How do civilians buy one? I’m new to S&W, I’m floating around as I consider switching from Glock to M&P. Is there a program similar to the GSSF that allows buying the blue equivalent?
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M&P 3.6" vs 4" compact
- Thread starter Gman686
- Start date
How do civilians buy one? I’m new to S&W, I’m floating around as I consider switching from Glock to M&P. Is there a program similar to the GSSF that allows buying the blue equivalent?
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The larger C size holosun is not an issue for me or my 5'-2" wife with small hands . We both reach over the optic and grasp the slide to rack ! Just not a big deal
M&P 2.0 Compact 4 inch vs 3.6 inch
I have had the M&P 2.0 9mm in the 4 inch barrel length for approx a year now and had a Holosun HE507C GR X2 green dot with the 3 reticles installed on it right after I got it. Have been comfortable with the M&P's ergonomics and accuracy.
I purchased the 3.6 inch a few months ago, not sure why it appealed to me, just does, and shoots equally well. Not much different than the 4 inch, but I just like it.
That Holosun green dot is great. Was not sure how I would take to optical sights after many decades of iron sights, but it has been an easy transition.
I have had the M&P 2.0 9mm in the 4 inch barrel length for approx a year now and had a Holosun HE507C GR X2 green dot with the 3 reticles installed on it right after I got it. Have been comfortable with the M&P's ergonomics and accuracy.
I purchased the 3.6 inch a few months ago, not sure why it appealed to me, just does, and shoots equally well. Not much different than the 4 inch, but I just like it.
That Holosun green dot is great. Was not sure how I would take to optical sights after many decades of iron sights, but it has been an easy transition.
Daryl Licht
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When I bought my 3.6" gun, my thinking was maybe 1/2" less barrel IWB could be a little more comfortable. I carry other 4" guns in the same type of holster and the shorter barrel does make a small, but noticeable (at least to me) difference in comfort.
I’ve had the four inch model for a number of years, use it for annual LEOSA certification plus some range time & never had a problem. It’s run range and self defense rounds of all kinds w/o a single malfunction. It’s a bit heavy for me to carry and is kept mostly for home defense.
kbm6893
SWCA Member
I have the full size, the compact, the compact 3.6, and the subcompact. I gotta admit the 3.6 is my favorite. Wouldn’t use it as a duty gun and I don’t even carry it since I have a Shield Plus, but the 3.6 feels better in my hand then the regular compact.
Like Old Copp above, I have been using my Compact M&P 2.0 4 inch for the last 2 annual LEOSA quals. I am really satisfied with the Holosun HE507GRX2. However, I see that Holosun now has a HE507COMP-GR model that has additional size circle reticles and thought I might try that on my new 3.6 inch. The Holosun with their multi reticle system, dot and circle , made the transition to optical sight for me very easy. It also makes grabbing the slide to cycle it easier.
I am curious if anyone has tried the new Holosun HE507COMP-GR ?
I am curious if anyone has tried the new Holosun HE507COMP-GR ?
Not on an M&P, but yes.
Optical quality is on par with the EPS Carry that I have. It doesn't have as much magnification/distortion effect as the 407/505/509 optics that I have. If it bothered you on those, you'll like the Comp better. If it didn't bother you, you'll just notice it when presented side-by-side.
Dot/circle size is largely a personal preference thing. The 8 MOA circle/dot works a lot like the big dot competition optics that some competitors prefer these days.
I would lean towards one of the smaller Holosuns for a carry/duty optic, like the 507C for concealed carry (I quite like the ACSS versions), or a 509T/508T/EPS for duty use. The Comp may not be as durable, but it's probably fine for a home defense gun.
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Anton Chigurh
Member
The 3.6 is simply easier to carry, especially appendix.
cd228
Member
I was going to put the weight difference betweent the two models up here, but when I went to the S&W LE website it had the 4.0" compact model 11677 at 7.25 inches overall 23.99oz and the 11681 3.6 inch at 6.8 inches overall and 25.9ozs! I don't understand how the shorter pistol is heavier, it might be a typo or a reading comprehension failure on my part. Both are thumb safety versions. But, I suspect that the weight and length difference between the two pistols translates into a different balance or feel in the hand.
I cannot speak directly to the S&Ws, because I'm still on GEN 1 . However, on SIG P320s I own both the 3.6 and 4.0 inch slides and find that the 3.6 feels better in the hand (a little more balanced towards the grip). I can't quantify a performance difference though. On SIG's web site, they have the 3.9 inch version as 7.25 inches overall at 26.6 oz and the 3.6 at 7 inches and 25.3 oz. That is comparing a 3.6 with a XCOMPACT grip module and the 4.0 with a Compact grip module. So it' not a completely perfect comparison.
Also, website weights and real weights aren't always the same.
I cannot speak directly to the S&Ws, because I'm still on GEN 1 . However, on SIG P320s I own both the 3.6 and 4.0 inch slides and find that the 3.6 feels better in the hand (a little more balanced towards the grip). I can't quantify a performance difference though. On SIG's web site, they have the 3.9 inch version as 7.25 inches overall at 26.6 oz and the 3.6 at 7 inches and 25.3 oz. That is comparing a 3.6 with a XCOMPACT grip module and the 4.0 with a Compact grip module. So it' not a completely perfect comparison.
Also, website weights and real weights aren't always the same.
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My 4" 2.0 Compact weighs 23.95 ounces according to my scale, very close to the 23.99 listed weight. It does not have a manual safety.
But that is WITHOUT an empty magazine in the gun.
S&W lists the weight of my OR Shield Plus at 19.3 ounces. Mine weighs 19.2 WITH a 10 round magazine.
Sometimes S&W includes the weight of the magazine, sometimes they do not.
My guess is whoever weighed the 4 inch model did so without the magazine and some other guy weighed the newer 3.6 inch version with a magazine. An empty 15 round magazine weighs 2.8 ounces.
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cd228
Member
Thanks, I'm pretty sure you are correct. I should have figured that out myself.
Have you tried carrying the 3.6? It is bigger than the Shield+ but not by much. If you shoot it better, it might be worth it.
darkpenguin_ak
Member
I prefer the 3.6". Seems like it balances better for me. Actually for carry I prefer the subcompact even more (it's also 3.6" with a 12rd flush fit) with a 15rd as backup. Between that and a full size 4.25" you're well served for any role, imho.
dirty & hairy
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I went with the 4" model.
3.6 or 4, it's a great gun.
3.6 or 4, it's a great gun.
