This is a follow up to:
"GLOCK 23 vs S&W M&P 9 FS"
which was a pic comparison request of the midsize GLOCK (19/23/32/etc) VS S&W M&P 9/40 FS (fullsize).
I have long said that the midsize GLOCK is one of the best ALL AROUND sized pistols. It is good for carry, target shooting, nightstand, etc. (notice I did not say it is the best in each category), but overall the best.
The M&P FS is designed primarily as duty pistol. It is longer and taller than the Glock 19/23. You can look up the specs but the pics show the differences. It is noticeable. But how noticeable?
Let's take a look at some common carry methods:
- Outside the waist band (OWB): Comfort is the same, concealability is close if you cant the M&P. The slide is longer so a longer, looser cover garment is required. This becomes much more important for IWB carry (see below). One thing related is that that if you carrying spare mags on the hip on your belt, the Glock polymer mag is more forgiving (it digs less noticeably into your side) than M&P which has a pretty big bottom lip.
- Shoulder holster: Equal
- Ankle: HA! Just kidding
- Inside the waistband: Read on...
I have been carrying my GLOCK 23 in a Comp-Tac CTAC holster. I decided to try my M&P 9FS in the most similar holster I have for it - Crossbreed SuperTuck Deluxe. The holsters themselves are different (hmm...another post idea) but accomplish the same thing.
The carry difference between the two (concealability, comfort) was almost identical despite the M&P's longer slide and height. The BIG difference is in the shirt or cover garment. You cannot wear a tight shirt with the M&P. The 23 was more forgiving (duh...shorter grip).
Both these holsters are supposed to be tuckable, meaning that you can tuck your shirt into the holster for concealment not requiring a jacket. To me, you are making your pistol harder to access, but a pistol is better than no pistol.
I have tried it with both and find that the M&P works but you can't hardly move. The Glock is slightly more doable but you can't sit or bend over. I, personally, would not recommend either for tucked if you are going to moving. The compact M&P's and subcompact Glocks are a perfect choice for that. Of course, one of each is your best choice.
As (if) things warm up out here in the Pacific Northwest I will be doing a 9c vs Glock 27 (SuperTuck vs CTAC) comparison too. I want to see how the Crossbreed does in HOT weather (so far only mid-80's).
But, overall the Glock midsize vs the M&P FS is not that a big of a difference in size and carry comfort/concealment. Well, depending on how/what/when you want to do with it.
