Glock 19 or M&P 9mm

[Llando88]

Bro buy the one you like they both run fine. As far as Glock reliability, we run probably 20 Glocks in our range rental program. Seven of these are G19's kept in a bag just for concealed carry classes. Those seven came from Yonkers NY PD probably seven years ago when they were traded in for new G19's. They were cleaned when we got them and not since and I know they will run fine when I take them out in two weeks for our next class. As I write this there's a G20 10 mm very close to my right hand loaded with WW Silvertips that I haven't touched in months and I know it's ready if I need it. Pretty much the only trouble we see with Glocks are from folks changing parts. I like Glocks but they aren't the only guns out there either. I don't stock guns or ammo that I wouldn't use myself and we sell lots of S&W, Sig, Ruger, Walther, H&K and others. I think most guns work pretty well today if people would leave them alone and learn to shoot them. There are no magic bullets and you can't buy enough triggers, and springs, and racing strips to make up for a lack of trigger time. We have a big monitor that I can watch the range on and I can't believe some of the crazy positions people use to shoot from. And I have noticed that the worse they shoot the faster they shoot. You can't miss fast enough to win a gunfight. It is amazing how much a shooter will improve after spending one hour with one of my instructors. Personal instruction from someone knowledgeable and who can explain that knowledge is the best money you can spend. When I started yoga a few years ago I started with private lessons and did two a week for a year and it may have been the best money I ever spent. Starting the morning with an hour of yoga surrounded by women in yoga pants puts a smile on my face.

OP - Read this post. Lots of very good advice here, imho.

The initial cost of the gun is nothing compared to the ammo cost. You can't go wrong with either.

 

[Protected One]

I own a glock 23 (same size as the G19, but 40 S&W instead of 9mm) and I own 2 M&P's. All are good guns so neither is a "bad" choice.

Since you say you shoot the Glock better and that's what guns are for, it seems you question should be a no brainer. The availability of parts and accessories for glocks is also much better.

 

[moxie]

The correct comparison with the G19 is the M&P9c model.

I fired both years ago. Both are very nice guns and I shoot them both very well.

But, I shoot the M&P a bit better, perhaps due to better ergos. And I like the option of a safety. So I bought the Smith. I've now put thousands of rounds thru it without a hitch. I haven't changed a thing. I love the gun.

As Rastoff said, this IS a S&W site!

 

[asmello44]

I gotta say, you came to a S&W website looking for an unbiased comparison between a Glock and an M&P? Your premis is flawed.



Then there's this...

Seriously? You already know you shoot one better than the other and still you have to ask what we think?



OK, here's my unbiased opinion of what's going on. Just go buy the M&P. You know the Glock is the right gun, but for whatever reason, you like the M&P more. Could be price, could be ergonomics, could be color, who knows? Doesn't matter anyway. You came to a biased sight looking for confirmation that buying the wrong gun is the rignt thing to do. So just go buy the M&P.



The only correct answer to these questions is to get the gun you shoot better. Alas, you, just like the hundreds before you, will go buy the gun you've already decided on regardless of what we say. So just go do it.



Be sure to post pics when you get it.

And what is wrong with getting opinions from multiple sources about a topic that I know less about? Shouldn't I collect as much data before I make a decision?

 

[Mister X]

The correct comparison with the G19 is the M&P9c model.

I fired both years ago. Both are very nice guns and I shoot them both very well.

But, I shoot the M&P a bit better, perhaps due to better ergos. And I like the option of a safety. So I bought the Smith. I've now put thousands of rounds thru it without a hitch. I haven't changed a thing. I love the gun.

As Rastoff said, this IS a S&W site!

Actually, not really true. The M&P 9c is akin to a Glock 26 size wise. S&W doesn't make a mid-size 9mm equivalent to the Glock 19(a common complaint).

 

[PROnSHIELD]

If for nothing other than bring happy and having no regrets...

Buy the pistol you shoot better (the Glock right?)

While the ergonomics of the M&P may be better for most
and adjustable with the different back straps...

You probably shoot the Glock better due it's ergonomics
and how it fits your hand...and that is how your choice
should be made...

When I was a young man I fell in love with a particular Nissan
(Datsun back then for those that remember)...I was so pumped
over the body style there was no other car I would consider...

When I went to the lot and sat in it, I was/am clearly to tall
even with the seat all the way back...my head hit the ceiling.

Reclining the seat cleared my head but was uncomfortable
for driving...I quickly knew it was not to be and went on to
another pick...

You will regret not having what you shoot better...
You may learn to shoot the M&P but you'll always
wonder if you wouldn't have gotten that much better
with the Glock

Edit: FWIW, I shot the M&P better than the Glock and the Glock felt wrong
in my hands...hence my decision
BTW I own other pistols and revolvers but they are not for SD or carry

 

[Arik]

Dispite this being a S&W site I don't see a big deal in asking about a different gun. We are all FIREARMS enthusiasts and I'm sure we ALL own different brands. For instance I like S&W and just yesterday I bought a 28-2 but I carry a Glock. I also like Sig and HK and if I ever get around to ordering a holster I'll carry an HK.

