G21, XDM .45, M&P .45, decisions, decisions

I don't think you could go wrong with any of them. I had an XD-45 for a few years that was 101% reliable. I picked it over the Glock simply because it felt more natural in my hand. The M&P hadn't yet been released, but if I was doing it over again now, it would be a strong contender.

I've owned the M&P .45 and HK USP .45 and shot or handled the rest.

Except for the M&P, which has a lower round capacity, the grips are rather large on double stack .45s.

I've since sold mine and go with single stacks in .45.

The XDm is perfect for me. The backstrap can be changed so that the grip fits one's hand perfectly. It shoots accurately and the recoil is easier for me to manage than my LCP. IMHO, the mag capacity (13+1) makes this a great defensive, high capacity, 45 handgun. I really like mine.

Except for the M&P, which has a lower round capacity

Click to expand...

You can buy factory 14 round mags for M&P45.

I had the same choice

the Glock did not point as naturally than the XD

I do not buy anything new from S&W so did not consider the M&P.

Now the owner of a 4 inch XD45 and have never regretted it.

Shoots really well, reliable. I like the fact that in the dark you can feel the loaded chamber indicator and the back of the striker to know that it is cocked.

Pointability and shootability are two separate things, one does not define the other. Glocks do feel strange compared to the grip of a double stack 1911. Glocks tend to shoot amazingly well vs the strange to many grip angle. In my experience with an XD 9mm and an Glock G17, when each is drawn from a holster, shot at a IPSC cardboard target, 5 rounds as fast as possible, the Glock G17 had a better grouping or no misses vs wider spaced groups with some misses with the XD. Speed was basically the same using a timer, between 3.2 to 4.3 seconds for both pistols. In my limited experience in IPSC Production class, I have noticed a large # of Glock pistols, and more shooters using the S&W M&P now than 2 years ago, I have only seen / shot with one shooter using an XD.
Of your choices I would go with the G21 , M&P then the XD in order. I would rather shoot in .45 a 1911 or the SIG P220, but that is my preference. If you go with the Glock you will enjoy a larger parts & accessories selection and much better and cheaper magazines than either the XD or M&P.

Really, only you can decide which pistol works before for you and fits your hand best. All of the pistols you've listed have a great track record for accuracy and reliability.

Have you considered the FNP .45 by FNH?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3T35y3H6Sic

You might want to check them out, I've been impressed with them so far.

I've owned a G21 and now own a M&P 45. I miss my Glock but love my M&P. Even though it only holds ten rounds it fits in my hands better.

Good Luck

The 14 rd mags for the M&P stick out about an inch +

The Glock 21-SF feels significantly different from the standard 21, so make sure that's the one you're comparing to.

If the capacity of the M&P is enough for you, might be worth looking into the HK45 or USP too. Just another option out there. I haven't had the opportunity to shoot an FNP-45 yet, but I'd like to try. I'm just biased towards DA/SA with a visible hammer.

Its really going to come down to which one your prefer. And most of the opinions are going to be what we all prefer. But the guns you've mentioned are all solid choices.

I have a G21, and a XD not XDM 45... but no M&P...


BUT


I Do have a H&K USP which is the best of them all.

If not an HK then the XDM?


But get the HK

I have medium sized hands and found the G21 too big to be really comfortable. I bought the 45 XD and was very happy with it. I am now looking at the new XDM for my next big box 45. I don't care for the M&P, but that is purely a 'feel' thing and know several people who have them and love them.

Off the top of my head, I've handled and used the following full-size plastic .45's ...

USP
SW99
P9S 45 (okay, only part plastic )
G21
G21SF
M&P 45
KZ45
Various Kimbers

I haven't fired the .45 XD, although I've accumulated some range time with both the standard 9 & .40 XD's. I'd have to spend some range time with a XD45 before I'd offer an opinion.

The only plastic .45 I own is a full-size M&P 45. I plan to buy a compact at some point, after having owned this FS one for a couple of years and having fired more than 3,000 rounds through it. I actually enjoy shooting it more than my several 1911's in some respects.

Spending some range time before making a decision would seem to be good idea, although probably a bit costly, considering any range rental and ammunition investment.

I have the XD 45, M&P 45, HK USP 45, along with two SIG's, a Ruger, and a Kahr in 45. Of the first three the HK and M&P are both excellent shooters, but I do a bit better with the HK.

G21

I had a G21, but sold it. It was just too large for my hands. I have an XD45 now. It's a great gun. But I bought an M&P 45 for an old girlfriend, and if I would have shot that one first, I would have gone with it instead. The grip fits better and it feels more natural to me for good shooting.

I have quite a few .45's.... actually, everything you listed i have.

other than my 1911's, my favorite .45 was the Sig P220... it truly is an amazing gun....

now, with that being said..... I am in LOVE with my M&P 45~!!... then my FNX45, then XDm45, HK USP, then XD45, then Glock 21

I prefer the XDM45 because of the handling, ammo capacity and overall weight and durability

G21SF RTF2 The new style and they're puttin it on wax!

the XD "M" sure is ugly

It needs a griplift.

The 'MATCH' part baffles me...

I can't speak to the glock or smith, but I have an XDm 45. The trigger was mushy and very disappointing so I put a Powder river kit in it... it helped but I still don't get better than 3-4" 25 yard groups. I expected better from a "match" pistol. My Wilson, Baer and Brown's make little clover's at that distance. (I know it's not necessarily a fair comparison).

The pistol bucks quite a bit more than a 1911 (lighter frame). It feels more like a Glock .40 than a 1911 in the hand. Kinda snappy.

Now, I certainly don't mean to appear negative about the pistol. I like it in the same way I like my Glocks. I've got about 400 rounds through it and it has been flawless without cleaning. It is just that they marketed the pistol as a "MATCH" grade pistol. It isn't accurate enough for that moniker IMO.

Still, I like it. Reliability is supurb and accuracy is acceptable for it's purpose. It's on my nightstand as I type.

Of the guns you listed, my choice

would be the XDm. In fact, I have a two tone with night sights on order from my LGS. The XDm Fits my hand better, great warranty, reliable, and accurate. I considered the G21, but it just doesn't fit my hand well. So, I decided on a G30SF which I keep by my bed.