M&P Shield .40 vs. Glock Model 36 .45

JCashStudios · May 14, 2014

I love my two full-size M&Ps (.22 and 9mm). I recently shot the 9mm Shield (loved it) and the Glock model 36 .45 cal. However I kind of have my heart set on a .40 or .45.

I cannot find anyone who rents a .40 Shield for me to try. I'm torn as to which one to get next. I like the M&P trigger style vs. the Glock, but kinda like the idea of the .45 too. They both fit my hands nicely so that's not the issue. Recommendations?

wingnuut · May 15, 2014

I see cash is your middle name you gotta get both or you forfeit your middle name .

rappa29 · May 15, 2014

I used to carry a Glock 36. I liked it a lot! IIRC, the recoil was stout but manageable. It was very reliable, accurate and low maintenance, as Glocks generally are. I'm used to Glock form\function from my Glock 19 2nd Gen, so transitioning to the 36 was no brainer for me.

My only experience with .40 was a SiG P229. Though I am a SiG fan, I decided I'm not .40 fan. It's too snappy for me and thus I couldn't shoot it well enough to feel competent nor confident for CCW. That's from an all metal gun! I'd probably really suck shooting .40 from a polymer, single stack, 3" barrel! HAHA!

Since you are familiar with the M&P form/function and say you prefer the M&P trigger, that seems to put the Shield in the lead, despite the idea you like of having a .45.

Have you considered any of the other polymer, striker fired, compact/subcompact .45 options from Springfield, Kahr, Ruger, etc?

emory · May 15, 2014

I love my Shield .40 and I have no problem with the recoil. Haven't shot the G36, but Glocks are Glocks. You might want to look at the XDS 45 before you buy the Glock. They are pretty nice too.

photoman · May 15, 2014

Just be aware that the Glock 36 has a reputation for not being as reliable as the other models. I had one for a short time and sold it. It was reliable (for the few hundred rounds I shot through it) but the recoil was more than I cared for.

timn8er · May 15, 2014

You don't say what the intent is for the pistol. CC? Range? Plinking? That should be a big deciding factor for you. I can't speak to the efficacy of glocks, as I have never owned one. They wouldn't work for me because of the way the slide is released during field stripping, as I have a neuropathy in my hands that makes this kind of slide release difficult. I have a 40 Shield & like it a lot. Some people are bothered by the so called "40 snap", but not me. But if I might suggest: have you considered an M&P 45c? Since you say you like 45, that might be your answer. It won't carry as easily as a Shield, but it should still work well.

Dennis The B · May 15, 2014

I've fired, but not owned, a Glock Model 36. I do own a M&P 40 Shield.

The grip frame on the Model 36 is too short. I love the single stack autos, and the Model 30's are too big to be comfortable. The recoil on the Model 36 is manageable, and it would be a great gun, as a concealed carry gun.

The Shield 40 is a great pistol, and I carry it, rotating between by Colt LWT Commander (Super .38), and an E Series S&W Commander-size. The recoil is very manageable; but as with any lighter framed pistol, I wouldn't want to spend hours at the range with it. As TIMN8ER wrote, the .40 S&W is snappier, but it's a great round.

I've written to Glock, to no avail, about getting a single-stack .40 S&W and a .45 ACP, with the same frame height at the Model 23, but so far...

JCashStudios · May 19, 2014

I'm considering a .40 or .45 for my EDC gun...I have an M&P .22 for target practice and plinking. I now carry a Sig Sauer P-938 9mm and use 135 grain JHP+P ammo. So I'm not sure if .40 would be that much better. No one in my area rents a .40 Shield for me to try, so I appreciate all your comments!

However, when I'm in the woods hiking or hunting, then I usually carry my full size M&P 9mm (17+1 rounds) and one or two spare clips. Not sure when I would need 52 rounds, but it makes me feel better with bears in the area. : )

policerevolvercollector · May 19, 2014

I have a Glock 36 and can recommend it highly. It sorta has the reputation of being the red headed step child in the Glock line. But, mine is a real winner. It conceals extremely well & functions flawlessly with every type of ammo I've tried (But, that is common to all Glocks.

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M&P Shield .40 vs. Glock Model 36 .45

JCashStudios

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wingnuut

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rappa29

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emory

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photoman

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timn8er

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Dennis The B

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JCashStudios

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policerevolvercollector

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