Compact or Full for CC

dirtyspe1901 · March 4, 2013, 12:27 AM

Looking to purchase a gun that I would primarily use as a CCW. My main issue is that I have rather large hands so the many of the compacts do not fit comfortably in my hand. I have looked at the S&W M&P 9 and .40 both full and compact versions.

Any advice on which to go with? or maybe even another model.

And yes, I understand that actually handling the weapon is the best way to figure this out but I am looking for suggestions to make it a shorter process.

Thanks

KyJim · March 4, 2013, 12:34 AM

The shorter barrel length makes the M&P Compact somewhat easier to conceal. The shortened grip frame might leave your pinky finger dangling if you have large hands, however. As a compromise, you can get the Compact version but use the standard length magazines with an extender from X-Grips like this one -- http://www.topgunsupply.com/x-grip-s...p-compact.html. I have the X-Grips extender for three of my pistols and like them (Sig P220 Carry, SW M&PC, 1911 CCOs).

Norde2AK · March 4, 2013, 03:21 AM

I second KYJim on the compact M&P with the X-grip. I have both compact and full size .40. I've carried the full size concealed for a couple years but I find myself carrying the compact with X-Grip concealed full time now. They both shoot identical as far as I'm concerned or can tell, so the compact with the full size grip is a double win. I have small hands so I use the smallest blackstrap, you would probably be the opposite, using the largest one.

ClydeFrog · March 4, 2013, 07:22 AM

There have been many advances in semi-auto pistols for carry or duty size in the last 10 years.
I'd start with a simple robust DA only pistol like the new Walther PPX in 9x19mm or .40, the Beretta PX4 Storm in 9x19mm or .40(C or constant action), the S&W SD40 or SD9 with tritium sights; www.trijicon.com HD types.
The SIG P226R or P229R has a alloy frame but is highly rated for fit in either left or right hand. The .40 or .357sig with the DAK(Double Action Kellerman).

I like the .357sig for defense or duty use(s) but the .45acp, 9x19mm or .40 are powerful & fast(vel).

Night sights & a 1913 rail are good features. A DA only design is safe & prevents bogus claims of cocking hammers or firing in a reckless way.

Learn your area's use of force & firearm laws/statues and get formal skill training.

ClydeFrog
www.nra.org www.deltapress.com www.gunsamerica.com www.sigsauer.com www.uscav.com www.berettausa.com www.shopcorbon.com www.waltheramerica.com www.gunvideo.com www.handgunlaw.us

RBid · March 4, 2013, 12:11 PM

I haven't carried anything smaller than a Ruger SR9c for about a year. When I started experimenting with carrying larger options, I quickly learned that I could carry more gun, very comfortably. I strongly recommend experimenting with carry method, location, and weapon size. After a short time, you should identify a tipping point in terms of size that you can or can't easily conceal.

TBT · March 4, 2013, 12:20 PM

I have carried a full size with no issues at all. Honestly, the grip makes some difference (enough so that I currently carry a CCO) but I've noticed no notable difference at all in barrel length and personally don't even have an interest in semi-autos with less than 4" on the barrel.

The Glock 19/CCO/M&P45C seem to be the best all around pistol size for concealed carry based on my experience. If you have large hands I wouldn't be scared of a full size though.

CharlieDeltaJuliet · March 4, 2013, 02:56 PM

I carry a full size Sig P220R. I have no issues either. I just prefer the full sized pistol to most others.

breakingcontact · March 4, 2013, 05:35 PM

Subcompact....oh wait...not a choice. Compact then.

**Spats McGee** · March 4, 2013, 05:55 PM

Do not forget to take your wardrobe & climate into consideration. If you live in Florida and are constantly wearing shorts and a T-shirt, a compact will just be much easier to conceal for most of the year. OTOH, if you live in North Dakota, usually wearing jeans and an untucked shirt, then a full-sized pistol is a lot more feasible.

Gaerek · March 4, 2013, 06:05 PM

Get a good IWB holster, and dress around the gun (not the other way around). I've concealed a Glock 21 in T-Shirt and Shorts in 110 degree weather, without trouble. It doesn't get much more fullsized than that.

RamItOne · March 4, 2013, 07:55 PM

I carry IWB the M&P full size no issues

USA SHARK · March 4, 2013, 08:17 PM

I live in Illinois and we are slowly working towards a shall carry bill that will hopefully get the last state in the union in line with our 2nd Amendment and concealed carry.

