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

quote:

---

He mainly means a handgun with a long sight radius and a full grip, AKA 4"+ barrel with a full grip. The compact has a 3.5" barrel and a compact grip. While it is a good gun, it's still not the same as a full size.

Full sized guns are just easier to shoot, handle, aim, etc. Smaller guns are more difficult to shoot.

---

That's pretty much got it. As an example, I helped one of my friends pick out a self defense gun recently. He ended up w/ a Glock 19. The Glock 17 is the full size gun, but he didn't like the way it fit in his hand w/ the longer grip "hanging out the bottom." In addition, my Commander size 1911 (4 1/4" barrel) balances in my hand a lot better than does the GI size (5" barrel). If that 4 1/4" M&P fits your hand well and is available, get it!