I left a different forum because of this. I had posted my shooting results between 3 45acp guns....Sig P220, S&W 4566 and Springfield TRP 1911. I was ostracized for even comparing and posting the Sig and the S&W. Bunch of guys couldn't understand why I would even post about the Sig and Smith. Really that anal?

 

[Freedom's Teeth]

I do compare the M&P 9 full size to the Glock 19. For a little larger platform, you get 18 rounds----two extra.

The latest versions of the M&P9 have a good trigger reset. They have a little take up and a sharp break. The ergonomics are superior and so are the sights. Glock sights just suck. Even if they weren't plastic, they would still be terrible. The latest versions of the M&P9 have a finish that is just as durable as Glock to holster rub. Both finishes will wear with Kydex. The recoil spring on the M&P is better and not too stiff. The frame support on the M&P is better. You get a very beefy chasis with more and more substantial rail to slide contact.

I have owned Glocks since 1994 and though they GREAT handguns, the M&P has just started to catch up. The feel of the Glock and the way it lines up in my shooting stance just sucks go me. I have one Gen. 4 Glock 22 that I will keep foever but all new handguns will be the M&P.

Also, M&P barrels have conventional rifling. This means if ammo ever gets scarce, you can shoot unplated, lead bullets. Glock's barrels, while extremely accurate in my experience, are polygonal rifled. You do not want to shoot unplated, lead bullets without frequent and deep cleaning.

 

[Wishoot]

For me it boiled down to the gun that felt the most comfortable. Both the G19 and M&P are very reliable, serviceable pistols, but the M&P is just more comfortable.

Even the full-size M&P fits my hands like a glove. That equates to a more accurate gun in my hands.

 

[clcdawg]

Well I've owned both and have to say it's hard for me to say which is better. Right now all I have is a sig p229r but am wanting another polymer gun. It's between these two but I believe the m&p is leading for me. I never found the full size m&p that much larger to make a big difference. The big think that favors the m&p in my book is factory sights. I hate factory glock sights so that's more money and price difference to me.

 

[PirateJim]

The ol' Glock vs M&P question. Always good for a brisk discussion. For the original poster, two questions and one comment.

1) I didn't notice you say what your intended purpose for the gun is. Since it's a first gun, I am going to assume home defense is on the list, but do you also want to carry it? Size becomes a real factor for a carry gun.

2) You say you shoot the Glock "better" and that is certainly one factor that should be considered carefully. However, you don't specify how much better, or better in what way. If better means that you were shooting 10 inch groups at 15 yards with the Glock and 12 inch with the M&P I wouldn't worry about the difference too much. Practice is indicated with either. On the other hand, if you are shooting 3 inch groups with the Glock and 6 inch with the M&P I would think that very significant.

The comment is on ergonomics. The grip angles are slightly different on the two guns. I don't know that one is "better" than the other, but for most people one will point more naturally than the other. Not a big deal at the range taking your time shooting. But it is a big deal in a pressure situation where getting it pointed the right direction and acquiring a sight picture fast is critical. Try them both and see if as you bring the gun up one's sights just align easier than the other.

 

[V0OBWxZS16]

....
OK, here's my unbiased opinion of what's going on. Just go buy the M&P. You know the Glock is the right gun, but for whatever reason, you like the M&P more. Could be price, could be ergonomics, could be color, who knows? Doesn't matter anyway. You came to a biased sight looking for confirmation that buying the wrong gun is the rignt thing to do. So just go buy the M&P.

The only correct answer to these questions is to get the gun you shoot better. Alas, you, just like the hundreds before you, will go buy the gun you've already decided on regardless of what we say. So just go do it.

Be sure to post pics when you get it.

To play devil's advocate the fact that a new shooter (asmello44 says this is a first gun) currently shoots one better than the other by unspecified criteria and difference for an unspecified purpose doesn't really mean much about how he will shoot them six months or six years from now. Presumably someone who buys what they like is more likely to practice/train/carry/compete and, if so, in the long run the M&P would be better.


asmello44,

I can shoot Glocks just fine, but I've always handed them back with little interest in ever owning one or shooting them except on rare occasions. Get what you believe you will want to shoot. If you get something that is "better" but you don't like it then you're less likely to practice and your skills won't improve.

 

[Rustyt1953]

 

[Freedom's Teeth]

I think most guns work pretty well today if people would leave them alone and learn to shoot them.

These could be the wisest thoughts ever posted on an internet gun forum. If you want a tack driver, go spend 2 Grand on a custom 1911. We are talking $500, mass produced service handguns with no manual safety. My M&P9 was made on 5/26/15. There is nothing wrong with the trigger. It does not need any modification for ten yard and in defense work.

