Glock vs. M&P-yup. I'm askin' it.

[PirateJim]

I have been a Glock fan since the late '80s, my first was a Gen 2 G22 that I still have. I got a 23 to carry, but never carried it that much because the blasted thing was just too big for me to conceal the way I wanted to. I ended up carrying a J frame most of time, or a Seacamp 32 on those occasions where it is better to have some gun than none. Still carry them on occasion, but finally I became aware of the Shield a while back now. What a great little gun! I love it so much I traded off the G23 that I had no further use for along with my G21 bedroom gun that never fit my hand right for a Pro 40L.

It is possible to be a fan of both brands. Though at the moment I'm leaning toward the M&Ps. I like the way they point (grip angle like a 1911), I like the way they shoot, and compared to Glocks, I like the way they look which is shallow I know, but for me it counts.

 

[SickMAK90]

Well thanks to NICS I won't be getting the m&p FS and compact until my appeal comes back... So much for getting six free mags.

 

[Momokahn]

Own both like both. My G17.4 is my beater, fishing buddy, lubricate with mud if need be, etc. My M&P 9 FS is my out for the evening with my loved ones to the restaurants, walk in the parks, and a trip to the movies now and then.

 

[Badkarma 1]

Wondered when this would happen.
Have both, like both but for different reasons.
Glock: parts, mags are everywhere, easy too maintain at the user level, proven track record and the 22 is probably the most popular piece in LEO land, therefore mags are abundant. Mine is a gen 4 model22 and the new spring set up does seem to mitigate the snap some.
M&P: also in .40 excellent grip, a bit more heavy duty and built for the .40.
Trigger wise the Glock wins, accuracy, flip a coin but I find the Glock a bit more accurate do to a better trigger. Mags I find the M&P mag easier to load and seems more "roomy" than the G if that means anything.
Which one sits on my nightstand? SW99 .40! ��
Dale

 

[aboyle55]

I owned an m&p 3 yrs ago. I took it to a pistol class and after a 25 yd bench test showed 10" groups and a lousy trigger I traded it for a g19.

I loved the ergonomics of the m&p, but nothing else. Recently, I heard s&w changed the barrels and improved the triggers on the M&P.
I went to the gun shop and dry fired an M&P and I was surprised. The trigger was much more smooth, whereas the Glock trigger felt more mechanical.

Made in the U.S.A. made me also come back. I always told people that if S&W could get their act together and put out a better barrel and trigger I would come back. Glad I did.

 

[Sconnie]

What the heck, I'll jump in on an old thread that is still a good topic.

I admit that I got used to carrying a Glock 22 on duty for quite a few years so the feel of a Glock does not bother me. Went to the store to touch and feel a Gen 4 Glock 19 versus an M&P9c. I really liked how that M&P felt in the hand in the store. To the point that it was worth a 45 minute drive and the cost of renting both at a range.

The Glock 19 shot fine, like a Glock. The trigger reset was what I remembered so nothing much unexpected. It is shorter than the 22 so the pinky finger was either in between the bottom of the magazine well and the magazine or it was off but that is something I can get used to. An extension might help too.

Took the M&P9c out and it felt good in the hand, until I shot it. The pinky finger did not seem to feel like an issue but after a few shots I noticed that the web of my hand was hurting. I changed my grip around but it still hurt in the web of my hand and I have never had this with any handgun that I have ever shot. So I went back and got the Glock for a few more shots and no hurting. Not sure why this was. I shoot mostly K frame revolvers these days with no pain and the recoil from either 9mm was nothing.

So, while I really thought I would come out in the market for an M&P I have decided a Gen 4 Glock 19 is for me at this point. If I get the chance to shoot an M&P9c again I will. Seemed like a fine gun that many would like. I am a fan of S&W and made in America does matter but...

I know in earlier threads I read comments about the M&P not having as nice of a trigger reset. Perhaps those old threads pre date a change but I thought both were easy to pick up.

I do not profess to be an expert on any of this but it reinforced the notion that when I buy anything other than a good old K frame S&W revolver I will see if the range I went to has the gun I am considering in it's rental pool.

