compact 9mm comparison

[mr.trooper]

hey guys. Iv been searching for a compact 9mm for a while now. my latest round up is either the Glloack19, or the S&W 908. here are the technicals on bolth:

Glock 19
------------
Overall length: 7.45"
height: 5"
BBL length: 4.02"
Capacity: 15
Material: Polymer
Empty weight 23.5oz
Full weight: Aprox. 32.49oz

S&W 908
------------
overall length: 6.81"
height: 5.58"
BBL length 3.5"
capacity: 8
Material: Alluminum Alloy & Carbon Steel
Empty weight: 24oz
Full weight: 27.52oz

Pros
---------
G19 - higher capacity, cheaper factory mags
908 - lighter, smaller

cons
---------
G19 - lots of un needed gadgets
908 - $60 factory mags

here is a picture of a G19 next to a 908. The image is scaled to fit on screen, but the size of gunsshould be accurate to within .02"



So there you have it. the g19 has higher capacity, but is bigger and heavyer. on the other hand, spare factory mags for the 908 are rediculously expensive.

What, in your oppinion, is the berrer CCW gun?

 

[heypete]

I'm a huge fan of the Glock 19, though I think it's a bit big for carry...the Glock 26 might be a bit better equipped for that. It's a bit smaller, holds ten rounds, uses the same magazines as the G19 (if you're so inclined), and is also 9mm. I have both, and love them both, but the G26 is my carry piece, and the G19 is my range piece.

I'm curious what you mean by "lots of unneeded gadgets" on the G19. I've never seen a simpler, more basic pistol. There's no levers, switches, or safeties necessary to fire...chamber a round, point, click. Doesn't get much easier than that. It field strips to four pieces (frame, spring, barrel, slide), and detail strips to a few more, but still significantly less than most other guns. It's a very simple and reliable mechanism.

Just my $0.02.

 

[gau5]

Not too clear on the "too many gadgets" thing. More aftermarket accessories is a good thing, lots of choices. Not many with the S&W.

The Glock 9mm pistols all take the same type mag, so you can reload a G26 with G17 mags.


S&W makes very nice revolvers though.....

 

[9mmdude]

I thought the length of the Glock 19 was 6.85 "??

 

[Edmond]

I found the ergonomics of the Smith to be a nightmare. I'm a big fan of the G19, it's a very solid pistol with a very good reputation. I don't think you will go wrong with a G19. And you could use the 17 round G17 mags as the backup mag is you so need.

Lots of gadgets is what's good about the Glock. They're like the Small Block Chevy, there are so many parts to customize yours to make it really yours.

 

[Rob1035]

It seems some dont understand this, but the huge glock aftermarket does not mean you have to fiddle with your pistol. They are pretty darn good BNIB.

I'd go for whichever feels best, they both seem to have a great reputation. I'd also look into the 6909/4, which is a double stack S&W w/ higher capacity.

 

[heypete]

They are pretty darn good BNIB.

+1

My Glock 19 has been freakishly reliable since I bought it, and I've thrown all sorts of ammo (crap and premium) through it. What I thought was barrel erosion marks actually turned out to just be some carbon deposits my nylon brushes[1] weren't getting off. After some bronze brushing, there's no detectable wear at all.

It's certainly more accurate than I am, and I did quite well at a recent non-competitive (meaning that one tries to out-do oneself) defensive pistol course with it.

[1] I mostly use nylon, as they last longer than bronze brushes and are a bit easier to clean off without poking my fingers. They generally do a pretty good job.

 

[strambo]

If your considering the SW 908, might want to throw the Kahr K9 in the mix. 25 oz and smaller in every other dimension I believe than the SW (6" length and 4.5" height). Great DA trigger, reliable and extremely slim and easy to conceal. The Glock 19 is a great gun, but in a different category...high cap mid sized 9mm vs the slim easy to conceal single stack of the S&W and Kahr.

 

[yayarx7]

You really need to shoot both of them. The two guns have very different triggers, and different manual of arms. I have never fires the particular Smith in question, but I find the handling characteristics of Smith autos in general to be quite different from Glocks.


that IMO and it is worth what you paid for it.

 

[mr.trooper]

Thanks guys.

Buy "Gadgety" i meant that i thinkthe triger is mushy, and i dont like the idea of it having so many interanl safeties. the Smith has the type of triger i like, and only has the slide mounted safetly, that i assume is a hammer block type?

And the Glocks slide length IS 6.82". but im talking OVERALL length.

 

[Darth Ruger]

...i dont like the idea of it having so many interanl safeties.

That's one of the things I like about the design. The advantage is that it's not going to fire unless you pull the trigger, but in a stressful situation when you only have moments to react to an attack and get the shot off, you'll never have to worry about forgetting to take the safety off first (and then being in the undesirable predicament of realizing it when it's too late) because you're basically taking the safety off as you pull the trigger, so to speak.

The less things you have to do under stress,
the more likely you are to do them successfully.

 

[Rob1035]

FWIW- I think the Glock 26 is probably a better comparison with the S&W....

 

[Alan Fud]

908

 

[HighVelocity]

The 908 is really easy to carry as it's very flat, not fat like the Glock. My 908 was just as accurate as any 9mm I ever owned. The trigger is better on the 908 imho as well.
I don't know where you saw $60 mags but I'd definitely stay away from there.
Mags can be had much cheaper, just look around the web and you find them for $20.
The only bad thing about the 908 is resale. It took a good while for me to sell mine when the time came as single stack 9mm's just don't generate a lot of interest.
If you had the G19 and decided to sell, it would take less than 24 hours and you'll get more of your money back out of it then you would selling a used 908.

 

[rde]

Grip angle of the Glock does not work well for me. And I do agree that the 26 vs the 908 is probably a more even comparison.

Have the stainless version of the 908 (908S). Mine required a quick polish of the feed ramp to correct a feeding problem. Got it done for free and it took him maybe 10 minutes while I waited. After that...it has been flawless. Not even the hint of a malfunction of any kind with any kind or brand of ammo. It is very accuarate. Being very flat (single stack) it is very easy to carry concealed. They do have the magazine safety (no mag=no fire) and the slide mounted safety/decocker. I personally don't concern myself about the magazine safety at all (though others most definately do) and I am use to a traditional slide mounted safety double/single action design. The trigger pull is very good (both DA and SA). I put a set of Hogue soft grips (for the 3913) on it and that really improved the feel for me. Mags should not cost that much. I overpaid for an extra one this past weekend at a gun show..for $25 new (overpaid because I was too lazy to go back to the table that had them for $20). I do agree that if it turns out that you don't like it trade in on a S&W is going to cost you. Fortunately for me the 908S has worked out well and I will keep it.

 

[10-Ring]

Me, I've always found the Glock to be nicer to grip than the S&W semi auto's...FOr me, it would come down to which ever one I am most comfortable shooting and which one I could devote the most time learning to shoot properly.

 

[MaceWindu]

cons
---------
G19 - lots of un needed gadgets

Huh??

MaceWindu

 

[Rob1035]

I was looking hard at the 3913/6906, but my 26 sort of fell in my lap. I think you'll be well served either way.