I have a full size Ruger SR40 and SA XDm 9mm. I like them both and was wondering if I would have to buy a compact or subcompact to conceal. I'd prefer not to buy a carry only handgun if I can comfortably carry the full size. I am encouraged by the remarks of many that a full size is a viable option.

Biner · March 5, 2013, 02:44 AM

I carry an M&P 40C or a M&P Shield 9mm, depending on what I'm wearing. I carry IWB, so the extra thickness of the 40C is noticeable to me (a relatively skinny guy). Although I prefer shooting with the extended mags on each gun, I carry with the shorter mags. I find I still shoot about as accurately with either mag (just more comfortably with the longer ones), and equally important, I find I can conceal them better. When concealing, the barrel length (for me) is less of a factor than the length of the grip/mag. I carry a P226 OWB on occasion, and it's the grip that I have to worry about hiding, not the barrel.

the jigger · March 5, 2013, 11:43 AM

Over the years I have carried S&W 640, Glock 23, Witness compact, XD9 sub-compact, and currently carry a 1911 commander. The commander is comfortable, accurate, and fits my large hands. There are many out there so I don't have any brand recommendations;however my two are a Colt model 70 and an American Classic by Metro Arms.

drail · March 5, 2013, 11:53 AM

The Commander has always been the perfect size and balance for me. But I don't own one any more so I carry a Govt. model. With a good belt and holster it can be carried all day with comfort. And it's a little easier to hit with for me. If you come across a 9mm Commander that hasn't been hacked on, buy it.

March 4, 2013, 12:27 AM	#1
dirtyspe1901 Junior Member Join Date: March 3, 2013 Posts: 1	Compact or Full for CC Looking to purchase a gun that I would primarily use as a CCW. My main issue is that I have rather large hands so the many of the compacts do not fit comfortably in my hand. I have looked at the S&W M&P 9 and .40 both full and compact versions. Any advice on which to go with? or maybe even another model. And yes, I understand that actually handling the weapon is the best way to figure this out but I am looking for suggestions to make it a shorter process. Thanks

March 4, 2013, 03:21 AM	#3
Norde2AK Junior Member Join Date: January 28, 2013 Posts: 3	Compact or Full for CC I second KYJim on the compact M&P with the X-grip. I have both compact and full size .40. I've carried the full size concealed for a couple years but I find myself carrying the compact with X-Grip concealed full time now. They both shoot identical as far as I'm concerned or can tell, so the compact with the full size grip is a double win. I have small hands so I use the smallest blackstrap, you would probably be the opposite, using the largest one.

March 4, 2013, 07:22 AM	#4
ClydeFrog Junior member Join Date: May 1, 2010 Posts: 5,797	Ergonomics DA-only pistol, carry... There have been many advances in semi-auto pistols for carry or duty size in the last 10 years. I'd start with a simple robust DA only pistol like the new Walther PPX in 9x19mm or .40, the Beretta PX4 Storm in 9x19mm or .40(C or constant action), the S&W SD40 or SD9 with tritium sights; www.trijicon.com HD types. The SIG P226R or P229R has a alloy frame but is highly rated for fit in either left or right hand. The .40 or .357sig with the DAK(Double Action Kellerman). I like the .357sig for defense or duty use(s) but the .45acp, 9x19mm or .40 are powerful & fast(vel). Night sights & a 1913 rail are good features. A DA only design is safe & prevents bogus claims of cocking hammers or firing in a reckless way. Learn your area's use of force & firearm laws/statues and get formal skill training. ClydeFrog www.nra.org www.deltapress.com www.gunsamerica.com www.sigsauer.com www.uscav.com www.berettausa.com www.shopcorbon.com www.waltheramerica.com www.gunvideo.com www.handgunlaw.us

March 4, 2013, 12:11 PM	#5
RBid Senior Member Join Date: March 10, 2012 Posts: 1,059	I haven't carried anything smaller than a Ruger SR9c for about a year. When I started experimenting with carrying larger options, I quickly learned that I could carry more gun, very comfortably. I strongly recommend experimenting with carry method, location, and weapon size. After a short time, you should identify a tipping point in terms of size that you can or can't easily conceal. __________________ Currently Own: Beretta PX4 9mm, Glock 23 (Gen 4), Glock 19 (Gen 4) x2

March 4, 2013, 02:56 PM	#7
CharlieDeltaJuliet Senior Member Join Date: July 25, 2012 Posts: 755	I carry a full size Sig P220R. I have no issues either. I just prefer the full sized pistol to most others. __________________ " The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in Government...." - Thomas Jefferson

March 4, 2013, 12:34 AM	#2
KyJim Senior Member Join Date: July 26, 2005 Location: The Bluegrass Posts: 9,142	The shorter barrel length makes the M&P Compact somewhat easier to conceal. The shortened grip frame might leave your pinky finger dangling if you have large hands, however. As a compromise, you can get the Compact version but use the standard length magazines with an extender from X-Grips like this one -- http://www.topgunsupply.com/x-grip-s...p-compact.html. I have the X-Grips extender for three of my pistols and like them (Sig P220 Carry, SW M&PC, 1911 CCOs).

