Hi, My wife wants a gun for her birthday. I am a 1911 guy, but she doesn't like them, and to be honest in a stressful situation, I'm scared that she would forget to cock the hammer if it wasn't cocked and locked, or the safety. She handles poorly under stress as far as remembering things like that. The govt models are also to big and heavy for her, and give her a hard time with the slide. I'm thinking I will probably go with a 9mm (have tons of reloading junk for one, and don't own one), and either a glock or a M&P. I think both are probably good guns, but don't own either, and want some advice. My local dealer can get me out the door with in 10$ for either gun so the money is the same. Your thoughts folks?
S&W M&P or Glock (Gun for Wife's Bday)
- Thread starter bjs1187
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digsigs226
Member
I own an M&P9c and its been an extremely reliable piece. (No failures to date)
Its a matter of opinion, but I definitely subscribe to the idea that Smith and Wesson "Outglocked glock" In that they have a better ergos, a better trigger system, (especially after some love from Apex tactical
) and undeniably better looks. I'm also just not a fan of plastic magazines.
Bottom line though I would have her hold both an see which one fits her best.
Its a matter of opinion, but I definitely subscribe to the idea that Smith and Wesson "Outglocked glock" In that they have a better ergos, a better trigger system, (especially after some love from Apex tactical
) and undeniably better looks. I'm also just not a fan of plastic magazines. Bottom line though I would have her hold both an see which one fits her best.
I agree, deffinatly go with an M&P 9c. I own an M&P 45c and it is flawless. I have had it almost 2 months and have put around 1500 rounds through it without a single problem. The 9c's are very popular and also excellent shooters. My girlfriend shoots my 45 very well, and she is tiny. It handles recoil very well for how small and light it is. You can also adjust the backstraps on the M&P, it comes with a small, medium, and large. My girl loves the small, and I use the large. So your wife could change it to fit her specific hand size. Glocks are also excellent shooters, and reliable. I rented a glock 26 at the gun range the other day and got 3 inch groups from about 5 yards, which aint bad for me. I would let her shoot (rent) them both, if possible and see which one she likes best. If it came down to one for me, I would say the 9c. My 2 cents smitty704
jmresistance
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I prefer the Glock, but that is irrelevant. Whichever feels right to her is the best choice. I would trust my life to either one, so it comes down to an issue of preference.
Snowdog
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I owned a G19 for several years and put many rounds though it. It was among the absolute most reliable pistols I ever owned as it never malfunctioned in any way. Its downfall were the absolute lack of ergonomics in my case. I even place a Hogue Handall in attempts to circumvent the whole squarish feeling to no avail.
I sold it a couple years ago.
Recently, I purchased a M&P40c after reading many encouraging things about the M&P line. I was prepared for another rather chunky-feeling grip but was amazed when I found it not just tolerable but actually quite comfortable. I'm using the medium grip, but I was pleased that it came standard with a small, medium (preinstalled) and large to ensure comfort.
It will be a while before I put as many rounds through my M&P as I did my G19, but I can already tell I'm going to enjoy the range time more.
I've already put about 400 rounds through it without malfunction.
I also found the recoil on with my M&P40c is much less snappier than I remember a borrowed G23 as being (never fired the similar-sized G27) and honestly feels more like the G19 with the +P rounds that I preferred (RA9124TP, a load I still use in my UC9, K9 and HiPower).
The trigger did have a slight gritty characteristic, but that recently cleared up... perhaps around the 300 round mark. The pull was always more than acceptable in terms of weight and travel. I actually prefer it to the G19 though I have much less trigger time with it.
If Glocks fit the wife, certainly give them a serious look. They practically define reliability. However, I really like these M&Ps to the point where I might purchase a full-size later on.
I sold it a couple years ago.
Recently, I purchased a M&P40c after reading many encouraging things about the M&P line. I was prepared for another rather chunky-feeling grip but was amazed when I found it not just tolerable but actually quite comfortable. I'm using the medium grip, but I was pleased that it came standard with a small, medium (preinstalled) and large to ensure comfort.
It will be a while before I put as many rounds through my M&P as I did my G19, but I can already tell I'm going to enjoy the range time more.
I've already put about 400 rounds through it without malfunction.
I also found the recoil on with my M&P40c is much less snappier than I remember a borrowed G23 as being (never fired the similar-sized G27) and honestly feels more like the G19 with the +P rounds that I preferred (RA9124TP, a load I still use in my UC9, K9 and HiPower).
The trigger did have a slight gritty characteristic, but that recently cleared up... perhaps around the 300 round mark. The pull was always more than acceptable in terms of weight and travel. I actually prefer it to the G19 though I have much less trigger time with it.
If Glocks fit the wife, certainly give them a serious look. They practically define reliability. However, I really like these M&Ps to the point where I might purchase a full-size later on.
Apocalypse-Now
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Glock.
jackpinesavages
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Several 9mm Glocks for her hand fitment. Happy Bday to her!
