M&P 2.0 FS or 2.0 compact

brianc401

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Hi All,
I enjoy shooting both the M&P 2.0 full size (4.25) and the 2.0 compact. I already own the full size and I was thinking about buying the compact for carry and using the 4.25in barrel for IDPA. But, maybe I don’t need both? Does anyone had any experience with the M&P 2.0 compact in IDPA or find the full size easy to carry? The 1/4 in difference technically isn’t much. But, it really does changes the whole feel.
I’m 6ft and 190 (in decent shape). With a coat on, I cud hide anything. But once I’m indoors, I like wearing short sleeve shirts all year ‘round and could never switch to wearing a sweatshirt or I’ll sweat way too much.
Thanks for your help,
Brian
 
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I have been using my 2.0 Compact in both IDPA,and USPSA with no problems and am not any disadvantage.I also carry it.
 
I don't have either one, but I've handled them in gun shops, and my preference is for the Compact. That's just me, though...I usually prefer the shorter barrel lengths. For example, I have a Commander 1911, which I prefer over the Full Size models.

Conventional wisdom says that the grip length is the primary factor in concealment. I don't recall the difference, offhand, but if there's not a big difference in grip length, then you should be able to carry the FS as easily as the Compact.

Of course, if you need a good "reason" to buy a Compact, then by all means it will be easier to carry. ;)
 
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I have been using my 2.0 Compact in both IDPA,and USPSA with no problems and am not any disadvantage.I also carry it.



Thanks! Do you use the compact for ssp Division IDPA? Or the CCP? Do you compete to win or just improve your skills for self-defense? Just curious. I’ve only competed a few times and haven’t decided which way to focus. I’m assuming if I go the 2.0 compact route, it’ll just be for training since guys with the 5in barrel will have a huge advantage in the ssp division and most guys in the CCP have their guns highly modified.
Sticking with one gun saves a lot of money, though.....& frees up funds for modifications and 1 on 1 privates.
 
I don't have either one, but I've handled them in gun shops, and my preference is for the Compact. That's just me, though...I usually prefer the shorter barrel lengths. For example, I have a Commander 1911, which I prefer over the Full Size models.

Conventional wisdom says that the grip length is the primary factor in concealment. I don't recall the difference, offhand, but if there's not a big difference in grip length, then you should be able to carry the FS as easily as the Compact.

Of course, if you need a good "reason" to buy a Compact, then by all means it will be easier to carry. ;)



True. An extra 1/4 inch long grip theoretically isn’t that much more to conceal. But, when I hold the compact, that 1/4 inch is surprisingly significant. But, just in case I cud be subconsciously fishing for an excuse to just buy another gun, I’m really thinking through this one. Lol
 
I carry a shield 1.0 9mm and a 2.0 4.25" full size. While the shield just disappears when I carry it (with a tlr-6 in a tulster iwb) the 2.0 disappears well also (inforce apl-c in a Cleveland kydex custom iwb). I enjoy carrying my full size because of how comfortable it is to shoot and it tucks into me nicely. If I carry it a few days and go to the shield I feel like I'm not even carrying lol. If I were to buy again I'd skip both and get the compact in 9mm with night sights and an apl-c light and call it a day.

With that said, I say just carry the full size and if money is burning a hole in your pocket I highly recommend the apex duty/ carry kit. Maybe a light and your choice of sights? And some ammo/ range time?
 
I just bought the m2.0 compact two weeks ago. Just took it to the range a couple of times. Haven't completed with it yet. It carries just like a Glock 19, they are identical in size. It's also lighter than the full size (2 Rds, 1/4 in length, 1/2in grip less)

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I carry a shield 1.0 9mm and a 2.0 4.25" full size. While the shield just disappears when I carry it (with a tlr-6 in a tulster iwb) the 2.0 disappears well also (inforce apl-c in a Cleveland kydex custom iwb). I enjoy carrying my full size because of how comfortable it is to shoot and it tucks into me nicely. If I carry it a few days and go to the shield I feel like I'm not even carrying lol. If I were to buy again I'd skip both and get the compact in 9mm with night sights and an apl-c light and call it a day.

With that said, I say just carry the full size and if money is burning a hole in your pocket I highly recommend the apex duty/ carry kit. Maybe a light and your choice of sights? And some ammo/ range time?



Thanks! Very helpful!
I wud consider trading in my full size and getting the compact if it’s really worth it. I’m starting to think it might be. I’ve been pocket carrying the shield for a while. But I’m not a fan of the single-stack anymore. Excellent for comfort and concealment. But not enjoyable at the range. So, with very little range time, I’m selling it to a friend.
 
