In the market for a new polymer .45.

[Mauser KAR98K]

I'm really really leaning towards the S&W M&P just by the feel (close to what my 1911's feel like), gear options, post teething problems, and that it isn't an overly large weapon. I'm looking for this to be a competition weapon and a CCW/practical weapon. In summary, this will be the .45 I will own and shoot for quite awhile. My questions are: how are reloads, especially with RN lead cast bullets, brass wear and multiple brass use with the M&P?

I'm also still considering two to three other pistols that could take its place: FN FNP, the Springfield XD, and the HK USP.

I like the USP for the cool factor and that it is HK, but I'm not made out of money, and it seems to me, and how I dress normally, that it could be a little difficult to conceal (yes, I'm wanting a FS pistol).

The FNP has the 15 shot capacity, and really wasn't as large in the hand purchase as I thought it was going to be, but it is pretty big pistol. I'm also turned off on the factory stippling on it: feels like I'm gripping a block of dull tacks. However, the round capacity, ambi features, maintenance and ease of the slide still has me looking hard at it.

The XD is also a close second to the FNP just for its reliability my friends, and my history professor praise about. The grip and feel is not as comfortable and natural as the M&P but I had to really notice comparing the two pistols side-by-side. from the .45 my friend had let me shoot, it had a hard recoil to it, compared to my Colt Goldcup Series 80. (plus they look like they came out of SCIFI film).

My choices revolve around that they must be a polymer frame, have the option for an external safety, hi-capacity .45, and is full size, comfortable to almost on par with the 1911, and isn't too difficult to conceal in as a full size frame.

Thanks.

[KhanRad]

Don't over think it too much. The M&P is a fine all around .45acp, and it sounds like that's what you have your eye on anyway. The other choices you listed are not as ergonomic and user friendly. Unless you consider the HK 45.......

Still, go with the M&P.

[Mauser KAR98K]

Don't over think it too much. The M&P is a fine all around .45acp, and it sounds like that's what you have your eye on anyway. The other choices you listed are not as ergonomic and user friendly. Unless you consider the HK 45.......

Still, go with the M&P.

Yeah, that's the thing, the USP and the HK45 feel really good in my hands, and I can manipulate all the magazine releases, safety and slide release without having to shift my hand...but I'm in college, and I'm not made out of money.

[Steve S.]

Yeah, that's the thing, the USP and the HK45 feel really good in my hands, and I can manipulate all the magazine releases, safety and slide release without having to shift my hand...but I'm in college, and I'm not made out of money.

I would first figure out if you want a thumb safety or not. That will X a few off the list. Then I'd suggest handling each safety - should you want one. Those are all fine guns you are looking at - but to ME the M&P and 1911 are the only two handguns that have a well-thought out thumb safety. The HKs and FNs can be difficult to manipulate with a proper grip.

Being able to drop the slide with your firing hand isn't a big deal. I personally like guns with the slide stop far enough away NOT to interfere with my primary thumb. You should really use your reaction hand thumb to either hit the slide stop or go "hand over slide" for dropping the slide.

I also don't think dropping the mag without breaking grip is that important. It can be done on most the guns listed. I would look first at whether you want an American button or European lever for mag release. Either choice will X some more off the list.

For a fullsize .45 of the plastic variety - I'd choose these in this order. 1)M&P45 2) G21 3) HK45. In reality I'd take the M&P45c, G30, and HK45c over the fullsize guns - but that's just my opinion.

Hope this helps. Let us know what you get.

And although the HK45 is a dream in the hand - I find it interesting you found the USP to be the most ergonomic. To each their own. I wouldn't worry too much about how it feels in the hand though. It doesn't matter all that much IMHO.

[PD Sgt.]

I would also recommend handling as many as you can before buying. Based on your initial post, I will make a few recommendations from my experience.

You mentioned lead reloads. While there are people who claim to have no problems with these in HKs, HK warns against them in their pistols. It is due to the polygonal rifling, the same as Glock uses (and they recommend against the use of lead as well).

My own M&Ps have cycled just fine with thousands of reloads; lead, plated, and FMJ. These were all in 9mm and .40, but I just ordered a .45 compact and I do not anticipate any problems. To be fair, my HK 45c also has cycled (plated) reloads with no problems either. IMHO, case OAL leads to more problems than brass wear or type.

Personally, I never cared for the XD. The high bore axis bothers me, I much prefer something a little more compact. I am with Steve in saying I would look at the compacts first before going full size for EDC.

HK mags and accessories can get a little pricey. If you are buying a pistol for EDC, you are not just buying the pistol, but the whole system. Spare mags, replacement/spare parts (springs et al.)holsters, weaponlight, etc. should all be factored in.

Personally, I would recommend the M&P. It is able to handle lead reloads, has reasonably priced support/aftermarket parts, has great S&W customer service, adjustable grip panels, and the safety can be fairly easily removed if desired. It also has a very reasonable base price.

