Went in to get a Glock 19, bought an M&P Shield instead

[larkja]

So, I haven't really been a fan of the Glocks; they just don't fit my grip. Well, my local gun store was having a sale over the weekend, and I was planning on pulling the proverbial trigger and buying a Glock 19.

They were also having a sale on the M&P Shield 9mm and I thought I would just see how they felt side by side.

My observations (just at the gun store; not at the range yet):

Glock 19 v3
The palm swell is big. Feels like a chunk of wood. I also did not like the trigger - seemed to creep a bunch.

M&P Shield
The grip is pretty narrow due to the fact that it's a single stack. But, it fit my hand better. The trigger also seemed really good. Not a lot of creep and engaged nicely. I purchased some rubber grip tape since it felt a little slippery in my hand.

So, I'm still not a Glock fanboy. I realize they're uber reliable. But if it doesn't feel good when shooting, I know I won't use/carry.

[ScottsBad]

Everyone is entitled to at least one big mistake in their lives.

[d4v0s]

The appeal of the G19 is that you can carry it, shoot steel or IDPA and not need two different pistols.

Of course I just sent my block of wood off to ZEV for the ccw treatment and removal of the back strap and finger grooves.

The shield is a nice pistol though, and I have seen a few folks shoot them really well at IDPA. The only thing I don't like about ultra compacts are the finger slots pinch me when changing mags. Reason why I got ride of my xds.

[d4v0s]

Also the G19 is not reliable with California 10 round mags. Many people have had problems with the 2183 followers and hollow points, I had to change mine all out to 9mm6 followers. I am planning on replacing them all with blocked 15 round mags because I just don't trust them anymore.

[CK_32]

Everyone is entitled to at least one big mistake in their lives.

Lol


As a owner of both a shield and a 19



Lol!



And hey I resent that!

[Skeez]

You obviously don't have much experience shooting. You should be concerned with how a gun fits in your hands not your hand. How do you know which gun will feel better when you shoot them if you haven't shot either one and are only comparing them by holding them? The Glock trigger is by far better than the shield's. The shield is a great ccw gun, but the Glock is a lot more comfortable to shoot for longer periods of time. You are not really comparing apples to apples.

[L-2]

Going with the S&W's M&P Shield may be a good idea vs. the Glock 19 in California due to the required 10-round mags. Apparently, it's been "hit or miss" with the Glock 19 10-round mags reliably feeding for everybody.

Otherwise, for me, I've never found holding-a-gun-in-a-gun-store to be very reliable test for long-term happiness. Shooting a few hundred rounds in one session has been a better method for me. After that, depending on the gun, I'll have determined what changes, if any, I'll make to the grip or other offending part.

Edited to add: By the time I posted my comments, it appears others were posting very similar comments at the same time!

[larkja]

My experience with Glock is a couple years ago, I had a Glock 23. It never felt really good in my hands and I sold it a few months later for a CZ 75b - love that gun.

I'll throw a few hundred rounds through the Shield and see how it feels. I might eventually make the switch, but for now going to stick with the Shield.

[skosh69]

Congratulations!!! You made a wise choice. Get an Apex kit and you'll be good to go.

[Bakerloo]

I hated every Glock that I picked up in the gun shops. Then I made the mistake of shooting my friend's G19. Sold my M&P 9 in March and drank the Glock Kool Aid...

[BoJackUSMC]

Shield, good choice for ccw and HD as well (better choice out there for HD, but shield will do the job).

I used to carry shield, but replaced with glock 42. Never had any issue with shield..

[Sunday]

I don't own a shield I own a Kahr p9 .I tried a Shield and was most impressed by the feel and ease of shooting considering it is a compact pistol.

[Tere_Hanges]

Im a Glock owner. My first gun was a 23.
I also have a M&P9. I recently shot my friend's Shield and I rented a Glock 43. I must say the shield was awesome. It pointed very well. It was incredibly accurate for me. The 43 not so much, was greatly dissapointed. The shield will probably be my next purchase. I cant believe anyone would pay $1000 for a 43 when they could get a shield for $370. Its just a better gun.

I just think S&W makes a better pistol than Glock. Better ergos, resulting in better accuracy, and stock sights are way superior.

[larkja]

Skeez,

Yes, I meant to say hands - that's with an "s." I realize one does not shoot one-handed (well, some people might). I wouldn't call myself an expert, but I have been shooting handguns and long guns since I was about 12 years old. My parents have an old Beretta 25 caliber which was my first handgun.

We also had a family friend that was a gunsmith and he used to bring out some cool old stuff. I remember shooting a 19th century black powder handgun that just about knocked me on my $ss - good times :-)

Anyway, thanks for all of the comments. It's still in jail and am excited to see how it performs.

[asphaltcowboychip]

I'll tell you what everything aside. The shield feels great, shoot good and I haven't had a problem yet. If all possible go to the market get one without safety, mag disconnect. No biggy if you can't I just prefer less on my gun to screw up.