Hey there, fellow shooting enthusiasts! So, I’ve been out in the field, putting two popular guns head-to-head: the Glock 26 Vs M&P Shield Plus. Both are solid choices, but like anything, they have unique features and feel. I’ve spent some quality time with both, aiming to see which one might come out on top. Let’s dive into what makes each of these firearms tick and see if we can crown a winner.
| Feature | Glock 26 | M&P Shield Plus |
| Caliber | 9mm | 9MM |
| Magazine Capacity | Standard 13 rounds | 10 rounds (standard) |
| Barrel Length | 4.02 inches | 3.1 inches |
| Weight (without mag) | 21.34 oz | 17.9 oz |
| Overall Length | 7.28 inches | 6.1 inches |
| Height (incl. Magazine) | 5.04 inches | 4.6 inches |
| Overall Width | 1.26 inches | 1.1 inches |
Overview of Glock 26
The Glock 26, a compact powerhouse, is known for its reliability and is often a top pick for concealed carry.
Specs
- Caliber: .40 S&W
- Magazine Capacity: Standard 13 rounds
- Barrel Length: 4.02 inches
- Weight Without Magazine: 21.34 oz
- Weight With Empty Magazine: 23.81 oz
- Weight With Loaded Magazine: 31.39 oz
- Overall Length: 7.28 inches
- Slide Length: 6.85 inches
- Overall Width: 1.26 inches
- Slide Width: 1.0 inch
- Height Including Magazine: 5.04 inches
Overview of M&P Shield Plus
The Shield Plus is a micro-compact 9MM that’s gained a reputation for its sleek design and comfortable handling.
Specs
- Caliber: 9MM
- Magazine Capacity: 10 rounds (standard), 13 rounds (extended)
- Barrel Length: 3.1 inches
- Weight Without Magazine: 17.9 oz
- Overall Length: 6.1 inches
- Height Including Magazine: 4.6 inches
- Overall Width: 1.1 inches
Top 5 Features comparison of Glock 26 VS Shield Plus
1. Magazine Capacity and Handling
Glock 26
The Glock 26, with its .40 S&W caliber, offers a standard 13-round magazine.
During testing, I found the grip comfortable, even with the wider magazine, making it a reliable choice for those who prioritize capacity and don’t mind a bit more weight.
Shield Plus
The Shield Plus in 9MM caliber offers a 10-round capacity, extendable to 13. What stands out is the thinner grip, which I’ve found significantly more comfortable, especially for smaller hands.
Despite the same round capacity as the Glock 26, it feels more compact and manageable during rapid firing sessions when extended.
Winner
In terms of magazine capacity, it’s a tie, but the Shield Plus takes the lead for its superior handling. The thinner grip and lighter feel make it a more comfortable choice, especially for extended use or for shooters with smaller hands.
2. Weight and Concealability
Glock 26
The Glock 26 is a bit on the heavier side, especially with a loaded magazine. Without the magazine, it weighs 21.34 oz, jumping to 31.39 oz fully loaded.
This added weight can be a factor for those who carry all day, though it does lend a sense of sturdiness and reliability.
Shield Plus
At 17.9 oz without a magazine, the Shield Plus is noticeably lighter. This difference is quite significant when you’re carrying for long periods.
Its slimmer profile also makes it easier to conceal, a huge plus for a concealed carry firearm.
Winner
For those looking for a lighter, more concealable firearm, the Shield Plus clearly wins. Its lighter weight and slimmer profile make it more comfortable for everyday carry.
3. Shooting Experience
Glock 26
The Glock 26’s larger size and weight provide a stable shooting experience. The recoil is manageable, and its accuracy is consistent.
During testing, I found it easy to maintain control, even during rapid firing, which is a big plus for a compact firearm.
Shield Plus
Despite its smaller size, the Shield Plus impressed me with its shooting performance. The recoil is surprisingly minimal, and I found it easier to shoot accurately, even as a relatively experienced shooter.
The thinner grip, which I was initially skeptical about, actually provided a more comfortable and controlled shooting experience.
Winner
While both guns perform well, the Shield Plus edges out with a more comfortable shooting experience, especially for those with smaller hands or less grip strength. Its balance of lightweight and minimal recoil makes it a standout in this category.
4. Accuracy and Precision
Gock 26
The Glock 26’s accuracy is quite impressive for a compact gun. Its barrel length of 4.02 inches provides a good balance between compactness and precision.
