Glock vs Smith & Wesson Pistols

History and lineup overview

The video opens with a comparison between two of the most widely used law enforcement pistol families: Glock and the Smith & Wesson M&P lineup. Glock’s history is summarized, noting Gaston Glock’s first polymer pistol in 1982 and the initial delivery of 25,000 pistols to the Austrian military. Smith & Wesson’s polymer entry is then introduced, with the M&P series launching in 2005 and being adopted by roughly 100 police departments within a year. The host frames the matchup as a competitive head-to-head between flagship full-size models, the Glock 17 and the M&P9, and then outlines additional comparisons: the SD9 versus Glock 19, the M&P9 Compact/Subcompact versus Glock 26, the Glock 43 and 43X versus the M&P Shield Plus, and finally the Glock 42 versus the new Smith & Wesson Bodyguard in .380 ACP.

Glock 17 Gen 5 vs Smith & Wesson M&P9 2.0

At 25 yards, the host shoots a mostly stock Glock 17 Gen 5 and then a Smith & Wesson M&P9 2.0 equipped with a non‑hinged flat trigger and taller law enforcement–style sights. The Glock is described as reliable but basic in stock form, with factory sights and trigger seen as weak points. In contrast, the M&P9 2.0 trigger is considered significantly better, and the improved trigger control translates into noticeably better accuracy on target. The Smith & Wesson’s sights, even in standard three‑dot form, are viewed as superior to Glock’s basic polymer sights. Grip angle, texture, and how the gun stays in the hand are also highlighted as advantages for the M&P9 2.0. The conclusion is that a stock M&P9 2.0 clearly outperforms a stock Glock 17, and a Glock would need upgraded sights, trigger, and possibly stippling to compete evenly. Smith & Wesson earns the first point in the comparison.

Glock 19 Gen 5 vs Smith & Wesson SD9

The next segment compares a Glock 19 Gen 5 to the Smith & Wesson SD9, presented as a value‑oriented alternative closer in size and role to the Glock 19 than the M&P9 Compact. The SD9’s lineage is traced back to the Sigma series, which led to a lawsuit from Glock over its Glock‑like design; Glock prevailed, and Smith & Wesson revised the design into what became the SD9. The SD9 still shows Glock influence in features like its takedown pins and overall layout, but it is positioned as more affordable. On the range, the host strongly dislikes the SD9’s hinge trigger, describing it as heavy, with a long travel to the rear before breaking, and not enjoyable to shoot. This poor trigger feel makes accurate shooting more difficult despite the gun’s reliability. In direct comparison, even with the host’s general criticism of Glock’s stock sights and trigger, the Glock 19 is judged clearly superior in shooting experience and performance, earning Glock a point in this round.

Glock 26 vs M&P9 2.0 Subcompact

Attention shifts to subcompact 9mm pistols: the Glock 26 versus the Smith & Wesson M&P9 2.0 Subcompact. The Glock 26’s very short grip makes it difficult to obtain a full purchase, and the host repeatedly has to readjust grip during firing. The design is acknowledged as beneficial for concealment and minimizing printing, but the lack of a place for the pinky finger is a major drawback in control and comfort when shooting. By contrast, the M&P9 2.0 Subcompact includes a small grip extension that allows the pinky to engage the grip, providing a more secure hold. Its aggressive stippling is praised for helping the small pistol stay anchored in the hand under recoil. However, the M&P’s hinge trigger is again criticized. Even so, when comparing stock guns, the overall shooting experience, control, and accuracy with the M&P9 2.0 Subcompact are considered better than with the Glock 26. Smith & Wesson earns another point, bringing the running tally to two points for Smith & Wesson and one for Glock.

Glock 43/43X vs M&P Shield Plus

The comparison then moves to slim 9mm carry pistols: the Glock 43 and 43X versus the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus. The Glock 43X used in the segment is equipped with a red dot and a weapon light, but the host removes the light and deliberately co‑witnesses through the optic, using only the iron sights to keep the test fair. The Glock 43 and 43X are described as noticeably snappy, with sharp recoil in this small, thin platform. The Shield Plus immediately feels more comfortable to shoot, with softer perceived recoil and better overall control. The Shield Plus grip is slim and natural, though the host notes the pinky hangs off slightly without an extension, unlike the more extreme short grip of the Glock 26. The Shield Plus trigger is judged better than the Glock’s, and the host prefers its three‑dot combat‑style sights over Glock’s U‑notch rear. Despite the Glock 43X offering more grip length and thus more potential to print under clothing, the Shield Plus is considered superior in trigger quality, recoil management, and accuracy, giving Smith & Wesson a third point over Glock’s one.

Glock 42 vs Smith & Wesson Bodyguard .380

Finally, the video addresses .380 ACP pocket‑size pistols, comparing the Glock 42 to the new Smith & Wesson Bodyguard. The Glock 42 is described as essentially a scaled‑down Glock 43, very small and difficult to grasp fully, similar in grip challenge to the Glock 26 but thinner. The limited grip area makes it harder to maintain a solid hold. The Bodyguard, by contrast, impresses immediately with how well it fits the hand despite its very small size. The host notes having larger hands yet still achieving a full, confident purchase on the Bodyguard’s grip. This better ergonomics suggests an advantage in control and potential accuracy, especially at the 25‑yard distance used in the test. The segment emphasizes that overall size alone does not determine shootability; grip design and how the pistol interfaces with the shooter’s hand are critical. The Bodyguard’s ergonomics stand out as particularly effective among the tiny .380 options evaluated.