Striker Fired Evaluations: M&P, P320, G17

[code_blue]

I've owned each of these pistols for some time now, but have not done an evaluation of them together. Independently, I like them all and think I like the M&P the most, but I need to do a side by side.

For this purpose, I've made them as similar as possible (modifications to my liking and to suit my needs). I typically do not alter triggers beyond the factory parts. Maybe a little polishing, but that's it.

For now, a little teaser and description. I will begin heavy testing over the next few weeks. All will be tested in 9mm (although I do have full caliber conversions for each). All will be utilizing the "standard" FS variant of the models.

You can find more detail on these pistols in my various threads and postings.


1. S&W M&P 4.25" barrel (I will omit using the 5" PRO CORE slide for fairness)
- Pro sear installed
- H-trigger bar
- New slide stop
- Stippled back strap (small)
- Talon rubber grip wrap
- StormLake 40-9 conversion barrel
- Dawson Precision red fiber optic sights / Black rear
*** TLR-1 will be removed before testing


2. Sig Sauer P320 4.7" barrel
- Post voluntary upgrade (skeletonized striker, lightweight trigger, sear safety, etc...)
- OEM grip (small)
- OEM barrel
- Dawson Precision red fiber optic sights / Black rear


3. Glock 17 Gen3 4.49" barrel
- Gen 5 "DOT" connector
- $0.25 trigger job
- Extended slide stop (not sure if I like this or not)
- Scalloped mag release
- Triggerguard undercuts
- Finger groove removal
- Backstrap reduction
- Talon rubber grip wrap
- Zev TiN dimpled barrel
- Ameriglo Protector sights








Stay tuned.

[billped]

The thread will inevitably be littered with the occasional Glock/Sig/S&W fanboy comments, but if we all ignore them this should be good.

[code_blue]

The thread will inevitably be littered with the occasional Glock/Sig/S&W fanboy comments, but if we all ignore them this should be good.

Sadly, you're probably correct. Realistically, I am comparing for my personal use, but figured it might benefit someone else.

Based on the data that I have for each pistol's individual testing/experience, I like them all. They all function as intended and each have their little nuances that I dislike. For example, I liked the G17 more than I thought I would and I didn't like the P320 as much as I thought I would've. The M&P surprised the heck out of me and I've grown very fond of it.

I am sure that each will hold up to the testing. I'm not really sure what I'm looking for here. I just have not done a side-by-side with all three.

[saudadeii]

I look forward to your updates. Will you put them in this thread or create separate linked ones?

[code_blue]

I look forward to your updates. Will you put them in this thread or create separate linked ones?

Here. The individual threads for these pistols are kind of scattered and mixed in other threads, so it's more simple here.

[mjmagee67]

So your testing and comparing guns that you have modified? OK...

[code_blue]

So your test and compating guns that you have modified? OK...

Yes, wasn't that obvious?

[etwinam]

I've done my own comparisons through out the years and I've realized my wants and needs have changed so often that each time it gives me new insight.

I started shooting on Glocks and then went to an XD followed by M&P. I fell in love with M&P as I prefer the thinner grip and control. Eventually I got tired of the lack of trigger reset even after an Apex upgrade. Ended up selling the XD. It was a good gun but I never much liked the higher bore and muzzle flip. Same thing with VP9 and PPQ. I picked up a P320 and loved the way it fit my hand however the trigger drove me crazy. It was lacking too much for me. Even after an Apex upgrade. Sold it and never looked back.

Eventually I circled back to an M&P with the 2.0 and I didn't like the grip at first but the trigger reset problem was fixed. Went Glock for a while but really hated the grip block feel in the web of my hand. Finally had a range day with the M&P 2.0 and now it is my favorite and only remaining full sized polymer handgun.

So I like your comparison however realize your wants and needs will change and as they do so will your tastes in weaponry. Looking forward to seeing your side by side of course. Would be nice to see a VP9 or P10c and PPQ mixed up in there.

[code_blue]

I've done my own comparisons through out the years and I've realized my wants and needs have changed so often that each time it gives me new insight.

I started shooting on Glocks and then went to an XD followed by M&P. I fell in love with M&P as I prefer the thinner grip and control. Eventually I got tired of the lack of trigger reset even after an Apex upgrade. Ended up selling the XD. It was a good gun but I never much liked the higher bore and muzzle flip. Same thing with VP9 and PPQ. I picked up a P320 and loved the way it fit my hand however the trigger drove me crazy. It was lacking too much for me. Even after an Apex upgrade. Sold it and never looked back.

Eventually I circled back to an M&P with the 2.0 and I didn't like the grip at first but the trigger reset problem was fixed. Went Glock for a while but really hated the grip block feel in the web of my hand. Finally had a range day with the M&P 2.0 and now it is my favorite and only remaining full sized polymer handgun.

So I like your comparison however realize your wants and needs will change and as they do so will your tastes in weaponry. Looking forward to seeing your side by side of course. Would be nice to see a VP9 or P10c and PPQ mixed up in there.

I still have a traditional DA/SA preference with P-series Sigs being my ideal ( I would probably never get rid of these). The only other true DA/SA I have other than the P-Series is the HK P2000, but only because of lighter weight carry. The striker series of pistols was relatively new (within the last 2 years).

Perhaps that is what I am looking for: a reason to go to one striker platform that I shoot very often v. multiple to go back and forth. Realistically, they all do the same thing and they do it well. It's a matter of which will work best for my needs. I could say that I would gravitate towards the M&P since the Shield is one of my primary carries, but it's not exactly the same as the standard M&P models.


Triple serialed Germans as a bonus (Top clockwise):
P228
P226 (Very hard to get P226 "Classic Carry" Grips)
P229

[Gregchico]

What are you testing and evaluating for? Just how they feel in your hand after changes? If they survive a carpet drop?

[code_blue]

What are you testing and evaluating for? Just how they feel in your hand after changes? If they survive a carpet drop?

Carpet drop survival is mandatory, obviously. They all feel fine, so no. The Glock was the only one that I felt the need to make extensive modifications to for it to feel "natural" in my hands.

I will be testing for overall practicality and intuitive functionality of the pistols during the drills that I will be running. The weather is warmer so public land is open for pretending to be a high speed/low drag operator.

Fun fact: Both the M&P and G17 have the slam the mag/auto-slide forward bonus, but the Sig does not. Could be because the Sig is the "newest" of the three in build date/use/generation or it could be that Sig's design doesn't allow for it. I know that the M&P 2.0's design prevents this. I like the ability to do this, so that's already a negative on the P320. Perhaps it will develop after many more rounds.

[The Shootist]

I for one appreciate your comparison...Thank you if for nothing else a little entertainment and see how your comparison is to my personal one as I own all three of the ones you mentioned above. Have fun at the range thats the best part.

[ruddogg]

thx OP looking forward to the comparison.

I have the P320, I wasn't overly fond of the trigger, since the PPQ is my EDC...So I sent the P320 to Grayguns....it's night & day... they work wonders with the P320.

[Lonestargrizzly]

If you shoot one with a wml and two without, that doesnt seem fair.
Wml on all or none.

[code_blue]

If you shoot one with a wml and two without, that doesnt seem fair.
Wml on all or none.

Dang it, Grizz...

1. S&W M&P 4.25" barrel (I will omit using the 5" PRO CORE slide for fairness)
- Pro sear installed
- H-trigger bar
- New slide stop
- Stippled back strap (small)
- Talon rubber grip wrap
- StormLake 40-9 conversion barrel
- Dawson Precision red fiber optic sights / Black rear
*** TLR-1 will be removed before testing