 

[asmello44]

I ended up picking this up today

 

[asmello44]

Glock 19 or M&P 9mm

The ol' Glock vs M&P question. Always good for a brisk discussion. For the original poster, two questions and one comment.



1) I didn't notice you say what your intended purpose for the gun is. Since it's a first gun, I am going to assume home defense is on the list, but do you also want to carry it? Size becomes a real factor for a carry gun.



2) You say you shoot the Glock "better" and that is certainly one factor that should be considered carefully. However, you don't specify how much better, or better in what way. If better means that you were shooting 10 inch groups at 15 yards with the Glock and 12 inch with the M&P I wouldn't worry about the difference too much. Practice is indicated with either. On the other hand, if you are shooting 3 inch groups with the Glock and 6 inch with the M&P I would think that very significant.



The comment is on ergonomics. The grip angles are slightly different on the two guns. I don't know that one is "better" than the other, but for most people one will point more naturally than the other. Not a big deal at the range taking your time shooting. But it is a big deal in a pressure situation where getting it pointed the right direction and acquiring a sight picture fast is critical. Try them both and see if as you bring the gun up one's sights just align easier than the other.

I wanted the gun first for range and learning. Once I learn how the gun works and feel like a have a good understanding and go to one of the NRA basic pistol courses I will then move to home defense. Once I have that all under my belt I will then be hopefully looking for my next gun to potentially carry

To play devil's advocate the fact that a new shooter (asmello44 says this is a first gun) currently shoots one better than the other by unspecified criteria and difference for an unspecified purpose doesn't really mean much about how he will shoot them six months or six years from now. Presumably someone who buys what they like is more likely to practice/train/carry/compete and, if so, in the long run the M&P would be better.





asmello44,



I can shoot Glocks just fine, but I've always handed them back with little interest in ever owning one or shooting them except on rare occasions. Get what you believe you will want to shoot. If you get something that is "better" but you don't like it then you're less likely to practice and your skills won't improve.

.



VOOB,

I think that's why I went with the m&p I like the gun more and felt more comfortable with it. I think in the long run it made more sense for me to go with the one I preferred because I want to keep my interest so I continue to grow as not only a shooter but a responsible gun owner.

 

[Rastoff]

And what is wrong with getting opinions from multiple sources about a topic that I know less about? Shouldn't I collect as much data before I make a decision?

Absolutely the right thing to do. But, let's be honest, doesn't one gun make your heart beat faster? Doesn't one feel like it fits your hand better? Hmmm, am I wrong?

This is the key to your first or anyone's first gun. It's really more about getting something that you're gonna love than the "right" gun for you. Buy the one that you don't love, regardless of the reasons, and you'll always be longing for the other. I know lots of guys who still have their first gun. I know lots more who sold their first gun to buy a different one because they didn't listen to their heart.

Like I said, you shoot the G19 better, but that's not the gun you want. I stand by what I said earlier. I'm a firearms instructor and I want you to shoot the best you possibly can. No matter what, you won't shoot your best with a gun that has you constantly thinking about another gun. You may have shot the Glock better now, but will you continue to improve with it? Maybe, but I guarantee you'll be more likely to work on your shooting with the gun that you love.

Also, be wary of advice like this:

I've had [gun X] for years. It's never been cleaned and always works and doesn't need to be cleaned.

This is just a very poor way to handle any gun. A better way is to thoroughly clean and lube your gun at least every 500 rounds. Most modern guns have a good chance of running for a long time without cleaning. ALL guns will outlive you if you take good care of them.

I was at a match talking with a Glock owner who said, "That's why I use a Glock. I never clean it and it's never malfunctioned." On his first trip up, his gun malfunctioned. After he struggled through that stage, I asked him if he thought it might be time to clean his gun. "No" he said, "that was just some bad ammo." I'll bet you a month of lunches he's still telling people he's never had a malfunction even though he had many that day.

Whatever gun you get, take good care of it and it will take good care of you.

 

[Rastoff]

Ah, you posted while I was typing. Good choice. Can I say, "I told you so" now?

Thanks for the pics. Now, go shoot the rifling out of that gun!

 

[asmello44]

Ah, you posted while I was typing. Good choice. Can I say, "I told you so" now?

Thanks for the pics. Now, go shoot the rifling out of that gun!

I honestly loved both and I can almost guarantee that I will get the glock 19 but I figured I'd get the one that get more comfortable with first. I also didn't mind saving 150 on my first gun too!

 

[V0OBWxZS16]

Thanks for the pics. Now, go shoot the rifling out of that gun!

+1

This is the key to your first or anyone's first gun. It's really more about getting something that you're gonna love than the "right" gun for you. Buy the one that you don't love, regardless of the reasons, and you'll always be longing for the other. I know lots of guys who still have their first gun. I know lots more who sold their first gun to buy a different one because they didn't listen to their heart.
....

Your first post came across, to me at least, with a completely different tone. I thought you were belittling him for considering the M&P because he liked it better instead of the Glock he shot better.