I find the normal comparisons of cartridges to be a tad on the "academic" side. You know the articles that want to compare the '06 vs 270 vs 308. Recently, several rags have compared Glock vs XD vs M&P, the latter being S&Ws newest striker fired polymer.

I own Glocks and XDs, good handguns for sure. But, my latest acquisition was a M&P 9mm Compact and it is an eye opener. Ergonomic adjustment via interchangable backstraps, outstanding accuracy and easy of carry prompt me to use it for my "go to" daily carry. So, I bought another, a full size 45 ACP and its been equally impressive.

All of which is to say, IMO the M&P deserves consideration when you are in the market for a polymer striker fired. YRMV.

Not sure that I'm ready to abandon my1911s, but information from actual users like you are worth far more than mere advertising hype. If I find myself in the market for a polymer I'll certainly remember to check out the S&Ws.

How does the full size M&P .45 compare to the Glock 21 in width? My agency issues Glock 21's but allows me to carry my Kimber TLEII on duty. The G 21 just seems too thick and handles like a brick in my opinion. I am partial to 1911's and tend to shoot them better than other designs, however I have been hearing great things about the M&P's, just have not had the opportunity to handle one in .45.

I've tried Glocks and XDs and prefered the XD. I haven't fired an M&P yet but I know a cop who was a 100% Glock guy. Then he tried the M&P and switched. I've got a Ruger SR9 that I'm pleased with so far. My only problem with it is that my daughter has taken a shine to it and I might have to buy another...

Humph...Go plastic? H*ll...I just, finally, convinced myself that I can trust alloy frame with steel slide. And you want me to go to plastic?

Never seemed to really see the beauty in the Glocks and have heard too many horror stories about them. I haven't tried the XD and M&P, but have heard much better reports on them. Like Roklok, I have grown used to 1911 frames and do tend to shoot them better, Not much, but enough. I just purchased a Kimber UCC II and am plain enjoying it...I will be making it my primary carry weapon here pretty soon...

I had been carrying my Ruger SP101, but I saw that S&W was running a special on their M&P line awhile ago. They offered a $50 mail in rebate, along with 2 free mags. I bought myself a M&P 40c which is their subcompact 40 caliber. I can shoot the revolver well, but haven't been able to master autos before this pistol. With the interchangeable grips, I got it to fit my hand really well, and I can shoot it almost as well as the revolver. It is now my daily carry choice, and I'm confident in it. I have about 500 rounds through it with no problems at all. I have tried shooting it sideways, limp wristed, one handed, whatever position it's in, it shoots. Just my .02 though.

Diehard 1911 but gotta admit, would not hesitate to carry a XD or M&P !!!

I shoot XD's in IDPA and USPSA evry now and then and love them.

Got friends that switched from XD to M&P.

Would highly recomend both for compitition and carry they are that good !!!

Handguns have distinctive personalities and I am no believer that any one of them is "best". The G21 vs M&P 45 is a good example; for me, it simply is a far more comfortable companion which is why I traded the G21 in for it. It is marginally narrower, but, has a more rounded and less blocky feeling in my hand. With the interchangable backstraps, it is noticeable the difference when switching from one to another. OTOH, I know numerous owners of G21 and G21SFs that have found a handgun they prefer over others. XDs, H&Ks, too.

I doubt any of them effectively challenge the vaunted status of the 1911 in its many iterations. Nothing compares to its history and legacy as well as its adapability in this the Modern Age. But, for cost effectiveness and convenience I am carrying the M&P on a daily basis and reserve the 1911s for other occassions.