[GCBHM]

So let's compare and contrast what I consider to be the two best guns on the market today: the Glock 19 and the Sig Sauer P320C. I must admit that if I were not so vested in the Glock, or had the P320C been available when I designated the G19 as my GTG (go to gun), I very likely would be carrying the P320C today. I'm still not sure I won't at some point convert, although the HK VP9 and VP9sk certainly call to me, but since I am on a budget I have to be smart about it all, smart being somewhat subjective here.

I thought I would talk about the things I like and dislike about both, with hopes of some of you chiming in to do the same. So let's start with the G19. As I've said so many times before, what makes this gun so special is its unique size. In a world of full size and subs, the G19 fuses these two worlds in a way no other gun ever has. It is large enough to be used as a duty gun, with a full 4" barrel and grip that allows almost every shooter to get a full purchase, yet it is small enough to conceal very easily. It is thin and sleek with minimal levers that are extremely low profile making it virtually snag free and easy to carry IWB or OWB. When one considers that, along with cost, reliability, capacity/firepower, ease of use/maintenance, aftermarket support, etc., it is easy to see why the Glock 19 is the most popular handgun in the world.

What I don't like about it. Not much! If I had to pick something to complain about it would have to be the trigger guard. It's small, making it harder for some to get their fingers to the trigger with gloves on, and it needs more relief under it as to not give people the infamous "Glock knuckle". I would also prefer it to have a standard 1913 picatinny rail rather than the proprietary Glock rail, and there would be nothing wrong with removing the finger grooves, equipping it with ambi controls, and perhaps beveling the muzzle like it is done on the G26. Although I like the trigger, it could be made a little smoother out of the box.

Now to the P320C. Well, what's not to like? It is essentially the same size of the G19, which makes it equally as formidable, and I think it will make a nice challenger to the vaunted 19. It has a very nice trigger. Although I know some have said they don't like the "double click," that really doesn't bother me. All guns have their little intricacies that are unique to their design, and there is nothing wrong with that.

The whole "modularity" really isn't my thing, but it is definitely something that is extremely beneficial to the individual user. There are a number of advantages this design gives the user, most notably is probably the ability to easily and quickly replace a broken grip frame. One can have an extra or two in their personal inventory to be able to replace a broken frame in a snap, and I think that is very cool. I also love the fact that these guns have a 1913 rail, a beveled muzzle, a bigger and cut trigger guard, and ambi controls, and it is a bit lighter than the G19.

What I don't like? Well...again, not much. If I had to pick something apart I would have a hard time doing so, but hear goes. Just for the sake of finding something, I would say the barrel is a little shorter than the 4" barrel in the G19, and the grip is slightly longer making it a little harder to conceal, but not really. If I were going to argue a disadvantage compared to the Glock, I'd have to mention that. Also, the bore axis is significantly higher. The gun is slightly wider than the G19, but honestly, not enough to make a relevant difference. It's really silly to even mention it, but I'm looking for "anything" that could be a gripe. This gun seems to have everything a G19 wants to have, other than the illustrious reputation of sheer dependability. The only thing that can change that is time, which the P320 will have plenty of now that it was chosen for the US military sidearm.

Conclusion: If you're looking for a perfect EDC/GTG that will do pretty much everything you need a gun to do, you simply cannot go wrong with either of these guns, but if you're not already in a Glock, like me, you may want to give the P320C a serious look.

 

[DBS]

Folks harp about it all the time as a criticism of SIGs, but the bore axis thing is really a non-issue. None of my SIGs seem to recoil any more than pistols with lower bore axes from other makers.

To your question, IMO the best readily-available strikers on the market are the Glock, the PPQ, the VP9, and the 320. For all practical purposes, they are essentially equal with regards to reliability, accuracy, durability, etc.

It really comes down to which one fits the individual user best. Guns are like shoes; the brand that fits me perfectly may be awful on you.

