4.25" or 5" For Competition?
- Thread starter HillTop
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fltbed
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- Jul 4, 2011
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The only measurable difference will be velocity. The ¾” longer barrel will normally give you slightly higher velocities, so it‘s easier to make power factor. (unless you get one like mine that has a slow barrel)
Some (like me) prefer the longer sight radius and balance of the 5” model. Sights are no big deal as most shooters replace them by the end of the first year with something they like better. Much like your preferred drink, It doesn’t really mater, as long as it works for you.
Have you decided what division you want to play in? Most use a 9mm for Production division as it keeps ammo cost’s down. (everything gets scored as “minor” regardless of caliber) For Limited division, the 40 has a distinct points advantage. (major caliber)
Hope this helps.
Jeff
Some (like me) prefer the longer sight radius and balance of the 5” model. Sights are no big deal as most shooters replace them by the end of the first year with something they like better. Much like your preferred drink, It doesn’t really mater, as long as it works for you.
Have you decided what division you want to play in? Most use a 9mm for Production division as it keeps ammo cost’s down. (everything gets scored as “minor” regardless of caliber) For Limited division, the 40 has a distinct points advantage. (major caliber)
Hope this helps.
Jeff
robkarrob
Member
The biggest benefit is the sight radius. That 3/4 inch difference is a large amount and makes it much easier to attain the sight picture with the longer barrel. Just take a 3, 4 or 5 inch barrel. The distance variation between the front and rear sight is huge. The larger the sight radius, the easier to be accurate.
The pros could out shoot most, with a 3 inch barrel, but they use the longest sight radius they can, so they are not shooting with a disadvantage.
Bob
The pros could out shoot most, with a 3 inch barrel, but they use the longest sight radius they can, so they are not shooting with a disadvantage.
Bob
Wee Hooker
Member
Worth mentioning is that the Pro comes with a improved factory trigger and the upgraded FO sights. Some will still tinker with it but I think it's pretty sweet right out of the box. If you buy the basic M&P, your likely going to spend time and $ upgrading both features anyway.
FWIW, owning both, I believe the Pro is $ better spent and will retain a higher resale price and desirability.
FWIW, owning both, I believe the Pro is $ better spent and will retain a higher resale price and desirability.
crofoot629
Absent Comrade
I don't know about M&P's, but with 1911's recoil springs last much longer in 5" guns. Not to mention the obvious benefits of sight radius and velocity.
Emory
Emory
Maddmax
US Veteran
I have both (9's) and have shot comp and didn't find enough difference to really matter. Longer sight radius is better though.
The M&P Pros both use the same recoil spring, which is flat wound and lasts far longer than 1911 recoil springs.
As to bullet speed with the longer barrel, that matters for USPSA, but not for IDPA, which specifies the ammo will make power in the longest barrel legal for the division, not the gun being used, necessarily.
That means if your ammo makes power in a 5" barrel, you can shoot it in a compact without penaly in IDPA.
The 5" barrel gets my vote. Best chance of making power. I have the 9mm Pro and the 40 Pro, both 5". I shoot Production and Limited minor. I really wanted the L model because I knew I was going to get toys for them. But could never find one so got the Pro.
I actually came to the BB looking about info on the M&P Shield and had to get in my vote.
I actually came to the BB looking about info on the M&P Shield and had to get in my vote.
