SMITH & WESSON M&P45

Posted Jun 12, 2023

Smith & Wesson’s Model and Performance Center (M&P45) is a gun that lives up to its reputation as an impressive pistol. It has been used by police, military, and civilian shooters since its introduction in 2005. The gun is chambered in .45 ACP and is designed to be a reliable and accurate gun for self-defense or target shooting. In addition to that, the M&P45 is also an excellent gun for competition shooting as well.

First and foremost, the M&P45 provides outstanding accuracy. It features a three-dot adjustable sight system and a crisp 4.5-pound trigger pull, with a semi-automatic action for precise control over accuracy and shot placement. The long-slide barrel measures 5 inches, helping to provide stable and accurate shooting. Additionally, the gun is designed with a 5.3-inch overall length and a 1.2-inch wide slide, which reduces felt recoil and makes the firearm easier to handle. This means that the M&P45 can be easily maneuvered for self-defense situations or quickly relocated for target shooting applications.

The gun also incorporates several safety systems, including a reversible magazine release and an ambidextrous thumb safety. There is also an internal lock that helps to ensure that the gun won’t accidentally discharge if mishandled. Moreover, the gun is also equipped with a loaded chamber indicator, which allows shooters to quickly and easily determine whether or not there is a round in the chamber.

In terms of construction, the M&P45 is built with a stainless steel frame and slide, which provide the gun with an enduring and robust structure. The slide and barrel are also coated in a corrosion-resistant Zinc-based finish, giving it that polished, highly-durable look. This coating also helps to reduce kickback. The gun is also designed with a mounting rail, which enables shooters to easily attach accessories such as lights or lasers.

Another noteworthy attribute of the M&P45 is its ergonomic design. The gun has a textured grip, adding extra stability and control when shooting. This ergonomic grip also helps to absorb some of the gun’s kickback. Furthermore, the gun also features a unique grip safety that prevents accidental discharges when shooting.

Overall, Smith & Wesson has created a durable, accurate, and reliable handgun in its M&P45. It offers superior reliability and accuracy, making it ideal for both self-defense and target shooting. The gun's construction and ergonomics provide superb comfort and control, while the safety systems ensure that the gun is always properly handled. Although it is a bit more expensive than some of its competitors, the extra cost is worth it for the quality and performance that this gun provides. The M&P45 is definitely a gun that will impress even the most discerning shooters.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• High magazine capacity – The M&P45 has a 15-round magazine as standard, giving excellent potential for target shooting and home defense purposes.

• Lightweight – Weighing in at just 28 ounces without a magazine, it is lightweight and easy to carry.

• Modular design – The M&P45 has a high level of modularity, enabling the addition of various features such as red dot sights and laser sights for enhanced accuracy.

• Adjustable grip – It features a four-point adjustable grip that allows shooters to modify the trigger pull and customize the fit to the individual hand.

• Rail interface system – It has an integrated rail interface system that allows for attachment of lights, lasers, and other accessories as needed.

Cons:

• High muzzle flash – Because of the 45 ACP round size, it produces a considerable amount of muzzle flash when fired.

• Limited holsters – Due to its size, it can be difficult to find compatible holsters to fit the size of this handgun.

• Expensive – Not only is the initial purchase cost high, but replacement magazines and other accessories for this handgun can also be costly.

Who Should Buy

The Smith & Wesson M&P45 is a great weapon for anyone looking for a reliable self-defense pistol. It is well suited for both beginners and experienced shooters, and it offers a multitude of features that make it an attractive and versatile firearm. However, it is important to properly research any firearm before a purchase is made, as there are certain restrictions and laws that limit who can purchase firearms.

Anyone wanting to purchase a Smith & Wesson M&P45 should be over the age of 21 and should not have any prior felony convictions or any prohibited firearm convictions. Anyone found to be in violation of these laws can face serious legal ramifications. Additionally, buyers should make sure they are familiar with all local laws and regulations pertaining to purchasing and owning a firearm in their state.

Those who should not buy a Smith & Wesson M&P45 include individuals who do not intend to properly store the weapon, those who do not understand how to properly operate and handle firearms, or those who do not have the proper training to safely handle a weapon. It is important for individuals to understand the potential risks and responsibilities that come along with owning and operating a firearm.

Comparisons

	SMITH & WESSON M&P45	SMITH & WESSON PERFORMANCE CENTER PC1911	WILSON COMBAT CQB TACTICAL LE	HECKLER & KOCH HK 416
Type	Semi-automatic handgun	Semi-automatic handgun	Semi-automatic handgun	Semi-automatic rifle
Caliber	.45 ACP	.45 ACP	.45 ACP	5.56×45mm NATO
Weight	25.9 ounces	39.9 ounces	38 ounces	8.1 pounds
Capacity	10 rounds	8 rounds	8 rounds	30 rounds
Barrel Length	4.5 inches	5 inches	5 inches	14.5 inches

Features / Specs

• Caliber: .45 ACP

• Capacity: 10 Round Magazine (Plus 2 Magazines)

• Barrel Length: 4.5"

• Overall Length: 7.95"

• Sight Radius: 6.42"

• Weight Unloaded: 24 oz.

• Action: Striker Fire

• Grip/Frame: Polymer

• Safety: 3 Automatic Safeties

Popular Accessories

c Handgun

Holsters

Magazines

Laser Sights

Flashlights

Grips and Backstraps

Barrels

Slides

Trigger Parts

Sights

Cleaning Kits

Accuracy

The accuracy of the Smith & Wesson M&P45 is very good for a large-caliber handgun. Its 5-inch barrel, adjustable sights, and full-length guide rod all help to promote accuracy. The pistol is designed to be used for target practice and competition. That said, the M&P45 is suited for both close-range defensive shooting and long-range targets. The pistol’s excellent ergonomics, light weight, and low felt recoil also help to increase accuracy potential. When all of the factors are taken into account, many M&P45 users will report that the accuracy is excellent out to 25 yards.