M&P 2.0 or 2.0 Compact for carry

[brianc401]

Hi All,
I own the M&P 2.0 and love it for the range and IDPA. But, I haven't bought an iwb holster for carrying yet because I'm thinking about buying the compact for carrying and just reserving the full size for the range and competition.
Does anyone own both the full size and compact version even though they're only 1/4 inch different in length and height? I've held and shot the compact and love it. But, I'm not sure if that 1/4 inch really makes that much of a difference or I'm just getting too excited about a new gun and I'd be wasting my money.
If it helps, I'm 6'1" and about 190. I'm in CT where I'd be wearing a jacket or coat 1/2 the year. But, once I'm inside the the jacket comes off, I wud think the compact is easier to conceal (I'm a T-shirt guy indoors all year 'round) and more manageable when carting my 3 and 6 yr old after school and on wkends.
One idea I thought of was to keep the full size to modify for IDPA and keep the compact stock for defense. But, it might also be beneficial to train IDPA with the same gun I carry to become proficient at one firearm. But, that might be a whole separate topic? Idk But, before I continue to type whatever thoughts come to mind, I'll stop and say thanks in advance for your help!

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

On a IWB holster you won't notice 1/4". Inside a pocket you will (unless your pockets are just huge!) I have carried an original 9c both ways without notice, comment or discomfort.

Ivan

 

[multistage]

I've got a 2.0 compact.

4" barrel and 15+1 capacity. Other than a 640, the 2.0 is all I carry anymore.

 

[Smoke]

I carried an M&P for 3 years with no problems. Galco OWB holster

 

[brianc401]

I carried an M&P for 3 years with no problems. Galco OWB holster

Those are good looking holsters. Not sure I'm willing to go Owb when I have kids, though.

 

[Smoke]

Those are good looking holsters. Not sure I'm willing to go Owb when I have kids, though.

I don't see the difference. Having the barrel inside your pants won't stop them from grabbing the grip

 

[jejb]

Use your current FS for carry, since it's practically the same size as the 2.0 Compact. Then buy a 5" FS for IDPA/Range.

 

[Arik]

I don't have those but I do have the G17 and 19. Not much difference on paper but its noticeable when carrying.

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

 

[brianc401]

Use your current FS for carry, since it's practically the same size as the 2.0 Compact. Then buy a 5" FS for IDPA/Range.

I've actually thought about that, too. A 5 in wud be nice for IDPA. But, I've also considered (if I'm going to compete with a 5in) trading in my full size M&P for the compact just for the very slight difference in weight. 2oz, right?

 

[brianc401]

I don't have those but I do have the G17 and 19. Not much difference on paper but its noticeable when carrying.

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

That's what I was figuring. Do you only carry the G19 and reserve the G17 for competition/range?

 

[Arik]

That's what I was figuring. Do you only carry the G19 and reserve the G17 for competition/range?

Yes.

I have carried the 17 and of course it comes down to how you dress and your style of dress but I found the 17 grip stuck out more thus harder to conceal. Barrel length wasn't an issue for iwb but it did come further down enough that I eventually it would wear holes in my pants from rubbing against seats

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

 

[Motorsporting]

I have a 5", 4.25", and 4". The compact is easier to conceal, but not much. The grip makes the difference in concealability, not the barrel length. IMHO, sell your 4.25", and buy the 5" and 4". I rarely use/carry my 4.25" anymore. If you buy the right holster/belt, all three are easily carried. I have a Comp-Tac Minotaur, and it fits all three sizes (plus my 1.0c); it's comfortable and very concealable.