Smith & Wesson's Military & Police pistols have taken the market by storm for good reasons. Among other things they offer superior ergonomics, high capacity and are extremely reliable. Interchangeable backstraps make the M&P series an ideal choice for military and police agencies that need to accommodate personnel of all hand sizes. The M&P line has gained tremendous popularity with private citizens also--for carry, sport and just plain fun--for the same reasons.

For small-handed people like myself, the adoration comes down to size or, better stated, the M&P's lack of it. Unlike some other pistols with interchangeable backstraps, the M&P9 and M&P40 pistols actually are small with the small backstrap attached. For its capacity, the trigger reach with the small backstrap installed is the shortest that I have seen on any pistol. Seventeen rounds of 9mm or 15 rounds of .40 S&W packed into such a compact package is terrific for users with limited trigger reach. And of course, there are the medium and large backstraps for those with full-size mitts.

Another design element that sets the S&W M&P series apart from other polymer, striker-fired pistols is that rather than riding on independent frame rails, the M&P slide cycles on four interconnected steel rails. This system provides extra strength for long-term reliability and reduces torque and frame flexing, which enhances shooter control. My first opportunity to handle and shoot the M&P40 was about 10 months or so before it hit the streets. I was at a training seminar held at the Smith & Wesson Shooting Sports Center, and the S&W staff allowed me to test-fire a .40 S&W preproduction prototype. I was struck by its comfortable ergonomics and especially by the short trigger reach. Being a lover of large calibers, one of the first questions to cross my mind was how the M&P would feel in .45 ACP.

My question was answered not long afterwards at the 2007 SHOT Show. Joe Bergeron, S&W's product manager for the M&P line, gave me a run-down on the available options, which included a new frame-mounted external safety, color schemes and of course interchangeable backstraps.

I think Joe noticed the enthusiasm drain from my face as I gripped and pointed the .45 downrange toward the target. I could hear concern in his voice when he asked me what I thought. I replied that the grip was bigger than I had expected, considering how comfortable I found the .40 version to be.

He asked for the gun back and removed the grip panel. Returning the gun to me, he explained that the gun can be shot with the grip panel removed, which reduces grip size and shortens trigger reach. I immediately realized that the same type of epoxy commonly used to reshape the grip of Glock pistols could be used to fill in and shape the M&P's grip sans the grip panel.