Had it not been for the introduction of the 2011 1911 polymer frame for the 1911 pistol I would say that Smith and Wesson’s M&P45 is the answer for shooters looking for a polymer 1911 with all the feature of the polymer pistol. From its manual safety (optional on some models) and slide lock positions to its relative felt recoil, which is very reminiscent of a 1911, every shot fired made me believe I was holding the polymer answer to the legendary 1911 pistol. The M&P45 utilizes a striker fire system, which seems to be the trend for new pistols, and makes good use of a firing pin block. In my opinion, all pistols should be equipped with this as an added safety measure.
The trigger pull on this bad boy does have a slight flaw, in my opinion; the trigger is equipped with a trigger safety—which follows the decorum of polymer pistols—that engages in the middle of the trigger when the lower section is pulled. This has never caused any problems during firing in my experience, but its feel and pull is not as smooth as the trigger pull of other pistols in its class. The issue inherent in this trigger design is that if you have your finger too high on the trigger when you squeeze it, it will not engage the safety device and the trigger will not budge. However, with proper practice—which every shooter should engage in—this should not be a problem. This firearm had been my primary carry gun for a few months, as well as the weapon I practiced with the most, and I never had this happen to me. On a side note about the trigger if you are a person like me, who understands the risk of trigger bounce or hammer follow in 1911's, then this gun is for you.
The slide makes use of slide serrations, which provide great contact with the hand, and not once was I unable to draw the slide back on this weapon. Its pull-back also very closely resembles that of a 1911 with the exception of the slide serrations. A possible drawback to these serrations is that they do have somewhat of a sharp nature, and if the slide was not gripped properly it could slide forward and be a little rough on ones hand. This was never a problem I experienced, but it is something to consider.
The firearm can be field-stripped like just about any other modern pistol on the market: draw slide back, lock slide in place, flip down take-down lever, allow the slide to go forward, and remove it from the frame. I’m sure it’s safe to say you know how to handle the rest from there. The internals for the pistol are very simple and easy to work with for those of us who enjoy full take down and cleaning. There are even kits you can buy, and easily install yourself, that will allow you to take a few pounds off of the trigger pull. In regard to this I would recommend not tampering too much with its design. Form my experience with this weapon it has been designed to be a very sturdy carry, service, and duty gun (you can use whichever of those apply to you). With its 1911-esgue design and feel this would be a great pistol for anyone who has sworn by the time-tested designed on the 1911 pistol. A 1911 being the pistol I learned to shoot with, I am very partial to firearms that resemble the legendary gun, so needless to say I was drawn to it immediately. This is a firearm that will serve its owner well for years to come.
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