M&P 9 2.0 vs Glock 45

[MTC(SS)Ret]

Convinced the wife that it's time for me to add to my growing "collection" of 9MM's and during a quick visit to my small LGS I found they have a M&P 9 2.0 full size (17 round) and a Glock 45 MOS (17 round) in the display case. The M&P is priced at $549 (about average) and the Glock at $649 (seems a steal for a Glock MOS pistol).
I didn't get a chance to handle either and of course will do so before I make a decision but I have watched and read online reviews for both and they seem to be equally matched in most every respect.
This will NOT be a EDC (my Sig P365 fills that role nicely), but a home defense and fun at the range gun. I have a 9MM EZ so am kinda familiar with the S&W M&P series.

If there is anyone who has either or both of the M&P 9 and Glock 45 and would like to toss their opinions and comments my way I would appreciate hearing what you have to say.

[fmflorida]

I have owned both and M&P 2.0 (compact) and Glock 45.

I still have both, though neither sees much use.

Personally I like the M&P better due to the grip texture and how it points. It also is very nice to shoot and accurate, so is the Glock.

If you want a "kit" gun to toss parts on, try red dots, and mess around with the Glock would be better as its MOS.

[MTC(SS)Ret]

Originally Posted by fmflorida

I have owned both and M&P 2.0 (compact) and Glock 45.

I still have both, though neither sees much use.

Personally I like the M&P better due to the grip texture and how it points. It also is very nice to shoot and accurate, so is the Glock.

If you want a "kit" gun to toss parts on, try red dots, and mess around with the Glock would be better as its MOS.

Thanks for the input. I am leaning a little toward the Glock as a possible red dot gun, but still have to go hands on with both.

[M29since14]

I guess if you are interested in installing a reflex sight, the choice of the two is obvious. Otherwise, I’m firmly in the M&P 2.0 camp. The 2.0 guns are a considerable improvement over the earlier version. I’m not in the market for another full-size plastic 9mm pistol, but if I were, it would be a 2.0. My favorite of the current crop is the five-inch model, which I consider nearly perfect. The “nearly” comes from it lacking night sights. Mine is a few years old now. Maybe there is a newer model that comes with OEM night sights? The only other criticism is that I wish my gun required a bit more effort to push off-safe. The M&P thumb safety has a reputation for being mushy. If you’re not interested in a model with the thumb safety, then that wouldn’t be a consideration, of course.

[hyena]

Glocks don't feel right in my hand. Smiths do.

[Kanewpadle]

There is an M&P 9 Compact that is optics ready.
M&P M2.0 Compact | Smith & Wesson

[ladder13]

I’d get the Smith. Glocks just don’t fit my hands at all.

[Rob613]

I love my G45, added night sights and a Talon grip. Usually it wears a TRL-7 as my HD gun.

I’d carry it if I could have 17 round mags but with only 10 in it, carrying it doesn’t make sense.

[derek45auto]

for me, the M&P points perfectly, just like the 1911 and 2011 guns I've been shooting since a kid.

the glock has a awkward grip angle that doesn't work for me.

I guess if I started out on a Glock, I'd think the opposite

The M&P comes with nice Novak style STEEL sights.

Steel vs plastic mags.

I respect the Glock, but I LOVE the M&P

My M&P at +90yards

YouTube

[Sheepdogged]

I've had six M&P's and six Glocks. The M&P's point slightly better if I forget to cant my wrist (shooting a variety of pistols). It's rare, but it happens. The M&P texturing and ergonomics is superior, but I don't mind Glocks personally. Neither points as well as my SIGs or Beretta PX4 Storm. There is plenty of aftermarket support (e.g. sights) for both, but far more with the Glock (I love the Ameriglo Bold sights but they are not available for M&P). I slightly prefer the Gen 4 Glock triggers (not the Gen5), but the M&P is still excellent. The finish of the Gen5 Glock is superior (but the M&P is better than Gen4 Glock). If you end up going with M&P, go over the pistol with a fine tooth comb looking for quality control issues before taking possession of it. In my experience Glock has better quality control, but it's largely cosmetic on M&P's. Personally I am a DA/SA guy these days and prefer my SIG P229 and Beretta PX4 Storm to both by a long mile.

[Old cop]

I was issued the G23 for the last 10 years of my career & I shot it fine but never warmed up to its ergos. Recently I purchased a NIB M&P 9 Compact and discovered how much fun these 9MM pistols can be. The S&W offers a better bang for your buck but if a red dot is where you’re headed the Glock may be a better choice.

[Marshal tom]

I have a Glock 45 and an M&P 2.0 Compact. I like both about equally. I am a lefty so I like that they both have slide lock/slide release on both sides. They Glock one actually works on the passenger side but the one on the 2.0 M&P does not.I am a long time 1911 fan so I like the way the M&P points but I have gotten used to Glocks, having had two now and the angle no longer bothers me. Glock has cornered the market for after market accessories closely followed by S&W so no problems there. If I had to make the choice, it would probably be the M&P but I like the compacts and have no need for the full size.

[MTC(SS)Ret]

Sorry to disappoint you diehard S&W fans but I made my decision and picked up the Glock 45 MOS today. It was a tough decision...both felt good in my hand, their size and weight are nearly identical but I preferred the Glock trigger...much smoother takeup and crisper break IMO. The S&W steel versus Glock plastic sights didn't factor in much since I plan to add a red dot soon. (Seems like S&W's with MOS slides are super rare these days)
So that's my story and I'm stickin' to it!