G26 vs. M&P9c

[pt145ss]

I’m looking for a new carry pistol to replace my pt145. I have two reasons for replacing it. One, I bought a NAA Guardian 380 as a BUG which I carry everyday. The guardian does not have a manual safety to operate…the pt145 does. My concern is that when things hit the fan, there may be a slight delay in deploying the pt145 because I forgot the manual safety. The second reason I am replacing the pt145 is simply a matter of cost. 45 ammo is way too expensive for me to go to the range as often as I would like to and the cost is keeping me from partaking in any IDPA matches.

I think I have narrowed my search down to two pistols. The Glock G26 and S&W M&P9c. Things I like: Neither one have any active safety to worry about. The size, although M&P is slightly bigger, they are relatively the same for concealment purposes.

Things I like about the G26: I like the reliability. I question the reliability of the M&P just because I do not know anyone personally that owns one.

Things I do not like about the G26: I just can not seem to get use to the way it feels on my hands. The grip seems just a tiny bit awkward. The M&P9c, however feels great in my hands.

Anyone have experience with both? If so….what is your opinion on both? Any other suggestion that I should consider?

[agbullet2k1]

I own a Glock 27 so I know what you mean about the grip feeling awkward. They do make +1 magazine extensions that give you a more full grip, if that was your concern. It might give you more control for IDPA type activities, but also allow you the option to carry the short mag for better concealment. It feels really awkward in my hands with the short mag, but I have no trouble putting 2 in the target quickly and accurately. I definitely wouldn't want to shoot all day that way though. Plus, they do make a belt clip for the small Glocks, so you don't even need a holster if you don't feel like putting one on. They definitely are reliable, as my 27 only has one "blemish" in 2500+ rounds, and that was just a bad primer, so it doesn't count.

Can't speak for M&P from experience, so I'll leave that to someone else.

[bdickens]

You could just carry your PT145 off-safe. Lots of people and police departments carry DAO pistols that way.

[Emmett]

I carry the M&P 9c. I really like it, I have put about 500+ rounds through it with no problems at all. It comes with 3 different size backstraps, so you can put the one on that feels better in your hand. The M&P 9c carries realy well consealed, I would recomend it to anyone. Of course I have no experiance with the G26, so I can't say much about it or even compare the 2.
Good Luck,
Emmett

[casingpoint]

Everything I can gather points toward the Walther 99c Compact as the superior gun in this size of firearms. Better grip and choice of a Glock style trigger or traditional DA/SA. Just a couple of hundred bucks more. There is very little info available on this gun, but I have a hunch it is the real sleeper in it's class.

[agbullet2k1]

Everything I can gather points toward the Walther 99c Compact as the superior gun in this size of firearms. Better grip and choice of a Glock style trigger or traditional DA/SA. Just a couple of hundred bucks more. There is very little info available on this gun, but I have a hunch it is the real sleeper in it's class.

actually just down the road from me it's the same price as the Glock and S&W. Given a choice of the 3 I'd go with the Walther, too, but only because I'm a Walther fanboy. The Walther also offers you a decocker, which is the next best thing to a manual safety, but won't leave your trigger locked out. Glock would be a very close 2nd though, because of the prolific accessory market and cheap(er) magazines.

[pt145ss]

You could just carry your PT145 off-safe. Lots of people and police departments carry DAO pistols that way.

The new PT145s are SA/DA just like the taurus 24/7s are. Once a round is chambered, it is in SA mode with no way to decock it. It stays in SA mode unless a round fails to fire at which point it reverts to DA to allow another strike on the round. I would not feel comfortable carrying it in SA mode without the manual safety on.

[pt145ss]

Everything I can gather points toward the Walther 99c Compact as the superior gun in this size of firearms. Better grip and choice of a Glock style trigger or traditional DA/SA. Just a couple of hundred bucks more. There is very little info available on this gun, but I have a hunch it is the real sleeper in it's class.

