Introducing the Champions: Glock 19
History and Popularity
The Glock 19, often hailed as the “gold standard” of compact pistols, boasts a legacy of dependability and widespread adoption. It’s a firearm that has earned its reputation through decades of service with law enforcement agencies, military units, and civilian shooters worldwide. The Glock 19’s enduring appeal stems from its simple, rugged design and its unwavering reliability.
Key Features
From its humble beginnings, the Glock 19 has become an icon, a symbol of the modern defensive handgun. Its widespread popularity has led to an extensive aftermarket, offering a wealth of customization options.
This pistol features a streamlined design that is easy to handle, maintain, and operate, making it a strong contender in the quest to find the best option for concealed carry.
The Glock 19 is chambered in the ever-popular 9mm Luger cartridge, a round celebrated for its balance of stopping power and manageable recoil. The magazine capacity is typically generous, offering plenty of rounds on tap for defensive scenarios.
The “Safe Action” trigger system, a signature of Glock pistols, provides a consistent trigger pull and a built-in safety mechanism. This system makes for a relatively straightforward and consistent firing experience.
The polymer frame is a defining characteristic, contributing to the gun’s light weight and resistance to corrosion. This material choice plays a vital role in keeping the overall package manageable for EDC.
Standard sights typically consist of a basic three-dot configuration. Many shooters choose to upgrade these sights for better visibility, especially in low-light conditions.
The Glock 19’s ergonomics and grip have always been a subject of debate. While some find the grip angle naturally comfortable, others require some adjustment. Aftermarket grip modifications are also readily available to tailor the handling to individual preferences.
The pistol’s reputation for reliability is near legendary. Its simple mechanics and robust construction mean it’s built to withstand harsh conditions and operate flawlessly.
The vast availability of accessories and modifications ensures that the Glock 19 can be readily customized to fit any shooter’s specific needs.
Introducing the Contender: Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 Compact
History and Evolution
The Smith & Wesson M&P series, short for “Military & Police,” represents a more recent but equally impressive entry into the compact handgun market. The M&P 2.0 Compact is a direct descendant of the original M&P pistols, incorporating significant improvements that have elevated its performance and appeal.
The M&P series has grown in popularity in recent years because it provides an alternative to other popular firearms. S&W has worked to refine the product and provide an alternative that offers a more user-friendly experience for a variety of people.
The core of the M&P 2.0 Compact is a strong and highly desirable handgun, designed for use by military and police forces, as well as for concealed carry.
Key Features
Like the Glock 19, the M&P 2.0 Compact is chambered in the versatile 9mm Luger cartridge, providing similar ballistic performance. It offers a similar magazine capacity, providing ample rounds for self-defense.
The M&P 2.0 trigger system, improved over previous iterations, is a significant selling point. It delivers a crisper, cleaner break and a faster reset, enhancing the overall shooting experience.
Also like the Glock, the frame of the M&P 2.0 is made of polymer, contributing to its lightweight profile and corrosion resistance.
The standard sights, like the Glock, are typically a three-dot arrangement. However, the M&P 2.0 is often praised for its improved sight picture and easier target acquisition.
The M&P 2.0 Compact truly shines with its ergonomics and grip design. The inclusion of interchangeable backstraps allows shooters to customize the grip to their hand size and preference, promoting a more secure and comfortable hold.
The M&P 2.0 Compact has consistently demonstrated a high degree of reliability. Smith & Wesson has a long-standing reputation for building durable and dependable firearms.
The M&P 2.0 platform also benefits from a growing ecosystem of aftermarket accessories, allowing for significant customization and enhancements.
A Detailed Head-to-Head: Breaking Down the Differences
When it comes to deciding which is best for you, the real value of these two is in the comparison. Both are great choices, but here are some key distinctions:
Sizing Up the Situation: Dimensions and Handling
While both pistols fall into the “compact” category, there are subtle differences in dimensions. Generally, the Glock 19 and M&P 2.0 Compact are similar in size, making them both well-suited for concealed carry. However, slight variances in length, height, and width can influence how each pistol feels in the hand and how easily it can be concealed.
A crucial aspect to consider is how the pistol feels in your hand. The M&P 2.0 Compact’s interchangeable backstraps provide a significant advantage here. The ability to tailor the grip to your hand size can dramatically improve comfort, control, and the shooter’s overall confidence. Some find that the Glock 19’s grip angle requires more adaptation, though grip modifications can also be added.
