Glock 17 or S&W M&P 9mm?

I shot a G17 gen3 for about six years in IDPA and have carried a G19 gen2 off and on for 20 years. I got to test a M&P9 out in an extended range session about three years ago. I did like the ergo's of the M&P, but the trigger was no better (or worse) than the Glock's. I couldn't see making a change. I have heard that the newer factory triggers are better on the M&P's. BTW, the H&K VP9 does feel good in the hand. The trigger on one of the three examples I have fondled felt great, the other two were "meh".

I have a Glock 17 2gen and in 3gen. I also have a M&P9. I like the M&P better for the feel. A Glock 17 in 4G fits me better, but I don't think I will entertain buying one until I wear out one of the older ones(LOL).

I also cast and load lead bullets in 9mm. According to the internet, you are not supposed to shoot cast bullets in Glocks. However, the M&P has the traditionally rifled barrel which is supposed to be safer for cast bullets.

You can't go wrong with either one.

As long as you stay away from the earlier M & P 9's they are both very good guns. The early M & P full size 9's had bbl lock up issues that Smith didn't really get a hold of until the third redesign of the bbl and they had serious accuracy issues.

The M & P may have better ergo's but the G4 glocks definitely have upped the game with the interchangeable grip panels and RTF Finnish. I will admit that some people just point and shot the M & P better. I do think Glock has a huge advantage in the aftermarket. Glock aftermarket parts are much more competitive because there are far more of them in circulation. Just think in an area like magazines with the Magpuls you can know buy 2 for the price of one Smith mag. One other beef I have with the Smith is that the mags are cheaply finished and don't hold up as well. But again if the Smith fits you better and you shoot it better it's a great gun.

For me, Glock 17 would be my preference. I like the Glock trigger and hate the M&P trigger (even with APEX). Yes the M&P does feel better in the hand but, man, the trigger wrecks it for me.

Now, OP, since you have a shield and like it, it seems that a full size M&P should be a great fit.

I don't think it has anything to do with Glock 17 versus S&W M&P9. You're going to lose money selling the Glock to get the M&P9. It's just the way use and new work in this market. My advice: don't sell one to buy another. If it works, don't sell it. You'll only lose money.

I agree with that. If the magic on a gun has worn off, you are placing too much importance on the equipment and not enough on the shooter. With duty handguns, at least 90% of how well they shoot is based on the person holding it.

gregshake2 said:

If you buy a gun because they are simple to take a part and a lot of parts are available you are buying the wrong I buy A gun that doesn't need complete disassembly and parts available I owned guns for years that run just fine with out complete overhauls.Buy the right gun and you don't have to worry about parts

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Fair enough, if that's what works for you. But I would NEVER use a stock Glock for anything. But a modified Glock is by far the best pistol for me.

To be honest, I only carry guns that can be tuned to absolute perfection, because there isn't a stock gun out there short of $1800 that works best for me. Works good maybe, but there's a whole different level of performance available if I take my time with setup.

So I stick to 1911's, Glocks, and AR15's for the most part. If the OP shoots M&P's better, than get another M&P. I still wouldn't sell the Glock, every collection needs one.

if the ergonomics are better for you on the M&P then go for it, a guy had one at the range a few weeks ago, he wanted to try my glock 17 and he said to try the M&P, as someone mentioned the trigger, i thought it was on safe, i will stay with the glock 17 for now, and i sort of feel the glock edges the M&P out for accuracy, maybe due to the barrel length.

Chet

Crazy Coot , this sums it up as far as function and parts and all .....

"Love or hate Glocks but the ease of complete disassembly and reassembly is a marvel of engineering compared to almost all others."

The Glock is an awesome tool. It can be taken COMPLETLY apart , not just feidl stripping , I mean ALL THE WAY down with just a punch or nail or even and ink pen.
The M&P has to have its whole rear sight taken off which is a pain in the butt and then you need a hammer and roll pin punch .

There's no arguing that the M&P feels better in most people's hands. But for me, the "feel" isn't everything. The G17 just feels more rugged and mine has taken a massive amount of abuse and neglect, and still performs flawlessly during IPSC.
The Gen4 backstrap options made a big difference in my performance, compared to the Gen3. Much easier to get a good grip that fits.
I think with practice, you can learn to shoot either gun well.
Finally, I sometimes like to put my head on a soft pillow when going to sleep. But in the morning I always regret not having used the comparatively solid "memory foam" pillow. Why? Because it just performs better, it's reliable, it's solid and I never wake up with a stiff neck.

Glock over S&W. Why buy the copy when you can buy the real deal? ;-)

I have them both. The M&P had an atrocious trigger. I sent
it out to Dan Burwell he did such a fantastic job that the M&P
went from a piece of junk to a really nice pistol. I dumped
the Glock 17, but I still have a Glock 34 for shooting IDPA.

Zeke

I've had a couple of Glock 17s, later upgraded to a Glock 34. It was lightly tuned with aftermarket parts. I had some of my best scores/times ever, in IDPA, using that gun. I later traded it for an equally-tuned M&P Pro. (The owner had started with Glocks, tried M&Ps, and wanted to return to Glocks.)

