I bought the 40c maybe 2 years ago....so far I love the gun and carry it often. The gun just seems to fit my hand perfect. I worked a little OT this last weekend and have $600 or so to spend. I was thinking of picking up a fullsize. To anyone who has both would there be any reason to buy the fullsize when you already own the compact?
Any reason to buy full size M&P
- Thread starter cbr6864
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BrianE
Member
I owned a 9FS and a 9C and I'd say no... I'd purchase something else you might like or some more ammo 
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I have a M&P 45 and a Shield 9. I would buy a revolver. Well that's what I did. For range time I shoot the M&P's for practice and then for fun and enjoyment the revolvers. Even my Glock loving 24 year old has caught revolver fever over the last year.
retired_diver
Member
I think I would go with a CORE model. why not??? It would be totally different from your 40c. I think they are very nice, just depends on your "itch" mentioned above.
I bought my 9c about 2 years ago. I just happened to catch a good deal about 4 months ago. Now I have a fullsize for range and HD. Now just waiting on a good deal on a Shield and I'm set. The problem I have is that now my daughter wants to shoot the fullsize all the time. 
B0308
Member
crb6864,
Don't own any .40s, but can compare experiences with Colt Officers models, Commanders and full sized 1911s and Glock 26,19,17s.
I found and it is generally accepted that most shooters will find the larger models easier to control, get better longer range accuracy and as a bonus, increased magazine capacity (in general). Depending on your size and body type, you may or may not find it more difficult to conceal. YMMV
If you want a revolver or different semi, go for it. In the interim, maybe try borrowing or renting a full size M&P .40 and see if get improved performance.
Don't own any .40s, but can compare experiences with Colt Officers models, Commanders and full sized 1911s and Glock 26,19,17s.
I found and it is generally accepted that most shooters will find the larger models easier to control, get better longer range accuracy and as a bonus, increased magazine capacity (in general). Depending on your size and body type, you may or may not find it more difficult to conceal. YMMV
If you want a revolver or different semi, go for it. In the interim, maybe try borrowing or renting a full size M&P .40 and see if get improved performance.
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I think it depends on what you're hoping to get from the FS. If you're looking for it to be 'better'than what you have and a possible replacement as a carry gun, it sounds like you might be disappointed since you like the C so much already.
If you're looking to add to the collection that's a totally different story.
If you're looking to add to the collection that's a totally different story.
I don't quite fit your parameters but I do own the full-size MP.45, mainly because I have other carry guns and I use the M&P primarily as an HD gun and range plinker. Once you take concealment out of the equation, there's no advantage to a miniaturized handgun.
Lovin' the .45!
I've owned my M&P .45 full size for just under a year now, and have 'softened' it by throwing over 1,200 rounds through it at my local outdoor range. I've used almost every brand of .45 acp ammo available with it with absolutely NO problems whatsoever, with the single exception of steel-cased TulAmmo rounds (Russian made) - in that case, I had only 2 non-fires, but they DID fire perfectly when recovered and replaced in a magazine.
I found my M&P to target low and to the left at first, but when I switched to the small backstrap, my 2-hand grip became more comfortable, and I began hitting the target centers every time. (I have big hands - the small backstrap allowed a more solid layover of my fingers, and seemed more solid - but you know - whatever works for you.)
Coolest part about a full-size auto like this is the awe you'll get from other shooters at the range that are plinking 380's and 9's. When they hear(feel) the boom from a .45, you just get this s__t-eating grin on your face.
Recoil on the M&P .45 isn't NEARLY what I thought it'd be... quite controllable, and somewhat similar to a .40, although all I've ever used are 230 grain FMJ and JHP. Good enough for me.
I am a large enough guy that I can actually USE this pistol for concealed carry, but am considering a 45c.
All in all, I LOVE my M&P .45!
