Can't make up my mind between Glock 23 Gen 3 or M&P40

[NavalOps]

I'm looking to acquire a new gun to use as a range gun, and an additional concealed carry gun. I have fired both guns, and like the grips and way they both fire. I love the sights of the Glock, but dislike the grip size, although I do like the texture.

I like the grips of the M&P, and I am accurate with both weapons.

Also, I like that the Glock 23 is smaller, and holds 13 rounds, whereas only the full size M&P holds 15 rounds, whereas the M&P40c only holds 8 rounds.

I have the opportunity to purchase the M&P 40 for $479, or the Glock 23 Gen 3 for $499. Also like that M&P is made in the USA.

My wife likes that the M&P has a thumb safety on it, and doesn't like the Glock because it only has the trigger safety. (We don't have kids, so that's not an issue).

Any thoughts or recommendations to help me make up my mind?

 

[soad]

40c is 10+1, not 8.

 

[WilliamG]

You'll find a myriad of responses. Why does your wife like that the M&P has a thumb safety? And why does that affect your decision for YOUR purchase for (I assume) just you? For me, if the M&P .40 didn't have a safety, that would be a bonus (can't stand safeties if they're not "necessary"). The M&P is a striker-fire pistol, so it's pretty hard (nigh impossible) to set the thing off unless you use your finger to pull the trigger. So why is the safety a concern? If it were a 1911, absolutely, cocked and locked. But an M&P center-fire model?

I know you like that the M&P is made in the USA, but quite frankly if you like the Glock better, get the Glock. If you prefer the comfort of the M&P, get the M&P. I suggest not being swayed by anyone here (myself included), since we all look for different things in our carry/range guns.

 

[mtnwinds]

I like them both. I chose the M&P 40c because of it's superior ergonomics. 10 + 1 and 15 in a belt clip is adequate IMO. I'll probably buy either the G23 or the G19 sometime but am in no hurry.

 

[formernuke]

If you don't like the grip size of the Glock then go with the M&P since you can change the grip of them for better texture but you cannot make grips any smaller.

Have you considered the Gen 4 with the changeable grips? I don't know much about them as being in mass it's very hard to find Gen 4 glocks.

I agree with on modern pistols the thumb safety is a waste and I don't use them (also because I sometimes carry a glock and want to have the same draw process).

Both are high quality, so go with the one that feels better.

 

[Edmo]

I'm looking to acquire a new gun to use as a range gun, and an additional concealed carry gun. I have fired both guns, and like the grips and way they both fire. I love the sights of the Glock, but dislike the grip size, although I do like the texture.

I like the grips of the M&P, and I am accurate with both weapons.

Also, I like that the Glock 23 is smaller, and holds 13 rounds, whereas only the full size M&P holds 15 rounds, whereas the M&P40c only holds 8 rounds.

I have the opportunity to purchase the M&P 40 for $479, or the Glock 23 Gen 3 for $499. Also like that M&P is made in the USA.

My wife likes that the M&P has a thumb safety on it, and doesn't like the Glock because it only has the trigger safety. (We don't have kids, so that's not an issue).

Any thoughts or recommendations to help me make up my mind?

I'm a big fan of GLOCKs for striker fired guns.

I would suggest you look at a Gen4 GLOCK 23. It has a slightly smaller grip size which might fit your hand better. As a bonus, it has dual recoil springs which reduce felt recoil over the Gen3 version.

As an aside, based on your screen name I assume you are military. If so, track down a local authorized GLOCK dealer and you can get the "blue label" discounted price. No dealer around? Contact GLOCK directly for the discount.

The discount is about $100 off street prices and it might help out with the decision.

Edmo

 

[lhump1961]

As WilliamG said...only you can decide. But, since you asked...

First of all let's be clear that the 40c is 10+1 and not 8+1. I know it was pointed out but a following post said 8 again so... You can get the M&P with or without the safety to suit you. I have the 40c and a 357c and they are both 100% reliable and very accurate. I'm sure the Glock would be as well.
If you like the ergonomics of the Smith then that is a huge deal...at least it would be for me. The deal maker for me, though, is the Smith is American made with a 100% lifetime warranty and some of the best customer service in the industry...plus the M&P is good looking and the Glock is...well...not. JMHO The Glock is, of course, Austrian, and while there is an assembly plant here (Virginia I think) the parts are imported. If both guns are comparable in most regards then it comes down to this stuff.

Both good guns with loyal following but this is a S&W forum so I vote M&P! Here is my 357c...my Dad adopted my 40c so I haven't seen it for a while.

 

[HeavyDuty Ken]

I moved from a G23 to a 40c shortly after they were released, if that says anything.

 

[Arik]

I dislike the 40 cal Glocks but I like Glocks over M&P. I like the grip feel and thickness. Both point naturally for me.

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

 

[breal201999]

I'll put in my .02

I have a Glock Gen 3 23 and I carried it in a Crossbreed super tuck holster. I also have an aftermarket barrel in 9mm, so I can switch 40 - 9mm in seconds. For winter, it works fine for me. I did find that it was a bit on the heavy side. Part of my problem is I need a good gun belt and not my $15 one from WalMart. The other negative, and that may be my frame or how I carry (5 o'clock), it wasn't very comfortable riding in the car. I have young kids, so I didn't want to reveal to them I was carrying by taking it out and holstering in the car. I do plan on carrying it, but will probably stick mostly to winter season.

