Looking at a 9c and I don't know why...Update, GOT IT!

[Nakanokalronin]

I have a FS 9mm, had a Shield and currently use my XDS as my daily CCW. I went to the range today and decided to check out their guns. Well they had a huge selection of M&Ps in stock including mutiple Pro models, FDE, and some Compacts. I saw one Compact with thumb safeties like my FS and since I've been curious about the Compact I asked to check it out.

Well it has a 3/25/2013 test fire date and from what I can tell, the new trigger like the one on my currently produced FS. It has the 12rd. mags and seems like a nicely made pistol...no surprise there. The thing is, what in heck would I use it for?

I like the thinness of my XDS which was like the Shield, but the Compact seems as thick as my FS model. I'm not 100% sure how comfortable it would be IWB since most double stack handguns don't feel that great when in my usual 3:30 belt position. What I do like is the fact it can use FS magazines and I can't see buying any other Compact mags unless they're 12rds.

BTW, do the 9c 12rd. mags come in both flat base plate and with pinky extension? The bodies didn't seem any different between the two, nor did the pinky extension seem to extend the insides for the spring. I ask since a 12rd. flush fit mag would be best since I'm used to curling my pinky under subcompact baseplates.

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ETA: Well I finally got the M&P 9c I won on GB. $455 before shipping, 3/29/2013 test fire date, 3 12rd. mags and factory front and rear night sights. It has the new trigger pull/reset so all that needs to be done is to clean, re-lube and head to the range asap.

 

[CJ_mp40c]

Personally the compacts are a compromise between a full size and something like a shield or XDS.

The compact is smaller than a FS (the width is the same) so a little easier to carry.
Bigger than a shield so it absorbs recoil better.
More round capacity than a shield.
Not bad for a carry weapon.
Pretty good at the range.
It has a tac rail for a light and the shield does not.

I bought the compact as my all around gun (it's my only gun too).

 

[Jyezahn]

To answer your question about the pinky extension, yes, it's just a plate that you can switch out. Magazine dimensions are the same.

 

[MSG Glenn]

As an extra benefit the mags from your FS will also fit the compact. Good for range use where you don't want to spend all your time loading magazines. There are slide on extenders available to fill in the space you have with the longer mag hanging out from your grip but they're not necessary. I believe X grip is one of them.

Usually compacts will come with one flat baseplate & one with a pinky extension. A call to S&W most often will get you another one free of charge. They're simple enough to change out if you don't want it installed. Try both ways & find out which way helps you shoot accurately. You might have to sacrifice a little concealability with a pink extension on.

 

[Nakanokalronin]

As an extra benefit the mags from your FS will also fit the compact. Good for range use where you don't want to spend all your time loading magazines. There are slide on extenders available to fill in the space you have with the longer mag hanging out from your grip but they're not necessary. I believe X grip is one of them.

Usually compacts will come with one flat baseplate & one with a pinky extension. A call to S&W most often will get you another one free of charge. They're simple enough to change out if you don't want it installed. Try both ways & find out which way helps you shoot accurately. You might have to sacrifice a little concealability with a pink extension on.

I'd just use the flat base plate since I'm used to a tow finger grip on many other small guns. I'm still deciding weather it would be worth picking up or not. It seems to be a good all around gun for those that own only the Compact, but I'm not in that situation which means it would have to be a carry gun.

 

[Linejudgemick]

I like the thinness of my XDS which was like the Shield, but the Compact seems as thick as my FS model. I'm not 100% sure how comfortable it would be IWB since most double stack handguns don't feel that great when in my usual 3:30 belt position. What I do like is the fact it can use FS magazines and I can't see buying any other Compact mags unless they're 12rds.

BTW, do the 9c 12rd. mags come in both flat base plate and with pinky extension? The bodies didn't seem any different between the two, nor did the pinky extension seem to extend the insides for the spring. I ask since a 12rd. flush fit mag would be best since I'm used to curling my pinky under subcompact baseplates.

I have an M&P9C, but as you mentioned already, it's pretty thick, so I have to have to wear a pant size larger to carry it IWB. I normally prefer to carry my Nano because it is so much thinner - more in-line with your XDS. I do like the 9C as a carry option time to time, especially when I know I'll be wearing clothes that can accommodate its girth. I feel the only carry savings between it and a full size is moderately less printing, not necessarily greater comfort. Mine came with two 12-round magazines, one with the pinky extension and one with the flat base plate. A call to c.s. and they sent me another extended one. I'm sure they would send a flat one if asked.

