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Glock vs. Sig Sauer: Is There A Clear “Winner”?
Glock vs. Sig Sauer has been a debate in the gun community for years. On the one hand, you have a pistol that offers minimal frills but maximum reliability. On the other hand, you have a pistol that offers more to the eye but isn’t as simple and reliable.
That’s Glock and Sig Sauer—two of history’s most used and abused firearms.
Two of the most celebrated pistol manufacturers in history. Source: special-ops
In addition to my own experience with both, I’ve asked 100 different shooters their opinions on the battle between the two sidearm giants to see which is the best for various shooting types, experience levels, and purposes.
You may be surprised at some of the answers.
Better For The New Shooter?
New shooters can benefit from a simple firearm, making it easy to learn on.
That’s a Glock. It’s simple and reliable, with nothing more than the bare essentials. However, Sig Sauer offers a manual safety on most of its firearms, which new shooters can also benefit from.
But again, new shooters need simplicity. There is no need to overcomplicate things. That’s why so many new shooters pick up a Glock, more specifically, a G19 for their first firearm, and many of us recommend a Glock for a new shooter.
The famous Glock 19 is one of the most popular pistols. Source: glock
Once a shooter has outgrown a stock Glock, they will also find a better selection of aftermarket products and holsters than they would for a Sig.
Winner: Glock
Better For The Experienced Shooter?
Pay attention next time you’re at the range. I bet you’ll see the instructor using a Glock. Of course, there are exceptions to this since many of us have gone to shoot days where the instructor is carrying a Sig or Walther, but chances are it will most likely be a Glock.
When asked, instructors will usually tell you that a Glock is easier to use and that the low bore axis allows for better accuracy, as they are typically far lower than those found on Sig Sauers.
Also, since experienced shooters tend to do a lot of in-and-out-the-holster drills, the simplicity and box-like shape of the Glock allows for fewer snag points, which can be a death sentence in some scenarios.
Winner: Glock
Used By Special Forces?
Special Forces have been known to be picky with their firearms. After all, these guys get dropped into the middle of nowhere and must take care of high-value targets.
Over the years, we’ve seen Special Forces running various firearms. In the 1980s, the Navy SEALs used the Sig Sauer MK25, a version of the P226.
Even though the U.S. Military has standardized the P320 M17/M18, almost all of the Special Forces in each branch use the MK27 or the Glock 19.
The reason they use the Glock 19 is pretty much the same as the reasons we stated above, aside from the fact that they are cheap and reliable, which the U.S. Military loves.
Navy SEAL with a stock Glock 19. Source: freerangeamerican
Since Special Forces personnel cannot have any hiccups with their firearms due to the situations they are put in and face, most of them currently run the Glock 19.
Winner: Glock (and Sig Sauer, sorta)
Most Cost-effective?
Cost is one of the things we hate to see on firearms. Let’s face it: it’s an expensive game.
When writing this, I found a Glock 19 Gen 5 on sale for $540.00 out the door. At the same store, the P320 Nitron Compact was $640.00.
It’s standard to see that Glocks retail cheaper than Sigs do. So, in terms of cost, Glock is significantly more cost-effective.
But what about after-market parts and accessories?
A Glock can essentially not be a Glock with as many aftermarket parts that are available these days. Source: zevtechnologies
This is another area where Glock shines. Since so many shooters own Glock pistols, the number of spare and aftermarket parts available is vast. You won’t have a tough time finding parts should something break or if you want to upgrade any components.
Winner: Glock
Higher Magazine Capacity?
Magazine capacity is a huge deal to many shooters. When it comes to carrying a gun and using it for any reason, we want to spend more time shooting and less time reloading. It’s just the way it is.
As far as magazine capacities go, Sig Sauer takes the cake. Aside from aftermarket options that can give you more to spare, the Glock 19X comes with a 19-round magazine capacity thanks to an extended floorplate from the factory.
The Sig Sauer P320 M17/M18 comes with a 21-round magazine capacity thanks to an extended floorplate from the factory.
The extra magazine length also provides a larger grip space. Source: sigtalk
Of course, capacities can easily be changed with aftermarket options. But for the sake of conversation, let’s stay with the factory magazines.
Winner: Sig Sauer
More Accurate?
Accuracy is one of the most important aspects of a firearm.
We have had first-time shooters come on the range and use both Glocks and Sig Sauers, with mixed results. Some have shot better with Glocks, and others shot better with Sigs.
A battle of two great pistols – the Glock 19 and Sig Sauer M18. Source: reddit
I own a Glock 19X and Sig Sauer M18 and have had good and bad days with both. Accuracy is up to the shooter.
Winner: Draw
Conclusion
So, if you were to come to me right now and ask, which is better? The Glock is the better pistol. It’s a no-frills pistol made for getting the job done.
I’m not saying Sig Sauer doesn’t make a fine firearm, but Glock simply wins in many categories where it matters.
Be good and take care.