 

[GCBHM]

Yeah, I think the bore axis argument is about as silly as the grip angle argument. I've shot a Sig and Glocks for years, and I am as accurate with one as the other. If one cannot adjust for these slight differences then they're really admitting they're not good shooters. That's just how I see it. And I also agree with the four you mentioned above, except I add one more to that mix in the FNS. It is also a fine choice for anyone in a professional grade gun.

 

[bearone2]

i'm real happy with my g3 g30 & have "0" interest in any part of the 320 line.

 

[DBS]

One point I'll add about the 320's modularity is this: at the price SIG wants for conversion kits, I see more value in the ability to switch lowers than I do uppers.

For instance, I can put an SC grip on my compact slide for easy concealed carry during the day, and then put a Compact or Carry railed grip on the same slide when I go to bed for a higher-capacity HD gun with WML at night.

 

[GCBHM]

One point I'll add about the 320's modularity is this: at the price SIG wants for conversion kits, I see more value in the ability to switch lowers than I do uppers.

For instance, I can put an SC grip on my compact slide for easy concealed carry during the day, and then put a FS railed grip on the same slide when I go to bed for a high-capacity HD gun with WML at night.

I agree. I think the modularity is a cool concept, but to each his own.

 

[animalhd1]

i'm real happy with my g3 g30 & have "0" interest in any part of the 320 line.

This is where I'm at. I will add that generally speaking if I'm going to choose a rail gun, I would prefer a 1913 rail. It is not a negative towards the G19 as far as I'm concerned. I would actually prefer no rail at all on the G19 and the Glock rail is lower profile, smoother and more rounded for lack of a better term, so therefore, I prefer the Glock rail. It would be nice to have the 1913 on the G17, however, I don't believe the Glock rail presents a problem with securely fitting most lights and lasers though. Glock magazines and accessories are cheaper and readily available almost anywhere, this probably won't change in our lifetime. Glock definitely wins in my book.

 

[BGolden]

I shot a P320 and sold my 3 Glocks. I was never comfortable with the trigger. Figured I was trading some trigger feel for dependability. If that means I am not a good shooter then so be it. I love my P320c RX and have the x5 on order. Only downside for me is the availability and price of magazines.

 

[Mills]

I like them both.

 

[vulcan]

For instance, I can put an SC grip on my compact slide for easy concealed carry during the day, and then put a Compact or Carry railed grip on the same slide when I go to bed for a higher-capacity HD gun with WML at night.

Why??
With all the choices you have just tuck one of the 226s under your pillow.
It's easier.

 

[RUT]

Got 'em both and like 'em both!

 

[Tacops fan]

I shot a P320 and sold my 3 Glocks. I was never comfortable with the trigger. Figured I was trading some trigger feel for dependability. If that means I am not a good shooter then so be it. I love my P320c RX and have the x5 on order. Only downside for me is the availability and price of magazines.

"good shooter" is being used pretty loosely here, don't worry about it.

 

[DBS]

Why??
With all the choices you have just tuck one of the 226s under your pillow.
It's easier.

Quite right, in fact my 229R does HD duty for me since it is railed and can accept a WML, and I don't have to mess with swapping the 320 out of its carry configuration.

But for someone without the luxury of multiple guns, or for someone who was completely dedicated to the 320 as a defensive platform, the modularity would be a plus.

 

[greeenteeee]

The Glock 19 has always been consideration for me But a Sig won out each time. An SP2022 and more recently, the P320Compact.

Fresh out of the box, the G19 grip felt really big compared to my 320C medium grip, I didn't care for the finger grooves and the front end of the grip bothered me. I'm sure the grip could have been modified to fit me better but it was hard to choose one knowing I'd have to modify the grip.

 

[Br3nd0]

Why does everyone make these comparisons????


All day long. Forums far and wide. Its always glock 19 vs Sig 320, then you read the comparison and its well the PPQ and VP9 are in the catergory, if not better ...

