Up in the air

Whitey375 · Jan 22, 2013

So I have my pistol choices narrowed down to 2. Kimber TLE/TRP, because that's the only 1911 I like the feel of. Or a Smith M&P, because I am buying an M&P 22, and it would make sense to have a cheap to practice with gun too. I don't have a lot of experience with either. Usages are personal defense, both as an archery back up weapon, and bedside/home. So, which one and why?

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iamme · Jan 22, 2013

I believe that model is a series 80 gun so I'd go with the M&P. And I'm assuming you mean tle/rl. TRP is a Springfield designation. Now find a Springfield MC Operator, or TRP Operator and be set. Just missed a screaming deal on a DW Specialist I could have put ya on to.

Whitey375 · Jan 22, 2013

Right, I got the TRP mixed up, I kinda like that one too. 80 series? I am completely pistol ignorant. I think I will probably end up with the M&P, just because of already having the 22 version.

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mkwerx · Jan 22, 2013

Whitey375 said:
Right, I got the TRP mixed up, I kinda like that one too. 80 series? I am completely pistol ignorant. I think I will probably end up with the M&P, just because of already having the 22 version.

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Series 80 refers to the gun having a firing pin safety. It comes from Colt's nomenclature. Series 70 guns have no firing pin safety. Series 80 guns have one. Series 70 guns *tend* to have better trigger pulls.

Whitey375 · Jan 22, 2013

mkwerx said:
Series 80 refers to the gun having a firing pin safety. It comes from Colt's nomenclature. Series 70 guns have no firing pin safety. Series 80 guns have one. Series 70 guns *tend* to have better trigger pulls.

Copy that. Thank you.

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glockman99 · Jan 22, 2013

Get the S&W M&P .45...Seriously.

oknow · Jan 22, 2013

get the 1911 and then all you need is a 22 conversion kit, then you can practice with the same trigger pull and grip all the time.

G1GRANDEUR · Jan 22, 2013

My vote also goes to Springfield TRP. :s0155:

Whitey375 · Jan 23, 2013

So to those of you suggesting a 1911, is it really twice the gun (based strictly on retail price) of the M&P? Not be facetious, just asking.

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jonn5335 · Jan 23, 2013

As much as a 1911 lover I am I would go with a cheaper poly gun like the M&P for a hunting backup.
Reasons:
1. Higher mag capactiy
2. Light weight
3. Poly won't rust
4. Cost. You tend to find that after you send 1k+ on a pistol you don't want to drag it around in the brush during hunting season. Trust me on this one :s0155:

I'm not a fan of DOA striker fired poly pistols but they do have their place.

mjbskwim · Jan 23, 2013

Take a look at this thread too.
http://www.northwestfirearms.com/hunting/118123-bowhunter-handgun-question.html

G1GRANDEUR · Jan 23, 2013

oh I miss the part "back-up hunting weapon".

Yeah, then M&P for sure. Don't forget to check out XD too.

Whitey375 · Jan 23, 2013

Thanks for the thread reference, interesting that test. Maybe I should just buy a 9 or 40 in the M&P.? Seems as if velocity plays a good part in the effectiveness on aggressive targets, more so than frontal diameter. I always thought picking fighting pistol calibers it was along the same lines as building motors, i.e. "No replacement for displacement". Maybe not the case.

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Whitey375 · Jan 23, 2013

Skang said:
oh I miss the part "back-up hunting weapon".

Yeah, then M&P for sure. Don't forget to check out XD too.

I had an XD 9, loved it, but sold it.

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zers · Jan 23, 2013

Kimbers model 2's have a firing pin block. However, they are disengaged via the grip safety, not the trigger like the colt design. So its trigger is in theory just as good as a series 70. I like mine, but don't have a series 80 to compare it to.

I would shoot both and see which you prefer. They will both be good guns.

As for 40 vs 9mm, go 9mm. Ballistics are essentially the same but 9mm will give you less recoil and more capacity.

mrblond · Jan 24, 2013

If your looking for a 1911 and can find one, grab a Dan Wesson.

iamme · Jan 24, 2013

mrblond said:
If your looking for a 1911 and can find one, grab a Dan Wesson.

DW's are damn nice. For the use listed I'd be leaning toward the M&P. Yes 1911's are "nicer" then an M&P. But you'll get alot of that same niceness out of a Rock Island as you will a Kimber. If trying to keep the budget find a Rock Island in 45 or 9mm and be happy if decide on the 1911 route.