M&P 9 or 45

[JML2321]

I know this has been discussed before, but with the recent M&P 9 accuracy issues I'm not sure if I should pull the trigger on one at this time. I am leaning towards the .45, but the ammo cost difference between the two is keeping me from fully deciding. I know the 9mm is a fine cartridge for self defense and with modern ammo the gap is closed but there still is a gap and I feel more comfortable with a bigger and heavier bullet. That said I would like some opinions on this and on a side note, I am trying to decide on the Full-size or Mid-size if I do go with the 45. I have read the Mid-size balances better, but the full-size has extra velocity and sight radius. Also the .40 is out of the question and I plan on reloading in the distant future.

[Dos Cylindros]

Many users here and in other locations use the M&P 9 with no issues. I have no experience with the M&P9, owning only the M&P 40 (duty gun) and M&P 45 (home defense gun) but I doubt I would have a problem buying an M&P 9 if I felt the need to. That being said, go with the M&P 45, it is a proven performer and a time tested self defense round. 9mm, 40 S&W or 45 ACP, it really does not make a big differnence other than cost of ammo and how many rounds fit in the magazine. It's easy to reload 230 grain ball, and if all I had left to depend on was ball ammo then yes I would rather have 45 ACP.

[OldState]

You can buy 9mm barrels for the 40 cal guns. You just then need 9mm mags.

[Mike from Texas]

The obvious answer is buy both.




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[Striker]

It sounds like you want the .45. I've shot the full size and it certainly is accurate. My question would be, can you afford to feed it? Taking up reloading in the distant future is fine, but how much ammo can you afford between now and then? If you can afford to regularly feed it and you want it, get it.

Regarding the 9mm; Now would be the time I would think about getting one. Last I heard, ETA on the Apex/Bar-sto barrel is June. That may have changed and I don't know it, but if not, that's only a couple months off. So the solution, if you need it, is near.

[FChen17213]

The M&P 45 is a very accurate gun both from 1st hand experience and from everything I've read. As long as you can afford to feed it constantly, it should be the better of the two. I know the M&P 9 is a hit or miss. I had one that did have issues and one that didn't. I think lots of law enforcement agencies have gone to the M&P45 with satisfactory results.

As a side note, I don't think getting an M&P40 and converting it to 9mm will necessarily solve the issue. The problem stems from the rear of the barrel locking with the slide. It isn't very tight and the barrel dips almost immediately when you rack the slide. If someone added more to the rear of the barrel and carefully fit the barrel to the slide, the accuracy issues would be greatly diminished. I don't know much about M&Ps so someone correct me if I am wrong.

[JML2321]

Yes Mike I will eventually buy both . Striker, From what I have seen I can shoot about 500 more rounds of 9mm than .45 for about the same price. That is what is keeping me from going out and buying the 45. Is there really that much of a difference in the two calibers? Would I be better off with the M&P 9 and get a 9c later and just stick with it as my only handgun cartridge? Sometimes I feel like I'm on a see-saw when trying to figure these things out.

[PalmettoPrecision]

I bought an M&P 45 in August 2011. It has never given me any problems, very accurate, and after breaking in the trigger it is a crisp 4.1 pounds after take up (no kidding).

next purchase will be an M&P 9 as a suppressor host. (almost wish I would have gone this route first anyway) The 45 just isn't as satisfying with a can

I'd say go with the M&P9, cheaper to shoot, get some good self defense ammo (147 gr. Win. Rangers) and appreciate that 17+1 capacity. People get so caught up in caliber these days

[Striker]

Yes Mike I will eventually buy both . Striker, From what I have seen I can shoot about 500 more rounds of 9mm than .45 for about the same price. That is what is keeping me from going out and buying the 45. Is there really that much of a difference in the two calibers? Would I be better off with the M&P 9 and get a 9c later and just stick with it as my only handgun cartridge? Sometimes I feel like I'm on a see-saw when trying to figure these things out.

Depends on you. Which do you shoot better? Which do you want? I shoot primarily 9mm because ammo is less expensive and I shoot a lot of rounds. Second, I trust it to save my life should I need it. I do own a couple of .45s, so I don't necessarily think you need to choose one over the other, but if I had to feed a .45 for all the rounds I shoot, I would be broke. So I'll go back to what I said before; if the cost of feeding the .45 is an issue, the 9mm is the better choice. Better to have a gun you shoot, than one that sits in the safe that you don't shoot. Just my opinion and ultimately it's your decision.

[OldState]

If you shoot a lot you should reload sooner than later, especially .45. I reload .45 cheaper than you can buy factory 9mm. Plus, no one near me can keep .45 in stock.

It surprises me that so many here don't do it.