March 4, 2013, 12:20 PM	#6
TBT Senior Member Join Date: January 24, 2005 Location: Pittsburgh Pa Posts: 971	I have carried a full size with no issues at all. Honestly, the grip makes some difference (enough so that I currently carry a CCO) but I've noticed no notable difference at all in barrel length and personally don't even have an interest in semi-autos with less than 4" on the barrel. The Glock 19/CCO/M&P45C seem to be the best all around pistol size for concealed carry based on my experience. If you have large hands I wouldn't be scared of a full size though.

March 4, 2013, 05:35 PM	#8
breakingcontact Junior member Join Date: October 25, 2012 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 736	Re: Compact or Full for CC Subcompact....oh wait...not a choice. Compact then.

March 4, 2013, 05:55 PM	#9
Spats McGee Staff Join Date: July 28, 2010 Location: Arkansas Posts: 8,821	Do not forget to take your wardrobe & climate into consideration. If you live in Florida and are constantly wearing shorts and a T-shirt, a compact will just be much easier to conceal for most of the year. OTOH, if you live in North Dakota, usually wearing jeans and an untucked shirt, then a full-sized pistol is a lot more feasible. __________________ I'm a lawyer, but I'm not your lawyer. If you need some honest-to-goodness legal advice, go buy some.

March 4, 2013, 06:05 PM	#10
Gaerek Senior Member Join Date: October 3, 2012 Location: Arizona Posts: 939	Get a good IWB holster, and dress around the gun (not the other way around). I've concealed a Glock 21 in T-Shirt and Shorts in 110 degree weather, without trouble. It doesn't get much more fullsized than that.

March 4, 2013, 07:55 PM	#11
RamItOne Senior Member Join Date: May 24, 2011 Posts: 990	I carry IWB the M&P full size no issues __________________ M&P- the other dark meat https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/pet...rtant/DJyvnHz0

March 4, 2013, 08:17 PM	#12
USA SHARK Member Join Date: November 25, 2012 Posts: 37	I live in Illinois and we are slowly working towards a shall carry bill that will hopefully get the last state in the union in line with our 2nd Amendment and concealed carry. I have a full size Ruger SR40 and SA XDm 9mm. I like them both and was wondering if I would have to buy a compact or subcompact to conceal. I'd prefer not to buy a carry only handgun if I can comfortably carry the full size. I am encouraged by the remarks of many that a full size is a viable option.

March 5, 2013, 02:44 AM	#13
Biner Member Join Date: May 3, 2010 Location: NM Posts: 56	I carry an M&P 40C or a M&P Shield 9mm, depending on what I'm wearing. I carry IWB, so the extra thickness of the 40C is noticeable to me (a relatively skinny guy). Although I prefer shooting with the extended mags on each gun, I carry with the shorter mags. I find I still shoot about as accurately with either mag (just more comfortably with the longer ones), and equally important, I find I can conceal them better. When concealing, the barrel length (for me) is less of a factor than the length of the grip/mag. I carry a P226 OWB on occasion, and it's the grip that I have to worry about hiding, not the barrel.

March 5, 2013, 11:43 AM	#14
the jigger Member Join Date: May 26, 2012 Location: Central Florida Posts: 78	Carry? Over the years I have carried S&W 640, Glock 23, Witness compact, XD9 sub-compact, and currently carry a 1911 commander. The commander is comfortable, accurate, and fits my large hands. There are many out there so I don't have any brand recommendations;however my two are a Colt model 70 and an American Classic by Metro Arms. __________________ GOOD LUCK and GOOD SHOOTING!!! If you're gonna get old you better be tough;Gettin' old ain't for sissies!!

March 5, 2013, 11:53 AM	#15
drail Junior member Join Date: February 2, 2008 Posts: 3,150	The Commander has always been the perfect size and balance for me. But I don't own one any more so I carry a Govt. model. With a good belt and holster it can be carried all day with comfort. And it's a little easier to hit with for me. If you come across a 9mm Commander that hasn't been hacked on, buy it.