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by canvasbck
Sun Dec 09, 2012 3:16 pm
Forum: Competitive Shooting
Topic: IDPA - Gun Choice - Glock 34 vs M&P Pro 9L vs ...?
Replies: 23
Views: 13217

Re: IDPA - Gun Choice - Glock 34 vs M&P Pro 9L vs ...?

The other difference is the fiber optic front site. It's standard on the pro series, but not on the 9L
by canvasbck
Sun Dec 09, 2012 11:00 am
Forum: Competitive Shooting
Topic: IDPA - Gun Choice - Glock 34 vs M&P Pro 9L vs ...?
Replies: 23
Views: 13217

Re: IDPA - Gun Choice - Glock 34 vs M&P Pro 9L vs ...?

To be honest, you have picked out hands down the two best SSP firearms. The both have an extremely high grip that puts the barrel almost in line with your strong hand. I am classified SSP expert and I compete and SO at least once a week with my M&P. I compete in several sanctioned matches a year. Even though I use the Smith, the analysis below is an objective one. I'll go through your 5 points one at a time.

1) Dependability: TIE I have put over 10k rounds through my M&P9 pro, and can count on one hand the number of malfunctions I have had. The most common problem I have seen folks have is allowing the seating of the magazine to drop the slide for them. If this is done too hard, the gun fails to strip off a round. If you have practiced this technique, and do it consistantly, you will not have this issue and save about .05 seconds over the glock. Glock 34, I do not own one, but I have been the SO observing thousands of rounds being fired from them and malfunctions are extremely rare. They do happen, but they are rare. Both guns run outstanding even when they have not been cleaned. I have gone close to 2k rounds without a cleaning with no issues.

2) Accuracy: TIE Despite what some folks have said, the M&P is a very accurate gun. When I was taking Gordon Carrell's class, we had to engage a steel at 122 yards. I was tied with another SSP Expert in the contest. We both hit the steel 8/10, standing shooting freestyle. I was shooting my M&P, he had a Glock 34. Anecdotal, but a good demonstration that both guns are normaly more accurate than their users.

3) Trigger: Qualified edge to the M&P Pro This edge only applies to the factory triggers. I am only referring to the Pro Series, the trigger on the 9L is spongy with a wimpy reset. The trigger in the pro series is made by the S&W performance center and is a pretty good stock trigger. Mine broke clean at 3.5# with no alterations. The Glock was a little spongier (is that a word) and was the deciding factor, along with grip angle, when I bought my serious competition gun. If your planning on aftermarket triggers, we are back to a tie, if you are looking for an M&P 9L, the edge goes back to the Glock.

4) Sights: Slight edge to the Glock Both the Pro Series and the 34 are available with a fiber optic frount and a blacked out rear. The down side to the M&P is that I have seen the fiber break off during a competition much more with the M&P's than I have with the Glock. With either, you want to carry extra "light sticks" with you.

5) Both of them are SSP

When I was deciding between the two, it really was a close call. If the 34 had been available in the gen 4 at the time, it would have been even closer. If you are planning on an aftermarket trigger, then the choice really comes down to grip angle, availability, what do you like. You will not be disapointed no matter which one you choose. If you look at the guns that finish in the top ten at any match, you will see those two guns dominating the SSP class.

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