My first M&P

[phantom9]

For the story, I went to take a CWP class and was given the M&P FS 9mm to use and I loved it from the very beginning. I had shot a glock 19 previously and just hated the way it felt. I found a great deal on a full size 9mm and will probably buy one in a little less than 2 weeks. I am extremely excited but keep going back and forth between the full size and compact.

My first question is that I am 6 feet tall, about 165 and an athletic build. How hard is it to conceal the full size, and what holsters would you recommend for IWB carry? I would prefer Kydex, I think. I don't think I will be carrying every single day, but I will try to as much as possible. If you think printing would be an issue for my body type/ full size gun, then would a compact be the way to go?

Thanks for the help. I have been doing a lot of lurking and researching, but there are so many holsters for so many body types and I am getting lost here. Glad to be a part of the S&W family (officially in a week or so..)!

 

[Bkreutz]

If I could only have one (or had to choose which one first) it would be the compact. I carry one every day. I also have a full size and a 5" Pro Core. I prefer the full size for range and competition but carrying one concealed would be a challenge. (if the weather gets real warm, I break down and carry an LCP but that's not often). I found that the Compact without the "pinky rest" base was easier to conceal as well, amazing what that little bit of plastic missing will do.

 

[jent]

I would recommend going the compact route, it will be easier and more comftrable. The biggest reason someone stops carrying is because of either comfort, or it limits what they can wear (ie too difficult).

The big issue you will find with the full size will be the longer grip. I find it very hard to conceal long grips.

I personally am 6', 200lb, and carry the 9c very easily. I just need pants that are a size too big, and a t-shirt that is a bit on the long side. But I feel comftrable walking around with a single light weight shirt. I carry IWB, at about the 4 o'clock position.

Hope that helps.

 

[Mcwsky09]

I am going to buy one (or more) from thees guys - IWB Holster | Comfort-Tuk, LLC. | Concealed Carry Holster

Have seen them a the local gun show a number of times - but because they are so big I couldn't see how they could be comfortable - the last show I stopped and talked to them - and even tried one on with a dummy gun - and they got it adjusted - and it was surprisingly comfortable - and provides good retention - and hides the gun very well if adjusted right.

It was comfortable standing and sitting - of course on the right side in a car with a seat belt and a small gun it might be a bit tough to draw in an emergency.

As for concealment - the seller had a full size 1911 under his shirt and if he hadn't shown it to me I would not have notice and I was standing 3 feet from him.

My brother tried on on for a Glock 26 (or something close to that) and at first when he sat down the bottom of the grip did stick out noticeably - after some adjustment it only barely stuck out - and was only noticeable because we all knew exactly what were were looking at and where to look.

I would have bought one on the spot - but all my funds that trip were allocated to reloading supplies - will be getting one very soon though.

 

[Brucenterry]

If you go w/ the 9c, and get some full size mags, you'll have the best of both worlds!

Enjoy and welcome to M&P land.
Bruce

 

[DreamingOfAFreeState]

I'm over 6 foot tall but I conceal the full size M&P9 no problem using an Alien Gear IWB holster.

 

[supan0va]

the compact grip size is nice vs. the full size when you are in the car. and as mentioned the full size mags work for the compacts.

 

[phantom9]

I found a pretty good deal on the 9c and think I will probably go that way. I got to shoot a shield this past weekend and although it shot nice, I didn't like the feel of the single stack. I think I will go with the 9c now and maybe later get a full size.

 

[Donn]

I've got all three, (FS, 9c and Shield). If you can only afford one, get the Compact. It shoots like a dream, conceals better thanks to a smaller grip and shorter barrel. And if you feel the need for more capacity, using grip extensions it'll accept full size mags.

 

[bmb96mus]

I've got all three, (FS, 9c and Shield). If you can only afford one, get the Compact. It shoots like a dream, conceals better thanks to a smaller grip and shorter barrel. And if you feel the need for more capacity, using grip extensions it'll accept full size mags.

I agree with donn. I have a compact and a shield, sold my FS. The compact has more options then the shield. And u can always purchase an extended mag with an x grip. And when ur not wearing as many layers the compact does hide easier. Im 6'2'' leaner 195 lbs and wear more fitted clothes. Just my 2 cents and what I've noticed so far anyway. Good luck with your decision!

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