Buying Polymer

Tongarirohiker

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Edmonton, AB
I'm looking at adding a polymer striker fired pistol to the collection. I'm aiming to keep it under $800 in 9mm. I have a few options available such as the M&P, the XD and XDM, the Glock 17, and the Ruger SR9. I'm not interested in peoples opinions on feel/fit as I've shot all 4, and I have my opinions already. What I am interested is things like warranty (who services them here in Canada), availability of parts (e.g.: springs) and accessories like magazines and sights.

Also curious on the size of the magazines. I have a bunch of double stack mag pouches for my CZ 75. I understand that Glock magazines are thicker and may not fit. How would the magazines of the other options fit in those? I understand that the M&P and XD mags would fit just fine. I'm hoping to not have to buy a bunch of new mag pouches.

I've found M&P magazines harder to load than others. Do these wear in after awhile or will I just have to get used to that 10th round taking some extra oomph?

I know I'm asking for a lot of info here so thanks in advance!
 
Glock has the advantage of wider range and availability of parts...in Canada and mailorder from US. 10 round and pinned magazines are available for them as well.
I am not 100% certain but M&P may have parts more available now.

Advantage of glock is if things break, buy the parts and change them out yourself. Lots of youtube videos and manuals to learn from.
 
Glock is very simple to maintain from cleaning to parts replacements (as mentioned). Nothing is wrong with Glock. Some hates it and some likes it. Just like any other guns. We all have our preferrences. I like Glocks and I own Glocks.
 
The Glock mags should fit your pouches. They aren't much different from M&P 9mm mags.
Glocks don't break so unless you just want parts available, you won't have to worry too much. Besides, any store you deal with should be able to get in what parts you may need.
The M&P mags are a pain to load!! They don't loosen with use. We've put 2000 rds through my buddy's and they are still stiff as He##. That's why the range kit includes a mag loader! Even the first round is hard to stuff in, let alone the 10th!! I can get 5 rds into my Glock mag before he can get 2 manually into his.
For worry free use, in your choice of guns, get the 17!! The XD looks like a elongated goose IMO!
 
My glock 17 mags fit the same kydex mag pouches I use for my CZ75, BHP and other double stack 9s...

The Glock 17 is great for all the reasons listed above, and would be my recommendation.

I've used my friends M&P and XDM... The M&P trigger is GARBAGE, and needs an Apex kit, taking the cost to Glock prices. IMHO the XDM is goofy looking... Too plasticky with texture all over. It does shoot GREAT though. Problem is accessories... Pretty much are none. He can't even find spare mags for the XDM, though you can get them if you buy the XD.

I've not shot the Ruger, but I've never been impressed by their semis.

You have the same problem with accessories and aesthetics, but the Steyr and Walthers get good reviews. I've not shot them either.

Do you have a local range that loans pistols you can test fire?

IMHO: you'll probably wind up back at the Glock as it is good (if not great) in all departments, and tons of parts and accessories are available for it...
 
I wrestled with the same question. I finally decided on the M&P 9. The price was the main driver. The range ready kit, with holster, double mag pouch, 4 mags and mag loader, was $575.00. I have always liked S&W products and we are fortunate to have a S&W warranty centre here in Victoria. The trigger is a little gritty but there are many Youtube fixes for that. Using the mag loader that was included, I can load up all 10 rounds fairly quickly. Overall I am fairly pleased with the M&P and the price was good.
 
Fit, Finish, Reliability, Availablity of parts.... Glock wins by the widest of margins. I own all but the XD and they just don't get used anymore since I got my Gen4 G19 & G17.
 
Yes that is right about the HK VP70 - it's the original. Would love add one to the collection even though I understand they have very heavy triggers ('but just like a glock, i'm sure if you can shoot a VP70 you can shoot anything' lol)

and i know you are not looking for the input but the Walther P99 series is pretty sweet. v nice trigger and nicest ergonomics.
 
