The compact is a marked improvement in regard to quality and design. Compact has a much better feeling safety, smoother with a very positive detent in both positions. The full size safety feels mushy and uncertain. Takedown on the compact is also better since you do not have to pull the takedown lever out away from the frame after rotating it down like is required for the full size. Also the compact has a captive recoil spring and metal guide rod versus the loose recoil spring and plastic guide rod of the FS. The compact magazines are also nicer although they hold two fewer rounds.
