M&P 9mm fs versus M&P 9mm c

[Florida Shooter]

I'm discovering the challenges of concealed carry of a full size pistol. I can see that shorter barrel and grip can make a significant difference in concealability and comfort.

So I'm thinking: What's the accuracy comparison with the M&P 9mm in full size and compact? Say, at 7 yds, 15 yds, 20yds?

 

[2238945]

I have both and they both shoot well for me. I shoot my FS a little bit better, I believe its because I have a Front FO sight and Warren Tac rear and my compact has a front NS and stock rears that I sharpied over the dots.

The farthest I can shoot at my range is 50ft and when shot on a bench with supported wristes, both will easily hold a 1.5" group with my handloads and factory ammo as long as I do my part. Also my range has **** lighting inside, and I believe with better light, they'll both do better.

When I shoot closer, usually around 15ft and do my part, both guns will give one hole groups with my handloads using the LEE-120-TC mould.

As far as concealment, I carry my compact with the finger extension and feel like it and the FS conceal about the same. I usually carry the compact because of the night sight and its a few ounces lighter.

 

[Lost Lake]

I'm discovering the challenges of concealed carry of a full size pistol. I can see that shorter barrel and grip can make a significant difference in concealability and comfort.

So I'm thinking: What's the accuracy comparison with the M&P 9mm in full size and compact? Say, at 7 yds, 15 yds, 20yds?

When you are using a gun for self defense, how often do you plan on shooting someone 60 feet away?? In my opinion, accuracy is a moot point. Some others should chime in that have knowledge of the distances usually covered in defensive shootings.
I would think most shots are less than 15 feet.

 

[Florida Shooter]

When you are using a gun for self defense, how often do you plan on shooting someone 60 feet away?? In my opinion, accuracy is a moot point. Some others should chime in that have knowledge of the distances usually covered in defensive shootings.
I would think most shots are less than 15 feet.

I already have the full size. I'm asking about a comparison in accuracy - also add in handling, second shot, and concealability.

If possible, I'll borrow or rent a compact and find out for myself - but I want to read others' points of view, too. If the difference in concealed carry isn't that great, there's no point in changing.

 

[Clear Black]

Some good reading on the average police involved shootings and how accuracy played its role.

http://www.theppsc.org/Staff_Views/Aveni/OIS.pdf

One quote that stands out for me...

"Good sight alignment is fundamental to target shooting, yet 70% of cases reviewed indicated that no sight alignment was employed when the revolver was fired."

This quote was referring to cops actually using thier sights when involved in a "typical" gunfight. Instead they mearly pointed the barrel as their sighting

 

[Florida Shooter]

Some good reading on the average police involved shootings and how accuracy played its role.

http://www.theppsc.org/Staff_Views/Aveni/OIS.pdf

One quote that stands out for me...

"Good sight alignment is fundamental to target shooting, yet 70% of cases reviewed indicated that no sight alignment was employed when the revolver was fired."

This quote was referring to cops actually using thier sights when involved in a "typical" gunfight. Instead they mearly pointed the barrel as their sighting

Clear Black, that is a fascinating article - especially the "bunch shooting" aspect.

 

[hoochrulez55]

i would have to say it depends on how everything feels and what u r comfortable with carrying and shooting. i own a FS cuz we dont have the options of carrying or purchasing compacts in canada

happy shooting

 

[hoochrulez55]

in fact we cant carry at all, so take advantage of where u r lol

 

[Zepoll]

I feel ya, brotha

I love the M&P. And I struggled with the buying decision of a FS that I knew I'd have trouble concealing, or a Compact that I personally felt small in my hands.

I went with the full size. I live in Oregon and it's jacket weather most of the year here anyway.

Now I'm embarking on the challenges of comfort and concealment. Check other M&P forums out there. There's a lot of good info to be found including holsters that I'd never even heard of before.

For me... a day at the range, or borrowing a buddies compact (of which none of my friends have) just wouldn't give me enough time to do a thorough side by side comparison.

I'm about ready to buy a compact and switch them day to day and see which one I end up reaching for most, and then maybe selling off the other one. Or just keeping it.

Good luck.

 

[Florida Shooter]

Zepoll, please do report on your findings - but PLEASE don't sell one of them. I've bought and sold too many guns over the years, and while I don't miss all of them - I sure wish I hadn't sold some of them.

 

[Beat Trash]

So I'm thinking: What's the accuracy comparison with the M&P 9mm in full size and compact? Say, at 7 yds, 15 yds, 20yds?

If both guns have the same type of sights, and similar triggers, then I find the FS to be a tad more accurate and controllable, especially as the distance increases.

But the difference is so slight that I only notice it when shooting both guns side by side. Not enough to be concerned about, in my opinion. If the size of the 9c makes it easier for you to conceal and carry on a consistent basis, then the slight difference in accuracy and controllability isn't such that I'd worry about it.