Not ranting at all frommthe OP's thread but why isnt the M&P ever mentioned. It came out before the VP9. The PPQ. The 320. It has been adopted by tons of PDs across America. The M&P is really written off due to the trigger????? Which i find it is as almost equal to Gen4 Glock. Because if the after market argument is brought up. Its close to glocks. Its there. M&Ps can be pimped out as well. All three sizes

I think Smith got it right when they created the M&P line. Its slips in and forms to the hand well. Points naturally, and is a reliable striker pistol. Also i find the .40 models less snappier and better managing than other striker fired 40's. It was built for .40 like the 229's were.

I fell in love with P320. Have two compact 9mm P320's and a full size P320. And recently i posted a glock 19 to just have one. (Wifey likes it)

I know the M&P is considered non-comparible to some. But it is worthy to be in the top five Striker-fire contention


I feel the CZ. The Canik and the others need a few more years to even be considered.

Not crying or Coming off topic. I choose the P320. The glock 19 would be third to me only because I really like my M&P 40C for CCW

 

[GCBHM]

Why does everyone make these comparisons???

B/c they want to? Just a thought. As to why I didn't make the comparison of the M&P to the Glock, or any other gun, is that I really like the P320C and wanted to compare and contrast b/c there are a lot of other folks who are looking to choose btwn the two. I like the M&P, but frankly, it really doesn't compare well with the Glock or the P320, IMO. Glock is used world wide, and has been for years. Sig was just awarded the contract for the P320, which is pretty huge, and it will likely launch this particular gun into world wide use in time. M&P not only doesn't have any military contracts, it is seemingly fading when you consider all the other options (Glock, HK VP, Sig P320, PPQ and FNS), and I think the same could be said for the SA XD line of guns. They just don't compare world wide to the line up I just mentioned.

Another reason I wanted to draw this particular comparison is b/c Sig is the only gun maker that has produced a head to head competitor to the Glock 19. Notice this is not a comparison of Sig to Glock, but the Sig P320"C" to the Glock "19". These are two guns that I think are the best offerings on the market as it relates to a true do it all gun. There simply isn't another gun that offers the user what these two guns offer in terms of cost, capacity to weight ratio, versatility, aftermarket support, or usability (ease of use and maintenance). Nothing!

If you're looking for a gun that can to everything you "NEED" a gun to do, from a range toy to a dedicated all purpose fighting defense gun, these two are it. I hope this helps to understand why I made this comparison.

 

[GCBHM]

I shot a P320 and sold my 3 Glocks. I was never comfortable with the trigger. Figured I was trading some trigger feel for dependability. If that means I am not a good shooter then so be it. I love my P320c RX and have the x5 on order. Only downside for me is the availability and price of magazines.

I'm not sure you're trading trigger for dependability. Just b/c the P320 doesn't have the resume the Glock does doesn't mean it isn't dependable, and if you prefer one gun to another, it doesn't make you a bad shooter. If you make excuses as to why you can't shoot well with one gun than other based on a superficial characteristic, then maybe so. Nothing wrong with liking one feature more than another, though. Not IMO.

 

[animalhd1]

@ Br3nd0. Everything is always compared to the Glock. It's like every AR is always compared to Colt. It has a lot to do with people wanting justification for their personal choices or just conversation.

 

[GCBHM]

Exactly. Glock is the standard for striker fire guns just like Honda is the standard for all import cars. It's not a slap to the others who are trying to compete with Glock. It's just a rational comparison b/c Glock was the first polymer striker fire gun that made it big, so that is why all the others get compared to it, instead of say the VP70, which was the first polymer striker fire gun.

 

[MMinSC]

One point I'll add about the 320's modularity is this: at the price SIG wants for conversion kits, I see more value in the ability to switch lowers than I do uppers.

For instance I can put an SC grip on my compact slide for easy concealed carry during the day, and then put a Compact or Carry railed grip on the same slide when I go to bed for a higher-capacity HD gun with WML at night.

I do something similar but change it seasonally. Compact large grip module in the winter and then when it heats up I switch to Subcompact medium for the summer months. Now that there is an X-grip to use the full size mag in the sub frame, I can use that for bedside duty and then switch out to flush mag for carry. Minimal fuss but it gives me a summer gun and a winter gun and when I use it for HD, a 17 round mag.