There are numerous handgun models/lines out there that have a “big gun” and a “small gun”. Look at the Springfield XD and XD-compact. Or the M&P and M&P compact. Or probably the easier way to describe it, the Glock 17 and the Glock 26.
This isn’t similar but different guns, like M&P vs. M&P Shield, or XDm vs. XD-S. This is about guns that are essentially the same, but a different size. I could put a full-size M&P magazine into a M&P compact and it works; might look funny, but it works. I can’t interchange a Shield mag with a full-sized M&P.
But for some reason, there’s a gap in many handgun lines. The easiest way to describe it?
Glock 19.
It’s almost “full-size”, but shaves off a little here and a little there. You can still get a full grip (no pinky dangle), but that little bit shaved off here and little bit shaved off there helps with concealment. A half-inch can make a difference.
Ron Larimer (WTBGU!) posted about this very thing.
Imagine a Glock 19 sized M&P carrying 15rds with a 4″ barrel an a fiber optic front sight (Ok maybe you want night sights). It would allow the shooter to get a full firing grip without the need for a pinky extension, a slightly longer sight radius than the M&P9c and a service length barrel.
I mentioned this gun to a marketing guy for Smith & Wesson at the SHOT show, but I think the only way to get it built is to prove there is interest in the platform.
If this is a firearm you would be interested in please leave a comment below as petition for Smith & Wesson. Lets get this built!
I won’t just comment on it, I’ll also write a whole post myself! Give something more to show up when the S&W folk Google about this. 🙂
Would I buy it? Yeah.
Stuff From Hsoi 
like my shield. like the 19. M&P is popular around here. 19 sized one could be a good seller.
I know I’m like a broken record, but the PPQ is the best G19 alternative out there. (I have both.) The M&P-19 won’t be any better.
Like a broken record? Are a broken record. 🙂
I have to second this. I bought my PPQ on the recommendation of Karl.
And honestly, for me the PPQ is a better gun than the G19. Also for size comparison I also carry a CZ P-07. Although it’s not a striker fired heater.
Can you elaborate on your comment, “for me, the PPQ is a better gun than the G19”? I’m curious how FOR YOU, it’s a better gun.
Also, what did Karl say to you that prompted him to recommend the PPQ in particular (over a Glock or M&P)? what was it he saw in your situation?
Just curious, if you don’t mind sharing.
Hsoi, I most certainly do not mind answering your questions.
You’ll have to ask Karl why he suggested the PPQ. Prior to attendance of the full day (basic pistol and DPS1) I asked about pistols for this class. One of the mentioned guns was the PPQ M2. I think the M&P9 was first on his list. I cannot find the email exchange so this is from my memory. Which may or may not be leaky…
After having the reliability issues with my Para P14.45 during the class, I decided to look at Karl’s suggestions. The easier use of the polymer striker guns, especially in a training environment was the deal maker for me. I commented about this in both the AAR from the classes and the review on the PPQ I posted online and Karl linked to in the newsletter.
As to my comments about the G19. From the first time I picked one up I hated it. It felt wrong and just plain would not point naturally for me. I am not a Glock hater. This just did not work for ME.
The G19 I got to shoot felt just as bad. The trigger sucked. I never could shoot it well. Although I never got to get too many rounds through it.
The PPQ on the other hand is a gem. Feels good. Points naturally for me and of all the pistols I own it shoots well for me. Almost as good as my nicer 1911s shoot for me. It’s what a Glock wants to be (IMHO)
The first trip to the range with the PPQ was pure joy. The bullets went where I sent them, The gun felt good. Rainbows and cupcakes were floating around…. 😉
From then on I’ve been sold on this gun. My shooting buddy liked mine so much he went and got one too.
Rainbows and cupcakes are important. 🙂
I did finally get to handle a PPQ a few weeks ago (student brought one). I can say it does feel awesome in the hand and the factory trigger feels alright for a factory trigger. So I can see why people are very high on this gun. And I also haven’t heard stories of massive failures or problems either, so that’s a good thing.
Bottom line: if it works, it works. If it solves the problems you were having and is enabling you to shoot better (and not being a hindrance), then forge ahead!
Colt CCO for the win!