I recently got enough money to buy a pistol. I went to the pawn shop and saw a .357 S&W revolver for $475 and a Glock 17 for only $425. I like the feel of both but i am not sure which one to get. let me know which one i should get and why. all advice is appreciated.
Smith and Wesson or Glock?
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TeamPrecisionIT
Member
That's up to you. None of us can tell you which way to go with this. Which one has the capabilities you want? Both a revolver and autoloaders have their advantages and disadvantages and you have to figure out which ones matter more to you more. Personally, I would go for the Glock because I am a fan of autoloaders and the capability of having over 6 rounds at the ready is advantegous, too. Of course this is simply my opinion and YMMV.
Damian
Damian
IMHO, the Glock will cover more, different roles. Home Defense, concealed carry, plinking, competition. The Glock also has 3 times the capacity, and is easier for most people to shoot quickly while retaining accuracy. I own both- so I do see the benefits to each. But if I had to choose just 1 gun, it would be a Glock 17.
Gun Slinger
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If the choice were mine I'd go with the Glock 17.
Simple to operate and maintain, tough as a bucket of rocks, plenty accurate and loads of after-market goodies of you like to tinker or customize.
Since it is not my choice, you'll have to decide for yourself. Don't worry about what others are doing though, just select the gun that suits your needs the best.
Simple to operate and maintain, tough as a bucket of rocks, plenty accurate and loads of after-market goodies of you like to tinker or customize.
Since it is not my choice, you'll have to decide for yourself. Don't worry about what others are doing though, just select the gun that suits your needs the best.
Deanimator
Member
That depends entirely upon the revolver.
If it's a decent pre-lock gun, I'd go with the Smith. Glocks aren't going anywhere any time soon. Smith no longer makes a good full sized revolver.
More information on the revolver is required for a meaningful recommendation.
If it's a decent pre-lock gun, I'd go with the Smith. Glocks aren't going anywhere any time soon. Smith no longer makes a good full sized revolver.
More information on the revolver is required for a meaningful recommendation.
bluetopper
Member
The "new" will wear off quick with the Glock. You will have a lot more "pride of ownership" with the S&W revolver and the value will go up the longer you have it.
I've been through and outgrown the polymer/hi-cap phase in my life.
I've been through and outgrown the polymer/hi-cap phase in my life.
innerpiece
Member
get a FORD!!!!!
RON in PA
Member
Apples and oranges.
Look somewhere else, the prices are on the high side.
Look somewhere else, the prices are on the high side.
Deanimator
Member
Other than a gunshow or ordering from an online dealer through an FFL, he might not have a choice.
Here in NE Ohio, there are NO deals to be had in gunstores. The best you can do is a high price instead of an insane price. Dick's buying out Galyon's and stopping all handgun sales didn't help. A lack of competition is never your friend.
indiandave
Member
Ford or chevy? The beatles or the Stones? The glock guys will say glock and the Smith boys will say a Smith. Go to a gun store and see how you like each one.
gglass
Member
The New M&P 9, M&P 357 and M&P 40 all fall into your price range. Don's Guns online has been selling the M&P full size line for $429.00 for quite a while, and local dealers (Northern Indiana) have them for $469.00.
Benefits:
* Brand new gun (Not questionable pawn buy)
* Steel reinforced Polymer Frame (Glock can't say that)
* Fully supported chamber (Glock can't say that)
* 18 degree grip angle (Like pointing a finger or a 1911)
* Through-hardened steel barrel (Not just surface hardened)
* 3 replaceable grip back straps(get the feel you want)
* Steel Novak sights (not plastic)
* It is a lovely thing (IMHO see below)
Benefits:
* Brand new gun (Not questionable pawn buy)
* Steel reinforced Polymer Frame (Glock can't say that)
* Fully supported chamber (Glock can't say that)
* 18 degree grip angle (Like pointing a finger or a 1911)
* Through-hardened steel barrel (Not just surface hardened)
* 3 replaceable grip back straps(get the feel you want)
* Steel Novak sights (not plastic)
* It is a lovely thing (IMHO see below)
Both good, but different
This is like choosing between vanilla and chocolate ice cream. Both are good, and it is just a matter of taste which you take.
