Should I G19 --> M&P ?

[blackscot]

1911's fit my hand better than anything else, but as a primary carry they are too heavy, bulky, powerful (assuming .45) and low-capacity (assuming single-stack). Hence, I have tried various others that are lighter, more compact, easier to shoot, and higher capacity.

A G19 has served in this role for the past year+. I could probably carry a G17 nearly as easily (need some kind of outer garment to cover either) but the G19 just fits my hand better -- not perfect by any means, but manageable considering its other positive qualities.

When I got the G19, I almost got the full-size 9mm S&W M&P instead but didn't because:

(1) I was already familiar with Glocks in general, and the 19 in particular among others (M&P's were then only recently out and not yet well known),

(2) I was unsure what effect the somewhat larger size of the M&P would have on daily carry, and

(3) at that time, there was no compact version of the M&P, but which I heard was pending and thought would make a better direct comparison to the G19.

Well, of course the compact M&P has since come out, but I don't think it fits my hand as well as the full size -- the heel seems too high. Just from handling in the store, the full-size seems to feel better than the G19 and just about anything else other than a 1911 and possibly the CZ 75B (both way too heavy to consider for carry). The M&P line in general has also since gained some good reputation.

Soooo......I'm thinking of trying the full-size 9mm M&P after all. I don't need to sell or trade the G19 to get an M&P, but I don't want to waste the outlay either unless I think there is good potential to ultimately become the replacement.

We've now all heard a lot of good about the M&P, including plenty of cases like what I'm considering (replacing a G19). I'd like to know as specifically as possble what people like about M&P's, and especially from anyone who replaced their G19 with one.

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

[Business_Casual]

My impression is the M&P is more accurate (mechanically) than the average Glock. In my experience, the magazine on the M&P leaves the weapon with a positive motion, versus the Glock which can sometimes be a bit sticky. The M&P comes with pretty good sights when compared to the stock plastic crap on the Glock.

M_P

[Robb Jensen]

I like the M&P9 (fullsize) for competition.

For carry I prefer the G19 (I have both a G19 and a M&P9c for carry).

[NCPatrolAR]

I use to carry and shoot Glocks all the time. Now, I carry nothing but M&Ps.

[C4IGrant]

Been down the G19 road for many years. The M&P is superior in many ways IMHO.


C4

[Hawkeye]

1911's fit my hand better than anything else, but as a primary carry they are too heavy, bulky, powerful (assuming .45)................

I am always very suspicious when I hear someone say that a 1911 is too bulky and/or heavy to carry. Unless one has some serious medical issues (which I dont rule out mind you) a 1911 is not "too heavy". They definitely arent bulky.

That said..... I made the switch from Glocks (17, 19, 21) to M&P's. I love Glocks, and they are fine weapons. I just found that I shot M&P's better, easier. The M&P is also a much better fit on average I am finding for 1911 shooters (which I used to be, still love them), especially in the grip size, grip angle, etc. I am very happy with my M&P's.

[markm]

I am always very suspicious when I hear someone say that a 1911 is too bulky and/or heavy to carry.

Definitely not too bulky. I had to get used to the bulk of the Glock after carrying the comparatively much slimmer a 1911 for years.

And although not TOO heavy, the extra weight of the 1911 is quite noticeable.

[blackscot]

Well thanks guys. I didn't intend for this to be a 1911 critique. I opened with that topic just to illustrate the disparity for me between its shootability and carriability, which is my main idea in considering the M&P.

Which from your comments sounds like would be worth pursuing. I'll post a follow-up thread separately if anything pans out.

[M4arc]

I've said it time and time again; I love my M&P so far but I'm not ready for it to replace my G19. If I had to pick one and only one I would still choose the G19 over the M&P.

That said, I shoot my M&P almost exclusively...when I find the time to shoot. The ergonomics are awesome, recoil is soft and the trigger can be tuned to suit most users needs. As someone else already mentioned the stock sights are superior and more and more companies are making aftermarket sights for the M&P.

One of the big negatives has been the lack of parts and accessories but that is getting better. If we could get a steady supply of magazines that weren't over $30 I'd be very happy.

In a nutshell I think you should definitely try and M&P but I'm not sure I'd be willing to give up a G19 in the process.

[markm]

Are the M&Ps priced competetively to the Glocks?