M&P 9 FS Concealed question

[Zepoll]

I'm looking at buying my first handgun. It's going to be my all around gun for now and I plan to carry it concealed very soon.

I've narrowed my search down to two guns. The M&P9 and the Glock 19. I've no interest in the 9c.

I've read, and read, and read about the two and on paper I prefer the M&P.

The only range that rents in my area is slightly over an hour away. I contacted them in advance to make sure they had both available for rent, then 4 days later I went down and they no longer had the full sized M&P available. So I shot the compact9 and the 19. I put a box through each. I think I did a pretty thorough examination. I'd do 5 rounds through one gun, then 5 through the other, then 10 and 10 and so on. So I could get an real "side by side" comparison.

At first I prefered the Glock. The trigger on the Smith was weird to me. but as my session went on, I started favoring the Smith. Which was something I had read about.. that the trigger feels less "weird" after a couple hundred rounds through it. And I started to witness, and agree with that statement.

Having said that... I did not like the size of the 9c. It had the pink extension on the mag, and I still did not like it.

Between the 9c and the 19, the 19 wins in my personal preference. But the 9c loses only because of the grip.

I really want the M&P9 to work for me. I love that it is US made, and personally I just think the thing is sexy as hell. When I look at it I find myself saying.. "Man.. that thing is B@# ***!!!"

My only concern is the overall size of the gun and the ability to wear/carry it concealed. I know people have carried and concealed FS 1911 so it "can" be done, but I'm hoping for a little detail than that.

Do you carry a FS9? How do you do it? What were the challenges you faced with it? and What is your prefered method/holster/position of carry?

Are there any of you that tried to carry a FS9 and couldn't and ended up changing guns as a result?

Thank you for reading my post, and for any information you could provide.

If anyone has pics of their set up that would be great too.

Thanks again.

 

[rsrocket1]

Two suggestions if you can't borrow a FS MP9 to try out CCW:
Get one of these and wear it around the house, standing, sitting etc. You'd be out $40, but I don't think you can get one of those blue plastic guns for much less.

Otherwise, get the real gun and if you don't like it as a CCW, either keep it as a range gun or sell it.

If you didn't like it, you'd almost surely get a buyer if you took a hit of $40 from the OTD price and if you did like it, great.

 

[WR Moore]

Do you carry a FS9? How do you do it? What were the challenges you faced with it? and What is your prefered method/holster/position of carry?

Understand that your ability to carry what you want may be affected by your build and may require you to change the way you dress, at least somewhat. If you're slender and dress to show off your physique, you're definately going to need to adjust both your attitude and your wardrobe.

The keys to the task are a quality holster and belt. You will not find a suitable gun belt at Wallyworld for $7. The material of the holster doesn't have to be leather but the belt slots on the holster should match the width of the belt. An inside the waistband holster (IWB) can aid in concealment since the bottom half of the holster is inside the pants and won't stick out below your jacket. It also can allow the use of a less than optimum belt (in thickness/stiffness) since the waistband of the pants helps support the holster. BTW, you'll also need a magazine pouch for at least one spare magazine.

The best location for the holster for many folks is just behind the hip on the shooting hand side. This allows the drape of the jacket/untucked shirt to conceal the weapon (unless you bend over- if you have to pick anything up-squat). I also prefer a holster with a sweat shield.

I use a Safariland 528 as a holster and the belt is either a 1 3/4 inch Wilderness Instructor belt or a Ross Gunleather dress type belt. The Ross isn't as wide as I'd like but the thickness allows it to work quite well. Remember to add at least 2 inches to the length of your regular belt-unless you're at the last notch or 2.

It does take time to get used to carrying, but failing to optimize your gear can cost you your life.

Since Safariland discontinued the 528, the 529 may work for you. Dillion Precision also stocks a very good holster by Mitch Rosen that I believe they sell under their label. Ken Null is excellent, but his is custom work and figure on dropping over $100 on the holster.

 

[Etemmu]

I own the full size and the compact. I only carry the FS fall through spring- or whenever I can wear at least a light jacket. I have carried it with just a t shirt but it feels like it is really standing out (and I'm not obsessed with total concealment, if it "prints" now and then- oh well!). The 9c conceals a bit better- it's just as thick, but rides a bit lower and the butt is much shorter. I carry both IWB using a Crossbreed Supertuck on 1 1/2 leather. I dont think carrying either is so comfortable that I almost forget I am carrying them! I am 6', 250 lbs and my shoulders are still wider than my waist line. The only time I carry comfortably is OWB (full size USP even) I need to get a good OWB holster for the fs MP...

