[iowan85]

Have narrowed down my search to these two guns. The primary use will be target shooting. I will never conceal carry, just not for me. ( not a judgement, do what you need to, it's just not for ME ). I have handled both of these, but have yet to shoot either. I will before making a final decision. 2 questions- 1) which would you choose and why 2) what have people been recently paying for these? ( please remember to say if it was new or used, what gen glock, and where you purchased from. A price on the coast may differ from here in ia. ) thank you in advance.

[Staestc]

Can't speak to the S&W, but my first semi auto was the G17. I just love it. Got it new at a gun show in Dallas for $475. 9mm is fantastic and affordable for range shooting. I have now put a Ghost Rocket on it, and I love it even more.

Rent both at a range and shoot them before you buy though. Try an XD or XDM in 9mm too. Everybody is different and trying before you buy is money well spent, IMO.

[yamaharyder369]

I recently purchased my first pistol and went with a used Smith & Wesson model 59. It is the first of the wonder nines ( high-cap 15 rounds) it's very similar to the 1911 design. Has aluminum frame and nickel plated slide. I can't speak on how glocks shoot because I have never had the chance to shoot one, but the smith is very safe, thumb safety/decocker, mag safety, which can be good or bad I suppose. But it's 37 years old and shoots great. I paid 450 for it with just minor scratches. Kinda want to try out an m&p sometime now. Good luck with your search.

[UrbanNinja]

Originally Posted by yamaharyder369

I recently purchased my first pistol and went with a used Smith & Wesson model 59. It is the first of the wonder nines ( high-cap 15 rounds) it's very similar to the 1911 design. Has aluminum frame and nickel plated slide. I can't speak on how glocks shoot because I have never had the chance to shoot one, but the smith is very safe, thumb safety/decocker, mag safety, which can be good or bad I suppose. But it's 37 years old and shoots great. I paid 450 for it with just minor scratches. Kinda want to try out an m&p sometime now. Good luck with your search.

Have you fire that 59 yet? If so, how do you like it?

I was searching for a 5906. But at the last gun show I was at, I found a 3913. Pretty similar to the 59 except it is a lighter,slimmer,single stack 8 round. Shoots excellent, very accurate. So far no issues after 200 rounds through it.

[apowers1214]

I personally just bought my gen 4 17 for plate and target shooting and I love it. I joined GSSF (glock shooting sports foundation) for two years and was able to buy it new with 3 mags for law enforcement pricing of $425 in Ohio. I have shot the S&W M&P 9 with the competition trigger and liked it. I went with glock because it fits better in my hand.

[yamaharyder369]

Originally Posted by UrbanNinja

Have you fire that 59 yet? If so, how do you like it?

I was searching for a 5906. But at the last gun show I was at, I found a 3913. Pretty similar to the 59 except it is a lighter,slimmer,single stack 8 round. Shoots excellent, very accurate. So far no issues after 200 rounds through it.

Yea I've put about 400-500 rounds through it so far, I love it and I would hope to give it to my children someday.

[UrbanNinja]

I will still continue to look for one. In my neck of the woods, they sell for around $350-400. I paid $350 for the 3913. It was a LEO trade in. Light scuffs from holster wear on the slide stop... other then that, beautiful weapon. I will he customizing it soon anyway.. duracoat should be here any day now.

[yamaharyder369]

Yea I wish I could customize my 59 but all they make that I have found is grips, mags and recoil springs, no sights, triggers or aftermarket hammers.

[BuellerXB]

The wife and I got into shooting last year. Before buying anything we went to three ranges and shot multiple handguns. Glocks, FNH, M&P , Ruger, XD, etc. On paper I was sure we would end up liking the XD. Turns out, both of us liked the Glock the best...until we shot an M&P. It just felt...natural. We've since bought two M&P -- a full size 9 and a compact 9. Added some APEX pieces to the compact and we both shoot it better then most full size. :-)

I would recommend taking a good look at the full size M&P. Good online prices will be about $450 chambered in 9mm.

My point though is you should consider spending a little time and a few dollars up front to go out and shoot them at a rental range. What is a great feeling handgun for one person may not be for the next.

My $.02

[Magnum27]

I have narrowed my decision to the same 2. I have shot the SW and loved it. Going to be shooting the 17 today if no one at the range has rented them out yet.