[Mauser KAR98K]

I would first figure out if you want a thumb safety or not. That will X a few off the list. Then I'd suggest handling each safety - should you want one. Those are all fine guns you are looking at - but to ME the M&P and 1911 are the only two handguns that have a well-thought out thumb safety. The HKs and FNs can be difficult to manipulate with a proper grip.

Being able to drop the slide with your firing hand isn't a big deal. I personally like guns with the slide stop far enough away NOT to interfere with my primary thumb. You should really use your reaction hand thumb to either hit the slide stop or go "hand over slide" for dropping the slide.

I also don't think dropping the mag without breaking grip is that important. It can be done on most the guns listed. I would look first at whether you want an American button or European lever for mag release. Either choice will X some more off the list.

For a fullsize .45 of the plastic variety - I'd choose these in this order. 1)M&P45 2) G21 3) HK45. In reality I'd take the M&P45c, G30, and HK45c over the fullsize guns - but that's just my opinion.

Hope this helps. Let us know what you get.

And although the HK45 is a dream in the hand - I find it interesting you found the USP to be the most ergonomic. To each their own. I wouldn't worry too much about how it feels in the hand though. It doesn't matter all that much IMHO.

I'm a safety freak when it comes to firearms, and I only own two rifles (Mosin Nagent and a K31) that do not have safeties to them. It also means are revolvers are always unloaded. I'm 28 now, but I started shooting my 1911 Gold Cup since I was 9-10ish. That thumb safety is engrained into me. So it is no problem for me to have it on my weapon.

I have a USP airsoft replica I have had for many number of years, and use to do in house draw drillls, and sight picture. When I tries an HK45 on, I really didn't like the finger grooves.In fact, I had changed out a finger groove grip on my AR to a Magpul because the finger groves felt like they were fatiguing my hand. I have thin guitar fingers, so they feel more comfortable close together.

I would also recommend handling as many as you can before buying. Based on your initial post, I will make a few recommendations from my experience.

You mentioned lead reloads. While there are people who claim to have no problems with these in HKs, HK warns against them in their pistols. It is due to the polygonal rifling, the same as Glock uses (and they recommend against the use of lead as well).

My own M&Ps have cycled just fine with thousands of reloads; lead, plated, and FMJ. These were all in 9mm and .40, but I just ordered a .45 compact and I do not anticipate any problems. To be fair, my HK 45c also has cycled (plated) reloads with no problems either. IMHO, case OAL leads to more problems than brass wear or type.

Personally, I never cared for the XD. The high bore axis bothers me, I much prefer something a little more compact. I am with Steve in saying I would look at the compacts first before going full size for EDC.

HK mags and accessories can get a little pricey. If you are buying a pistol for EDC, you are not just buying the pistol, but the whole system. Spare mags, replacement/spare parts (springs et al.)holsters, weaponlight, etc. should all be factored in.

Personally, I would recommend the M&P. It is able to handle lead reloads, has reasonably priced support/aftermarket parts, has great S&W customer service, adjustable grip panels, and the safety can be fairly easily removed if desired. It also has a very reasonable base price.

Thanks for the lead problems with the HK's, PD Sgt. That was a critical analysis I needed to hear and use in my decision. I do lots of reloads for my .45s and 9mm, and right now with my meager income, lead casts is the way I have to roll.

The XD's high bore axis has also been a negative to me. When I was an LEO some moons ago in Florida, weapon retention was a big thing for me in defensive tactics, and was always in the forefront of my mental drills. The XD, to me, looks like a lot of gun a certain individual could grab a hold of in a really bad situation.

To be fair, I have pretty much handled all the pistols I have mentioned above in some form or fashion, with the exception of the M&P .45 that I held one as a compact, but still felt great, though a little wider than the 9mm/.40S&W., but not by much. I have two weeks before I need to purchase one and get signed up for a CCW class, and get confident with drills with whatever weapon system I go for (which is looking really good for the M&P). I'm posting this just as a feeling in case I am overlooking something that could swayed me in some fashion. Easy accessibility of mags, parts, and accessories is also a major mitigating factor, and the M&P is really winning on that front.

I will be buying 1,000 of factory ammo for the break in period before I start running reloads.

[m39nut]

I think the M&P is the way to go. Keep in mind the M&P9 was chosen over the FN in Belgium by their police which says a lot about the design and quality of the pistol.

[Magic_Salad0892]

HK45C, or wait for the striker fired version of the FNX-45.

[DeltaKilo]

HK45C, or wait for the striker fired version of the FNX-45.

Nothing wrong with a hammer.

[DocGKR]

The M&P45 is the first .45 ACP pistol I've liked enough to compel me to abandoned my beloved 1911's that I relied on daily since I was commissioned in 1986 until January of 2011 when I transitioned to the M&P45 w/ambi-safety, Apex Duty Kit, 10-8 magazine base plates, stippled frame and backstrap, 8 MOA RMR02 w/suppressor height BIS, and SF X300. I recently ran an M&P45 in a Pat McNamara class and shot as well with it as any other pistol I've use in that type of setting: https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=84232