Join the GSSF and get buying privelages at just $25 over our LEO costs. Excellent community.
http://gssfonline.com/
Join the GSSF and get buying privelages at just $25 over our LEO costs. Excellent community.
http://gssfonline.com/
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voyager4520
Member
Take her to the gun store, have her hold each and get familiar with the controls, and let her pick.
LiveLife
Member
We shoot Glock 17/22/27 and M&P 40/45 (full size). Wife (5'6") is very proficient with G22 and carries G27 with +1 Pearce Grip mag extension.
Although she is a Glock fan (she gets smallest/fastest shot groups at 7/10 yards with them compared to many other semi-autos she shot), she really likes the small grip inserts in the M&P which fits her hands like a glove and prefers the more ergonomic mag release and slide release. It took her some getting used to operate Glock's mag and slide release but was able to operate M&P controls without any issues the first time she picked them up.
M&P 40/45 recoil is less and my sister (5'4") and wife both commented it is "softer" recoiling than G22. When my sister wanted to upgrade from her .380 Makarov for HD, she shot all the pistols we have in 9mm/40S&W/45ACP. Her pick was M&P40 over the G17 which I thought she would prefer. She said the M&P40 recoil was just a bit more than G17 and she preferred the larger caliber bullet.
After I did a trigger job on M&P45, I found my wife shooting it more and more. 200 gr SWC with 4.0 of Promo is her favored plinking load that she shoots accurate with mild recoil, but she is now shooting 200 gr SWC with 5.0 gr of W231/HP-38 very comfortably.
In the years past, I have endorsed G17/19/26 for female shooters but now I just have them handle and shoot all the pistols first and let them make the selection based on comfort, ease of use, accuracy/speed of shot groups they attain with each pistol. I was surprised when my 5'4"/Size 2 sister chose M&P40 over G17 based on fit to her hands, ergonomics, and recoil (she actually shot the M&P40 much more accurate/faster than her .380 Makarov she has shot the past 15 years).
Have your wife handle both and range test them. Field testing will give your wife first hand assessment of how each pistol handles and shoots while keeping your comments/preferences quiet. Holes on target and how fast/comfortably your wife can shoot them should dictate the final selection.
Although she is a Glock fan (she gets smallest/fastest shot groups at 7/10 yards with them compared to many other semi-autos she shot), she really likes the small grip inserts in the M&P which fits her hands like a glove and prefers the more ergonomic mag release and slide release. It took her some getting used to operate Glock's mag and slide release but was able to operate M&P controls without any issues the first time she picked them up.
M&P 40/45 recoil is less and my sister (5'4") and wife both commented it is "softer" recoiling than G22. When my sister wanted to upgrade from her .380 Makarov for HD, she shot all the pistols we have in 9mm/40S&W/45ACP. Her pick was M&P40 over the G17 which I thought she would prefer. She said the M&P40 recoil was just a bit more than G17 and she preferred the larger caliber bullet.
After I did a trigger job on M&P45, I found my wife shooting it more and more. 200 gr SWC with 4.0 of Promo is her favored plinking load that she shoots accurate with mild recoil, but she is now shooting 200 gr SWC with 5.0 gr of W231/HP-38 very comfortably.
In the years past, I have endorsed G17/19/26 for female shooters but now I just have them handle and shoot all the pistols first and let them make the selection based on comfort, ease of use, accuracy/speed of shot groups they attain with each pistol. I was surprised when my 5'4"/Size 2 sister chose M&P40 over G17 based on fit to her hands, ergonomics, and recoil (she actually shot the M&P40 much more accurate/faster than her .380 Makarov she has shot the past 15 years).
Have your wife handle both and range test them. Field testing will give your wife first hand assessment of how each pistol handles and shoots while keeping your comments/preferences quiet. Holes on target and how fast/comfortably your wife can shoot them should dictate the final selection.
highlander 5
Member
I have had a Glock in the past and it didn't fit my hand well so I sold it. Now a few months ago I fired my buddy's M&P 40 compact and found it to be quite comfortable to shoot even though he had the small grip adaptor in the pistol. My hands are 1/2 again bigger than his. IIRC tne newest Glocks gen 4 I beleive hav interchangleable grip inserts.
As some have said take to a range and let her fire as many pistols that she can and go from there
As some have said take to a range and let her fire as many pistols that she can and go from there
mgmorden
Member
From my understanding, you now have to be a member for at least 1 year before you get the discounts now.
Just my personal experience, but I rented a Glock 17 and a S&W M&P9 Pro and ended up ordering an M&P. I liked the feel of the grips better, liked the trigger better, and liked the looks better. I'll still likely get a Glock someday (likely a police surplus when I DO buy), but for now I liked the M&P better.
Mike1234567
member
I don't like Glocks because of the grip fit and angle. I love M&P's but I'd recommend a model with no safety... just pick it up and pull the trigger with no fumbling. Make sure it can take a drop of at least 4 feet directly on the muzzle onto bare concrete without discharging.