I've owned my M&P .45 full size for just under a year now, and have 'softened' it by throwing over 1,200 rounds through it at my local outdoor range. I've used almost every brand of .45 acp ammo available with it with absolutely NO problems whatsoever, with the single exception of steel-cased TulAmmo rounds (Russian made) - in that case, I had only 2 non-fires, but they DID fire perfectly when recovered and replaced in a magazine.
I found my M&P to target low and to the left at first, but when I switched to the small backstrap, my 2-hand grip became more comfortable, and I began hitting the target centers every time. (I have big hands - the small backstrap allowed a more solid layover of my fingers, and seemed more solid - but you know - whatever works for you.)
Coolest part about a full-size auto like this is the awe you'll get from other shooters at the range that are plinking 380's and 9's. When they hear(feel) the boom from a .45, you just get this s__t-eating grin on your face.
Recoil on the M&P .45 isn't NEARLY what I thought it'd be... quite controllable, and somewhat similar to a .40, although all I've ever used are 230 grain FMJ and JHP. Good enough for me.
I am a large enough guy that I can actually USE this pistol for concealed carry, but am considering a 45c.
All in all, I LOVE my M&P .45!
BobC357
Member
I got the FS because it fit my large hands better than the C. Like others, for fun and sport, I break out the revolvers.
There are no rules on what's right for anybody. Get what works for you and you'll be happier.
There are no rules on what's right for anybody. Get what works for you and you'll be happier.
diggler1833
Member
Not having one is a good enough reason for me to get one a lot of the time.
I own a M&P40 and M&P9C, so I didn't get the same caliber.
I own a M&P40 and M&P9C, so I didn't get the same caliber.
MichiganScott
Member
I carry a 9C and have a 9FS that sits in the bedside table with a weapons light, extra mag, flashlight, etc., for when things go bump in the night. The FS also gets used for a range gun on the theory that the additional weight will make what little recoil there is less abusive over the course of a day.
Ranger17
Member
I've had a 9c (was a good deal that i couldnt pass up) since spring but always use a fs mag in it when at the range. While for me and my skill level a fs may not offer any add'l accuracy then what i have with the c, i've had my eyes set on the fs two-tone kit at Cabelas and could see myself someday adding that (as a second 9mm or replacing the c) to my tiny/growing collection. May not make me a better shooter, just find it a nice looking piece.
my .02 of course
Smith & Wesson M&P Two-Tone Handgun Kit : Cabela's
my .02 of course
Smith & Wesson M&P Two-Tone Handgun Kit : Cabela's
Thanks for all the comments I think I'm going with the M&P 45 fullsize. As of now I use one of my 1911s for back up while hog hunting which works great but it's taking a beating. I sold off my glock 21 as the grip was so large I couldn't control the gun. I know with modern ballistics all 9/40/45 are about equal but just something about a 300lb charging you makes you lean towards that big 45.
Thanks again
Thanks again
chiro972b
Member
I love my shield so much that I want a full size 9mm now. Seems like a good enough reason to me! I would say go for it.
I've had a FS 9 for about 2 years. It's my bedside gun. Came upon a deal on a compact that I just couldn't turn down. It's perfect for my SUV. I keep a full size mag in it and pop in a standard size if I need to carry it while looking at land.
Both are great and shoot well.
Both are great and shoot well.
scattershot
Member
I had the 40 and the 40c, and sold the fullsize. I wish I had kept it and sold the compact, since it makes more sense for what I do with the pistol. I don't see any reason to have both,FWIW.
I have since bought the 45c, amd I like it better than either of the 40s.
I have since bought the 45c, amd I like it better than either of the 40s.
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Congrats. I had a Compact 9, outfitted it with the Apex Duty/Carry kit and a front night sight. After a year or so with it I decided to move to the full size. I found I could conceal it as easily and I shot it better. Moved the Apex to the Compact, added Ameriglo "i dot" sights and sold the Compact. Not looking back.
Regardless, for this old 1911 guy I really feel S&W nailed it with the M&P line.
Regardless, for this old 1911 guy I really feel S&W nailed it with the M&P line.
