A History of Excellence in Handgun Design
The stories of Smith & Wesson and Glock are interwoven with the history of modern handgun development. Let’s take a brief look at their origins.
Smith & Wesson, a name synonymous with firearms since the mid-19th century, has a long and distinguished history. Their entry into the polymer-frame, striker-fired pistol market was a strategic move, responding to the growing popularity of these modern designs. The original M&P, released in the mid-2000s, marked a turning point for the company. It offered a comfortable grip, user-friendly controls, and a high level of reliability. However, early iterations of the M&P faced some criticism, particularly around the trigger. Smith & Wesson listened to feedback and responded with improvements. The M&P 2.0, the subject of our primary focus, represents a significant refinement, addressing many of the previous shortcomings and introducing enhanced features designed to meet the demands of modern shooters.
Glock, on the other hand, emerged in the late 20th century as a revolutionary force. Founded by Gaston Glock, the company made waves with its simple, rugged, and reliable design. Glock’s polymer-frame pistols quickly gained popularity, particularly among law enforcement agencies. Their success was partly due to their ease of use, minimal maintenance requirements, and the promise of consistent performance in adverse conditions. Glock’s “Safe Action” system was a key innovation, providing a relatively consistent trigger pull and incorporating multiple safety features. This, combined with Glock’s overall simplicity, contributed to its rapid adoption by both professionals and civilian shooters. The company’s unwavering focus on reliability and its ability to offer a durable, accurate handgun design made it the standard by which many others were measured.
Examining Key Feature Sets
The heart of the comparison between the M&P 2.0 and Glock lies in understanding their respective features. We’ll dissect several key areas to provide a comprehensive overview.
Ergonomics and the Feel in Hand
One of the first things you notice when handling a handgun is the way it feels in your hand. The M&P 2.0 excels in this regard, boasting an excellent grip texture. The aggressive, yet comfortable, texturing on the grip offers superior purchase, even when wet. This is a significant upgrade over the original M&P. The grip angle, generally accepted as being comfortable by many, contributes to a natural point of aim. The M&P 2.0 often includes interchangeable backstraps, allowing shooters to customize the grip size to perfectly fit their hand. This is a welcome feature that enhances comfort and control for a wider range of shooters.
Glock, on the other hand, offers a different feel. The classic Glock design, while praised for its simplicity, can sometimes be less accommodating. The grip angle, while well-established, doesn’t always feel as natural in the hand for all users. Glock has made incremental changes over the generations of their pistols, improving the grip texture and adding features to enhance comfort and control, for example the newer generation models. While not always as customizable as the M&P 2.0, the Glock grip provides a solid and reliable platform for handling.
Trigger Systems: Feel and Function
The trigger system is a critical component of any handgun. The M&P 2.0’s trigger is a marked improvement over previous M&P models. It offers a crisp break, a tactile reset, and a cleaner overall feel. This improved trigger contributes to enhanced accuracy and faster follow-up shots. The M&P 2.0 trigger system provides a more user-friendly experience, with a lighter pull weight and a shorter reset distance.
Glock’s “Safe Action” trigger is well-known for its simplicity and consistency. While some shooters prefer a lighter trigger pull, the Glock trigger offers a predictable pull weight and a positive reset. The Glock trigger is generally regarded as safe, reliable, and easy to maintain. Many aftermarket options are available for Glock pistols, allowing shooters to customize the trigger feel to their individual preferences. The choice between these two trigger systems often comes down to personal preference. Some appreciate the crispness of the M&P 2.0, while others prefer the consistency and familiarity of the Glock trigger.
Sights: Target Acquisition
Sights are essential for accurate shooting. The M&P 2.0 comes equipped with quality iron sights from the factory. These sights are typically of good quality and offer a clear sight picture. Many models also offer optics-ready slides, making it easy to mount a red dot sight. The increasing popularity of red dot sights is another factor influencing the purchase of a new handgun.
Glock pistols also come with iron sights. Many prefer the simpler design and construction. Glock has also been adding optics-ready options in recent years, acknowledging the trend toward red dot sights. Aftermarket sight options are readily available for both the M&P 2.0 and Glock pistols, allowing shooters to customize their sights to their liking.
Size, Capacity, and Versatility
The availability of different sizes and magazine capacities affects a handgun’s suitability for different purposes. The M&P 2.0 comes in various sizes, from full-size models to compact and subcompact versions. This provides a wide range of options for concealed carry, home defense, and range use. The magazine capacity varies depending on the model and the caliber.
