[JohnR]

Or is the full-size M&P 9 really that compact?

I was kinda shocked when I put them side by side.

 

[VThillman]

Hah. It's all relative, John. BTW, the barrel lengths are figured differently. The M&P length includes the chamber, the revolver barrel length does not.

 

[buster40c]

While the SP101 isn't an N frame it also isn't all that small or lightweight either. 27 oz. empty. IMO the M&P will conceal easier than the SP101 in 3". I carried OWB the SP101 327 for a short time. Compared to carrying an SR40c the Sp101 was harder to conceal due to the barrel of the SP101 would sometimes be poking out below a jacket.
S&W M&P specs
Specification

M&P9 Glock17
Capacity 17+1 17+1
Barrel Length 4.25” 4.49”
Trigger Pull 6.5lb 5.5lb
Overall length 7.63” 7.32”
Weight (empty) 24oz 22.04oz
Overall height 5.5” 5.43”
Width 1.2” 1.18”
Sight Radius 6.4” 6.49”
...............
SP101


Weight:
27.0–28.0 oz (765–794 g)

Length:
8.0″ (203 mm)

Barrel Length:
3.1″ (78 mm)

 

[airweightfourfourtytwo]

That's a "real" gun on the left.....

 

[ifithitu]

Yes it's that big,I have a SP 101 .357 Magnum 3"

 

[SavageGuy]

Yes it's that big,I have a SP 101 .357 Magnum 3"

Those are some mighty fine looking grips right there!

 

[VThillman]

The other side is where the grip got dinged when recoil tore the gun from ifithitu's hand.

 

[ifithitu]

The other side is where the grip got dinged when recoil tore the gun from ifithitu's hand.

Lol ifithitu,have some strong man hands!

 

[RedSoxRugers]

Bigger than a LCR, but smaller than a Speed Six.

17 ounces is all I want to carry on my ankle.

 

[buster40c]

I don't really like carrying on my ankle. Maybe an LCP wouldn't be so much but even an LCR isn't that comfortable in an ankle holster. By the time I got my pant leg up the BG would already have shot me.

 

[JohnR]

Bigger than a LCR, but smaller than a Speed Six.

The 2 1/4" SP101 is virtually the same size, except for the barrel of course. And the Speed Six is noticeably heavier.