I went to the LGS on Friday looking at some of the newly released high capacity 9mm semi-automatics. My comparisons ended up with the two listed in the title. I didn't have anything with me to weigh or measure with, just my eyes and hands. I like the changes in the Glock in that they eliminated the finger grooves on the grip, finally replaced those plastic sights with steel. They also did a little rounding off on the front of the slide. In my opinion, and it is just that, Glock has improved the 19. It is a good, concealable choice in the reduced size high capacity handgun selection.

The Smith shows several changes. Like the Glock, it also holds 15 rounds and unlike the older compact it does so within the standard grip, not a magazine extension as before. The stippled grip is a little roughly done to me, but definitely will aid retention when firing. The stippling could also be smoothed a little if so desired. The grip comes with four interchangeable back straps for the shooter's preference. Your choice of an external safety or not. It should conceal equal to the Glock. Thickness appears about the same.

When the two guns are layed on top of each other, grip lengths are basically the same. The Glock slide is approximately 3/16" longer than the Smith. I couldn't tell a discernible difference in the trigger pull. All in all, either gun would serve one well I am sure.

I liked the overall feel of the M&P9 2.0 better, and that is what I came home with. I have run 100 rounds thru with no hang-ups so far. I'll let you know if anything changes. I'll accuracy test as soon as the mud at the range dries up. 4" of rain over the week-end.

What were the prices? Last I checked, Glock seemed to think the G5 G19 was worth $100 more.

How mags did the M &P come with?

The aggressive texture on the M&P 2.0 is not noticeable when actually shooting it.

Had a 70 year old woman student shooting the M&P 9 2.0 Compact and a G19, Gen 3 yesterday.

She did not like the M&P texture when handling it, but forgot about it once she started shooting.

She fired 100 rounds through the M&P 9 2.0 Compact and decided to go buy one this week before her LTC test.

Between the two, she much preferred the M&P. Both are essentially the same size.

My only negative comment about the M&P 9 2.0 Compact is the first round is very hard to load in the mag. A Maglula loader definitely will be handy. Also, plan on adding aftermarket night sights.

Make sure to read the manual before disassembling, there is a small lever/rod in the upper magwell that must be lowered to remove the slide and raised after reassembling.

Bottom line - I really like this new 2.0 Compact, and find it far more comfortable and easier to control than the G19, Gen 3, as did the student. Definitely can recommend it.

You do not have to fiddle with the M&P dingus to field strip it or reassemble it. The new M&P Compact has M&P ergonomics and Glock 19 size. That's a winner...

Ok, I forgot to mention price. The Glock is selling for $559, the M&P sold for $419, both plus tax. Part of that $140 difference is made up for in that the Glock 19 comes with 3 magazines while the M&P only comes with two. One other thing, weight wise the Glock may be slightly lighter, but not enough to make a difference.

At least on this 2.0 Compact I have, the slide will not come off with the lever in the up position - tried to do it. Moving it to the down position is quick and easy though with the backstrap tool, and it easily moves to up with a finger.

S&W has a winner, but hope they keep working on the mag.

Yes, one does need the Maglula. I had a full sized M&P9 a few years ago, and had one left over that I bought for it.

Most of the Glock guys are gonna keep their 19's, but I'll Wager that anyone who goes to buy one for the first time, with the two laid out in front of them to look at and handle; most will want the M&P9 compact. S&W has a winner here.

On the M&P you either have to flip the lever or pull the trigger after clearing it to remove the slide.

Mark in GA

I'm not understanding this takedown conversation. I have attended a S&W armorer's class on the M&P in which we had to completely strip the gun and put it back together several times. I have also read and studied the disassembly purtion of the booklet that comes with the gun. In both cases the directions are to remove the magazine, pull the slide back and push the slide lock up to lock it back. Check again to make sure the gun is empty. Spin the take down lever down, look into the magazine well thru the ejection port, locating the sear release lever. Lift that lever to the up position (even a ball point pen will work. Now hold back on the slide and release the slide lock, easing the slide forward. It will slide all the way off the frame at this point. Not trying to argue here, but the above is the only way that this M&P or several others that I have handled will allow slide removal. How does pulling the trigger accomplish this? You still have to flip the takedown lever down and the slide must be back to accomplish this. Never heard about pulling the trigger. That is a step in disassembling a Glock.

The procedure you describe is completely accurate. What I am saying is that an alternate method is the same procedure you describe, but in place of flipping the sear release lever, you can pull the trigger. Everything else is the same as you describe.

Mark in GA

You can "shoot" that slide assembly right off the frame. And upon reassembly inserting a mag takes care of that useless dingus. I never mess with that thing.

Learn something new every day Mark. I just tried it your way and sure enough. I let the slide go forward and pulled the trigger. As MOGC said, I damn near shot the slide off the frame. Next question.........any possibility of this method causing any damage internally. Just asking.....

That is a handy bit of info. Thanks.

My brother and I have been doing it this way for years across 5 Gen 1 M&P's, 3 Shields, and 6 current 2.0 versions without issue.

Mark in GA

No, it won't damage anything.

The lever only raises the sear, which is what the trigger bar loop does when you pull the trigger. They accomplish the same thing.

And the 2.0 Compact is legit. It took them forever to finally bring it out, but it's a winner.

Thanks Bluedreaux,
I was hoping that you would chime in here as I know that you have a ton of experience with M&P's. To say that I'm impressed with the 2.0 Compact would be a large understatement. I have put another 50 rounds thru mine including some target work. Again, no malfunctions, and was able to put a full magazine into an 8" paper plate free hand standing at 15 yds. I know that is not anything to brag about, but with a new Pistol and 73 years down, I'm happy. Glock may have to come out with a Generation 6 to try to keep up.

If the texture of the grip is anything like the 45 shield, the only time it will bother you is when it's abraiding your hide in the holster. I carry mine OWB now.

I have a feeling that my rough old hands will wear that stippling down a bit after a while. JimmyP, I also intend to carry outside the waistband.

Remove mag, lock slide to the rear, move the takedown lever into the correct position to remove the slide, pull the trigger & hold it back as you remove the slide from the frame.

I have a standard & a compact....................works just fine on both; might not be sanctioned & S&W, but it works nonetheless.

MM

Thanks MontanaMan and all other responders, Easier takedown makes me like the M&P even more.........

I’ve been playing with both side by side and now prefer the 2.0 Compact. I’ve been a 19 guy for a while, but the Smith just feels better in my hand.