[choochboost]

I think the M&P is a great carry gun. Ergonomic, no thumb safety to disengage, no DA to SA transition, etc. I want to begin retire my HK P2000 and switch to the M&P. Problem number one is that my M&P has proven to be less than reliable so far. Problem two is trying to decide between the fullsize and compact. The barrel length is not really an issue for me, but the grip length is. The fullsize grip is a little long and it becomes difficult to conceal, while the compact grip is a little short IMO. I wish there was a M&P model that was similar to the G19 or G23. Just thinking out loud.

 

[readyme]

This was my problem too. The P2000 was also in the running, but I like how the M&P fells better, and no range had the HK to rent. I only had the oportunity to shoot the full size M&P, both in 9 and 40. I shot both equally as well, and truthfully felt about the same. But for me, I feel the 9mm is just as good of a man stopper as the 40 (both kill with a good shot, and neither kill with a bad shot).

So, today I finally had a chance to put my hands on a Compact. I had to drive an hour out of town just to find a dealer with one in stock. So after handling the compact, I am confident that the grip is long enough to handle comfortably. The extended mag baseplate is key.

I too really like the size of the Glock 19, while the 26 is too small and the 17 is too large. So S&W made the compact sized just between the 26 and 19.

So after all of this, I am planning on picking up the M&P9c pretty soon...probably a couple weeks.

 

[YukonGlocker]

I have a dilemma also. I have a G26 that I just love. I thought I would never get rid of this awesome piece of machinery. But to be able to afford a compact M&P, I must sell my prized G26. I have been seriously thinking about selling it... It's like going to the doctor; I think I have put it off as long as I can.

 

[choochboost]

So, today I finally had a chance to put my hands on a Compact. I had to drive an hour out of town just to find a dealer with one in stock. So after handling the compact, I am confident that the grip is long enough to handle comfortably. The extended mag baseplate is key.

I wish I could find a compact to handle. I would gladly drive an hour. I took a M&P armorer's course with Tim Lau and he had a compact that he let me check out. My first thought was, "Wow that grip is short." To tell you the truth, I was a little disappointed. It left me with more questions than answers so I want another opportunity to check out that grip so I can make up my mind. The grip on the P2000 is a perfect length IMO. Long enough to get a complete grip, but short enough that it doesn't give you concealment issues. I'm looking into the possibilities of cutting down the grip on the fullsize or building up the baseplate on the compact.

I have a dilemma also.

I don't know what to tell you man. Normally you're the guy with all the answers. This forum wouldn't be the same without you.

 

[readyme]

When I first stopped by the shop, I was a bit weary of the size. So after I left, I stopped and filled up my gas tank, and turned back around to check it out again. The second time I handled it was much better. I think I was just a little to excited the first time around, and was able to be more objective and ask questions the next time.

I talked with the guy there about which size M&P to buy and he explained it like this: If you plan on carrying the gun everyday, the compact is the only way to go. The full size would work for home/range use and for carry once in a while.

 

[YukonGlocker]

...I don't know what to tell you man. Normally you're the guy with all the answers. This forum wouldn't be the same without you.

Thanks for the kind words.

I appreciate that.

 

[choochboost]

I talked with the guy there about which size M&P to buy and he explained it like this: If you plan on carrying the gun everyday, the compact is the only way to go. The full size would work for home/range use and for carry once in a while.

I keep going back and forth. I just love the feel and shootability of the fullsize and I could conceal it, but the compact would definitely be easier and less hassle. I'm leaning towards the compact now as I'm acquiescing to the concept that my carry gun should be a good carry gun, and I should leave the fullsize for blasting at the range. But I am curious about how the compact handles the .40 round. Now if I can just get the custom grip situation figured out. :wink:

Thanks for the kind words.

I appreciate that.

You can thank me for the kind words by continuing to answer my questions. :wink:

 

[YukonGlocker]

Can you not get 3 fingers on the compact using the extended mag?

 

[choochboost]

Yeah, the extended baseplate is fine around the fingers, but what was bothering me is how short it felt in the palm.

 

[YukonGlocker]

I think you would get used to it. Sub-compact Glocks take a while to get used to also. But once you are used to them, there usually isn't any problems. I don't yet own a M&P compact, but I have shot one. It didn't feel awkward to me, but I'm used to sub-compact Glocks.

 

[choochboost]

Was it a compact .40 you shot?

 

[YukonGlocker]

No. I shot the compact 9mm.

 

[choochboost]

I knew you were going to say that.

 

[YukonGlocker]

Comparing the G26 to the M&Pc 9mm, the M&P is definitely easier shooting. I think the better ergonomics, and slightly heavier weight, make the recoil feel less with the M&P.



My next dilemma is deciding b/t the M&P compact .40 or 9mm. My fullsize is 9mm, and I am set up to reload 9mm, but I might go for the .40 anyway. I don't know what to do. What do you think?

 

[choochboost]

I recently purchased a fullsize 9mm M&P for my wife. It is the perfect gun for her, but I've fallen in love with it as well and it might soon dethrone my USP as my favorite range gun. The M&P is so much fun to shoot IMO and 9mm will let you blast more for less. On the other hand, for ccw purposes, .40 rounds will make slightly bigger holes so that's why I choose .40 over 9mm for everyday carry.

 

[YukonGlocker]

My wife likes my M&P also. She likes it much better than any of my Glocks she shot.



I have another dilemma. It's 2:30 here. I have to get up at 7:00.

I should go to bed and try to get a few hours sleep.

Talk to you later.

 

[choochboost]

Later. Thanks for talking it out with me. I'm getting closer to making a decision.

 

[readyme]

Comparing the G26 to the M&Pc 9mm, the M&P is definitely easier shooting. I think the better ergonomics, and slightly heavier weight, make the recoil feel less with the M&P.



My next dilemma is deciding b/t the M&P compact .40 or 9mm. My fullsize is 9mm, and I am set up to reload 9mm, but I might go for the .40 anyway. I don't know what to do. What do you think?

If I were you I would go with the 9mm. Like you said, you are already set up, plus the full size mags fit the compact.

I have a strange feeling I might end up with the full size after getting the compact.

 

[ront]

I was unsure what to do a couple of weeks ago also. I have had a G27 for about 3 years now. It has never had a single problem. The G27 is a great gun. It has a short handle and has a pretty good kick to it. I went into the local range and saw that they had just received a M&P 9mm and a .40 Compact. I picked up the .40 and it was love at first feel. I am used to the short grip and did not use the grip extension on my G27. It took me about 1 day to decide to trade in my G27 for the .40 Compact. The Glock has a great track record and that is still up in the air with the M&P. I can always get another G27 if I want. But if the M&P is as reliable as the Glock, I will never want to. I love shooting the M&P. It has less felt recoil than the G27 and is a much more natural pointer for me. I don't mind the shorter grip at all. My little pinky just naturally wraps under the mag.

My biggest dilemma is trying to decide whether to keep the mag extension on the one mag or try to trade someone for their flat base plate

.

I love the .40 Compact!! I have been carrying it in a Galco NSAII holster, but I am looking forward to a much better holster soon. The gun carries well.



Ron

 

[JohnN]

IMHO you should carry what you shoot best. There is No Second Place Winner in a Gunfight. That usually means the full-size model.