40 vs 45 and Springfield vs SW

**txz28** · 07-25-2010, 03:00 PM

Just like the title says I am at a cross roads about what to get. I know the 45 is major kick ass when it comes to stoping power however the 40 with the right load aint that far behind. bad thing about the 45 you normally only get a max of 10 - 13 rounds where as the 40 you can get 13 and up. 40 ammo cost less and is normally easier to find. then which brand do you get Springfield XDM or the Smith M&P?

**INMY01TA** · 07-25-2010, 03:19 PM

I have the both the M&P and an XDm. I agree with the 45 being awesome but like you said the 40 is everywhere and cheaper to boot. I wind up not shooting my 45 as much for this reason. The M&P feels better in my hand and it's backstraps are easier to change and more usefull. I like the trigger better on the XDm tho. XDm is sexier looking imo too.

**IH8EVRY1** · 07-25-2010, 08:36 PM

I agree with ^^^. S&W feels better and the back straps being interchangeable so easily is nice. I've shot both and I too like the XD trigger more.

As far as the caliber 40 and 45 perform so well that it's a toss up for performance. 40 normally has a little more velocity but 45 has more muzzle energy in most cases. I haven't looked at a velocity/energy comparison in a long time but the end results were close. Give a little and take a little for each. To me it came down to how many rounds I can carry.

I don't know what you do for work, but another factor for me that led to the XDs that I own was magazine interchangeability. If I'm carrying my fullsize XD on duty with my subcompact in my vest, the magazines from the full size will function in my subcompact if I were to end up in a bad situation. S&W may do that as well but the dealer I went to made me a deal on the 2 XDs that I couldn't walk away from so I never got far enough into M&P research to find that answer.

**txz28** · 07-26-2010, 10:19 AM

its not for work its for home and road trips something eles to go with my 18in 8 shot pump. I think I am going after the xdm 40 for the extra rounds.

**IH8EVRY1** · 07-26-2010, 02:29 PM

It's a good choice. I don't think you'll be unhappy. I shoot a lot and it's one of my favorites. Of hand guns it probably is my favorite.

**INMY01TA** · 07-26-2010, 03:23 PM

Yes M&P full service size mags will work in their compact model as well.

**OreoLt1** · 07-26-2010, 03:32 PM

+1 on the 40 XDm

**garver** · 07-27-2010, 02:29 PM

xd is my choice

**Z28_06374** · 07-28-2010, 11:12 AM

You cant go wrong with either, I went with the regular XD40.

**ztrouble** · 08-01-2010, 07:26 AM

.40 vs. .45 I choose .45 because I do not like the snappy rcoil of the .40 cal round. Both will do their job if you do yours. as for cost of ammo, start reloading. I can reload factory cast .230gr for half of the cheapest walmart brand

Springfield Vs. S&W is hard to choose I've had both pistols and loved both of them. A Deciding factor for me now, especially on handguns that will see alot of rounds is warranty service. Springfield offers a lifetime no bullshit warranty. S&W offers I believe a 3 year warranty.

**tremiles** · 08-03-2010, 12:31 PM

S&W has a lifetime warranty on their M&P's although I've never had to take advantage of it on my M&P9FS or 9c. All gun models can have issues, rent both, shoot the shit out of them, pick the one that you shoot best. Both companies have excellent service should you need it.

I've got about 25k rounds down the pipe of my 9FS with 0 malfunctions thus far. I just replaced my 2nd recoil spring as regular maintenance and have an Apex sear/FPB and carry spring kit for the trigger group. With Ameriglo/BTC night sights and CT laser grips (won't own a carry/SD gun without them) it's my perfect carry piece.

**jad628** · 08-05-2010, 08:08 AM

I've carried a full size S&W M&P .40 for about 1.5 years now. No issues. We carry Winchester Ranger (Black Talon reincarnated). It is exposed to the elements at times, and carried every day. Only rust issues will be the sights and the magazine body where it meets the floorplate.

