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Why bother with a Full Size M&P 45 M2.0
- Thread starter rckt
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Another reason to opt for a longer length is sight radius. It's good to have choices on firearms with different options and configurations. It certainly has provided many interesting threads here in this section of the forum, especially with regards to some of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd gen S&W pistols.
One half inch, one way or the other, doesn't affect concealibility. Its width and height that have more of an affect. I too prefer full-size handguns whenever possible. A quality holster, a belt intended for concealed carry and the avoidance of hip-hugger trousers go a long way in allowing the carrying of a full size gun with relative comfort.
My carry guns include a Browning Hi-power and a Glock 19. The Glock isn't exactly full size but close.
I have the M&P .45. It it is my go-to gun for home defense, Its equipped with a red-laser sight.
My carry guns include a Browning Hi-power and a Glock 19. The Glock isn't exactly full size but close.
I have the M&P .45. It it is my go-to gun for home defense, Its equipped with a red-laser sight.
Eski
Member
The way I look at it, I’d be saying why bother with the compact? With the size being so similar, I’d definitely go for the longer barrel.
geeollie
Member
Ballastic advantage:
After pouring over ballistic tables and gel tests it is my belief (based on sight not faith) that the longer barrel gives many defensive rounds the ability to perform at their very best. For a home defense unit a full sized M&P 45 is my no compromise choice.
Well maybe a slight compromise in "just" 10 rounds but there is a higher capacity factory magazine available.
After pouring over ballistic tables and gel tests it is my belief (based on sight not faith) that the longer barrel gives many defensive rounds the ability to perform at their very best. For a home defense unit a full sized M&P 45 is my no compromise choice.
Well maybe a slight compromise in "just" 10 rounds but there is a higher capacity factory magazine available.
OP
rckt
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You are correct but I did not see that section. Isn't a M&P also a SW semi-auto?
As for the answers posted, I can't see how a 1/2 inch in length make any significant difference. Oh well, I have the shield, deciding on FS vs Compact. Thank you for you opinions.
Here you go Smith & Wesson M&P Pistols/
vigil617
US Veteran
Sure, the OP's question is about the M&P45, but in a larger sense, it could apply to any models for which there are full-size, compact, and even sub-compact versions.
When he asks why bother with a full-size when a compact is a better fit in some ways, my response is, "Why bother with big girls when there are smaller girls out there?"
To each his own answer to that one!
When he asks why bother with a full-size when a compact is a better fit in some ways, my response is, "Why bother with big girls when there are smaller girls out there?"
To each his own answer to that one!
kbm6893
SWCA Member
I used to carry a Glock 19. Always outside the waistband because I felt it was too big to carry inside waistband. As I got older, for me it’s all about size and weight, and even the Compact guns are too big to comfortably carry unless I’m wearing a jacket. So the M&P .45 Compact is too big for me to carry. I have a Compact 9 and haven’t carried it once. I do have an OWB holster for it but just never use it. In retrospect, I should have gotten the full size. I have the M&P 2.0 and like it very much. Great range gun.
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rckt
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Good comments, think I am going with the compact so if I wish I to carry I can even though it would be more difficult than a shield. I haven't shot a M&P 45 yet. I hope it is as smooth as my SA XDM 45. With the compact, I could still use the 14rd mag for home defense. Just my opinion.
HOUSTON RICK
Member
While you are looking, you might want to check out the S&W Model 340 PD Airlite. It is a 5 shot 357 Magnum/38 special revolver, but it is incredibly easy to carry.
OP
rckt
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Actually sold my SW .357 5 shot chiefs special years ago, no fun at the range but you can't beat .357. I am standardizing on .45, sold my glock 40's. Guess I am getting older than I must be old school
I don't need guns in every caliber, trying to keep it less than 5 maybe 6 or 7. Tough to sell guns but helps me convince the wife.
It is good to have choices when you open the safe. Besides what would Goldilocks say or do if she opened you safe and had but one choice?
I shot and carried the mid-size (same slide as compact) in plain clothes and the full size in uniform for a few years. I liked the shorter for carry but I always felt like the full size had noticeably less muzzle rise so I carried it when I could. I don't know if everyone would feel it, I just know I did and I'm not particularly picky. Never shot a compact but think the smaller grip would change the leverage for control in the .45 and the full sized grips fit me.
Why bother with either size and why in 45 ACP?
Two similar guns
I felt more comfortable with a bigger bullet, I already reloaded .45 ACP, and .45 was required for the CDP class in IDPA competition. I had been shooting 1911s in IDPA but decided to shoot one action all the time to get the most practice with it and could not carry a 1911 on duty. I bought the mid-size thinking I'd use it for work and competition. Then, I decided the tiny bit of weight out front and sight radius might help in matches so I bought the full size and wound up carrying it in uniform also. Plus, I like to have two like guns in case one goes down or I need a part. Still do but its full-size and Commander sized more often now.
I felt more comfortable with a bigger bullet, I already reloaded .45 ACP, and .45 was required for the CDP class in IDPA competition. I had been shooting 1911s in IDPA but decided to shoot one action all the time to get the most practice with it and could not carry a 1911 on duty. I bought the mid-size thinking I'd use it for work and competition. Then, I decided the tiny bit of weight out front and sight radius might help in matches so I bought the full size and wound up carrying it in uniform also. Plus, I like to have two like guns in case one goes down or I need a part. Still do but its full-size and Commander sized more often now.
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