During my testing, I found it consistently hit close to the mark at various distances, particularly effective in short to medium-range shooting. The slightly heavier frame helps in stabilizing the shot, reducing the impact of recoil on accuracy.
Shield Plus
The Shield Plus, with its 3.1-inch barrel, performs admirably in the accuracy department. It’s a bit more challenging at longer ranges, but at close to medium distances, it holds its own.
What I really liked was how the thin grip seemed to improve my handling, making it easier to aim and shoot precisely, especially in rapid-fire scenarios.
Winner
While both guns are quite accurate, the Glock 26 takes a slight edge due to its longer barrel and stable shooting platform. It’s particularly effective for those who might need to engage targets at a variety of ranges.
5. Ergonomics and Comfort
Glock 26
The Glock 26 is built solidly, feeling robust and durable in the hand. The grip is designed to accommodate a variety of hand sizes, though it may feel a bit bulky for those with smaller hands.
I found the balance to be good, but during longer shooting sessions, the weight can become a bit of a factor.
Shield Plus
The Shield Plus shines in ergonomics. Its slimmer profile and lighter weight make it exceptionally comfortable to hold and shoot, especially for extended periods.
The grip fits naturally in the hand, and I found it significantly reduces fatigue compared to heavier guns.
Winner
When it comes to ergonomics and overall comfort, the Shield Plus stands out. Its design caters to a more comfortable shooting experience.
Pros & Cons of Glock 26
Pros
- Reliable performance in various shooting conditions.
- Higher magazine capacity (13 rounds) for extended use.
- Longer barrel length (4.02 inches) enhances shooting accuracy.
- Solid build provides a stable shooting experience.
- Wide enough grip suitable for different hand sizes.
Cons
here are some issues of glock 26.
- Heavier weight might be cumbersome for extended carry.
- Bulkier size could be a challenge for concealed carry.
Pros & Cons of Shield Plus
Pros
- Lightweight design (17.9 oz) for comfortable carry.
- Slimmer profile makes it ideal for concealed carry.
- Ergonomic grip fits well in most hands, especially smaller ones.
- Good balance of size and firepower for a micro-compact.
- Manageable recoil, suitable for rapid fire.
Cons
Smith and Wesson Shield Problems
- Smaller size may affect long-range accuracy.
- The thinner grip might not be ideal for shooters with larger hands.
- Slightly less stable than heavier models when shooting rapidly.
Similarities between Glock 26 Vs Shield Plus
- Both are popular choices for concealed carry.
- Similar in height, making them comparable in hand fit.
- Offer extended magazine options for increased capacity.
- Designed for reliability and durability in construction.
- Suitable for both personal defense and recreational shooting.
Differences between Glock 26 Vs Shield Plus
- Glock 26 uses a .40 S&W caliber, while Shield Plus uses 9MM.
- Glock 26 has a longer barrel (4.02 inches) than Shield Plus (3.1 inches).
- Glock 26 is heavier, especially with a loaded magazine.
- Shield Plus has a slimmer overall width, enhancing concealability.
- Glock 26’s wider grip accommodates larger hands better.
- Shield Plus offers a more comfortable grip for smaller hands.
- Glock 26’s heavier build aids in stability during rapid fire.
- Shield Plus is more lightweight, reducing carry fatigue.
Final Verdict
After thoroughly testing both the Glock 26 and the M&P Shield Plus, I’ve reached a conclusion. While both guns have their merits, the Shield Plus stands out for several reasons.
The Glock 26, with its robust build and higher capacity, is certainly a strong contender, but for my needs, the Shield Plus’s balance of comfort, capacity, and concealability makes it my top choice.
FAQ’s
Is M&P Shield better than Glock?
The M&P Shield and Glock serve different preferences; the Shield is compact with more recoil, while the Glock, being larger, offers better recoil management.
What’s the difference between an M&P Shield and an M&P Shield Plus?
The main difference lies in ammunition capacity, with the Shield Plus offering a higher capacity, making it more appealing for those seeking a higher capacity concealed carry firearm.
Are M&P Shields good guns to carry?
Yes, M&P Shields are excellent for carrying. They offer control and accuracy in a compact size that’s easy to conceal, making them a solid choice for personal defense.
Why is the M&P Shield so popular?
The M&P Shield’s popularity stems from its portability and slim design, making it an ideal choice for concealed carry due to its lightweight and slim profile.
