Glock 19 sized M&P

[CourtCop]

I currently have and love a Glock 19. I think it is the perfect compromise of size and firepower. That being said, I am thinking of getting an M&P in .40 S&W and would like to know which model is most comparable in size to the Glock 19. I am mostly concerned with the grip length as I feel that is the part of any gun that is the most difficult to conceal.
If anyone has a picture comparing a Glock 19/23/32 to the full sized or compact M&P 40 or 9 I would appreciate it.

 

[handgunner356]

I don't have a picture but the M&Pc is slightly smaller than a 19/23 and larger than the 26/27.

 

[scootle]

M&P9 FS vs. Glock 19

Here you go. I took these for a different discussion, but they are applicable I think.

Comparison of my M&P9 full size to a Glock 19 (EXO):


If you are worried about the length of the grip, the M&P full size is definitely longer than the Glock 19.

One way to look at it is that S&W planted the M&P firmly "in-between" the Glock sizing for pistols. In order from large to small for the 9mm family:

Glock 17 (4.49" bbl)
M&P Full Size (4.25" bbl)
Glock 19 (4.02" bbl)
M&P Compact (3.5" bbl)
Glock 26 (3.46" bbl)

Hope that helps!

 

[CourtCop]

scootle,

Thanks, the pictures are very helpful. I handled and shot an M&P40 at a manufacturer's showcase day at my range a few years ago and thought I remembered it being not much bigger than a 19. Your pictures seem to confirm that.

Love that EXO 19 by the way.

 

[scootle]

Thanks, the pictures are very helpful. I handled and shot an M&P40 at a manufacturer's showcase day at my range a few years ago and thought I remembered it being not much bigger than a 19. Your pictures seem to confirm that.

Love that EXO 19 by the way.

Yeah, the grip on the full size M&P is a bit longer than the Glock 19... no more than 0.75 - 1.0 inches, probably.

Let's put it this way... when I grip the M&P, I have space left on the grip. When I grip the Glock 19, my pinkie fits exactly into the last finger groove at the bottom of the grip with very little left. The Glock 19 is definitely shorter in the grip.

On the M&P compact, my pinkie definitely ran out of space unless I use the magazine with the extended finger pad.

The EXO finish on the Glock is great... now if only they'd do a run of M&P pistols... (there are bi-tone stainless M&P Pro pistols out there though)

 

[chuck s]

The Glock grip angle shows well in Scootle's photo. It's different than just about every other modern handgun and the reason I no longer recommend Glock. Certainly not since the M&P pistol came on the market with the same features and none of the ergonomic problems.

Scootle: What camera? Very nice, detailed photos. Mine typically look muddy unless I shoot them outdoors.

-- Chuck

 

[Skeptic 9c]

Actually the S&W SD9 and SD40 are closest to the G19 size and trigger pull. Running about $370 locally. I have the MP 9c and it is just a touch short in the grip for my ideal.
Geoff
Who is working with it.

 

[Backon4]

SD9 and SD40 are almost identical in size to the G19, just a hair thinner.

 

[davemercer]

Subjective question. How does the M and P full size conceal/print compared to the G19? From the picture it looks like while the full size MP is long in the grip the grip also looks thinner and more rounded, features that could help with concealment.

 

[scootle]

trigger relief

The Glock grip angle shows well in Scootle's photo. It's different than just about every other modern handgun and the reason I no longer recommend Glock. Certainly not since the M&P pistol came on the market with the same features and none of the ergonomic problems.

Scootle: What camera? Very nice, detailed photos. Mine typically look muddy unless I shoot them outdoors.

One thing to note, however... I finally found the right term to describe it on another forum... the M&P "trigger relief" (distance from bottom of trigger guard to your trigger finger) is longer than the Glock. This is very evident in the first photo and explains why my Glock 19 rides slightly lower in my hand (closer to bore axis) than my M&P9 does. It's not a huge difference, but it's noticeable. Some users take a dremel or otherwise reshape the area at the root of the trigger guard to allow their strong hand middle finger, and subsequently their entire grip, to ride higher and keep the bore axis low. I will probably do this to my M&P9 soon.

Glocks have nice trigger relief by default (the cutout/notch is noticeable), which contributes to the fact that they sit very very low in the hand, allowing better muzzle control. I wouldn't term Glock ergonomics as a "problem" -- they are different, and will work out better for some people over others.

Camera isn't anything special... I snapped those with my Canon S90 indoors, no flash, ISO 100, f/4.0 in macro mode. It's a very capable little point n' shoot camera for sure.

Subjective question. How does the M and P full size conceal/print compared to the G19? From the picture it looks like while the full size MP is long in the grip the grip also looks thinner and more rounded, features that could help with concealment.

The Glock 19 grip is more blocky than the curved edges of the M&P for sure, but given the added length overall on the full size M&P, it's probably a wash in the end. Concealment and printing has a lot more to do with what you are wearing, your body shape, and how you carry your pistol in the end, probably. Like I'm slight enough of build that I doubt I could conceal either of them very well unless I move then farther around into the small of my back.

Good thing I live in CA, in that respect... I'll probably never have a CCW permit...

 

[Lost Lake]

Here's a thought that I wish I would have considered, well I wouldn't have anyway I guess because my gun was on sale for a great price....

But if you get the compact model, there are extended magazines, or even a standard magazine will work to add extra length to the grip. If you use a standard magazine you can buy filler pieces so the grip is basically the same as a full size M&P.

Then you have a compact to carry and a full size at the range. The best of both worlds.

 

[PersonalSecurity]

I agree that the G19 is the perfect sized carry pistol. However I find the M&P9 to be slimmer and the grip wants to print less. The amount of height difference is more negligable when you consider that the guns are measured with mags out typically. The M&P is therefore measured at the end of the takedown tool - or essentially the end of the mag - whereas the G19 has the mag that sticks out below.

They are very close though. If you can hide a G19, you can hide an M&P. As well? I don't think so overall - but I much prefer the fullsize because it can take a Surefire light.

Another thing to consider is that if grip length is the deciding factor - get the compact and carry with the flush fit magazine. That's a very easy to conceal gun.

And it always comes down to body type, clothing, and holster choice.

Steve