I recently (last week) bought a S&W M&P Shield in 9mm. Either the 9 or the 40, it's the same size frame. Just for grins, I tried it in my Glock 23 Crossbreed holster just to see, and it fits well enough to give me a test of how it carries. I've got a holster for it on order. But for me, the Shield is a lot more comfortable than the Glock 23 to carry, and I think it will be a better choice for summer wear. I know you are interested in a 40c, and I have a Shield, so there is some difference there. You might compare the size of the 40c to 40 Shield also.

When I was shopping for my Crossbreed holster, the store had a Glock 23 Gen 4 for me to try on with the holster in the store. With the texture of the Gen 4 grip, I don't think it would be comfortable to wear long term without it tearing up the shirt or skin. Just feels too rough for me.

Again just my .02 from someone who owns a Glock 23 gen 3.

 

[B3500]

I read some find the Glock 23 ok to CC. With my G23 G4 I found the grip is a little too long for my preferred strong side iwb carry method so that the grip tends to poke out more than I like.

Maybe it would conceal better for your build and method of carry, but it is not a piece I choose to CC very often. I've read appendix carry can help make the G19/G23 conceal better, but so far I have not been drawn to that method of carry for several reasons.

My choice for the last several months is between the MP40c and the Glock 30S with an elusive 9rd magazine. The key point is that they both have a shorter grip length and that makes them easier to conceal than the G23 for me.

 

[Blue9]

As said before, you can get the M&P with or WITHOUT the safety so that should not be an issue.

I would reiterate that you should get the one that feels best since they both shoot straight and are very reliable. The biggest factor here is your comparison choices. The GLOCK 23 will conceal a little better than the M&P 40 full-size. However, the M&P 40c will conceal better than the GLOCK 23, but I don't think that is your primary factor. So, which feels better and is the size that you prefer for your intended purposes? GLOCK 23 or M&P 40 ... can't go wrong.

 

[78shovel]

8 Round M&P 40 would have to be the Shield. My wife has one, great gun. Don't know about the Glock but the 40 Shield is a fine weapon and a great range gun. The grip is fantastic and the trigger is perfect (to me). I would suggest trying as many different guns as possible, maybe there is another out there that "fits better". If you have fired both and don't really have a preference that makes the decision tough. I would lean toward the Smith & Wesson, but I have never fired a Glock...

 

[NavalOps]

8 Round M&P 40 would have to be the Shield. My wife has one, great gun. Don't know about the Glock but the 40 Shield is a fine weapon and a great range gun. The grip is fantastic and the trigger is perfect (to me). I would suggest trying as many different guns as possible, maybe there is another out there that "fits better". If you have fired both and don't really have a preference that makes the decision tough. I would lean toward the Smith & Wesson, but I have never fired a Glock...

I have fired both, and I just like the texture of the M&P grip more. I decided on a full size M&P 40. I have the shield 40 as my primary carry weapon. I love how it feels in my hands, and the fact that it's made in the USA helps clinch the deal.

Although I have no problem with Glock, I truthfully only like the sights on it. I can get a good grip on the Glock, I don't like the way it fires, and the M&P trigger feels really good.

 

[PastureOfMuppets]

If your wife likes it because it has a safety, and it's not because she is trained on one but because she hasn't had any formal training, maybe treat her to a safety class. With a decent instructor she will probably come out the the other side with a conclusion her brain and trigger finger are the safety.

 

[Wee Hooker]

40c is 10+1, not 8.

and can take full sized 15+1 mags with a Xgrip adapter if you chose.

Personally though, I find mag capacity over considered in a range or citizen carry gun. 10 is plenty for either IMHO.

Couple of other thoughts:

While the grips on M&P's are much more ergonomic, I find Talon rubber decal grips add allot of comfort to any Glock.

Given you're intended use, these two choices are faily well matched. however I you were going to carry more than occasionally, you might consider the smaller G27. As much as I love my M&Pc's. I carry a G26 about 1/2 the time ( and a 5 shot snubbie the other half) these days.

 

[hogwylde]

I'm looking to acquire a new gun to use as a range gun, and an additional concealed carry gun. I have fired both guns, and like the grips and way they both fire. I love the sights of the Glock, but dislike the grip size, although I do like the texture.

I like the grips of the M&P, and I am accurate with both weapons.

Also, I like that the Glock 23 is smaller, and holds 13 rounds, whereas only the full size M&P holds 15 rounds, whereas the M&P40c only holds 8 rounds.

I have the opportunity to purchase the M&P 40 for $479, or the Glock 23 Gen 3 for $499. Also like that M&P is made in the USA.

My wife likes that the M&P has a thumb safety on it, and doesn't like the Glock because it only has the trigger safety. (We don't have kids, so that's not an issue).

Any thoughts or recommendations to help me make up my mind?

The POD states that an M&P is in order!

 

[Arkie45]

Just bite the bullet and buy both. I did and have 9mm conversion barrels for both. With Apex FSS and AEK trigger I tend to favor the M&P, though both are great pistols.

 

[bxny10455]

I had a G23 & G27 sold them both to fund for a M&P9 FS & a 45c. I recently bought a FS 40, comparing it to the G23 it's like night& day. I'm aware they're not in the same class.

 

[farmer319]

I sold my Glock 9 and bought a S&W Shield 9. In no way do I regret it. For me the Smith has a much better feel,trigger and far more comfortable to carry.I can't say anything bad about a Glock, other than they do not fit me well..but that's me..