Deciding between the Glock 19 vs M& P Shield usually comes down to the way you plan on holding your pistol every single day. These are probably two of the most popular handguns on the planet, yet they represent 2 very different philosophies of concealed carry. The first is a "Goldilocks" gun that attempts to do every thing, while the other is a devoted, slimmed-down tool constructed for deep concealment.
If you're standing at the gun counter attempting to figure away which one to take home, you aren't alone. It's a vintage debate. Let's breakdown the reality associated with owning and capturing both these staples so you can find out which one in fact fits your lifestyle.
The Size Factor: Compact vs. Micro-Compact
The biggest difference you'll notice immediately is the footprint. The Glock 19 is widely considered the industry regular to get a "compact" handgun. It's small plenty of to hide under a light jacket or even a loose t-shirt, but large plenty of to feel such as a "real" weapon you are holding. It offers a 4-inch clip or barrel and a grip that allows almost all people to get almost all four fingers comfortably around the framework.
On the other hand, the particular Smith & Wesson M& P Shield—especially the newer Shield Plus—falls into the micro-compact or subcompact category. It's significantly thinner compared to Glock. While the Glock 19 is regarding 1. 26 inches wide, the Shield is closer in order to an inch. That will might not sound like much on papers, nevertheless it's put within your waistband for ten hours, you'll feel every fraction of an inch.
The Shield will be shorter, thinner, and lighter. This can make it the very clear winner for anyone who else wears more fitted clothing or just dislikes the feeling of a heavy chunk associated with polymer pulling on their belt. However, the particular Glock 19's bigger size isn't just dead weight; it serves a purpose if you actually have got to pull the trigger.
Shootability and Recoil Management
Here is the trade-off: little guns are super easy to bring but harder in order to shoot. Since the Glock 19 recieve more bulk and a more grip, it absorbs recoil much better than the Shield. If you're with the range to get a long afternoon, you are able to put 200 models through a Glock 19 and experience totally fine. It's a very "flat" shooting gun, meaning the muzzle doesn't flip up as well aggressively.
The particular M& P Shield is a bit more "snappy. " Because there's much less weight to dip up the energy from the 9mm circular, you'll feel a bit more vibration and kick in the palm of your hand. Smith & Wesson did a great job with the grip consistency and the bore axis (how higher the barrel rests above your hand) to keep it manageable, but it still won't be as soft as the Glock.
If a person are a brand new present shooter, you'll likely find the Glock 19 much easier in order to master. The bigger surface area area allows with regard to a better "support hand" grip, which is usually key to precision. The Shield will take a bit even more practice to hold steady, specifically if you have got larger hands plus your pinky little finger is dangling off the bottom of the particular flush-fit magazine.
Capacity: How Several Rounds Do you want?
For years, the particular Glock 19 vs M& P Shield debate was obviously a lopsided fight in terms of capacity. The Glock 19 famously holds 15 rounds within a standard flush-fit magazine. The original Shield only held seven or 8 rounds. That's a massive difference.
However, things changed whenever Smith & Wesson released the Shield Plus. By using a "stack-and-a-half" magazine design, they will managed to cram 10 or thirteen rounds into a frame that is usually barely wider than the original. All of a sudden, the gap closed significantly.
While the Glock still wins along with 15 rounds (and the ability to take 17, 24, or even 33-round magazines through its bigger brothers), the Shield As well as is no more time a "low capacity" gun. For many individuals, 13+1 rounds in the package deal that small will be the sweet place. But if you're the person who desires the maximum quantity of firepower feasible without carrying a full-sized duty gun, the Glock 19 remains the king from the mountain.
Ergonomics and the particular "Glock Knuckle"
Ergonomics are purely subjective, but they issue more than almost anything else. Glocks tend to be described as "brick-like. " The grasp angle is more aggressive (steeper) than most other handguns. Some people enjoy it because it helps them drive the gun down throughout recoil; others dislike it because it seems unnatural and can make them point the particular gun too high.
Then there's the "Glock knuckle. " This happens when the bottom part of the trigger guard rubs towards your middle finger during shooting, which can get fairly uncomfortable after a while.
The M& G Shield feels much more "human-shaped. " The grip is rounded and curved to fit the particular palm of your hand. Smith & Wesson's 18-degree grip angle much more similar to a 1911, which many shooters find points even more naturally. If you get both weapons and close your eyes, there's a good chance the Shield will feel such as it "fits" much better, whereas the Glock feels like a tool you have to adjust to.
The Aftermarket and Personalization
If you like to tinker with your gear, the Glock 19 is basically the Ford Civic of the gun world. Generally there is an endless flow of aftermarket parts. You are able to change the trigger, the sights, the barrel, the slide, every internal spring with just a few clicks online. You can even find a large number of holster options in basically any sporting goods store in the particular country.
The M& P Shield has a massive aftermarket too—it's one of the best-selling guns of all time, after all. You'll have zero trouble obtaining great holsters or upgraded sights. However, it doesn't very reach the "Lego-kit" degree of the Glock. In order to build a completely custom weapon from the ground up, the Glock is the way to go. In case you just want to put some evening sights onto it plus a decent lighting, both will last just fine.
Concealment and Regular Comfort
This particular is where the particular rubber meets the street. I've known lots of people who purchased a Glock 19 as their very first carry gun, simply to realize it had been too bulky intended for their everyday life. They will end up departing it in the safe and not carrying in any way, which usually defeats the whole purpose.
If you live in a warm climate and wear t-shirts and pants most of the particular year, concealing a Glock 19 demands a really great holster and the stiff belt. It's doable, however you possess to be deliberate about it.
The Shield is definitely much more forgiving. It's the kind of gun a person can "set and forget. " Because it's so thin, it doesn't generate that obvious pooch (printing) through your own shirt. It's also convenient when you're sitting down or generating. For most people, the best gun is the 1 they have on them, and the particular Shield's size can make it more likely that will you'll make it every single single day.
Making the Final Call
So, which one wins the Glock 19 vs M& P Shield fight? It really depends on your focal points.
Select the Glock 19 in case: * You want a "do-it-all" gun for home defense and carry. * You prefer the particular 15-round capacity. * You have bigger hands and would like a full-sized grip. * You intend upon doing a lot of teaching at the range.
Choose the particular M& P Shield if: * Comfort and concealability are your best priorities. * A person want something which goes away under a light t-shirt. * You like a more natural, ergonomic grip. * You want a dedicated carry gun and don't mind a little extra snap when shooting.
Both these pistols are extremely reliable. You may trust your life to both. At the end associated with the day, the best way in order to decide is to head to a nearby range that provides rentals. Put fifty rounds through every, see which a single you shoot much better, and see what type feels more comfy on your hip. A person can read all the specs in the world, but your hands and your waist will give a person the real response.