 

[Nakanokalronin]

I guess it might just be better to forgo the Compact all together then. I like the capacity, but carrying an extra small single stack mag works just as well.

 

[D-Hop]

I bought a mp40c for my ccw. I prefer the pinky extension and intend on carrying OWB. I prefer the feel of the M&Pc being thicker like the FS M&P. it's just more comfortable for me. If it were me I would get a 40 instead of a 9. You can then get a 9mm barrel and a 357sig barrel it's like 3 guns on one.

 

[Jyezahn]

I guess it might just be better to forgo the Compact all together then. I like the capacity, but carrying an extra small single stack mag works just as well.

You could always sell the 9fs, get the 9c, and that way you can have the compact, plus with fs mags, a full size...

 

[Nakanokalronin]

I bought a mp40c for my ccw. I prefer the pinky extension and intend on carrying OWB. I prefer the feel of the M&Pc being thicker like the FS M&P. it's just more comfortable for me. If it were me I would get a 40 instead of a 9. You can then get a 9mm barrel and a 357sig barrel it's like 3 guns on one.

I've never bought or cared for the .40 or .357sig so it would just be throwing money away by needing another barrel.

 

[Nakanokalronin]

You could always sell the 9fs, get the 9c, and that way you can have the compact, plus with fs mags, a full size...

My new FS has become my "go to" gun for the JIC situation that will probably never happen. If I did buy the Compact, it would be for IWB carry.

I just slipped my FS 9mm into an old Crossbreed holster I re-molded to fit my SD9VE and it actually wasn't too bad. I assume the Compact with the shorter barrel and grip would be even better. Hmmm....decisions decisions.

 

[D-Hop]

I've never bought or cared for the .40 or .357sig so it would just be throwing money away by needing another barrel.

Understand. I didn't care for the .40 either but bought it only because my local gun shop always has .40 ammo in stock. Origionally I was looking for a 9mm and was kinda interested in the 357sig. I will say that i have took a liking to the .40 and do not regret buying it at all. My mp40c is my favorite out of all the handguns I own. Not because its a .40 but because of the size. Either way you can't go wrong with a compact M&P.

 

[Jyezahn]

My new FS has become my "go to" gun for the JIC situation that will probably never happen. If I did buy the Compact, it would be for IWB carry.

I just slipped my FS 9mm into an old Crossbreed holster I re-molded to fit my SD9VE and it actually wasn't too bad. I assume the Compact with the shorter barrel and grip would be even better. Hmmm....decisions decisions.

You would assume correctly!

 

[Justin69]

I have both the f/s 9 & 9c. Love both of them. Get the 9c!

 

[Arik]

Im not a big fan of the Shield type guns. I would sell the Shield and buy the compact

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[Nakanokalronin]

Im not a big fan of the Shield type guns. I would sell the Shield and buy the compact

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk 2

I sold the Shield awhile back when I tested it against my XDS. It was a tough choice on which one too keep, but the XDS has that little bit extra that I liked.

I think I may have to go back to my LGS and ponder over it again. They have it on hold so I know it will still be there....maybe maybe...

 

[PHATSPEED7x]

I first bought a m&p22 to just plink with. A month later I added a m&p9 fullsize since I traded my xd9 tactical and wanted another fullsize 9mm. Then I found a buyer for my glock 26 gen4 and got the m&p9c for carry. It's nice having the same form of gun in the collection. Love the smith and wesson m&p line of pistols...

 

[Nakanokalronin]

Well I think I'm going to get a 9c, but I'm going to wait and find one for a decent price that includes 3 mags. My LGS didn't have the best price, but it was nice to see it in person before buying.

 

[PHATSPEED7x]

I paid $499.99 each for my M&P9, and M&P9C. I paid $349.99 for the M&P22. I'm just glad my dealer was able to get a steady supply of M&P during the crazy times. And it's the only line of firearms that didn't see a price spike in his cases...

 

[Justin69]

Well I think I'm going to get a 9c, but I'm going to wait and find one for a decent price that includes 3 mags. My LGS didn't have the best price, but it was nice to see it in person before buying.

I bought my 9c a month ago for $519 with 2 mags included. I'm still not sure if that was a good or bad price. But I love the gun!!