Good accuracy, decent trigger, and the grip is customizable to the shooter.

I don't discount the Springfield, but I can recommend the S&W from personal experience.

**Zinergy** · 08-30-2010, 11:45 AM

Originally Posted by tremiles

S&W has a lifetime warranty on their M&P's although I've never had to take advantage of it on my M&P9FS or 9c. All gun models can have issues, rent both, shoot the shit out of them, pick the one that you shoot best. Both companies have excellent service should you need it.

I've got about 25k rounds down the pipe of my 9FS with 0 malfunctions thus far. I just replaced my 2nd recoil spring as regular maintenance and have an Apex sear/FPB and carry spring kit for the trigger group. With Ameriglo/BTC night sights and CT laser grips (won't own a carry/SD gun without them) it's my perfect carry piece.

Springfield did a test with the XD, 20,000 rounds through it with no cleaning or maintanence. They claim there was not 1 misfire or jam.

**garver** · 08-30-2010, 11:55 AM

I have no experience with the m&p but I would toss the beretta px4 in the mix as well. I own a XD 45 service, a PX4 in 40 and a PX4 subcompact in 9, out of these I prefer my PX4 in 40, they also make a 45 but I have had no experience with it.

**jad628** · 08-30-2010, 12:09 PM

Originally Posted by Zinergy

Springfield did a test with the XD, 20,000 rounds through it with no cleaning or maintanence. They claim there was not 1 misfire or jam.

I'm sure it's a good quality weapon, but I put absolutely no faith in ANY manufacturer's "test". I'd much rather have a reputable, third party do an un-bias test.

**Zinergy** · 08-30-2010, 12:31 PM

Originally Posted by jad628

I'm sure it's a good quality weapon, but I put absolutely no faith in ANY manufacturer's "test". I'd much rather have a reputable, third party do an un-bias test.

Agreed, thats why i had claimed no misfire or jam.

**TLS_Addict** · 08-30-2010, 12:45 PM

.45 is more powerful than the .40, no quesiton there at all but both are great. Sort of like comparing a .300 Ultra Mag vs the .300 Win Mag. Not much but it is more. In this case I like both pistols.

Cant go wrong with either.

If the cost difference of the ammo is all you are looking at and you want a .45 than go with the .45. For plinker stuff like Federal you can get a box of 50 for about $15-$16, CCI and Blazer are a few bucks more. For the better stuff you will spend some money, such as the +P ammo.

I have a Ruger P90 .45 that I like. Its a bit clunky and a little jumpy but it shoots well, doesnt jam, and with a Hogue finger grip it holds well. I am looking at getting a P85 (9mm) to match so I can use the same holster and my girl friend can shoot it. She knows how to use my .45 and shoots it well but the 9mm would be better suited for her.

I think you could get either pistol and be more than happy. I sure would like a 10mm as my next side arm.

**Tobynine9** · 08-31-2010, 02:30 PM

If you've got some extra coin to burn, the HK P30 fits the hand better than anything I've held. It's comes in .40 and they have the LEM trigger available which is a short-reset, light pull, DAO, similar to the Sig DAK. The pull should be comparable to the M&P and the XD.

I wish they'd make the P30 in .45 - I would own one. The HK45 is larger and doesn't feel quite as golden in my mitts.

**INMY01TA** · 08-31-2010, 02:56 PM

I was gonna say the HK45 looks alot like the P30.

**Zinergy** · 08-31-2010, 03:19 PM

Originally Posted by Tobynine9

If you've got some extra coin to burn, the HK P30 fits the hand better than anything I've held. It's comes in .40 and they have the LEM trigger available which is a short-reset, light pull, DAO, similar to the Sig DAK. The pull should be comparable to the M&P and the XD.

I wish they'd make the P30 in .45 - I would own one. The HK45 is larger and doesn't feel quite as golden in my mitts.

You ever try modding the back strap to make the HK45 fit? Some guns have a thinner one for smaller hand guys. The xdm comes with 3