The big difference, however, is the handling/shooting characteristics between the two. You have to try the full size before deciding between the Smith and the Glock. For me there is no comparison between the fs and the compact. The fs fits my hand much better, is way more comfortable, easier to control, and I shoot it better! If I didnt carry the compact so much I wouldn't shoot it near as much as I do. The 9c cant be fairly compared to the 19.

The Glock needs no "defense". It is obviously a great gun with an awesome reputation. My vote would go to the Smith though! Maybe you should just get both, then you could give us a review/comparison Not like that hasnt been done before! Good luck....

 

[southchatham]

Can the M&P full size be concealed, yes. Will you carry it, probably not for very long. The grip length is always the part that is hard to conceal and no belt or holster is going to change that.
Having said that, I think the M&P would make a great first handgun, if you then planed a future purchase of a smaller gun at some point. Carry guns are a trade off, the Glock would be a better choice of these two. If your main goal is conceal carry, you should really consider a M&P compact or Glock 26 and learn to deal with the short grips.

 

[ESM]

I bought a FS M&P9 as my first pistol a few months ago and got a CrossBreed IWB holster (horsehide) and carry it about 8:30 (I'm left handed) with a slight forward cant. I bought a couple of Cabelas "Garrison II" belts (1.75") for $30 each. I couldn't be happier with the combination. Friends who know I carry are impressed by the lack of printing. I'm 6'-3" and a medium build 218lbs, so I'm sure my size helps.

Best wishes.

 

[chuck s]

This pistol looks kinda familiar:

<--- Click the photo, it a link.

I carry an HK45C in one (right now).

-- Chujck

 

[GaryM&P]

It's very easy to conceal if you have a good holster.

Comp-Tac : Top-Quality Firearm Accessories

 

[OlympicFox]

Well, I have no problems preferring an S&W M&P to a Glock. There's nothing really wrong with a Glock besides the fact that I don't like their looks or their feel. OTOH, the M&P is an especially nice looking polymer gun and it fits the hand beautifully.

However, it's just not the ideal CCW gun. Don't get me wrong thinking that I don't like the M&P 9, 'cause I do. I had an M&P 9c that I liked a lot and I've got an M&P 9 Pro on order. But, that doesn't make it a good carry gun.

It's simply too big: too long, too tall, too thick and too heavy for a 9mm CCW gun. When I want more on my hip than my 9mm Kahr K9, I'll opt for my Sig P226R in 357-SIG or 40S&W, or one of our 1911's in 45ACP. My wife's 3" Kimber is the same size as the Kahr and only weighs 2.5oz more fully loaded. My point is that if I'm going to pack a 42+ ounce (loaded & holstered) gun, I prefer it to be more powerful than a 9mm.

Below is a photo of 5 of our CCW guns in Mintaur MTAC & CTAC holsters from Comp-Tac so you can see the size of what each type looks like in a good IWB holster. Weights are actual weight fully loaded, including holster.

Left to right:

• Sig P238, 380ACP, 20.2 oz
• Kahr K9, 9mm, 35.0 oz
• Kimber Crimson Ultra Carry II, 45ACP, 37.5 oz
• Sig P226R, 357-SIG, 46.5 oz
• Springfield 1911-A1 Trophy Match, 45 ACP, 53.5 oz

The M&P 9 is no more powerful than the Kahr, yet it's as big as the much more powerful Sig P226R.

The little Sig P238 is the only one of the bunch that rides easily in standard size pants/jeans. The others need an extra 2" in the waist band. The Kahr K9 & heavier guns need a strong belt that's cinched tight - or suspenders. I'm still adjusting to the idea of being an old fuddy-duddy wearing suspenders, but my wife thinks it's cool.

My suggestion is to re-think your priorities. Is this gun's #1 job going to be CCW or is the #1 job to be a range gun. Then, select the gun that is best suited to the #1 job, and live with the disadvantages till you're ready to get another gun for the other job. For example, if you want THIS gun to be your #1 CCW gun, then save up for a gun that excels at the #2 job.

 

[SMMAssociates]

Zeepol:

What OlympicFox said....

The 9FS is BIG.... It does conceal adequately in the winter, or under loose clothing, but the 9C just conceals better. From a "user" standpoint, both shoot about as well. The FS has a slight advantage due to the longer barrel and grip frame, but once you get some time in with the Compact, you'll likely find it quite adequate.

