First Purchase - Smith vs. Glock?

[ShadowForce]

Guys, I just wanted to update this string and share my purchase decision. After much deliberation, I went in a different direction.

I knew I eventually wanted to get a Sig 220 and I wasn't totally convinced that I'd be happy with a striker fired pistol anyway for my first purchase. Long story short is I saw a Sig P226 TACOPS 9mm yesterday that included 4 - 20 round mags. I loved the way it felt so I totally blew the original budget and purchased it. This allows me to stay with a single platform initially since I'd really like to get the 220 as soon as funds allow.

I really like the long 10 pound first pull on the 226 followed by I think 4.5 pounds for follow-up shots. I know some well known folks (Hickock45) despise the double-action to single-action but I'm more comfortable with it as a beginner. Perhaps I'll change my mind with more experience.

I can't wait to clean it and get to the range over the next few days.

Thanks again for all of your feedback. I'll try to post some pictures on Monday.

Regards - Bob

 

[David E]

The one thing you need to drill into your skull is to decock before you retract the gun from extension, or your full shooting position.

If you're not actively engaged in firing a shot, decock the hammer. (most right handed people use their left thumb to do that)

Another side note as far as trigger finger position is to place the center of the first joint in the center of the trigger. There is no need to adjust your finger position between the first DA shot and subsequent SA shots. Those that advocate doing that should be ignored.

 

[3KillerBs]

Glad you found something that you are happy with.

 

[qcsmitty]

Shoot them both and decide, its really as simple as that. Both are reliable, accurate well made guns. It doesn't matter how well others shoot them, they will not be there to shoot it if it is needed. It only matters how well you shoot them.

This is always the best answer.

 

[ShadowForce]

Well, I cleaned the 226 this afternoon and took a trip to the range tonight. Unfortunately I only had 1/2 hour before they closed but I was able to put my first 70 rounds through it.

I used Federal 9mm 115 grain (Walmart specials!).

The only issue I had was likely self induced on round 69. I thought I had pulled the trigger but nothing happened. I racked the slide but didn't release it the way I should have so the last round didn't feed properly. I took that one out, loaded the last 2 again and they both fired properly. Not sure what happened with round 69 and the failure to fire but perhaps I just didn't pull the trigger all the way (I know I flinched because the range master stopped me to talk about it). The range master was over my shoulder trying to coach me so who knows. I was distracted so I don't remember whether the hammer fell or not.

I'll assume for now that it wasn't an issue with the pistol since I didn't have any other issues. Likely wasn't a faulty round either since it fired when I reloaded it, right?

Anyway, I had a good time. Just need to get out and practice much more.

 

[allaroundhunter]

I'll assume for now that it wasn't an issue with the pistol since I didn't have any other issues. Likely wasn't a faulty round either since it fired when I reloaded it, right?

I would not chalk it up to the gun, but I can't tell you for sure what it was. Did you look at the primer prior to reinserting it into the magazine to see if it was a light primer strike?

And as for the flinching, range time is great, but dry firing at home with snap caps is cheap and will help a whole lot when you can't make it to the range. When you are shooting live rounds, let the shot surprise you, don't jerk the trigger or anticipate it, just let the shot break.

 

[Aaron2091]

Between those two its a choice between ergonomics.I have shot both and carried the Glock for duty use. Both have decent triggers. Smith and Glocks are good guns to start with and you have the price difference. I would go with the Smith. There are plenty of toys for the Smith out now since It's become popular in the Law Enforcement market.

I have that Tac Ops in 40 and have owned more than one sig in 9mm. They can be finicky as far as ammo goes. It doesn't sound like it caused your malfunction but try to use the higher grain ammo in sigs as the springs are pretty stiff when they are new and the lower grain 9mm may not cycle the slide properly. You know that problem is occuring when you have a failure to feed into the chamber or the slide isn't locking back when the mag's empty.
Try staying with 135 grain in the metal sigs for 9mm.

 

[ShadowForce]

Thanks Aaron!

 

[ChopMeat]

I ran into the same question the other day, what do I want? I came into the shop with intent to purchase the Springfield XD. I stopped for a slight instance and asked to see the glock 17. My salesman said "hold on let's take the pepsi challenge." He brought out the Springfield, the Glock 17, 19, and 26 along with a M&P. When I finally got the G17 in hand, I knew this was the gun I wanted, it fit perfect in my hand and the sights were dead on in hand. It felt right, that's the only thing that matters, all three of the manufactures are superior gun makers. Get what is right for you, including calibers. Then shoot quality ammo, why buy a good gun and put crappy stuff through it. JMO..

 

[justice06rr]

Congrats on the SIG. Funny how you started this M&P vs Glock debate again just to go a different direction. Lol.

 

[tomrkba]

Are you going to post photos of the gun and your targets?

 

[TonyT]

Both are relaible 9mm semi ayutos. I would go to a gun range and use both in order to determione which suits me best. i shoot both Glocks and S&W M&P's in competition. I prefer the ergonimics and trigger of the S&W's.

 

[ShadowForce]

Tom,

Yes, that's next on my "To-Do" list once I
return from the NRA convention.

Bob

 

[RockyMtnTactical]

The Glock is still better... if S&W could do something about their triggers, they would be a very good option IMO.

 

[wickedsprint]

The Glock is still better... if S&W could do something about their triggers, they would be a very good option IMO.

Agree, can't get over the vague reset and I tend to hit low with M&Ps. I wanted to like it, better ergos and sights and USA company...but I shoot the Glocks much better.

 

[the_hustleman]

Hey, first post here on the forum. I've been reading for a couple of months.

Anyway, I shot a handgun for the first time in my life last month. Since then, I've been to the range 4 or 5 times and have completed two basic pistol courses.

For my first purchase, I've narrowed the field to the Smith M&P 9mm (full size) and the Glock G19 (Gen 4). Can the more seasoned shooters share their opinions on accuracy, "shootability", etc.?

Thanks for your feedback!

Bob

Glocks are great guns, functional, reliable, takes a beating, can take just about any ammo, overall great guns.

Take all of that, extra accuracy, comfortable grip, and you have an m&p - best carry gun money can buy

*swyped from the evo so excuse any typos*