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Battle of the Compacts: Glock 19 Gen5 vs. Smith & Wesson M&P9 M2.0
I’d like to start by sharing a little bit about myself to give you an idea of how much this topic resonates with me.
Several years ago, I had a Glock 19 Gen4 that I had customized to the moon and back, from the trigger to the sights and everything in between. I finally got it to where I thought it was the best version, and I was happy with it.
Then, I shot my first M&P9 Compact. It was completely stock, and I had cheap range ammo to put through it. By the end of my range time that day, I was shooting the M&P better than the Glock I had been shooting for over a year.
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Not my first range trip, but you get the point.
I wound up realizing I was overly tinkering with the Glock and never giving myself the time to get adjusted to any setup, so I started fresh with a brand new Glock 19 Gen4 and stuck to the basics of sights and a light. Over the next few years, I had a few Glocks and M&Ps, but I found myself shooting them about equally.
Fast-forward to the Gen5 MOS release and I had one ordered and in my hands as quickly as I possibly could. I fell in love again with the Glock 19.
My M&P9 M2.0 Compact and Glock 19 Gen5 MOS have seen the most range time since. Now that I’ve spent many hours and rounds with each one, I can easily compare them with real-world experience to back my thoughts, not just quoting specs from the manufacturer’s websites.
A classic comparison of the compacts.
Contestant 1: Glock 19 Gen5 MOS
Glock presents consumers with a new “generation” of select models every several years or so.
In theory, this is great, but each generation seemed to be missing a main feature that we wanted, whether it was an optics-ready slide or the removal of the dreaded finger grooves on the grip.
The Glock 19 Gen5 MOS is my favorite generation by far.
The newest Glock 19 model is the Gen5 MOS (Modular Optic System), and it encompasses almost all of the features that the masses have been asking for, plus a couple more.
That optics-ready slide I mentioned above? Yep, it has one. Those finger grooves? They are gone!
Say goodbye to those finger grooves!
You’ll also find forward slide serrations, a slightly improved trigger, and the latest nDLC surface finish for extra durability. And we can’t forget the small details like the ambidextrous slide stop, Modular Backstrap System (MBS), and accessory rail.
While the Glock 19 may not be a looker, its reliability and aftermarket support are industry-leading. My Glock 19 Gen5 MOS has been nothing short of reliable and has made a great carry and range companion.
Contestant 2: M&P9 M2.0 Compact (Optics Ready)
After seeing all those features above on the Glock 19, it may be hard to picture a comparable compact 9mm, giving it a run for its money, but the Smith & Wesson M&P9 M2.0 Compact Optics Ready definitely does.
Even stock, the M2.0 Compact offers a ton of great features.
Just like the Glock above, the M&P9 M2.0 features an optics-ready slide, an interchangeable backstrap system, and an ambidextrous slide stop. However, it offers a flat-face trigger, more unique slide serrations, and taller sights, which are great if you’re going to run an optic. The trigger is phenomenal, in my opinion, and is one that I would actually purchase to run on another gun.
Looks are not all that important when it comes to firearms, at least not enough to overshadow performance, but I’d say the M&P9 M2.0 would place higher than the Glock 19 in America’s Next Top Model.
The flat trigger of the M&P9 M2.0 easily takes the cake over the Glock’s trigger.
It’s ultra-reliable and offers strong aftermarket support, but not as much as you’ll find for the Glock…but really, no other pistol will.
The two handguns have very similar features, and you shouldn’t expect any major difference(s) in the specifications.
Spec Comparison
| Specification | Glock 19 | M&P9 M2.0 |
| Caliber | 9mm | 9mm |
| Standard Capacity | 15+1 | 15+1 |
| Barrel Length | 4.02 Inches | 4 Inches |
| Overall Length | 7.28 Inches | 7.25 Inches |
| Width | 1.34 Inches | 1.16 Inches |
| Height | 5.04 Inches (w/ mag) | 5 Inches |
| Weight | 23.81 Ounces (w/ empty mag) | 25.8 Ounces |
| Optics Ready? | Yes | Yes |
Score Card
We’ve examined each pistol’s features and compared specifications, so now it’s time to compare them in several categories.
Capacity: Draw
They both come standard with 15-round magazines. They both have a plethora of factory and aftermarket magazines available, including 50-round drum magazines. It’s going to be a draw here.
The 15+1 standard capacity for both is not too shabby.
Concealability: Draw
With almost the same exact specifications, there is no clear winner in this category either. With the right holster, you can conceal either pistol with ease, even with a light and optic attached.
Ergonomics: M&P9 M2.0
While neither is going to provide you with best-in-class ergonomics, I have to give the M&P9 M2.0 the edge. It features an optimal 18-degree grip angle and a more aggressive grip texture that results in a comfortable and easy-to-control shooting experience.
They are similar in size but offer completely different textures.
Aesthetics: M&P9 M2.0
Okay, let’s keep it real here – neither gun is going to win any beauty pageants, but the M&P9 M2.0 at least has some unique serrations and a more tactical look, so I’ll give this one to the S&W.
Aftermarket Support: Glock 19
The Glock 19 easily wins this category. Honestly, it would probably win over any other pistol on the market. That said, the M&P9 M2.0 does have plenty of support, too.
Is There a Winner?
If I had to pick one, I would go with the Glock 19. It would have to be the Gen5 MOS model, though. My choice would really come down to the insane amount of aftermarket support and the tried-and-true Glock reliability.
But at the end of the day, I don’t believe you can go wrong with either handgun. They are both reliable and offer similar features, and you’ll probably wind up adding or changing a couple of things on either, anyway.
I suggest shooting both and seeing which you like better. Most ranges will have a Glock 19 available to rent, and many will also have an M&P9 M2.0. This way, you’ll be able to see which fits your hand better and which you shoot better.
As always, stay safe, train hard, and have fun.
