.40 S&W Compact Vs Full Size

[Icehouse13]

I currently have a compact pistol in .40 S&W with a 3" barrel and I am considering purchasing a full size of the same type with a 5" barrel.

My reasoning is that I expect to enjoy shooting the full size a bit more due to a little more heft and longer sight plane. I could reserve the compact for it's intended concealment duties. Magazine capacity is essentially the same.

Is this a frivolous purchase? Would the $$ be better spent on extras for the compact?

Thoughts?

 

[JTQ]

Size-wise, your pistol has a 3.5" barrel and the full size has a 4.25" barrel, but you would go from a 10 round magazine to a 15 round magazine. So it seems to me the mag capacity is the bigger increase to me rather than the barrel length as you mentioned.

The M&P 9 is available with a 5" barrel, but I haven't seen the .40 model with the 5" barrel.

Nothing wrong with having both pistols though.

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...rResults=&useFilter=&identifier=1351279136043

 

[Skribs]

It's ultimately up to you what you want. I'm finding more and more that unless I start to OC, I'd rather just have a compact or two. Then again, all of my firearms are for defense first, practice second, and fun third (although I think I actually do those in the reverse order).

That said, I advocate having a second gun because if one breaks, or gets sent to the shop, you don't want to be defensless. Others will say to spend that $$ on ammo so you can practice. What type of extras are you considering? That may affect what I suggest, as well. In the end, just make sure whatever you buy is a quality product, and have fun poking holes in stuff.

 

[jim243]

Would the $$ be better spent on extras for the compact?

No, spend the money on the larger 40 S&W. It will be more fun to shoot and help you in shooting the smaller 3 inch pistol.

Jim

 

[greenlion]

A .40 with a 5 inch pistol is more like a competition size than regular full sized (duty sized). A full size pistol like a GLOCK 17 is much more versatile and pleasant for a day at the range.

 

[Fred_G]

I currently have a compact pistol in .40 S&W with a 3" barrel and I am considering purchasing a full size of the same type with a 5" barrel.

My reasoning is that I expect to enjoy shooting the full size a bit more due to a little more heft and longer sight plane. I could reserve the compact for it's intended concealment duties. Magazine capacity is essentially the same.

Is this a frivolous purchase? Would the $$ be better spent on extras for the compact?

Thoughts?

You might also look into the XGrip. Makes shooting with a full size M&P magazine more like shooting with a full sized gun. Gives you more bullets for a lot less money. More magazines are always good to have.

http://gregcotellc.com/cart/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=142&products_id=977



Site also has the M&P mags for $25. Great company to buy from. Looks like he went up .99¢ on his shipping, but I think it is a flat fee.

Misread your post, you said 40 S&W... Duh. I was thinking a S&W .40. Dang details and numbers and such.

 

[KenW.]

No gun purchase is "frivolous".

 

[Fred_G]

No gun purchase is "frivolous".

Well said Sir, well said.

 

[breakingcontact]

You might also look into the XGrip.

You'll get the higher capacity, bigger grip, just not the longer barrel for less $.

 

[hammerklavier]

If you enjoy shooting it at the range, why not? It would not have to be just a range toy, it could double as a home defense weapon.