I LOVE the M&P Pro tuned by Speed Shooters Specialities. It's simply superb.

I might get another Glock 34, but it, like the M&P Pro, arguably needs a little trigger help. Ghost or Apex to the rescue.

TwinReverb said:

Glock over S&W. Why buy the copy when you can buy the real deal? ;-)

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I wouldn't consider an M&P a "Copy" of a Glock. Nor do I consider one superior over another.

FWIW: A simple spring kit installation (from Wolff Gunsprings), and the trigger on the S&W auto is pretty decent afterward.

For help with installation, go to YouTube, and You will find a video or two for guidance.

Glock over S&W. Why buy the copy when you can buy the real deal? ;-)

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Then that answer would be H&K.......

I own them both and don't think either one is necessarily better. They might be a little different from each other but both shoot well and reliably.

I have collected a Glock17, Glock19, Smith MP9 and a Springfield XD9 and it comes down to what feel best and what one you shoot the best. Can you reach the controls with ease and does it fit the needs you’re looking for.

I carry the Glock19 only because it fits my hand and I shoot it well. My wife likes the Springfield XD9 as it fits her best. I would trust my life to any of them so in my opinion it’s like asking do you like Ford, Dodge or Chevy.

It sounds like your ego isn't big enough to own a glock. Normally considering anything else is impossible for those folks...I haven't read the rest of the thread , but I assume it's filled with glockers telling you to keep the 17 dump the shield and buy a 43 instead.

I have a Glock and an M&P. I like both equally. The thumb safety option would be nice to have on the glock.

I owned a block once, dumped it after a couple of months. The M&P has much better ergonomics and the trigger isn't bad after you shoot it a bit. That being said, while 1911's are by far my favorites and have gotten rid of most of my DAO pistols in favor of CZ's, one more coming in on Thursday.

I have a couple questions that maybe could help and just for reference I have owned all 9mm Glock's except the 17L and 43, and I own a Shield 9 and did own an M&P9.

What do you intended to use the M&P for? Range, Carry, Home defense? and does the M&P9 provide you anything that the G17 does not? Since you already own the G17, unless you are dying for a reason to buy another gun, and you like the G17. I would stay Glock.

So here is my thoughts as I have confronted this conundrum myself. I prefer Glock over M&P for several reasons, with the exception of the Shield. I am actually currently wearing a Glock 30s in a N82 holster. My biggest gripes on the M&P9 is the trigger, good parts availability and holsters in that order. Yes, I could order an APEX trigger, and yes the trigger is better than previous models, but IMHO it sux. Wanna lighter trigger pull on your G17? A connector is $15, having to spend $500 plus for the gun and then $175 plus for a decent aftermarket trigger is not a good deal. Especially when there are other striker fired guns with actually good triggers stock in them.

I am picky about the sights on my gun, and changing them on Glocks is easy and you have a lot of options to find what you like best. The M&P on the other hand can be a chore to fit, given that not all M&P9's have the same sight cut dimensions in different production runs. Literally have seen set a Ameriglo's with set screw tightened slide out of the frame.

To me finding a really good holster is easier with Glock. Pretty much all holster makers are making Glock holsters, and you can find them on store shelves without ordering, that is not vice versa for M&P's. Also Glock magazines are plentiful, and you have cheap options with the magpul mags now.

Also and this is my personal preference. Glock simplicity, no yellow bar to flip down, no magazine disconnect safety, etc. The Glock is easier to work on.

S&W hit about as close to a gun home run as you can get with the Shield, and until they release an M&P that is same dimensions as the Glock 19. Im giving them a pass. But thats me.

I have a Glock 19 and have shot a lot of M&Ps, but haven't bought one. For me, the ergonomics on the M&P are far better than the Glock.

If you are looking to punch paper with a full size auto, then either is fine.

My needs were somewhat different...so due to those needs, I wanted a pistol that is very reliable that I can shoot well, has a great track record in real world service, simple design, easy to detail strip, great parts availability and very weather resistant.

If your needs are like mine, then keep the Glock, and add the M&P to your stable...It's not like you won't buy more guns...face it...they are like potato chips...you can never just have one.

Glock 17 or S&W M&P 9mm?

I have both and currently prefer the M&P - mostly because of the Apex trigger, which is better than any trigger I've had in any striker fired pistol. Straight from the factory, I'd take the Glock. Better trigger, lower bore axis (less muzzle flip)' ergos, reliability, aftermarket support and grip angle. M&P points a little more naturally and has better sights but that's not enough.

I've had Glocks since gen1, Well that all changed this month when I went and Held the H&K VP9... I had to have one, there is not one bad review of the H&K VP9 out there and all of the youtube videos are positive also.

I love the fact that inside the slide you see very little IF any machine marks, the parts fit nicely, you get 3 sets of back straps and can change out each one of the side panels to your liking, so you can have say small backstrap on then on the left side panel you can have medium and large on the right.

I would seriously suggest IF you can at least hold the H&K VP9 it is the same size as the G17, and the trigger also is amazing out of the box no need to spend extra on a 3.5# connector and get new sights,
MY Glocks were all SOLD as of today..
a few test shots on the range
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8jni00t35H4