M&P 45 - which one to keep?

[moonpup]

I currently have both the FS and Compact .45 and need to clean out the stable with one of them. I'm leaning towards keeping the compact as a good all around option and selling the FS. I know with the compact I can use FS mags with the x-grips if I want a FS grip and use the standard ones when I need compact.

Do you think the extra .50 inch in barrel length on the FS makes that big of a difference in terms of accuracy and bullet velocity? Would I be making a mistake selling the FS? I have a Shield 9mm for carry, so the .45c would not be carried that much, but I like having that option. Again, just looking for opinions.

Thanks

 

[DeathF.above]

I would keep the compact. I'm pretty biased tho cuz I only have a 45c. Great size. Great gun.

 

[scwv67]

If you feel you must get rid of one, simply keep the one you shoot the best or most.

 

[MyDads38]

I would keep the compact. I'm pretty biased tho cuz I only have a 45c. Great size. Great gun.

I guess this is a "wash", but I only have the FS 45. Otherwise, I don't think the 1/2" barrel length will be a big issue. With the grip extension, you then have the mid size model.

Your call, but I think you'll be fine either way

 

[1hatchet]

Myself, the FS all the way, makes a great home defense gun in addition to a great range gun with the additional .50 of barrel length.

You already have the CC firearm covered with the Shield.

Also welcome to the forum, good people here.

 

[rbuzz]

That's a tough choice as both are great handguns. I would vote to keep the compact though because it can serve dual purposes. It could be used in a pinch in it's compact form as a backup for the Shield if it was ever necessary, and equipped with full size magazines, it's almost like having the full size handgun
It's just much more versatile. I doubt that the extra 1/2" barrel length on the full size makes much of a difference as far as accuracy, but the slightly smaller size of the compact will make a difference if you ever have to carry it concealed temporarily.

 

[GerSan69]

I'm biased toward compacts but I agree that the one you shoot better with is your keeper.
If you shoot equally well with both...guess you gotta keep both, don't ya?

 

[scattershot]

I don't think the barrel length makes any difference in this case, but the compact just fits me better. I have one, and love it.

 

[Arik]

I'd keep the FS. I dislike the compact grips on the M&P line

 

[Bozz10mm]

If you shoot the Compact well, keep it. The 1/2 inch barrel difference is negligible.

 

[MSG Glenn]

I don't have any M&P .45 cals but I have both the FS M&P40 & 40C. I haven't noticed any difference in accuracy between the two. I'm not talking sniper rifle distances but self defense distances - 21 to 60 feet. I've also found that although the compact feels more comfortable with a full size mag & X-Grip inserted there's no difference & I've also noticed that using the pinky extension on the stock mag doesn't show any difference when using the flat base on the mag. It just feels better when I have some place to put my pinky finger.

 

[scattershot]

Just to be clear, the 45 compact is bigger than the M&P 9mm and 40c. about the size of a Commander or a Glock 19.

 

[cracker57]

Not being a rich man I too have to sell a gun once in a while to purchase a new gun. I have regretted selling the the two M&P's I sold. First I sold a full size 40 for the 40C then a pro for a shield. I regret both of those sales, it's like turning your back on a friend or something. If you can Keep them both do so. You will regret selling either of them. There's my to pennys worth.

 

[B0308]

moonpup,

Since you asked... I'd keep the full sized. Up close both shot about the same, if you ever want to "reach out and touch someone" you might do better with the full size. YMMV

 

[moosedan]

I carry my full size 45 to church most of the time ��

 

[moonpup]

Thanks for the opinions everyone. I'm still torn and not sure which one to part with. I love both, but the compact seems to fit my hand better. I have played with the grip sizes, but the medium on the FS doesn't really fill my grip and the full size backstrap is too big. The compact on the other hand fits just right with the medium backstrap. Since the .50 inch barrel length really doesn't make a difference in accuracy with regards to typical defense situations (it's not a target gun), I guess the compact would be the better option.

 

[Water-Man]

Sell both and buy the M&P Fullsize w/4" barrel. Best of the bunch!

 

[Ranger17]

I was considering upgrading from my 9c to a fs 9 as my main uses are range and potential home defense. Thought the extra .75" in barrel and maybe inch or so sight line may help improve my accuracy at range distances but looks like from this thread anyway the fs and compact versions of the same caliber are pretty similar for accuracy at shorter distances (20 yds and less?).
Guess as my bro-in-law told me recently, since i got the 9c at such a good price, just hang on to it in case carry is ever needed and go buy a fs 9. Seeing as my new-to-firearms wife just enjoyed shooting the 9c for her first time, maybe having a second 9 in the family isnt a bad thing.

 

[kennyb]

I have the 45c and love it!

 

[NCavi8tor]

I carry the 45c everyday I'm off work. Love it!

NC