier (empty) and really no larger dimensionally (the OAL is actually just a bit shorter) than the 9FS model. So it's easy to conceal, is really not noticeably heavier, and is more accurate.

The reasons I don't carry mine regularly or shoot it as much as I'd like are that I prefer 9mm for higher capacity, reduced recoil, and lower training cost of ammo. But, if I'm unable to get my 9mm's eventually set up to be more accurate shooters, I may convert to carrying the .45Mid.

[ArRazorback]

I have not had any issues with the mid-size 45 in an RCS phantom. Pretty much the same size as a G-19.

[OldState]

Mine has the thumb safety and Apex FSST modification which basically turn it into a reliable polymer commander size 1911.

Here's a picture

Attachment 11517

This is almost exactly how I envisioned setting up the gun.

As far as extra mag capacity, that was main reason I looked at the FS 45.

It seems like the Phantom is the holster of choice. Anyone using leather?

[Sensei]

This is almost exactly how I envisioned setting up the gun.

As far as extra mag capacity, that was main reason I looked at the FS 45.

It seems like the Phantom is the holster of choice. Anyone using leather?

As for the magazine capacity, I'd stick with the 10-rounders for now. There are more reports of the magazine spring failures with the 14-round mags. There is a thread about this floating around and I'm not sure if the problem has been completely addressed.

[OldState]

As for the magazine capacity, I'd stick with the 10-rounders for now. There are more reports of the magazine spring failures with the 14-round mags. There is a thread about this floating around and I'm not sure if the problem has been completely addressed.

I meant the difference between the FS and compact; 8 round vs 10

[maximus83]

As for the magazine capacity, I'd stick with the 10-rounders for now. There are more reports of the magazine spring failures with the 14-round mags. There is a thread about this floating around and I'm not sure if the problem has been completely addressed.

Yep, I have always stuck with the 10rd mags for this very reason as well.

[wilco423]

I carry a FS 45 (with APEX duty/carry kit) as my off duty gun, normally in a cross-breed super tuck. I've been very happy with both, and they conceal just fine for me (5'11" & 190lbs).