tackleberry45 said:
Does the new Gen4 G34 qualify as "ergonomic"? In other words is it really worth looking into it?
Gen3 Glock 22 has been my match pistol but for me, I consider it not ergonomic for the following reasons:
1. Mag release. I have glove size 10 shooting hand and must shift my grip to depress the mag release to drop the magazine. I can reach the mag release, but cannot depress deep enough. I have tried extended mag release but found it stuck out too far out. I can accomplish this on M&P40/45 without shifting my grip. I suggest you try releasing the magazines in both pistols and see which is more ergonomic for your hand.
2. Grip/Sights. I can grip both M&P40/M&P45 with one or two hands and point to any light switch or dime sized spot at typical match stage distances (7-25 yards) and the sights will always be "right on" point. Although I have "accommodated/assimilated" Glock pistol grip angle over the years and can point accurately, it requires a "Glock grip shift" in my brain. I also suggest you point both pistols at small aim points and see how the sights line up.
3. Slide locks on M&P pistols are much more substantial and even shooters not familiar with the pistol can operate them easily. Many new shooters to Glocks have difficulty with slide locks as it requires a "swiping" motion rather than "push" motion to release the slide. Once again, I suggest you operate both pistols and see how easy it is to release the slide.
4. M&P pistols have full ambi controls for mag/slide lock release and safety (if so equipped) for both right and left handed shooters. Gen4 Glocks still only have controls on left side of the pistol.
5. This is more subjective and personal observation but the M&P grip evokes a "Ooooooohhhhhh, nice grip" response from my hand when I pick it up and I can operate the safety, slide lock and mag release more "naturally" with my shooting thumb without making any adjustment to the grip. Once again, I suggest you operate all the controls on both pistols to see how they feel in your hands.