ETA: Depending on her hand size, she's probably best served with a 9mm.
ETA: Depending on her hand size, she's probably best served with a 9mm.
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WinThePennant
Member
M&P.
It's a great gun. Great ergos. American made.
It's a great gun. Great ergos. American made.
bruzer
Member
I don't believe you will go wrong with either one. My choice of weapon came down to M&P vs Glock. The deciding factor for me was the aftermarket parts for Glock. No matter how big or small the gun store or internet site there is something for the Glock. My Gen 4 G22 has the Lone Wolf 40-9mm conversion barrel and the Tactical Solutions .22 conversion slide. So in a matter of minutes my Wife and I can shoot .40, 9mm and .22. All keeping the same trigger and feel. My Wife really likes .22, 9mm is OK and not so much the .40 but I like them all. If I feel the need a .357 SIG barrel from Lone Wolf can also be added. How sweet is that!
Mike
Mike
k-frame
Member
Gift certificate for the gun store and let her choose while you go shoot on the range for an hour or so.
Caveat: the sales people
a) know what they are doing
b) can help her make an informed selection
c) can do so without being a collective heads of knuckle.
Caveat: the sales people
a) know what they are doing
b) can help her make an informed selection
c) can do so without being a collective heads of knuckle.
Mike1234567
member
I have the M&P 9c and just traded the M&P 40c in on a CZ75 9mm. I like my M&P and I think for a compact pistol is superior to the Glock in fit to my hand. However...this is about your wife!
You state that she doesn't do well in high pressure situations. Would a semi-auto of any kind be the best option? I may suggest a Ruger or S&W revolver. If a round jams in her semi-automatic...would she be aware enough or reactionary enough to clear the jam and reload? I doubt it seriously. My wife is the SAME WAY! Revolver is the ticket...no boom...just pull the trigger again. It WILL fire! They are lightweight...hammerless...and easy to use. Most of all..it's an effective round.
You state that she doesn't do well in high pressure situations. Would a semi-auto of any kind be the best option? I may suggest a Ruger or S&W revolver. If a round jams in her semi-automatic...would she be aware enough or reactionary enough to clear the jam and reload? I doubt it seriously. My wife is the SAME WAY! Revolver is the ticket...no boom...just pull the trigger again. It WILL fire! They are lightweight...hammerless...and easy to use. Most of all..it's an effective round.
jackpinesavages
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- 809
Buy a Glock, but whatever you do avoid Lone Wolff for aftermarket pieces for it. Stay with Jarvis, KKM, or Storm Lake products.
Bowhunter57
Member
bjs1187,
Where in Ohio are you located? I might be able to point you towards a good gun shop. I'm in the Lima area.
Since this handgun is for your wife, it's EXTREMELY important that she shoots/handles the weapon, before the purchase. I don't know how many times I've been in a gun shop and some guy walks in and says, "I'd like to buy a handgun for my wife and/or girlfriend", but his wife and/or girlfriend is nowhere in sight. :banghead:
Of the two handguns you suggested, I would recommend the M&P...because I have one and it's been flawless in its' function and very very accurate. I wasn't expecting a 9mm to have this kind of accuracy, but a 1 hole group at 20 yards with 147gr. JHP box ammo, was very impressive.
The time and money you'd spend in an indoor range will be well worth it. Nothing worse than "buyer's remorse", when spending over $400, for a handgun.
Good hunting, Bowhunter57
Where in Ohio are you located? I might be able to point you towards a good gun shop. I'm in the Lima area.
Since this handgun is for your wife, it's EXTREMELY important that she shoots/handles the weapon, before the purchase. I don't know how many times I've been in a gun shop and some guy walks in and says, "I'd like to buy a handgun for my wife and/or girlfriend", but his wife and/or girlfriend is nowhere in sight. :banghead:
Of the two handguns you suggested, I would recommend the M&P...because I have one and it's been flawless in its' function and very very accurate. I wasn't expecting a 9mm to have this kind of accuracy, but a 1 hole group at 20 yards with 147gr. JHP box ammo, was very impressive.
The time and money you'd spend in an indoor range will be well worth it. Nothing worse than "buyer's remorse", when spending over $400, for a handgun.
Good hunting, Bowhunter57
Cards81fan
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I agree with letting her decide, but if you are set on surprising her:
The S&W. Three back strap options gives you a better chance of a good fit.
That said, I prefer the subcompact Glock, anf the full size M&P. Go figure.
The S&W. Three back strap options gives you a better chance of a good fit.
That said, I prefer the subcompact Glock, anf the full size M&P. Go figure.
Thanks for the info everyone, I appreciate it. I would take her to buy one, but I do want to surprise her. After all of this discussion and some outside research, I think I will go with the Smith. Bowhunter57, I live in Ashtabula. I currently go to Ohioguns.us for my gunstore purchases.
Thanks everyone,
Ben
Thanks everyone,
Ben
PlateStacker
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