4.25" Vs 5"

Brettitt41 · Jun 11, 2012

Those that have shot comps or just have an opinion, would a relative amateur notice the difference in accuracy shooting a 4.25" barrel or a 5" one in comps? I am thinking of trying some local comps and would need to purchase an appropriate firearm and the M&P 9/9L or 40/40L are my choices. Just wondering if there would be enough difference to sway my decision one way or another.

Bigeyes · Jun 11, 2012

If you strickly using the gun for competition, I would recommend the 5". If for multipurpose (competition, hd, range work...), I would recommend the 4.25". I purchase the M&P9 Pro 4.25" and extremely happy with my decision.

BE

SW CQB 45 · Jun 11, 2012

Bigeyes said:
If you strickly using the gun for competition, I would recommend the 5". If for multipurpose (competition, hd, range work...), I would recommend the 4.25". I purchase the M&P9 Pro 4.25" and extremely happy with my decision.

BE

I don't mean to change the direction of this post but it brings up a question that I think the OP won't mind.

BE....is a Pro that much better than a standard M&P? what is the main difference? I am about to buy a M&P9 4.25 but want to buy the right one.

TIA

Bigeyes · Jun 11, 2012

SW CQB 45 said:
I don't mean to change the direction of this post but it brings up a question that I think the OP won't mind.

BE....is a Pro that much better than a standard M&P? what is the main difference? I am about to buy a M&P9 4.25 but want to buy the right one.

TIA

I have no first hand experience with the standard M&P9 but I am in total satisfaction with the M&P9 Pro 4.25". For the price difference, I'll pick the Pro again over the standard (night sights, upgraded sear, and the special engraving "Pro Series" on the slide). Or you can go with the standard and upgraded with Apex's parts.

BE

air8 · Jun 12, 2012

I'm leaning towards a standard. Solely based off people not being impressed with a pro series trigger.

As for length...hard decision for me.

krdshrk · Jun 12, 2012

I went with the 5" - Longer sight radius = easier for me to get accurate hits at longer ranges.

M&P1 · Jun 12, 2012

Go Long

I own both and if I had to do it over I would get the long and replace the sights and add apex trigger enhancements.

air8 · Jun 13, 2012

I did a comparison test last week. I have an XDM 5.25 9mm. My buddy has an M&P 4.25" 9mm. From 25yds(75ft) was able to hit a swinging 4" steel disk the exact same amount of times. I was 17 of 17 with the M&P with three different mags. And I was 17 of 19 with the XDM through 3 mags. I might've been too relaxed with my own XDM and that's why I missed. But performance wise I noticed no difference.

This wasn't super speed shooting but also wasn't super slow. Probably near 1 second per shot.

I'm still so torn that I might end up with a 9L and a 4.25" by the end of 2012. On one hand I'd like to have the 9L to go along with the XDM 5.25. But I'd like the 4.25 for home defense and winter carry (heavy clothing).

I need to quit thinking and just pick one. LOL.

SurgicalShark · Jun 13, 2012

Most of us end up with apex in our M&P's anyway. I have the 40pro 5" and 40fs, both have apex in them. The pro has a better trigger setup than the standard bit apex makes it amazing!

M&P 40/357/9mm, M&P 40 PRO, M&P 22

jgreiner · Jun 13, 2012

SW CQB 45 said:
I don't mean to change the direction of this post but it brings up a question that I think the OP won't mind.

BE....is a Pro that much better than a standard M&P? what is the main difference? I am about to buy a M&P9 4.25 but want to buy the right one.

TIA

Yes, IMO. The trigger is far superior, better seer, and better sights. I have the 5" pro, and a dearly LOVE the front Fiber Optic site for target shooting. I have gotten good enough with it that I can go to the range, and at 10 yards, shoot out the center of the silhouette target by shooting a circle around it. Seriously. It is that accurate. A cop in the next lane nearly crapped his pants when he saw that. And asked to shoot my MP. I had him try the different backstraps first, he settled on the medium (I shoot with the large). After 15 minutes he was sold.

I JUST purchased a Sig Sauer rail mounted laser site for it that I am going to try out this weekend (was on sale for $24).

SW CQB 45 · Jun 13, 2012

M&P1 said:
I own both and if I had to do it over I would get the long and replace the sights and add apex trigger enhancements.

I decided to go LONG!!!!!!!

Dang if Buds LE Guns is on back order!

mcracco · Jun 14, 2012

You absolutely want the 5" for competition. If you like the trigger and sights that come with the Pro then that is a bonus. But the 9 Pro 5" is still not in great supply so you either wait or go the GunBroker route. Or do what I did; but a 4.25" and use it till the 5" comes in (7 months). Both guns are setup exactly the same and I consider the 4.25" my spare should the 5" go down.

g_conway · Jun 15, 2012

Aside from the longer sight radius, the extra nose weight will ad stability and a quicker second shot. If you are not going to CCW, I would go for the 5".

I tried finding one for over a year, hard to get in CA.

4.25" Vs 5"

Brettitt41

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Bigeyes

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SW CQB 45

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