TexasCHLforum.com

I've come to realize that in Texas, ounces matter in a CCW and pounds really matter. I had been planning on carrying an officer 1911, but when comparing weights, I soon realized there is almost a full pound difference between an officer 1911 and a full-size M&P9.

So, that got me re-thinking what to carry when I want a larger gun (KelTec PF9 will be normal weekday/workday/9-5 gun); maybe I need to think harder about my M&P. But my realization of lighter is nicer (not necessarily "better") for carry has led me to wonder if the M&P9c is what I should look at. It's another 3 ounces lighter, still has 12+1 firepower (almost 2x the PF9) and is only 4" tall.

I own the full-size. Would I be gaining anything as far as concealability by swapping for a compact version?

Q

I regurlarly carry the M&P9 and it's rarely a problem. I carry a 1911 during the colder months.

The only issue I really have with the M&P9 i'd have with any gun, is that it causes sweat and stuff to collect when its hot out. I'm considering getting a mousegun for those months.

I carry my M&P9c in a Tucker pancake holster. I like it for carry better then my standard M&P9 because the grip is shorter making it easier to conceal.

I can't answer bout M&P pistols, but my primary carry pistols these days are my alloy framed 3" Kimber, and my steel framed 5" Springfield. I've found that carrying the 5" in a Galco Concealable Belt Holster (OWB) not only conceals well, but it is very comfortable. I carry the 3" pistol in an MTAC Minotaur, and as comfortable as that is for an IWB holster, the Galco OWB holster is really top notch, and I don't really notice the weight of the pistol that much.

The secret to concealability, for either pistol/holster combo, is an untucked, loose fitting shirt.

I own and carry the M&P 9 fullsize. This is from carrying a RIA 1911 compact which was from a Springfield 1911 GI.

I don't have much of a problem. I would recommend using a 13/4 inch wide belt versus the usual 11/2. It made a world of a difference.

I chose the fullsize M&P because IMO I felt that the compact model was TOO small.