I had been thinking about a new .45, and since I already have a 1911 (S&W), I was focusing on a hi-cap polymer model. The three main competitors were the Glock 21/21SF, S&W M&P, and XD45.
I had to rule out the Glock immediately, as the grip just was too big for my hands.
This morning I compared both the M&P to the XD. Honestly both felt very good in my hand, but in the end I went with the M&P for the following reasons:
1) The guns were similarly priced, but with the rebate/mag promo I'll get $50 back and 2 free magazines.
2) I like the 1911 styled thumb safety.
3) The M&P sits lower in my hand, which should give me less flip and better recoil handling.
4) While the M&P does lose out in capacity by 3 rounds, as we've seen there are rumors of extended capacity magazines. Even if longer in length than the 10 rounders, they shouldn't be much longer than how the XD is stock.
5) I am a happy S&W owner (1911, 642, and 19-3).
I just cleaned it up, and hope to take it to the range tomorrow for it's break-in. After a few sessions, I am planning to send it out to get a trigger job, new sights, and other cosmetic add-ons.
By the way, one thing that suprised me is that I think I prefer the medium backstrap. I don't have large hands, and initially felt the gun with the small backstrap on, but the medium filled out better in my hand. Heck, even the large didn't feel that bad!
If I make it to the range tomorrow, I'll be sure to add my report to this.
I had to rule out the Glock immediately, as the grip just was too big for my hands.
This morning I compared both the M&P to the XD. Honestly both felt very good in my hand, but in the end I went with the M&P for the following reasons:
1) The guns were similarly priced, but with the rebate/mag promo I'll get $50 back and 2 free magazines.
2) I like the 1911 styled thumb safety.
3) The M&P sits lower in my hand, which should give me less flip and better recoil handling.
4) While the M&P does lose out in capacity by 3 rounds, as we've seen there are rumors of extended capacity magazines. Even if longer in length than the 10 rounders, they shouldn't be much longer than how the XD is stock.
5) I am a happy S&W owner (1911, 642, and 19-3).
I just cleaned it up, and hope to take it to the range tomorrow for it's break-in. After a few sessions, I am planning to send it out to get a trigger job, new sights, and other cosmetic add-ons.
By the way, one thing that suprised me is that I think I prefer the medium backstrap. I don't have large hands, and initially felt the gun with the small backstrap on, but the medium filled out better in my hand. Heck, even the large didn't feel that bad!
If I make it to the range tomorrow, I'll be sure to add my report to this.