Full vs. compact? I’m pretty heavy. 230lb. This gun will be in the nightstand 70%, range 25% and concealed 5% of the time. My hands are med-lg. This will most likely be carried at 3:00 or 5:00-6:00 outside the pants. (they’re tight enough already)
I was able to rent the fs 9mm at the range the other day, but no compact for me to try.
My worthless opinion is if you’re going to carry it only occasionally is to go with the full size. You won’t have a problem concealing it.
Caliber choice is another issue 
I carry my HK45 in a Comp Tac Paddle OWB Holster. Plus I’m 145. Buy a fullsize.
With a good holster, you should not have any issues carrying the FS M&P.
I’m a little heavier than you. I carry a FS for 16-18 hours every day. I have no issues concealing it or carrying the extra weight (versus my wife’s compact). If it’s primarily range and nightstand duty I’d definitely go with a fullsize (with a surefire x300) and grab a CCC Looper/Shaggy for when you want to carry.
I have both and for your mix of use, I agree - full size. If you were going to conceal more often, I’d say compact. One thing to consider is, you can always run full size mags in the compact, with or without sleeves to extend the grip. That presents the best of both worlds.
I own a 9c but that is due to 2 primary reasons: 1. I shoot 9mm M&P’s in IDPA and this allows me to use the same magazines, etc. 2. We do not have CCW in Wisconsin so it’s more of a target set up.
However, the second we get CCW I’m buying an M&P 45c; I think they might be the perfect carry gun… large enough to get a solid grip but small enough to conceal.
I’m 5’11 225lbs and have no problems concealing my M&P9c, 9 or 40 in the same Minotaur MTAC holster. http://www.comp-tac.com/product_info.php?products_id=95&osCsid=4cbc4
I am 5’9" / 180 and have no problem at all concealing this plus a spare magazine under an untucked button-down shirt.
I carry the full sized M&P 45 now… for the last 2 or 3 months. I don’t have any issue with its size. And I carry concealed a lot more than you plan to.
Full Size all the way.
You’ll fare better carrying the FS in a very good holster than anything smaller in a poor holster - so focus on getting the right holster, and the FS won’t be much of a limitation.
I’m only 5’5" & 130lbs and I could successfully carry a full sized M&P. It took a little work for me, just like when I carry a G17, but I could do it with the right holster, belt and some careful clothing choices.
If I can do it anybody can.
These days i’m out weighting you but 5’12" tall.
I prefer my 9c for carry and when it has end table duty i use a fullsized mag with
an added X-Grip mag sleeve.
NOT my gun! But i run the exact same set up.
5’6" and ~200 lbs and with a CTAC I can hide larger gripped guns under a tshirt just fine.
What brand / model holster is that? It looks pretty slick.
I’m a midget and I carry a full size every day.
Jay
Obviously, carrying any handgun is better than stupidly having nothing available for an emergency. However, here is simple question: if you have to defend your life, which one would you rather use, the full-size or compact? Having gone through the trouble to become properly trained, get authorization to carry a weapon either via LE employment or civilian CCW licensure, why would anyone choose to rely on a less capable weapon system–after all, it only your life, your loved ones, and innocent bystanders who may suffer from a poor decision…
I’d only go with a compact in extreme retarded liberal places like Cali. If I REALLY needed it hidden.
For most states, even ones with printing, you really have to be trying HARD to actually get in trouble. Get the full size. For deep concealment get a snub revolver.
Can you post some pictures? I need to go get some new clothes. I need to go find heavy shirts. All of mine are very thin and catches the top of the gun and gets hung up.
I’m 5’9", 170 and can CC a G21. You should easily be able to carry a FS M&P