 

[TeleGuy53]

Glock and Smith & Wesson are #1 and #2, respectively, in worldwide sales.

Neither gun is perfect, but for different reasons:

The Glock is an ugly duckling and ergonomically devoid. It is a simple, yet effective design, which has changed very little over its history. Yet, it is eerily reliable, and like a Timex, can take a licking and keep on ticking.

In stark contrast, the Smith & Wesson M&P is very pleasing to the eye, and feels great in hand, yet has struggled to improve in the area of performance over its brief history.

Both guns are deadly accurate at combat distances.

So, the choice is yours.

 

[keithherrington]

Owned them both, Glocks first then S&W M&Ps

I no longer own any Glocks. As stated by the OP they all feel in my hands like I'm holding lumber, not a gun. The M&Ps on the other hand felt natural and right in my hands from the very first. Natural pointers. Reliability is a wash with both: never had any type of malfunction with either gun. Reset on the Glock vs no reset on the M&P. Who cares? Reset is overhyped by those in the gun press and by some professionals who frankly should know better. I challenge them to honestly recall ever feeling or worrying about reset when under stress, either an intense training scenario or in a real life engagement. I started out as a revolver shooter and as such never even knew what reset was until someone pointed it out to me on a 1911 one day. Interesting factoid with no real world importance what so ever. Final note on the M&P: it just works for me. True, it like the Glock has as much soul as a Ginsu steak knife; but hey, they also are elegant (in the engineering not fashion sense) and entirely utilitarian. For a working gun that you'll throw away when worn out, that's pretty good.

Now, ask me about my revolvers.

Keith

 

[P33v3]

Meh, I own both. Different tools for different situations. Both are reasonably accurate stock. I like the grip shape of the M&P and I like the ease of upgrading the trigger better on the Glock.

 

[OldeTSgt]

Well, here it goes

As much as I would love to try a Glock - everytime I get one in my hand the grips turn me off - the angle is just wrong for me - the MP45 I have is perfect for my hand with the Medium or small grip and it shoots very well - trigger on it is acceptable for me - and have been a fan of S&W auto pistols since my first issue gun 1076 with a sheriff's office.

But here at Casa OldeTSgt we have an XDS 45 auto, a Beretta M9, M&P45 and a Sig P320 Carry in 9mm - soon I will be switching to a P320 Carry because my wife will not let me have her's

 

[TeleGuy53]

As much as I would love to try a Glock - everytime I get one in my hand the grips turn me off - the angle is just wrong for me

Good post, OldeTSgt. When you boil down all the rhetoric, this is as plain as it gets.

When comparing Glock's and M&P's, the differences in performance do not outweigh the differences in ergonomics and economics. Rather, it's quite the opposite.

If you don't feel comfortable with the pistol in hand, then it's the wrong pistol. The logo doesn't matter.

 

[bill123]

I have both - cause I can't make a decision. I bought the (3 + ) M&P's for the thumb safety. Can't bring myself to sell the 9mm glocks. Maybe I'll sell the G30sf. Rarely shoot any often as I have too many choices and limited time. I've been trying to fix a software problem with hardware.

 

[swsig]

...Reset on the Glock vs no reset on the M&P. Who cares? Reset is overhyped by those in the gun press and by some professionals who frankly should know better. I challenge them to honestly recall ever feeling or worrying about reset when under stress, either an intense training scenario or in a real life engagement. I started out as a revolver shooter and as such never even knew what reset was until someone pointed it out to me on a 1911 one day. Interesting factoid with no real world importance what so ever....
Keith

Man, was I glad to read this. After reading so much about the wonders of a perfect trigger "reset", I thought I was the only one who didn't get it. Even under rapid fire conditions, by the time I regain the sight picture after recoil, the triggers on all five of my semi-autos (two M&Ps, two SIGs, and a Ruger) have reset. Maybe that's because I'm old and so slow to recover my sight picture that any trigger on any semi-auto would have time to reset. Bottom line, reset means little to me, and I'm glad to find that I'm not the only one!

