When we compare the SW9VE to the Glock 17 (which are comparable pistols) we see many similarities and a few differences. The question we have to ask ourselves is, "are those few differences worth the price difference?"
Action: virtually the same. Browning short recoil system. The one difference is that the Glock will fire when slightly out of battery but the SW will not. (+ 1 for SW)
Magazine: The SW holds one more round than the Glock. The SW magazines are made of stainless steel while the Glock's are made from plastic. Also the SW magazine catch is steel and the Glock's is plastic. (+3 for SW)
Ergonomics: As ergonomics is a matter of taste, experience, and the size/shape of one's hands it is entirely subjective and neither adds nor subtracts from the comparison. (+-0)
Material: Slides on both are stainless steel of equal grade. The frame of the Glock is made from a polymer, the exact formula of which is a trade secret, and the SW is made from nylon (which is also a polymer). (+-0)
Barrel: Glock uses a barrel with polygonal rifling which creates a superior seal preventing excessive blow by and increasing velocity. However, it also is more subject to lead fouling and requires more attention to, and more frequent, cleanings than the conventionally rifled SW. Additionally the steep transition from the chamber to the barrel tends to foul more easily when using lead bullets which may be the cause of Glock's firing out of battery if not properly cleaned. The SW chamber is fully supported, the Glock is not. But on a 9mm pistol this is, for the most part, irrelevant. (This one is a wash. Glock rifling has better seal but SW has fewer problems associated with its rifling. The supported/unsupported chamber does not come into play with a 9mm which is what we are comparing)
Parts and accessories: Glock has been around a long, long time and there are all sorts of after-market parts available. The same is true of accessories. However, many Glock accessories will fit the SW. Holsters are an excellent example. A holster made for a Glock will fit a SW (size/shape are almost identical, within a 1/10 of an inch in most instances). However, the non-standard rail on a SW limits what you can hang under the barrel without using an adapter (which are available and pretty cheap). (Glock +1)
Trigger: The Glock and SW triggers operate very similarly, however, the SW trigger requires almost twice as much pull as the Glock. 9.1 to 5.2 pounds. Additionally the Glock trigger, out of the box, is much smoother (although it is still considerably on the mushy side). The SW can be brought up to the Glock, but it will require some gunsmithing and replacement of some factory parts. (Glock +2)
Greater variety available: The Glock has been around much longer and has morphed into many different models and calibers. Not so the SW. One model, 2 calibers. (Glock +1)
So, that gives us 4 for the SW and 4 for the Glock. I own both but can't defend the price difference in light of the comparison.
Your choice, of course, is entirely up to you. If it is worth it to you, go for it! Value, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder.