Don't forget, for SD, you really only need to get about six shots into a six inch circle at about 30'. The Compacts can handle that, and the 9mm doesn't have a lot of recoil or flip to slow you down.

(If you want a nightstand and/or range gun, OTOH, the Full Size will likely be a better choice.)

I carry (around the house, in grubbies, 'cause it doesn't need a special belt) a 40C a good part of the time. A matching 40FS is in the range bag. The larger gun definitely doesn't flip like the little one, but being a 1911 guy (my EDC is an Officer's sized 1911 - either 4" or 3.5", both of which conceal about as well as anything in that size range - and aren't really a lot bigger than the M&P40C), I don't mind it. My 9C, with range reloads, doesn't recoil or flip worth mentioning. Almost as tame as my old M39. (I don't have the 9FS, but the 40FS is the same size gun.)

Some people find the grip on the Compact too small - even with the pinkie rest magazines. That, I can understand. My hands are a bit large, but nothing special. The smaller 1911's (or a full size if I really get the itch) are all comfortable for me, and shoot about the same. The bigger 1911 is a tad more accurate on the range, but those targets likely won't shoot back often. (Well, not since we fixed the backstop. )

I have carried the 40FS around the house, btw (as well as out, once in a great while). PITA, really, due to the size, as is my full sized 1911, but I'm big enough to conceal 'em should the need arise.

WAY back in ancient times, as a working rent-a-cop, I carried a 6" M19 Combat Magnum on my duty belt, and a 4" S&W M10HB for concealment. We really didn't much care about printing, and I couldn't hit the wall with a snubbie, so.... (Besides the M10 was $65....) I'm kinda big, and either wore a jacket or a square-bottom shirt, outside of my pants. Non-issue, really. However, printing is a problem for a lot of people these days....

Back in that time frame, I had a couple of elderly great-aunts who lived nearby, and I used to check their house when they were out of town. Mom and I met there for some reason, and as we were leaving, I noticed an open window. As I popped the M10HB out of my belt (nice leather IWB then), mom did a "WHERE the heck did that come from?!"

I carry the Full Size magazine as a spare, rather than the one for the Compact. Should I grab the Full Size, I'm set without fumbling for a different spare. The larger magazine works well in the Compact, and the smaller one's don't fit the full size .... I've never carried the 40C "outside", but likely would get away with the larger magazine anyway. Other than a malfunction, if you need that many rounds, you're really out of your league anyway.... (A buddy, now retired from a local PD carried 91 rounds on his duty belt. He seems otherwise sane, but you can't say that for his dad .)

Regards,

 

[Lost Lake]

SMMA touched on this awesome fact:

You can buy the compact and use the full size magazine. To take it one step further, you can use a mag extender that effectively gives you the same grip as a full sized gun. Pretty dang versatile!

The ultimate? Buy the 40c, buy a grip extender, then buy a .357 and a 9mm barrel. Now you have 6 guns in one, all for around $550. Let's see Glock do that!!

 

[remat457]

I have a 9c and 9fs. I carry them in a Crossbreed Supertuck Deluxe. Obviously the 9c is easier to conceal. However, as of late since summer hasn't been too hot (mid 80's) I have been carrying FS to see how hard it is to hide.

So, my conclusion is that it can be done, however like others have said, it really does depend on your build, clothes (loose shirt is required), and the grip is the main problem to overcome.

For me, it works fine as long as I don't have to bend over significantly or I am not sitting in chair with an open back like in a restaurant (I am worried about printing), otherwise concealment is fine.

The looseness of the shirt is a big change for me. I am used to OWB with a cover garment, but it is a little warm for that. I found that most of my t-shirts, while far from tight, are a little too snug for the full size grip. Now, the 9c? In the same holster it hides easily with everything but tight shirts and I don't have to worry about bending over or sitting.

Hope that helps!

 

[Zepoll]

Thank You

Thanks to everyone for their comments.

I'm going forward with the FS 9mm M&P.

I'm about 5'10" 205. I usually wear loose fitting clothing as it is, and untucked square bottom shirts are already part of my regular wardrobe selection. Being that it is september and I live in Oregon, layered clothing, a light jacket, a fleece pullover... these are all part of the regular wear (if not heavier stuff) for the next 9 months.

During that time I'll carry concealed and evaluate how I like it. I've found that these guns are in serious demand right now, so I shouldn't have any problem finding a buyer IF I decide to sell it. Or maybe I'll just buy a summer gun when the time comes.

