Why buy a Compact?

[RETSMSGT]

I recently traded off my HD and CC guns and bought an M&P 40FS and a Shield 9. Unfortunately, I had to send my Shield back to S&W for repair which leaves only my 40FS as a CC option. I thought maybe the 9c would make a good CC option while the Shield is away. I compared the FS and 9c side by side at my LGS and don't really see where buying the 9c really has much of an advantage over my FS. I have a nice leather OWB holster for the FS and it is fairly comfortable to carry, but much harder to conceal than the Shield. Other than the fact that you can never have too many guns, and it would feed the M&P addiction, what am I missing about the pros of the compact? It seems like an odd fit between the FS and Shield.

 

[Arik]

Shorter grip makes it easier to conceal under a shirt, shorter slide and grip along with a shorter mag make for less weight so it's lighter to carry.

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[RobzGuns]

Plus... The M&Pc can (in the same caliber) use the mags from your FS (if need be).

Rent/Borrow/Try one before buying and see if it shoots well in YOUR hands.

 

[Badkarma 1]

I look at the compact the same way I look at say a 6906, SIG P228, or Glock 19. Small versions of the full size service model. The term "dual role" comes up here, it can be both and off duty piece as well as a duty gun, it will as said above take the bigger guns higher capacity mags, mimic the bigger pieces controls and features, plus the C model doesn't seem to have issues.
I like the Shield as a BUG or pocket gun, the C strikes me as a better tool for a out fighting piece. But if you hide the full size piece then I wouldn't worry about it.
Dale

 

[The Sarge]

Shooter preference. Some like a single stack pistol like the Shield focusing on small. Others like the wider grip of a double stack, more rounds, and ability to use FS magazines so those would choose the 9C Really all three have their place and use in combination with different carry attire and conditions. Bill

 

[Blue9]

That little bit of difference between the FS and c feel and conceal much differently. The c model is lighter, more comfortable, and conceals quite a bit better (especially with the flat mag).

 

[Danno_man]

Personal preference. I do t care for sub-compact guns and have no issue carrying a FS in an AIWB holster.

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[Justin69]

I don't think there are ANY "cons" to wearing a C.

 

[uechikid]

I had been chomping at the bit for the CA approved shield to show up but, after reading numerous threads about issues with the shield and people having to send them back for repair I bought a 40c. My wife has one. It really isn't hard to conceal and it's easier to control than the shield in .40 S&W.

 

[MSG Glenn]

I've always wondered why I have both an M&P40 FS & an M&P40C. I carry the FS about 25% of the time & about 1/3 of the time that I carry the compact I have an FS mag in it. I still like the way the compact carries a bit better than the FS & when I carry it with the 10 round mags it conceals easier. I carry OWB for now but I'm thinking of getting an IWB holster soon. The reason I got the compact is only because the FS is 4 years old & I didn't want to add a gun with another one that was identical. At that time I was told that to get a Shield at the LEO/Military price I might have to wait a year.

I only have 5 holsters & all of them accommodate both the FS & the compact.

I'm glad I have both the FS & the compact & no longer have any desire to buy the Shield. My next gun will be an M&P45C.

 

[RETSMSGT]

Thanks for all the input. I really like the M&P platform which is why I traded my mixed brand HD/CC guns and bought the 40FS and Shield. Really like the idea that the battery of arms is the same no matter which gun I grab. Sounds like the best reason to buy a compact is "because I want another M&P"

 

[Wee Hooker]

I recently traded off my HD and CC guns and bought an M&P 40FS and a Shield 9. Unfortunately, I had to send my Shield back to S&W for repair which leaves only my 40FS as a CC option. I thought maybe the 9c would make a good CC option while the Shield is away. I compared the FS and 9c side by side at my LGS and don't really see where buying the 9c really has much of an advantage over my FS. I have a nice leather OWB holster for the FS and it is fairly comfortable to carry, but much harder to conceal than the Shield. Other than the fact that you can never have too many guns, and it would feed the M&P addiction, what am I missing about the pros of the compact? It seems like an odd fit between the FS and Shield.

Exactly, the compact fits right between the FS and shield. It makes both of those guns obsolete . I sold my shield and last FS in favor of keeping my compact.

 

[Maximumbob54]

Because the M&P9c may just be the perfect little pistol.

 

[Hillbilly77]

what am I missing about the pros of the compact? It seems like an odd fit between the FS and Shield.

Well, the Compact isn't trying to "fit" between the Shield & the Full Size - the Compact was here before the Shield.

 

[RETSMSGT]

I got it!

The only non-M&P gun I had left was my Ruger P95DC 9mm. Since my Shield is back at S&W for repair, I took the Ruger to the range with my 40FS. I had not shot this gun since I bought the M&Ps. I am ruined! Could not stand the way the Ruger shoots after shooting the M&Ps. It got traded off for a new 9c today!

 

[timn8er]

I don't feel that the compact makes the Shield obsolete. Owning both of them, I can tell you that they fill different niches. I carried the 40c for awhile when I couldn't find a 40 Shield. It worked fine. When a Shield became available I picked one up. I was going to sell the one I felt was redundant. Funny thing happened:I kept them both! While the 40c can be carried easily, just the tiny difference in size between the two of them makes the Shield carry a LOT easier. The 40c is more fun at the range, though

 

[Smitty357]

I don't feel that the compact makes the Shield obsolete. Owning both of them, I can tell you that they fill different niches. I carried the 40c for awhile when I couldn't find a 40 Shield. It worked fine. When a Shield became available I picked one up. I was going to sell the one I felt was redundant. Funny thing happened:I kept them both! While the 40c can be carried easily, just the tiny difference in size between the two of them makes the Shield carry a LOT easier. The 40c is more fun at the range, though

I couldnt have said it any better myself.

I agree 100%

 

[RobzGuns]

I haven't fired a Shield, but I held one at an LGS. I thought it was ok, but not so much as to make me want one.

Well, you see, there's the problem... You haven't FIRED a Shield yet. Just fondling one at the counter doesn't do the Shield justice. There are lots of pistols that feel good at the counter. If you had actually put some rounds down range, you'd KNOW why people like 'em.

 

[rxer311]

I own a 9mm Shield and just picked up a 40c last week. The 40c is just as comfortable for me to carry as the Shield. I am keeping my shield for shorts and T-Shirt summer duty, but I think the 40c is going to be my new EDC. I also have a 45c and almost never carry it due to the size. For me the 40c is just the perfect size for carry.

 

[ginzo]

I have a FS .40 and a .40c, love them both, rotate them every 3-4 months, no problem cc either and I'm 5'6". As stated earlier, I have the 15 round option for the .40c if I feel it necessary.