I am going to go to the store and give her a look/feel. I'm not sure if I could convince my self that a slightly better feeling grip is worth the the extra 200 bones...let alone trying to convince my wife. I appreciate the suggestion though. Maybe my wife will let me trade her XD-9 in for the walter...LOL...yeah...right...

[jbirds1210]

In my opinion.....the Glock 26 is one of the best guns out there for concealed carry. I practice with mine often and have become very comfortable with it. I am actually going to shoot an IDPA match with it later this month.

The pierce PG26-XL extensions make the gun a perfect fit for my hand...I prefer the ones that do not add capacity to the magazine.

I carry the 26 in the pocket of cargo shorts, IWB, and OWB. I am going to look into an ankle rig for it in the near future just to have the option when wearing scrubs.

The Smith is super nice, but I think it is a bit bigger. I do think the M&P has a bit more capacity. The one I played with is a really nice gun.

Jason

[pt145ss]

My problem with the G26 grip is not with the length...i'm ok with my pinky finger hanging off. The problem i have is with how my hand wraps around the grip. The grip seems to be just a hair too wide or something and when I hold it...it catches my nose pickers in an awkward place.

[casingpoint]

I fail to see how a Glock 26 could be a better concealed carry gun than a Walther P99C. The Glock trigger is clearly prone to accidental discharge if what you read on the various internet gun board can be believed, but if you insist, the 99C comes with a similar trigger option called QA for Quick Action. The DS/SA trigger on the 99C is 8lbs/4lbs. Not as bad as a DA j-frame trigger for a defacto safety while still somewhat more resistant to unintentional pulls than Glocks, and the 99C in SA mode is slightly lighter than the factory Glock trigger. There is the occasional reference to jamming, but no more so than with Glocks or M&P's.

Some say buy a Glock 19 for concealed carry. The first thing most people who buy a Glock 26 do is add a mag extension for their pinkie finger, making the grip the same length as the 19. Then the only advantage is the Glock 26 is one-half-inch shorter than the 19, for which you pay a significant price in ballistic energy drop.

In the alternative, the full-sized Walther P99 is not much bigger than the Glock 19 and lends itself to concealed carry well. And you realize the full ballistic potential of your ammo with the four-inch barrel.

And now along comes this outfit with a small concealable 9mm with a four-inch barrel, in a configuration that has never been done before:
http://www.bobergengineering.com/
What was that about build a better mousetrap and they will come?

All the above notwithstanding, there have been some reports of the Glock 26 polygonal rifled barrel producing bullet speeds equivalent to or in excess of four-inch round rifled barrels on other semi autos. That being the case, it is a strong argument for a Glock 26, if you don't need feel the need for the pinkie extension.

Now, let me ask this loaded question. Which is the ultimate concealed carry semi automatic handgun: the single stackWalther PPS 9MM, the single stack Boberg XR9 or a single stack Glock 26 ?

[tarkus]

Now, let me ask this loaded question. Which is the ultimate concealed carry semi automatic handgun: the single stackWalther PPS 9MM, the single stack Boberg XR9 or a single stack Glock 26 ?

None of the above.

[paadams]

I figured I'd through my 2cents in.

I carry a Glock 27 everyday, IWB, small of back in a cheap holster I bought off of cheaperthandirt.com. I really like it, but I really like Glock handguns. I have a G17 and G22 as well.
It is easy to conceal but still packs a punch.

I must say though, that a Walther P99 is on my list of purchases. :) Just not sure if I'll buy it before I get my G21SF or AR.

From what I know of firearms though, I don't think you could go wrong with either one. I'd say go with which ever one is more comfortable for you.

But as I said, just my 2cents.

[CompVest]

I vote for the M&P9C. It is my on body primary carry gun. I won the last BUG match with it. I have had no issues with it and its ergonomics are not to be beaten.

[rokclimbertx]

XD9 SC might be one to consider as well... unless your set on s single stack...