But I think, considering that I haven't shot regularly for a long time, that it would be good for me to have a full size model to get back to par with.

And although it sounds like it might be difficult, I'll be able to conceal adequately for the time being.

Now.. how am I going to hide my bandoleer? Hmm...

 

[jgreiner]

I'm looking at buying my first handgun. It's going to be my all around gun for now and I plan to carry it concealed very soon.

I've narrowed my search down to two guns. The M&P9 and the Glock 19. I've no interest in the 9c.

I've read, and read, and read about the two and on paper I prefer the M&P.

The only range that rents in my area is slightly over an hour away. I contacted them in advance to make sure they had both available for rent, then 4 days later I went down and they no longer had the full sized M&P available. So I shot the compact9 and the 19. I put a box through each. I think I did a pretty thorough examination. I'd do 5 rounds through one gun, then 5 through the other, then 10 and 10 and so on. So I could get an real "side by side" comparison.

At first I prefered the Glock. The trigger on the Smith was weird to me. but as my session went on, I started favoring the Smith. Which was something I had read about.. that the trigger feels less "weird" after a couple hundred rounds through it. And I started to witness, and agree with that statement.

Having said that... I did not like the size of the 9c. It had the pink extension on the mag, and I still did not like it.

Between the 9c and the 19, the 19 wins in my personal preference. But the 9c loses only because of the grip.

I really want the M&P9 to work for me. I love that it is US made, and personally I just think the thing is sexy as hell. When I look at it I find myself saying.. "Man.. that thing is B@# ***!!!"

My only concern is the overall size of the gun and the ability to wear/carry it concealed. I know people have carried and concealed FS 1911 so it "can" be done, but I'm hoping for a little detail than that.

Do you carry a FS9? How do you do it? What were the challenges you faced with it? and What is your prefered method/holster/position of carry?

Are there any of you that tried to carry a FS9 and couldn't and ended up changing guns as a result?

Thank you for reading my post, and for any information you could provide.

If anyone has pics of their set up that would be great too.

Thanks again.

I have the MP Pro 9mm, with the 5" barrel, so mine is even larger than the full size. I use an OWB holster from El Paso Saddlery, along with a good gunbelt from them...at it tucks my gun in nice and tight against my torso. Very easy to conceal.

Also, since my gun isn't the standard size MP...finding a holster that covered my front sights was tough, which is another reason I ordered from them. It is an extremely well made rig.....fits my gun like a glove.

 

[Zepoll]

I have the MP Pro 9mm, with the 5" barrel, so mine is even larger than the full size. I use an OWB holster from El Paso Saddlery, along with a good gunbelt from them...at it tucks my gun in nice and tight against my torso. Very easy to conceal.

Also, since my gun isn't the standard size MP...finding a holster that covered my front sights was tough, which is another reason I ordered from them. It is an extremely well made rig.....fits my gun like a glove.

Sweet.

Thank you for that.

 

[Dave8040]

I agree with Lost Lake, get a full size magazine and a X-Grip adapter and the grip is about the same as a full size. I have a M&P 40c and Crossbreed for a carry setup. I really like the gun, but recently bought a couple of 15 rd mags and X-grip adapters, made a lot of difference when at the range but I do not like the extra weight when carrying. Really worth considering if you are just going to buy one gun.

 

[SMMAssociates]

I agree with Lost Lake, get a full size magazine and a X-Grip adapter and the grip is about the same as a full size. I have a M&P 40c and Crossbreed for a carry setup. I really like the gun, but recently bought a couple of 15 rd mags and X-grip adapters, made a lot of difference when at the range but I do not like the extra weight when carrying.

Dave:

One reason I don't carry my double-stack .45 much.... The spare magazine pulls my pants down....

Really worth considering if you are just going to buy one gun.

HERESY! Buy one for each hand, at least.... It's also confirmed that two 1911's placed in a safe will breed.... Or at least that's what I tell my wife ....

Seriously, that double-stack magazine isn't much different from the ones that fit an M&P40FS. Not interchangeable, but I think they can share carriers. That said, there's an advantage to carrying the larger spare magazine, at least for me. While I only carry the M&Ps around the house, having the full sized magazine in the carrier means that, since I usually carry the Compact, I don't have to swap that if I decided to grab the M&P40FS. I don't see any disadvantage to the same strategy "outside".

You don't really need the "adapters" to use the larger magazines in the Compact, but it's a good idea. Great on the range.... However, if you're into "train with what you'll carry", you really have to swap things around.

Regards,