Accuracy compare: M&P full size vs M&P compact

[oboe]

I'm discovering the challenges of concealed carry of a full size pistol. I can see that shorter barrel and grip can make a significant difference in concealability and comfort. I carry S&W M&P 9mm full size.

So I'm thinking: What's the accuracy comparison with the M&P 9mm in full size and compact? Say, at 7 yds, 15 yds, 20yds?

Also, how much more concealable and comfortable would the compact?

 

[mrt949]

Owned both fullsize and compact in 40 SW. I liked the compact and sold the fullsize .The compact handled better for my cc.

 

[Hangingrock]

At spitting distances who’ll notice the difference. As the distance increases the longer sight radius of the full size would normally tend to make a difference.

 

[catnphx]

At spitting distances who’ll notice the difference. As the distance increases the longer sight radius of the full size would normally tend to make a difference.

I agree with this statement.

I've got both the FS 9 and 9c and love them both for different purposes. I often carry the 9c in its Crossbreed Supertuck but use the FS 9 (with TLR-1) for my HD pistol. A double stack is more difficult than a single to conceal but at least the 9c has a shorter grip. The 9c does the job for me when I wear a loose, untucked shirt.

 

[9mmepiphany]

There is no inherent difference in accuracy. The difference is how they balance/hang in your grip and how you perceive the sight alignment...as well as how your hand fits on the shorter gripframe of the Compact. There are many people who shoot better with a shorter sight radius because the sighting errors are less obvious...you don't see the movement errors as clearly/obviously.

I don't personally think the Compact is that much easier to conceal than the FS...I have handled both extensively...and I wear my CCW OWB. When I need something smaller, I lean toward something like the Kahr CW9 or Springfield EMP

 

[catnphx]

When I need something smaller, I lean toward something like the Kahr CW9

Me too ... when the 9c is too much, then my CW9 or J-frame are my usual next options.

 

[Ben86]

So I'm thinking: What's the accuracy comparison with the M&P 9mm in full size and compact? Say, at 7 yds, 15 yds, 20yds?

None. Only a difference in velocity, and not a big one at that. You may shoot one better than the other, most likely the full size. A full size gun to me means lower recoil, longer sight radius and a nice full grip to control recoil. Most guns are inherently more accurate than you or I could ever shoot them.

Also, how much more concealable and comfortable would the compact?

If done right, not as much as you might think. The full size M&P9 is my EDC. The grip is a bit longer than the compact model, but still conceals well under a t-shirt using an IWB holster. I see no point in carrying the compact sized model, even though I could borrow my wife's M&P9C if I wanted to do that. If I want something smaller I go with my Kahr PM9, that's a considerable size difference. For some people that are "comfort sensitive" carrying a full sized gun everyday is an unbearable burden, and that's fine. I myself hardly notice the weight.

 

[ElrodCod]

It'll vary from gun to gun. I had a MP9 and a MP9C. The Compact shot smaller groups than the fullsize with the same ammo.

 

[PPS43]

Sight radius on fullsize M&P is 8% longer than on the compact.

One needs to shoot a lot of ammo under controlled conditions to reliably detect 8% difference in group size.

 

[millertyme]

I have both the full-size and compact in .40SW and the first time I took them out shooting I found I was more accurate with the compact, but that both the guns shot well and I was able to get on target out to 25 yards or so with either of them.

 

[jolly roger]

I have an M&P 45 Compact. It's every bit as accurate as the full size M&P 45.

 

[Hangingrock]

PPS43:Sight radius on fullsize M&P is 8% longer than on the compact.

I thought it to be more. Something like 12% but I could be wrong.

 

[Steve CT]

I owned both in 9mm. Both with decent accuracy and very comparable out to 25 yards, neither one as consistent and accurate as the S&W Model 59 that replaced them

 

[LotI]

Having both CZ75 SP-01 with a 4.72" bbl and a CZ75D-PCR with 3.8" bbl I find the compact easier to conceal because of the grip, not the barrel.

That being said, I recently found out my practice handload is more accurate our of the PCR than the SP-01. The shorter barrel gives up less than 100 fps.

 

[Apocalypse-Now]

At spitting distances who’ll notice the difference

this.