Compact M&P or ???

[3KillerBs]

Now that DH has his carry permit and has started actually carrying he is finding that the gun butt of the full-size M&P prints through his lightweight, summer cover shirt no matter where he puts his IWB holster or how he adjusts the cant.

So he's starting to think that, as much as he loves that gun and as well as he shoots it, he is going to need a more compact gun for wear with lighter clothing during the 9 months of a NC summer. Rather than just going and buying a S&W M&P Compact he's doing some research to make sure that's the best course.

He has some strong arguments for the M&Pc but since we're newbies he wants some more expert advice. Does anyone have some strong arguments for either getting the M&Pc or for getting some other compact 9mm?

Thanks.

 

[ANDROTAZ]

I've never fired one of the compact M&Ps, but the full-size ones are pretty nice. You might wanna check out the Springfield XD subcompact too...about the same price-wise, and held in pretty high regards.

 

[jdh]

Since you are familiar with the operation of the M&P I would go with a compact M&P

 

[Hypnogator]

I would think that the M&Pc would be an ideal concealment weapon, if it's enough smaller to print significantly less under light clothing. The advantages are obvious -- he's used to the M&P, so the C version would have the same controls, sights, grip angle, and trigger pull. If the C model is still too large, he'll probably have to go to a Kel-Tec P3AT or Ruger LCP for pocket carry, or a S&W J-frame revolver for front-pocket carry.

 

[kd7nqb]

As an M&P owner I am biased so I say stick with the M&P line, but I would often cation you people often over-react to what they think is printing. Just because you can tell he has the gun on when you know he has the gun on does not mean he is printing. You may be just fine or you may need a better holster. What kind of holster are you using?

 

[Restorer]

I bought my daughter a M&P compact with night sights. We tested it against the XD, Kahr (can't remember which model) and a CZ PCR. The PCR was my choice but a little too large for her taste. The M&P was softer shooting than the others, so much so that she opted for the .40 instead of the 9mm we went looking for. She has no trouble carrying it concealed. I've carried it some and had no problem with printing.

 

[skoro]

He has some strong arguments for the M&Pc but since we're newbies he wants some more expert advice. Does anyone have some strong arguments for either getting the M&Pc or for getting some other compact 9mm?

I really like my M&P9c. It's a fine shooter and handles extremely well. But I've found that with a full magazine, it's suprisingly heavy for carrying. And it's definitely too large for pocket carry. My pocket piece is a S&W J-frame revolver, either a 642 or a Model 37, depending on the day. Either is much lighter and neither will "print" like the M&P9c. The 9c would probably be good for an IWB holster, if your hub is so inclined, though.

 

[cpirtle]

My centerfire auto's are primarily made up of XD's and M&P's. I personally can switch between these two actions with no apparant "adjustment curve" to my timing and muscle memory.

This is very important if he wants to have just a couple of guns and be a master of them.

At one time I had an XD subcompact and found it was not as comfortable to carry as the M&P or even my larger XD's so I sold it. The M&Pc may not be the lightest gun out there but it rides nicely on a good belt and carries a healthy number of rounds when compared to other compact semi's.

With this in mind I say hands down get the M&Pc and keep the full size for heavy range sessions and cold weather carry.


edit to add: Agreed on the pocket carry, it's definitely not a pocket gun. I use an M&P360 for that.

 

[3KillerBs]

This is his IWB holster: http://www.shop.customcarryconcepts.com/product.sc?categoryId=3&productId=3

 

[skoro]

The M&P9c would probably be a very good match for that holster. Of course, once your hub lets you fire it a few times, he'll have to get another one for himself, more than likely. The 9c is a very nice handling pistol. My GF loves mine. She even says it's "cute."

 

[dbones]

I carry the MP 40c in the summer using the Looper seen here:
http://www.shop.customcarryconcepts.com/product.sc?categoryId=3&productId=10

With this holster you can even take a nap in in. I have the FBI cant. most comfortable one I have ever had. The 40c is perfect carry gun with enough stopping power for a carry gun.

 

[3KillerBs]

His S&W is safe from me. Every S&W I've held, even the M&P with the smallest grips on it, is a little too big for my hands. Our DD, however, ...

 

[KyJim]

I have both the full and compact M&P 9mm. I like them both. When I carry a 9mm, however, it's my SW 3913. It is a single stack (8+1) and is more concealable. It is a heck of a good carry gun. The 908 is a less refined version of the 3913 and should be great as well. SW no longer makes these but they can be found on the used market.

 

[ARTiger]

Walther PPS may be something to look at. Same manner of operation and much slimmer.

 

[wally]

For summer carry IMHO its pretty hard to beat the Kahr CW9 or CW40.

Unless you are willing to spend a good bit more for a Kahr PM9 or PM40 or go money is no object and get a Rohrbaugh 9mm.

--wally.

 

[jon_in_wv]

I wear my M&P 9c in a Comp-Tac IWB holster. It is superior in shootability and firepower to anything else mentioned here. It is very reliable and accurate. It is a bit heavier than the other weapons mentioned but it is a serious fighting weapon. I carry it daily under a T-shirt and I also carry a spare mag on my belt. I may not be the most comfortable but it is very comforting to have such a quality piece at my disposal. I have contemplated getting a slimmer or smaller firearm but the differences are small. A snubby is NO comparison. You give up so much in firepower, accuracy, and shootability there is not way I could justify that trade off. Most guns aren't small enough to justify giving up what the M&P or a Glock 26 would offer. My pocket gun is a Ruger LCP for Church. Other than that it is my M&P.