Thanks! Very helpful!
I wud consider trading in my full size and getting the compact if it’s really worth it. I’m starting to think it might be. I’ve been pocket carrying the shield for a while. But I’m not a fan of the single-stack anymore. Excellent for comfort and concealment. But not enjoyable at the range. So, with very little range time, I’m selling it to a friend.
I like my shield for that reason. Odds are you'll never have to discharge a firearm so why discomfort yourself. The shield can be carried comfortably and protect you as well. You lose some hand real estate with the compact from the full size but not much in barrel length. Still a good chunk of the full size's size to carry though, so does it be fit you from the position you're in now? If I were in your position id keep what I have. If I were selling both to only own one, id get the compact.
 
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I like my shield for that reason. Odds are you'll never have to discharge a firearm so why discomfort yourself. The shield can be carried comfortably and protect you as well. You lose some hand real estate with the compact from the full size but not much in barrel length. Still a good chunk of the full size's size to carry though, so does it be fit you from the position you're in now? If I were in your position id keep what I have. If I were selling both to only own one, id get the compact.



True about the odds.
Thanks!
 
I would keep the Shield. There are times when it is so easy to slip it into a pocket and feel you are armed even though w/ a lower round count. Summer will be here shortly along w/ summer clothing.
 
In my opinion it"s just what your willing to get used to. I carried single stacks for 3 years before for a made the switch to compact double stacks (the last two years). With a good iwb holster, and a little time, I "forget it's down there" just the same. Granted, odds are against having to use ypur weapon - but I'd feel more at ease having 16 rounds rather than 7. It seems more common these days that you may be facing multiple thugs, gang members, or terrorists than the "good 'ol days" when you only had too worry about just a solo purse snatcher. I wear my all the time in all four seasons.
 
In my opinion it"s just what your willing to get used to. I carried single stacks for 3 years before for a made the switch to compact double stacks (the last two years). With a good iwb holster, and a little time, I "forget it's down there" just the same. Granted, odds are against having to use ypur weapon - but I'd feel more at ease having 16 rounds rather than 7. It seems more common these days that you may be facing multiple thugs, gang members, or terrorists than the "good 'ol days" when you only had too worry about just a solo purse snatcher. I wear my all the time in all four seasons.
I guess it depends the state you live in. I can only carry 10, so the difference between the shield and full size isn't much. I carry an extra mag anyways. If it were shield 8 vs 2.0 17 or whatever they are at full cap, I could see the argument. I forget people are allowed to carry more than 10 outside of ct...
 
Oh, that's right, I forgot about that. I guess I'm comparatively spoiled living in a relatively free state of Ohio. If that"s the case I'd probably go with the Shield. P.S. - typo in my last post - Shield holds 8 with flush mag and one in the chamber (I put down 7). Unfortunately really matters in blue states....
 
Buy the compact. When you want the extra finger space add one of the spacers to a 17rd mag and you're good :D
 
I have a gen 1 FS that I carry, but just purchased the 2.0c and will soon be carrying it instead. Unfortunately it will not fit in my incog holster and they are not making them for the 2.0 yet. It does fit in my other holster though but it’s not my favorite for carry (also fits in my owb holster), so will have to find an iwb holster for it first.
 
Lots of great info here.

Picking up my 2.0 9C today and already have a Knightfall Customs A/IWB holster en route. I’ve heard good things about them and will give a review once I’ve worn both a while.
 
Can’t load pics right now but here comes my review of the Knightfall Customs A/IWB light bearing (Inforce APL gen 3) holster.

It’s OK.

Clips and Raven claw look like they’re from a home kit. Kydex is not vacu-formed (or rather not very well), again methinks it’s a home kit using an oven, there are no positive retention “clicks” or secureness like on my Incog or Black Point Tactical IWBs. I have yet to receive my Inforce APL which may help on the retention side but I’ve worn other holsters without a light and had better retention or the same retention with or without the light mounted in the holster (ie Black Point Tactical). Kydex cuts are ok, but could have been cleaned up better: there are some edges that unnecessarily touch parts of the slide which will cause premature wear. Some of the attachment and retention screws are rusty.

All in all, I could have gotten a Kydex home kit and did the same job or better.

I paid nearly $90 shipped, so my expectations were higher considering the quality from my Incog and BP Tactical holsters and priced similarly. I could make it work but I’d have to invest more time and money into a holster I’m not real confident in. Looks like the search for an IWB holster continues.

I think I may go T-Rex Raptor or back to BlackPoint Tactical. I had good luck with BP and hear good stuff from T-Rex on their Raptors or Sidecars.
 
Thanks! Do you use the compact for ssp Division IDPA? Or the CCP? Do you compete to win or just improve your skills for self-defense? Just curious. I’ve only competed a few times and haven’t decided which way to focus. I’m assuming if I go the 2.0 compact route, it’ll just be for training since guys with the 5in barrel will have a huge advantage in the ssp division and most guys in the CCP have their guns highly modified.
Sticking with one gun saves a lot of money, though.....& frees up funds for modifications and 1 on 1 privates.

I shoot SSP and I am not at any disadvantage to the 5" guns.
 
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