Man, did I mention this thing has a really sweet trigger? I read that S&W addressed some of the shortcomings with the M&P's trigger when they introduced the Shield, and that the changes were so positively received that they are now using the Shield's trigger in the rest of the M&P lineup. My impression of the Shield is such that I am now interested in the other M&P models. I was at the gun shop last week, and lo, there sat a full size M&P chambered in .45 Auto. I briefly handled it, but I kept it deliberately brief otherwise there was too much risk of buying yet another gun -- this being the same day I bought the Serbian AK mentioned in the other thread.
The ergonomics of the M&P line are really just about perfect, and that full size .45 made a compelling argument for purchase. I will no doubt be back there in a few weeks to trade some more fiat for one. It occurred to me that I have never owned more than one .45, my SIG P220, and I should really add another to the collection.
If you're in the market for a semi-auto pistol definitely give the Smith & Wesson M&P series a look.