M&P 3.6" vs 4" compact

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Gman686

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Im looking to buy an M&P 2.0 compact. Im sort of on the fence between the 3.6" and 4". Its interesting to me that they made them so close in size.

I have a bigger nightstand pistol (VP9) and a single stack summer carry that I like, I sort of was looking for this pistol as one I can toss an optic on (my first) and carry in winter/when wearing bigger clothes.
 
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I'd get 3.6.... It's a little lighter, will be a tad easier to carry, and you're losing a negligible amount of velocity. If your adding an optic, the slight sight radius advantage you get the 4" slide is mooted.

Unfortunately, I purchased the 4" before the 3.6" existed.
 
If you carry appendix, the 3.6 may be more comfortable. The length difference is less than 1/2". Naturally, the 3.6 is a little lighter.
 
I have one of each in 40 S&W. The 3.6" is presently converted to fire 357 Sig rounds, and has a red dot sight. It's my nightstand pistol.

The 4" is one of my carry guns. [I have a 357 Sig barrel for it too, but haven't used it.] In my mind, I more quickly acquire the target with my 4" - I know. It's in my mind, but....YMMV.

I also have a 4" 9mm Compact 2.0. I can use the same holster for both the 9mm and 40 S&W, so I alternate carrying them. Just 'cause.

Other than the barrel, every part on the two versions is interchangeable.
 
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oworthsr said:
I have one of each in 40 S&W. The 3.6" is presently converted to fire 357 Sig rounds, and has a red dot sight. It's my nightstand pistol.

The 4" is one of my carry guns. [I have a 357 Sig barrel for it too, but haven't used it.] In my mind, I more quickly acquire the target with my 4" - I know. It's in my mind, but....YMMV.

I also have a 4" 9mm Compact 2.0. I can use the same holster for both the 9mm and 40 S&W, so I alternate carrying them. Just 'cause.

Other than the barrel, every part on the two versions is interchangeable.
Click to expand...

Well...? The 9mm barrels fit in the 9mm slides, but the 40 S&W and 357 SIG barrels sure don't!:eek:

Cheers!
 
I handled both at the LGS and went with the 3.6". There is a uniqueness about that slide length and I liked how it handled better than the 4".
 
STORMINORMAN said:
Well...? The 9mm barrels fit in the 9mm slides, but the 40 S&W and 357 SIG barrels sure don't!:eek:

Cheers!
Click to expand...

The OP didn't say whether he was interested in a 9 mm, 40 S&W ro something else.

Every part in a 9mm 3.6" is identical to a 4" 9mm except the larger parts in the 4" version's slide assembly: barrel/slide/recoil spring, etc. Every part in a 40 S&W 4" and 3.6" is identical except the larger parts in the 4" version's slide assembly: barrel/slide/recoil spring, etc.. Guess I don't comprehend your comment. And the only thing that needs to be swapped to convert a 40 S&W to a 357 Sig is the barrel.

Now, did I cover everything to your satisfaction? I honestly thought my original comment was specific enough, but apparently not.
 
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I bought the M2 4" with TS and OR before I found a 3.6" rental. Buyers remorse!

The 3.6" is a dream to draw, aim and shoot.
It feels significantly lighter but I have not discovered why.
Now I believe That 3.6" is actually the LE version with night sights and the older Slimmer slide catches. Slimmer being a better carry choice (if it did not have that aggressive grip texture). Along those lines, I intend to go without the thumb safety.

Also, the slide is fairly narrow. I originally had a Holosun 507C optic but it felt too wide for my smaller hands. So, I am shopping for the thinner K version (407k).

On the other hand, I am more accurate with the 4" iron sights.
The 4" barrel length is actually 4.07". And I replaced that with the longer 4.22" (4.25") barrel.

note: I fixed the gritty trigger by rounding the striker plunger and trigger bar.
 
The added barrel length of the 4" barrel on the compact is preferred for me over a 3.6" version. We have had an early m&p 9c - old sub compact - with the 3.5" barrel and awe have 17 round mag with Xgrip an 15 rounder with an xgrip adaptor so it feels the same as the 3.6" compact and thats not what I like . The m&p9c we have was my wifes CC but is one more safe queen for some years now replaced by a p365xl with a wilson grip module added .

I have a 4" compact 9mm with TS & OR with a green circle dot added as a future CC , maybe . I find it to be a better balanced handgun then the shorter barrel version and carried just as well .

Note that its the grip length you have to deal with not the 1/2" in barrel/slide length that can cause concealment issues . If you really feel the 3.6" barrel is what you want but an optic ready model is not wanted you should also look at the sub compact model sku:12482 Or 12481 . Easier to conceal when that's an issue . The pinky extension on the 12 round mag works well for most hand size's and you can always carry longer mags with x grips added in it or as back up to 23 rounds .
I CC full 40sw or 45 .
 
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OldLefty said:
I bought the M2 4" with TS and OR before I found a 3.6" rental. Buyers remorse!

The 3.6" is a dream to draw, aim and shoot.
It feels significantly lighter but I have not discovered why.
Now I believe That 3.6" is actually the LE version with night sights and the older Slimmer slide catches. Slimmer being a better carry choice (if it did not have that aggressive grip texture). Along those lines, I intend to go without the thumb safety.

Also, the slide is fairly narrow. I originally had a Holosun 507C optic but it felt too wide for my smaller hands. So, I am shopping for the thinner K version (407k).

On the other hand, I am more accurate with the 4" iron sights.
The 4" barrel length is actually 4.07". And I replaced that with the longer 4.22" (4.25") barrel.

note: I fixed the gritty trigger by rounding the striker plunger and trigger bar.
Click to expand...

IF you going to CC the Holosun k models are not as wide. I prefer them for CC.

My question is how was the 507c messing with your grip?
 
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I had the M&P9C 2.0 4” thought it’s what I wanted for a carry gun, then I bought a M&P9SC and sold the Compact.

Then S&W comes out with the Shield plus and subcompact becomes a house gun, still a versatile carry gun but I got this thing about weight of carry guns and a Plus is lighter.

Don’t regret selling the compact as it’s more of a sidearm with weight and length compared to what I have.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
 
Gman556 said:
IF you going to CC the Holosun k models are not as wide. I prefer them for CC.

My question is how was the 507c messing with your grip?
Click to expand...
Not the grip but when I reach over to rack the slide, I keep grasping the optic more than the serrations on the slide.
 

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  • 507C overhang IMG_4935 small.jpg
    507C overhang IMG_4935 small.jpg
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If your optic fits the slide or adaptor plate well and the screws are good quality then grasping over the optic and applying pressure to it and the slide to rack is not an issue . Thats also what my wide does with her m&p with a trijcon rm02 on it for a few years and now it has a holosun 407C gr x2 . My wife is 5-2 with small hands so figure out what works for you .
 
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I use my red dots as "charging handles" on my M&P (RMR) and 320 (Romeo1). Still put my hand on the slide, like an overhand grab, but push on the optic rather than grasp the slide with my fingers.
 
The 3.6" version is not offered with the new trigger and optics ready, so I would go with the newer 4" version.

Edit: I’m wrong, there is a 3.6” Compact with the new trigger and is optics ready but it has a thumb safety; it is model #13570
 
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Threaper said:
Edit: I’m wrong, there is a 3.6” Compact with the new trigger and is optics ready but it has a thumb safety; it is model #13570
Click to expand...

Model #13613 (listed under LE/Military Products) is a 3.6" Compact with the new trigger and optics ready but with no thumb safety.
 
I prefer the 3.6", it just feels easier to conceal/carry than a 4", amazing how much of a difference 0.4" makes in that regard.
 
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