M&P 45 or Lightweight Operator?????

[Jason Weekley]

Wanting to get a new .45 and I can't decide which of these two I want. Whats you're imput? I don't know why but I'm leary of the aluminum frame on the lightweight operator If it wasn't for the green frame I would go with the MC Operator. And for the M&P 45 safariland dosen't make a 6280 or a 6004 for the M&P 45 with a surefire X200. Or that I can find.

[Jim D]

Wanting to get a new .45 and I can't decide which of these two I want. Whats you're imput? I don't know why but I'm leary of the aluminum frame on the lightweight operator If it wasn't for the green frame I would go with the MC Operator. And for the M&P 45 safariland dosen't make a 6280 or a 6004 for the M&P 45 with a surefire X200. Or that I can find.

What other guns do you have? What are you intending to use this gun for? What is it about each gun that you like?

[Jason Weekley]

What other guns do you have? What are you intending to use this gun for? What is it about each gun that you like?

Glocks 34,35 and 19. For possible duty use. Ive always like the 1911 and I like the being able to change the grip size on the M&P

[Jim D]

Glocks 34,35 and 19. For possible duty use. Ive always like the 1911 and I like the being able to change the grip size on the M&P

You can change the MSH and grips on the 1911's though, too.

If the 1911 feels good...then there you go. If it doesn't feel right, then the M&P might be a good choice.

You will never be able to have the trigger that the 1911 has, on an M&P.

The SA guns are really good. I shot a TRP today right along w/ a NH Talon... I shot that TRP much better than the NH, and preferred the feel of the TRP, too.

Just go w/ your gut. If you like the 1911's, SA is a good company to get them from.

[Hawkeye]

M&P 45 would be my choice. Dont worry about Safariland. I'm sure they'll have the 6004's out for them soon. Waiting on one myself.

[mpardun]

I found the Operator not as reliable out of the box (true for other Springfield's too)...once I get them "tuned up" and better mags that changes. It'll cost more to start and several hundred more to make combat reliable (no questions 100%). I found my Kimber Ultra CDP more reliable out of the box, with a little TLC and $'s spent with a smith, 100%. DO NOT use metal follower mags if you go this route (ie. CMC Power Mags), they will damage the frame. They make great concealed carry guns (light & small), but do not plan to shoot it much - service life is 25 - 50% of a steel 1911. Titanium is also problematic as in reality it is not as slick (more porus I was told) and is more suceptible to damage than is tempered carbon/stainless steel.

Save your money, buy the M&P.45: the trigger is not as nice but Dan Burwell or Bowie can fix that for ~$75 (shorten pull length & weight) & it is 100% reliable (or wait till after shot show and get the M&P.45 Compact). I have the FDE full size version and really like it. HK45 on order and waiting for S&W to formally relase the Compact myself. What can I say, I am a sucker for .45 ACP...

If it's $ and a 1911 you want, skip the Operator and go straight for an Ed Brown (no Al frames tho...but my fav. - have owned 5), Wilson, Yes to Al (1) or Nighthawk, Yes to Al (2) - they are all pricey ($2k+) but literally another caliber of quality, fit-n-finish (punn intended :-)).

[Failure2Stop]

I am not a fan of aluminum framed 1911s. They get pretty beat-up during feeding. I agree with the statement, "Aluminum 1911s are made to be carried a lot and shot a little."

I had a TRP Operator that was very nice. I don't so much regret the sale as much as miss the gun. If you are going for a shooter, I would definately stick to steel or titanium.

[olds442tyguy]

I am not a fan of aluminum framed 1911s. They get pretty beat-up during feeding. I agree with the statement, "Aluminum 1911s are made to be carried a lot and shot a little."

I had a TRP Operator that was very nice. I don't so much regret the sale as much as miss the gun. If you are going for a shooter, I would definately stick to steel or titanium.

They have ramped barrels, so I wouldn't say it's as much of an issue. There are many guns that use aluminum frames that have more abusive actions that hold up just fine. Aside from that, I've never heard of an aluminum frame 1911 breaking.


BUT, I don't know that I'd bet my life on any factory 1911. I personally dislike the M&P's for ergonomic and design issues, but I'd probably trust an M&P more than a box stock 1911 of any mass manufacture. If you have the money to load it up with better parts, I say go for the 1911.


I wouldn't rule out a G21SF though. I've never been in a gunfight and probably never will, but if you told me I had to, I'd probably grab one of them.

[trio]

I actually liked the G21SF better than the M&P45...and I like the M&P 9mm better than a G17...the G19 is a push,....I currently have better sights on my G19...so I carry it...but when I get that rectified, I will probably go back to carrying my M&P.....


i probably would choose a lightweight 1911 over the M&P...but a G21SF over them both...

truthfully, though, if you want a .45 carry gun, you should be looking at the G30...IMHO, the M&P 45 and G21SF were both probably too big for CCW in all circumstances....the G30 solves this problem very nicely....dammit...maybe I need another G30....

[Failure2Stop]

They have ramped barrels, so I wouldn't say it's as much of an issue.

Thanks, I was unaware that they were ramped. Then again, I am not a big fan of ramped 1911s.

There are many guns that use aluminum frames that have more abusive actions that hold up just fine.

I had a Kimber Tac-Pro II. The feed ramp got dented up immediately. It would cause stoppages with most JHP, and even FMJ would dent the feed ramp. After some investivation I discovered that I was not alone in my experience.

Aside from that, I've never heard of an aluminum frame 1911 breaking.

Neither have I, at least not anything attributable to the aluminum frame (just to clarify, I do not necessarily believe that aluminum 1911 frames are "unbreakable").

p.s.- Thanks for the tag line.