While I admit to being confused by the use of "Full size," in S&W's jargon, I am only interested in the barrel issue here.

The Full Size is 4.25" long
The PRO is 5" long

Does anyone out there have enough experiance with both of these to make a suggestion as to which to buy for Home defense and target shooting?

I can pay to have all other areas of the 40F brought up to PRO level (or better)

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Gerry

There are two different Pros; one with a 5" slide and fiber optic sights and the other with a 4.25" slide and night sights. Both have the Pro sear and improved trigger. I'm currently in a quandry between the Pro 4.25" and getting a standard and adding the Apex DCAEK myself.

I consider myself a novice shooter, even though I have been shooting for over 30 years. I USE guns, but until recently, i have not been INTO guns. I didn't even know the 40 cal Pro came in 4.25"

From extensive reasearch on the WEB, professional articles indicate leaning toward the kit.

I am only looking a the PRO from a length perspective (I would assume the additional front end weight would help with recovery time.)

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Gerry

The Pro is geared more toward competition. The FS .40 will be sufficent for your needs, unless you plan on shooting either IDPA or USPSA at some time in the future.

I guess if I improve the trigger I'd have an M&P 40 pro.

I have the 4.25" model "full size" and it works just fine for me to shoot at the range/desert when I want to. I really dont think the 5" would make me any more accurate, I think practice would.

Whoever told you this information dosen't know what he is talking about.
Both the standard models and the Pros are made in both 4.25" and 5" barrel lengths. They are hard to find now, most places.

The Pro has FO sights on the 5" and night sights on the 4.25". I have both.

The standard models have the standard trigger and the standard sights. (unless you are in MA or some other peculiar state that dictates gun design)
If you plan to replace the trigger and sights, no point in paying extra for the Pro.

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Science plus Art

Actually, the 5" non-Pro only came out within the last 30 days.
They are being marked with the model number 40L.
The 9mm has been available in L and Pro for years now.

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Gerry

For what you want, home defense and target shooting, I would get the reg 40 with night site. You can also use it for comp. I run my full size mp9 and never feel I am at a disadvantage compare to the guys running 5" pro's.

SW is really supporting .Mil and Leo's with great pricing and rebates these days

I can speak to the 9mm version...i shot both.....and fell in love with the 5" pro model's trigger. The only downside is finding holsters that cover the front Fiber Optic sight...but I bought a good custom made one from El Paso Saddlery....and it fits like as dream. Pro trigger is far better.