You may want to give the Grand Power line of polymer hand guns a look. They are hammer fired though, not striker fired. I really like my X-Calibur, find it pretty soft shooting and accurate. As a bonus, the Grand Power mags can be used in your CZ 75 - I use mine in my CZ SP01 Shadow with no problems. It is the exact same magazine, with an extra notch cut in it for the magazine catch of the Grand Power pistols. If you are able to cut that same notch in the CZ magazine, you can use them in the Grand Power as well.

I'm looking at adding a polymer striker fired pistol to the collection. I'm aiming to keep it under $800 in 9mm. I have a few options available such as the M&P, the XD and XDM, the Glock 17, and the Ruger SR9. I'm not interested in peoples opinions on feel/fit as I've shot all 4, and I have my opinions already. What I am interested is things like warranty (who services them here in Canada), availability of parts (e.g.: springs) and accessories like magazines and sights.

Also curious on the size of the magazines. I have a bunch of double stack mag pouches for my CZ 75. I understand that Glock magazines are thicker and may not fit. How would the magazines of the other options fit in those? I understand that the M&P and XD mags would fit just fine. I'm hoping to not have to buy a bunch of new mag pouches.

I've found M&P magazines harder to load than others. Do these wear in after awhile or will I just have to get used to that 10th round taking some extra oomph?

I know I'm asking for a lot of info here so thanks in advance!
 
I like the m&p. I would go physically look at the clock and.m&p and make your decision. I just bought the m&p range kit. It is one hell of a deal, and I really like the gun. That being said I have shot a glock and like it too.
 
You are correct about the H&K. I had a friend who owned one & I shot it. I found it very awkward, it required you squeeze the grip in order to release the trigger. In my opinion the Glock is a more user friendly pistol.

Must of had a "seniors moment" when I posted about the Glock being the first.
 
You are correct about the H&K. I had a friend who owned one & I shot it.

Must of had a "seniors moment" when I posted about the Glock being the first.

Nice. What was it like to shoot? Been looking for one for ages but they are very rare in Canada. Not so much in the US.
 
You may want to give the Grand Power line of polymer hand guns a look. They are hammer fired though, not striker fired. I really like my X-Calibur, find it pretty soft shooting and accurate. As a bonus, the Grand Power mags can be used in your CZ 75 - I use mine in my CZ SP01 Shadow with no problems. It is the exact same magazine, with an extra notch cut in it for the magazine catch of the Grand Power pistols. If you are able to cut that same notch in the CZ magazine, you can use them in the Grand Power as well.

That's interesting regarding the magazines. Good to know.
 
You are correct about the H&K. I had a friend who owned one & I shot it. I found it very awkward, it required you squeeze the grip in order to release the trigger. In my opinion the Glock is a more user friendly pistol.

Must of had a "seniors moment" when I posted about the Glock being the first.

Aren't you referring to the P7 or PSP series? The VP70 was not a squeeze cocker. It was a brick on a stick with a trigger like the ones on a barbeque lighter. Heavy gun, bulky and a heavy trigger. It also had weird sights. Kinda like lining up triangles. Along with a heel mag release and cross bolt safety. Can't imagine why it wasn't successful!
 
Aren't you referring to the P7 or PSP series? The VP70 was not a squeeze cocker. It was a brick on a stick with a trigger like the ones on a barbeque lighter. Heavy gun, bulky and a heavy trigger. It also had weird sights. Kinda like lining up triangles. Along with a heel mag release and cross bolt safety. Can't imagine why it wasn't successful!

Hard to argue glock didn't perfect the polymer frame service pistol.

But the VP is certainly an interesting piece of firearms history

018.jpg
 
Glock #1, followed by M&P #2, then Ruger #3.....Springfield XD #4 is the most expensive of the lot and made in Croatia. The other 3 are cheaper better, and made in the USA.....
Go figure lol
 
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