The Moment of Truth: The Trigger Experience
The trigger is a critical component. The Glock 19’s trigger is often described as consistent but potentially less refined compared to the M&P 2.0 Compact’s. The Glock’s trigger pull is typically longer with a more gradual break.
The M&P 2.0 Compact’s trigger is generally lauded for its crisper feel, cleaner break, and faster reset. The improved trigger of the M&P 2.0 is a significant upgrade over the original M&P design. It provides a more tactile and responsive shooting experience, helping you to shoot faster and more accurately. Both pistols allow for aftermarket trigger modifications for those who wish to further refine their trigger pull.
Seeing Clearly: Sights and Target Acquisition
Sights are a key consideration. Both pistols come standard with basic sights, often in a three-dot configuration.
However, the M&P 2.0 often boasts an enhanced sight picture, making target acquisition quicker and easier. Both pistols allow for easy upgrades to aftermarket sights, including night sights for low-light shooting. These sights are invaluable for defensive purposes.
Putting It to the Test: Accuracy and Performance
Accuracy expectations should be similar for both handguns. They’re both capable of delivering excellent results with consistent practice and skilled handling. Factors such as recoil management and the shooter’s grip are often more influential than inherent differences in the firearms’ accuracy.
There may be subtle differences in the shooting experience, but the final performance will depend largely on the individual shooter’s ability.
Dependability: The Core of a Defensive Firearm
Reliability is paramount. Both the Glock 19 and the M&P 2.0 Compact have a proven track record of reliability. They’re designed to function flawlessly under various conditions, with proper maintenance.
Users might find that specific ammunition types can impact the performance of either firearm. However, both generally work well with a wide range of factory ammunition. It is important to test your chosen ammunition to see how it functions within your firearm.
Staying Concealed: Concealability Considerations
Concealability is a crucial factor. Because of their relatively compact size, both pistols excel here. The Glock 19 and M&P 2.0 Compact are both well-suited for concealed carry, allowing for comfortable and discreet concealment under appropriate clothing. The choice of carry method (IWB, OWB, etc.) and the user’s body type will also influence how each pistol feels when concealed.
Keeping it Clean: Maintenance Considerations
Both firearms are known for their simple designs, making them relatively easy to clean, disassemble, and maintain. Routine maintenance is important to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
The Good and The Bad: Weighing the Pros and Cons
Glock 19
Advantages: Simplicity, proven reliability, vast aftermarket support, widespread availability, generally comfortable for many.
Disadvantages: Trigger may not be as refined as other options, grip angle may not be ideal for all users, might be perceived as less ergonomic for some hands.
M&P 2.0 Compact
Advantages: Excellent ergonomics thanks to interchangeable backstraps, improved trigger performance, comfortable grip texture, attractive sight picture.
Disadvantages: Some might feel the Glock 19 has a wider and more readily available aftermarket, size may be slightly larger depending on the user, and the manual safety can make the grip slightly wider.
Finding Your Fit: Which One Is Right For You?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when choosing between the Glock 19 and M&P 2.0 Compact. The best choice for you depends on factors such as personal preferences, hand size, intended use (self-defense, range use, etc.), experience level, and budget.
For first-time gun owners, the Glock 19’s simplicity and robust nature can make it a good choice. The M&P 2.0 Compact’s improved trigger and ergonomic design might be a better fit for those seeking a more refined shooting experience.
Experienced shooters may appreciate the M&P 2.0 Compact’s enhanced features and flexibility. Both are excellent choices for concealed carry, but individual comfort and concealment preferences will be important.
Handling and shooting both firearms is essential to determine which feels most comfortable and natural in your hands. Go to a gun range and try them both before making a final decision.
Final Thoughts: Making the Call
Both the Glock 19 and the M&P 2.0 Compact are exceptional firearms. The Glock 19 offers legendary reliability and a straightforward design. The M&P 2.0 Compact provides a superior ergonomic feel, a crisper trigger, and a more refined shooting experience.
The ultimate decision rests with you. Consider your personal needs and preferences carefully, and handle or shoot both firearms before making a final choice. Both will serve you well.
