re: So I have finally settled on a Smith and Wesson M&P for my first hand gun

I don't think that gun is considered a compact in the marketplace. The M&P 9c is a subcompact like the P2000sk.

My P2000 is the same size as the USP compact was, and in general I think of it as a compact pistol.



I have since put the large grip on the back so the grip is even fatter. I put my off hand thumb pad on the grip to control recoil and the large back gives me a bit more room. Outside of barrel length it feels like a full size gun.