M&P 40 full sized CCW?

[Paincakesx]

Just shot this beast at the range and loved the ergonomics and how it shot.

I find that I like it, dare I say, as much as the Glock 23 I currently own.

If S&W made a mid-sized M&P (other than the M&P .45 of course), I'd be going for that one.

Does anybody carry this? Does it work under a reasonable cover garment? How about during summer months (it usually peaks in the high 90s here with the rare 100+ day).

PS: Sub-compacts are out of the question for me - I have large hands which is why I'm considering the full size.

 

[RichBMW]

My full-size M&P .40 may be my favorite handgun. But it's big. So I have a flashlight mounted on it and it serves as my home-defense handgun. My M&P 9mm Compact has most of the attributes of its big-brother but is much smaller and much easier to use as a concealed carry gun.

 

[AZ Five seveN]

It IS possible to conceal and carry the M&P 40. That being said, I wouldn't recommend it. I carried mine around for a couple days just for kicks, and I'll never do it again. It's just too big.

I agree with RichBMW's statements; the compact M&P40c is a much, much better choice for concealed carry.

 

[Paincakesx]

I have large hands, so sub-compacts are out of the question.

For me, even the Glock 23 is bordering on too small.

 

[seed]

Just remember that CCW means CC 99.99% of the time...so you want to get something you can conceal easily and comfortably. Shooting comfort actually takes a little bit of a back seat when it comes to something you should have on your person at all times...and will, if it isn't too obtrusive.

 

[doc.lonestar]

Have you tried the G23 with the G22 magazine w/sleeve? One of my shipmates has a g23 and only uses the g22 mags due to his hand size. He finds this very comfortable and concealble. Might be something to consider.

 

[bartman06]

You can conceal carry a full size but you have to dress around that gun. I can but i am also a larger guy.
Something else to think about is that the grip size for the FS and Compact are the same width and also the same length.
Find one and shoot it and rule it out completely before you write it off. My M&P45c conceals better than the FS does.

 

[Cards81fan]

The XDm has a long grip, more so than the M&P and Glock pistols. Not trying to just invite everyone to the party, but if the grip length is the problem I would think this would be the winner.

Odd that someone would look for a larger grip on a CCW, as for most this is the biggest problem related to hiding their weapon. While I prefer a smaller grip (as I have smaller than average hands), I certainly understand your concerns and preferences.

Of course, if you prefer the M&P to the XDm then you can disregard this recommendation.

 

[AZ Five seveN]

XDm? He was asking about the M&P 40 full size...

 

[JustinJ]

RichBMW, not rich enough for a decent light?

 

[Cards81fan]

XDm? He was asking about the M&P 40 full size...

I though he was asking about it compared to other fighting pistols out there, particularly those with larger grips for large hands. So I threw out an idea. No need to get testy my friend

 

[Ala Tom]

Paincakesx, the only one who can determine if you can carry the MP40 is You. I have one and I think I could carry it if I wanted to. I am about average size. With your large hands, if your trunk is large, you probably can. I think it is quite light weight. That shouldn't be a problem. Find the right holster and you could make it work. You might examine how strong your need is to carry. I would not make that decision lightly.

 

[AZ Five seveN]

I though he was asking about it compared to other fighting pistols out there, particularly those with larger grips for large hands. So I threw out an idea. No need to get testy my friend

Touché!

 

[Ben86]

I find that my M&P45 is easier to conceal than my Glock 17. It has to do with the shape, it just conceals better. I say carrying an even smaller M&P40 is very doable. I plan on CC my future M&P9 purchase. Get the right holster, belt and loose fitting clothing and there shouldn't be an issue.

 

[Skylerbone]

I wear a 2XL glove and don't find the grip size of the 9c too objectionable. With the extended pinky rest magazine and large insert it fits fine. I can conceal my 40 full size but there really isn't any point. Give it a go if you like, Don Johnson concealed a Bren Ten and he ain't the biggest guy on this marble. Choose a holster and appropriate clothing.

 

[riseagainstforme]

I carry a M&P 40 every single day, it isn't always easy. I wanted the M&P40c but they had a deal on it and I couldn't resist. About those "rare +100" here in Las Vegas, NV we get them quite often.

 

[Paincakesx]

The problem with sub-compacts is that no matter how I try to grip it, no matter how high I get my grip up on my gun (and I already have my grip as high as I can get it comfortably), it feels uncomfortable to shoot. This is with pinky extensions.

I have large enough hands to play Sergei Rachmaninoff's music on the piano without many problems if that means anything (his music was notorious for having very large stretches in the hand). Like I said, the Glock 23 is already bordering on too small - any smaller and I'd probably not be able to grip that comfortably either.

I'm a bigger guy though, with a pretty broad upper body bone structure. (6'2", average build).

I appreciate the responses, but I've tried the subcompacts and hated them. The only time I'd probably consider carrying one is in a rare situation where any larger weapon is just unreasonable to carry.

I mean, worst case scenario where I can't carry it on the rare overwhelmingly hot day, I still have my Glock 23?

And to the person who asked, I do live in western Oregon (spend most of my time in Eugene for school, but family lives in Lake Oswego).

 

[derek45]

With a BLADE TEC IWB, and SOLID belt, the standard .40cal M&P is easy to CCW.




(...but for fear of jelousy, don't tell my 5" 1911 )

 

[Skylerbone]

With the compact you could always try one of these: http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=946044 on a full size magazine for the convertible to full grip feel on a compact. It simply slips over the magazine down to the base and allows it to become a longer grip extension. Then you'd have a true compact for those hot days and could practice until it feels correct.

A compact may never feel great in the hand but can be learned and managed with patience. An option to consider, I'll look for a pic to post.

 

[Skylerbone]

Here it is.

 

[bcp280z]

Funny in a way, I have my M&P40 as my fav gun too, possible to cc iwb/bellyband, not too uncomfy if you dress a size up or two. But I too wanted to try the grass on the otherside and I fear I may like my new G23 more..

But in a large shirt with some size 33 levi's, standing 6ft/180, (I suppose I'm an average/fit 22yo,) next to the lovely white beaches of FL, I can carry my fullsize M&P40 just fine. And once my budget clears up I plan to get a fancy high-dollar IWB for it. If I were you man, get it.

 

[johnmed3]

I use the full size M&P .357 Sig, and carry it no problem. I' use a Don Humme IWB holster.