As to Glocks, I have never owned one, but I have shot a couple of them (a .40 and a 9mm) owned by a friend. I like their trigger function and their accuracy, but that stupid notch at the back of the trigger guard gives me a case of "Glock Finger", so owning one in the future is not high on my priority list.

 

[JJEH]

Tell me why you prefer the M&P over Glock or others. I'd like to hear your opinions and experiences.

I don't like the grip that Glocks have. That's all.

 

[Aahzz]

I've owned several Glocks, I currently own none. I own 4 M&Ps. The Glock 19 is the Beige Camry of the firearm world - boring, but reliable and will get you there. The M&P 9 is a Honda Accord. Also boring and will get you there, with a different feel. I prefer the feel of the M&Ps, so that's what I have.

 

[TeleGuy53]

The Glock 19 is the Beige Camry of the firearm world - boring, but reliable and will get you there. The M&P 9 is a Honda Accord. Also boring and will get you there, with a different feel. I prefer the feel of the M&Ps, so that's what I have.

+1 Aahzz! Well said...

 

[Wishoot]

Old thread, but why not...

I'll take my Gen 4 Glock 19 over my current production FS M&P 9 any day. In fact, I'll take any one of my other 9's over the FS M&P 9.

Now if we're talking single-stacks, I love my Shield. Nothing will trump my Shield.

 

[TeleGuy53]

Old thread, but why not...

I'll take my Gen 4 Glock 19 over my current production FS M&P 9 any day. In fact, I'll take any one of my other 9's over the FS M&P 9.

Now if we're talking single-stacks, I love my Shield. Nothing will trump my Shield.

I'm curious. What other 9mm's do you own? If you're not a fan, then why did you buy the M&P9, and why do you still own such an underachiever?

I borrowed our instructor's Glock 19 to take his CCW class. It was my very first experience firing a handgun. After 30 rounds (10 each, at 3, 5 and 7 yards) there was a ragged hole in the center of the target (see my avatar), much to the surprise of everyone - including ME!

My impression is that the Glock 19 is an ugly, misshapen, but very effective, POA>POI tack driver. That said, the length and odd angle of the grip, lack of an effective beavertail, smallish controls, poorly designed mag release and plastic mags are deal-breakers for me.

Firing 30 rounds in a calm, controlled environment, over a period of a few minutes, is one thing. Being prepared to fire multiple mags in an impromptu, uncontrolled, adrenal dumping, maelstrom is quite another thing! Just sayin'...

I believe that there are plenty of other effective AND ergonomic options available, for ME.

 

[Wishoot]

I'm curious. What other 9mm's do you own? If you're not a fan, then why did you buy the M&P9, and why do you still own such an underachiever?

I borrowed our instructor's Glock 19 to take his CCW class. It was my very first experience firing a handgun. After 30 rounds (10 each, at 3, 5 and 7 yards) there was a ragged hole in the center of the target (see my avatar), much to the surprise of everyone - including ME!

My impression is that the Glock 19 is an ugly, misshapen, but very effective, POA>POI tack driver. That said, the length and odd angle of the grip, lack of an effective beavertail, smallish controls, poorly designed mag release and plastic mags are deal-breakers for me.

Firing 30 rounds in a calm, controlled environment, over a period of a few minutes, is one thing. Being prepared to fire multiple mags in an impromptu, uncontrolled, adrenal dumping, maelstrom is quite another thing! Just sayin'...

I believe that there are plenty of other effective AND ergonomic options available, for ME.

I've been flamed on this forum for having the audacity to say that my FS M&P 9 was not accurate so I'll keep this brief.

- I own a CZ75B, Glock 19, Browning Hi-Power, Shield and FS M&P9. Additionally, I have owned, but sold/traded an LC9 and CZ SP01. So a fairly good cross section of 9mm ownership.
- I bought the FS M&P 9 based on my experience with a friends FS M&P 40 and anecdotal feedback on this and other forums.
- Fired many hundreds of rounds through the FS M&P 9 with many different weights and bullet types. All results were lackluster. Way left and way low. I'm not talking a little left and low either. Big time low and left.
- Had friends and other range members fire hundreds of rounds through the FS M&P 9 with similar lackluster results. Again, way left and way low.
- Sent gun to S&W who replaced the sights and did some other tuning.
- Shot another few hundred rounds between me, friends and range members with improved, but not impressive results.
- Put in the safe about a month or two ago and haven't touched it since.

