Compact vs. Large Frame?

[tom slick]

I've decided it's time for a polymer frame semi-auto, probably .40 S&W. I'm not going to CCW, is there any other reason to buy a compact size?

I'm leaning toward the S&W M&P and I'm reading a lot of great reports about it. I know Bill in Utah certainly loves his.

Any other polymer frame pistols I should consider? I have an indoor range with a wide variety of rentals to try out. My short list is Ruger P95, Glock 22, Springfield XD, Something similar in Sig, and just for the heck of it, H&K USP.

 

[Steve S]

Add a S@W mod99 to the list to try. I would go full size since it is not for CC but try them all and see what suites your fancy.

 

[Colt45ws]

If you not going to CC, I'd go for full size.

 

[Bill in Utah]

I've got a P94, both sizes of S&W M&P in .40 S&W and have had both the Glock 22 and 23 (which I carried for many many years) and a Sig P229 in .40 so I have some experience.

I shoot at least once a week. Try to shoot my CCW and home defense weapons at least once a month.

My Sig broke its frame within 1000 rounds and Sig did replace it. A lot of guys were having same issues with their Sigs so I sold it for a Glock 22.

The Glock 22 is a fine weapon but I do like the M&P more. Problems I had with the Glock was the unsupported barrel and it not liking lead. Plus I've seen a few Kabooms made me not miss my Glocks.

The Ruger is a tank. Shoots very well and will shoot anything you put in it. Once it had about 500 rounds in it the trigger really got nice and smooth. I like the Ruger for going out and punching paper or targets.

If I was not going to carry the weapon I'd get a full size M&P. The compact is nice and shoots well, but the full size is easier to control and a little more accurate for targets.

I'm not really into HK or the XD as they are made out of the country and with the clowns all it will take to ban weapons and parts from overseas mfg is a one person (and more than one person has the power) to sign on the dotted line which is something that can happen VERY easy...

I have shot the XD and they are not bad. Still like the M&P better. I've handled the USP but never shot one.

So I'd say either the P95 or M&P would be on my short list. The P95 being not a striker so you do have on some models to get DA/SA for targets. The M&P is the same pull from the first to the last.

Hopefully this helps.

Take care, bill

 

[cos]

I agree with the above posters, you're probably better with a full size. That being said I had a P95 and loved it. It's probably the best bang for the buck in the 9mm world. You also might want to look at the new Ruger SR9, it is a very impressive piece.

 

[Win]

I also prefer full size frames to compacts (and so does my wife). They are just easier to shoot, imo.

I would certainly take a look at the H & K USP. I have one in .45 and it is a fine weapon, easy to shoot (they claim some type of recoil reduction system) and very, very, accurate. The barrel is supported, and the frame is reinforced at critical points. I believe you get what you pay for in an HK. The negative is if you want to get tacticool stuff, HK uses a unique rail, although adapters are available.

Can't comment on the .40 version.

In addition to the polymers already mentioned, you might also want to consider the Walther P99. I have a P99AS in 9mm and it is also a fine weapon, very accurate, fits well in the hand, and feels very much a quality piece like the HK, for several hundred less. It does come in a .40.

 

[47HO]

Any reason for the polymer? I mean, if you are not carrying, weight wouldn't be much of an issue.

 

[HyperJinx]

If you are not going to CCW, there really is no reason to consider a compact. I suggest the Springfield XD

 

[joel95ex]

smaller = shorter sight radius = more difficult to be accurate=not accurate?=bad guy still up=you in trouble

 

[tom slick]

I went to two local gun shops today and fondled their goods but didn't get any range time. One shop is geared toward LEO and the other toward hunting so the variety was a bit limited. The M&P certainly feels good in your hand. Too bad the XDm isn't CA legal for civilians, it is a really nice piece. The salesman was busy telling me what he likes rather than the benefits/features of each pistol. Good news is one shop with a range and a good selection of the ones I'm most interested in to try out. They wave the range and rental fee if you buy from them.

Any reason to have the extra "thumb" safety on the M&P?

The reason for a polymer frame is "why not?" I already own steel and aluminum. It may end up being carried, just not concealed.

 

[Bill in Utah]

Originally Posted By: tom slick


Any reason to have the extra "thumb" safety on the M&P?



IMO no. Good holster plus keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to go is the best safety.

It will not go off if you drop it.

Bill

 

[jsharp]

IMO, forget all of the guns listed but 2. See if you can shoot a Glock 22 and an M&P to compare. I'll be surprised if you don't like the M&P better.

This coming from a Glock owner.

 

[joel95ex]

the thumb safeties on the M&P, taurus, and XD45 were put there to meet a military/law enforcement requirement----not that all LE agencies require a manual safety, but I do believe the military does, and there was talk about replacing the beretta---and one of the requirements on the spec list was a manual safety.

 

[priler]

i tend to be a little reserved nowadays when it comes time to give advise on guns since everyone tends to have strong feelings one way or another,but i will tell you this.

it seems to me that what your looking for is some other flavor from what you already have.there's certainly nothing wrong with that.that's what make life interesting.

the m&p tends to be a fine gun.all of the original problems with them were ironed out a long time ago.(initial teething)there was a time when they were dropping mags needlessly and had several other issues,but that was a long time ago and different problems sometimes tend to be common from ANY manufacturer with a new gun.

i can tell you straight up,that s&w has one of the best customer service in the industry along with CZ.(unlike some others)of course,there are always exceptions when someone has a bad day.the point is,you can feel confident in buying a s&w product.

a compact polymer,in combination with,the 40s&w,doesn't make the best combo,but that's just me.if you've been shooting the 40s&w and don't find it snappy and have no problems with it,then GO FOR IT...don't worry about what other people think.

i do tell people to try and stick to the same manual of arms,as much as possible, when it comes to there weapons.with pistols,i started a long time ago with DA/SA,so that's what i like to stick to,but that's just me.there's a huge difference between target practise and actual self defence where adrenalin is pumping and your instints will probably take over.

hope this helps.

the 2A rules! once that's gone,it's all down hill from there!

 

[tom slick]

Priler, You hit the nail on the head. I don't own a combat/police style pistol and I'm looking for something a different than what I have. I've decided on large frame no matter what I model I go with. I'll buy something else if the time comes that I need something smaller.

Side note:
S&W is offering 40% off to active and retired military right now.

Unfortunately for me my military connections are too far away so fees and shipping eat almost all of that discount up.

 

[msparks]

I just bought a Glock 17 this past week.

Currently have an XD 45 and was going through the same choice. I didn't like the feel of the M&P, was just going to get another XD when the guy showed me the glock. It has the new RTF rough texture frame, and had a good price tag. I chose the Glock, it felt the best in my hand.

Can't wait to shoot it.

Good luck in your choice, how a days, it's hard not to choose a good one, there are so many out there.

 

[msparks]

PS,

I prefer full sized or compact grips but full length barrels.

My Glock is full sized.

My XD is a Compact, which has a shorter grip. (not the subcompact)

 

[KW]

I have a couple of Kahr pistols. A P380 and a CW40, both are nice and light. Even though the P380 is tiny it fits my hand well and the CW45 has less recoil than my full size 1911.

 

[cousincletus]

I have big hands and do not carry, so I prefer the large frame 9mm's. I have a blued Ruger P95 (a little over $250 new at the gun show). It had 2 misfeeds when it was new (before 100 rounds was shot thru it), but after that, no problems. I've probably shot a little under 500 rounds in the gun so far. The rear sight can be adjusted (loosen the allen screw, then slide the sight right or left), but is considered fixed sights. Real easy to field strip.