Glock offers a similar variety of sizes, including full-size, compact, and subcompact models. The Glock 19, often cited as the perfect middle ground, is a popular choice for concealed carry and general use. Glock’s magazine capacity is also model-dependent, offering a variety of choices for different shooting needs.
Reliability: Putting Them to the Test
Both the M&P 2.0 and Glock have earned reputations for reliability, but how do they compare? The M&P 2.0 is constructed from quality materials and has undergone rigorous testing. While reliability is an important consideration, the reputation is often the ultimate factor. The M&P 2.0 reliability has been proven.
Glock’s reputation for reliability is legendary. It has been proven over decades of use in demanding environments, from law enforcement and military applications to civilian concealed carry. Glock’s simple design, robust construction, and commitment to quality control contribute to its high level of reliability.
Aftermarket and Customization: The Options
Both platforms offer extensive aftermarket support, meaning you can personalize your pistol. The M&P 2.0 has a robust aftermarket, with many companies offering parts, accessories, and customization options. This includes triggers, sights, grips, and other enhancements to improve performance and aesthetics.
Glock has perhaps the most extensive aftermarket support in the handgun world. A vast number of companies offer parts and accessories for Glock pistols, allowing for a high degree of customization. This extensive support is a major advantage for those who enjoy tailoring their firearms.
Understanding Costs and Value
Cost is an important factor when choosing a handgun. The M&P 2.0 typically offers an excellent value proposition. The price point, combined with the included features and its high performance, makes it an attractive option.
Glock pistols are known for their competitive pricing. The price-to-performance ratio is impressive, considering the quality, reliability, and ease of use that Glock pistols offer.
Evaluating Performance and Shooting Experience
The most important aspect of any handgun is its performance on the range. Both the M&P 2.0 and Glock are capable of excellent accuracy. The M&P 2.0 benefits from its improved trigger, allowing for more precise shot placement. The grip ergonomics, further, contribute to greater shooting comfort and control.
Glock’s simplicity and consistent trigger pull make it easy to shoot accurately. The ergonomics, while not always as universally loved, contribute to the shooting experience. Both pistols offer impressive recoil management. The M&P 2.0’s grip and trigger help with follow-up shots.
The M&P 2.0, with its excellent ergonomics and improved trigger, typically provides a comfortable shooting experience, while Glock’s design also aids in overall comfort. The key to optimal shooting performance lies in the individual shooter’s ability to develop a good grip, master trigger control, and acquire a good sight picture.
A Quick Look at the Pros and Cons
Let’s summarize the key advantages and disadvantages of both platforms, making it easier to weigh your options in the **M&P 2.0 vs Glock** debate.
For the M&P 2.0:
- Pros: Enhanced trigger, excellent ergonomics, comfortable grip, better value, and a strong reputation.
- Cons: Some may prefer Glock’s trigger, and the M&P 2.0’s initial releases had some issues.
For Glock:
- Pros: Legendary reliability, simple design, massive aftermarket support, and a proven track record.
- Cons: Grip angle may not suit everyone, some may not like the Glock trigger feel.
Which Pistol Is Right For You? Making the Informed Decision
So, which pistol should you choose in the **M&P 2.0 vs Glock** debate? The answer depends on your individual needs and preferences. For concealed carry, both offer excellent options. Consider the size and the grip of each pistol. Both the M&P 2.0 and Glock provide a good balance of concealability and shootability. Home defense pistols should prioritize reliability and ease of use. Again, both are solid choices.
For range use and competition, consider the features. The M&P 2.0, with its upgraded trigger, can provide an edge. Glock is ideal. Ultimately, the best way to decide is to try each one. Handle both pistols. If possible, rent or borrow them at the range and fire them. This hands-on experience will help you determine which platform you prefer.
Conclusion: Weighing the Options
In conclusion, both the M&P 2.0 and Glock are excellent handguns, each offering compelling features and advantages. The M&P 2.0, with its improved trigger and ergonomics, provides a more modern and user-friendly experience. Glock, with its legendary reliability and simplicity, offers a proven platform. The best choice in the **M&P 2.0 vs Glock** discussion depends on the individual’s needs, shooting style, and preferences. Consider the grip feel, trigger feel, and overall performance to make an informed decision.
To further aid in your decision-making process, consider the availability of accessories and customization options. Do you prioritize the ability to easily customize your firearm? The aftermarket support for both platforms is extensive, but some shooters may prefer one over the other.
Ultimately, the goal is to find a handgun that you are comfortable with, shoot accurately, and trust. Spend some time researching, handling, and shooting both pistols. This hands-on approach is the best way to determine which platform is the right choice for you. For more in-depth research, consider visiting the manufacturers’ websites and reading reviews.