The problem is that it still requires a ridiculously high hold. With every other 9 I've owned, a center hold does the job and puts my shots where I want them to go (or reasonably close to where I want them to go) . With the M&P, I feel like I have to aim at the horizon to get my shots in the black part of the target.

Suggestions from this forum include:

- "Get training". Well, I've been shooting for 20 years. I may not be a marksman, but I'm a decent shot. Certainly decent enough with my other 9's.
- "Apex". Sorry, but I'm not dropping another $100 or whatever to make my gun as accurate as my other bone-stock 9's.

Sorry if I come off as being defensive. It's not my intent. I just know there are people on this forum that will question everything about my experience. Except the gun itself.

I'll say this....It's a reliable and comfortable gun. But I get better results with my other 9's. Even that nasty LC9 was accurate enough. Like I said, I've been flamed for insinuating that S&W let a gun go through their QA that maybe shouldn't have.

 

[TeleGuy53]

I've been flamed on this forum for having the audacity to say that my FS M&P 9 was not accurate.

Everyone has an opinion, and a right to express it, but flaming someone for expressing that opinion serves no useful purpose. Rest assured that I will not flame you, Wishoot.

I own a CZ75B, Glock 19, Browning Hi-Power, Shield and FS M&P9. Additionally, I have owned, but sold/traded an LC9 and CZ SP01. So a fairly good cross section of 9mm ownership.

Agreed.

I bought the FS M&P 9 based on my experience with a friends FS M&P 40 and anecdotal feedback on this and other forums.
- Fired many hundreds of rounds through the FS M&P 9 with many different weights and bullet types. All results were lackluster. Way left and way low. I'm not talking a little left and low either. Big time low and left.
- Had friends and other range members fire hundreds of rounds through the FS M&P 9 with similar lackluster results. Again, way left and way low.
- Sent gun to S&W who replaced the sights and did some other tuning.
- Shot another few hundred rounds between me, friends and range members with improved, but not impressive results.
- Put in the safe about a month or two ago and haven't touched it since.

Seems like you did your due diligence and gave the pistol an honest chance. Also seems like, perhaps, S&W may have dropped the ball in its service effort.

I feel your frustration. I would have reacted similarly, given the same circumstances.

The problem is that it still requires a ridiculously high hold. With every other 9 I've owned, a center hold does the job and puts my shots where I want them to go (or reasonably close to where I want them to go) . With the M&P, I feel like I have to aim at the horizon to get my shots in the black part of the target.

Ditto my previous response.

Suggestions from this forum include:

- "Get training". Well, I've been shooting for 20 years. I may not be a marksman, but I'm a decent shot. Certainly decent enough with my other 9's.
- "Apex". Sorry, but I'm not dropping another $100 or whatever to make my gun as accurate as my other bone-stock 9's.

Agree 100%. Some folks take things too personally, and some folks can't (or won't) respect differing opinions. The "KIA" (know-it-all) brings nothing constructive or edifying to the table.

Sorry if I come off as being defensive. It's not my intent. I just know there are people on this forum that will question everything about my experience. Except the gun itself.

I'll say this....It's a reliable and comfortable gun. But I get better results with my other 9's. Even that nasty LC9 was accurate enough.

No apologies needed, Wishoot. I understand completely.

It's unfortunate that your experience with the M&P9 had to be a bad one. The M&P line IS a best seller for S&W and there ARE plenty of satisfied customers out there. That said, no company is perfect and bad things, not of our own doing, will occur along the way. When they do, then we need to make a decision: To stay and fight, or to cut losses and move on.

IMHO, given their lifetime warranty, I would continue to escalate the issue with Smith & Wesson, and insist that they exchange your pistol for a new one. As the issue moves up the chain, management will become more willing to make it right.

Please let us know what you decide and how this ends.

Good luck. Thanks for sharing.