I have both Glocks and S&W revolvers, and enjoy shooting both. Ideally you should buy one of each. But if you have to choose one, it depends on your application. Is it carry, range, home defense, hunting, etc.? If you were more specific on your use, you'd get better answers.
This is like choosing between vanilla and chocolate ice cream. Both are good, and it is just a matter of taste which you take.
I have both Glocks and S&W revolvers, and enjoy shooting both. Ideally you should buy one of each. But if you have to choose one, it depends on your application. Is it carry, range, home defense, hunting, etc.? If you were more specific on your use, you'd get better answers.
I politely disagree. a 9mm is a round that has a fairly narrow ballistic range, and the 17 is not the most concealable or convenient 9mm to carry around. On the other hand, a .357 goes from a nice, light target .38 round for cheap plinking and range work, up to 200gr bear-stoppers.
Personally, I own and enjoy autos and revolvers. And I've played the "what would be the ONE handgun I'd own if I could only own one" game. And the answer to that is my S&W 3.5" barrel Model 27 .357. A 4" S&W 686 .357 would be the next choice for an "all around" gun. Since you didn't say what S&W .357 it is, you should add that info.
michiganfan
Member
Glock
BCRider
Member
I'd also suggest the M&P over the Glock. I've fired them both and slightly prefer the feel both in the hand as well as when it cyles for the M&P over the two Glocks I've shot. But it's a fit of the hand sort of deal so YMMV depending on differences between our hands.
Revolver or semi is a tougher question. I never thought I'd be a wheel gun guy until I shot my first box of 38 Spl through a S&W .357. It was love at first round and it hasn't let off any.
But that's me and this is you.
Any commercial ranges in your area where you can try some different guns? It may be a far better use for some of that money to spend some of it test driving a couple or four choices before you commit.
Also how much money do you have for ammo? A revolver will tend to slow you down to a less frantic shooting pace and your ammo buck will last a little longer if you sort of go with the flow. A semi whispers "faster... faster... FASTER ! !" in your earmuffs...
Revolver or semi is a tougher question. I never thought I'd be a wheel gun guy until I shot my first box of 38 Spl through a S&W .357. It was love at first round and it hasn't let off any.
But that's me and this is you.
Any commercial ranges in your area where you can try some different guns? It may be a far better use for some of that money to spend some of it test driving a couple or four choices before you commit.
Also how much money do you have for ammo? A revolver will tend to slow you down to a less frantic shooting pace and your ammo buck will last a little longer if you sort of go with the flow. A semi whispers "faster... faster... FASTER ! !" in your earmuffs...
David E
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- Aug 3, 2008
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- 7,459
It depends what role(s) you anticipate using the gun for.
One is very versatile in power, the other very versatile in roles.
The .357 can go from .38 blank, to wax bullet, to shotshell, to 148 wadcutter, to +P .38, to .357 loads that'll shake out the fillings in your teeth....all in the same cylinder!
But does that matter to you ?
The revolver is harder to shoot well, is harder to carry concealed and kicks more (with the defense loads) and is harder/slower to reload.
But it does depend what specific S&W it is. That could make all the difference between value, if not usefulness.
A Glock is versatile in the roles it can fulfill: defense, concealment, competition, etc.
The revolver works for defense, but not as readily. But it also works for hunting, if that matters and if your state allows it. (again, depending on the specific model.)
We need more info !
One is very versatile in power, the other very versatile in roles.
The .357 can go from .38 blank, to wax bullet, to shotshell, to 148 wadcutter, to +P .38, to .357 loads that'll shake out the fillings in your teeth....all in the same cylinder!
But does that matter to you ?
The revolver is harder to shoot well, is harder to carry concealed and kicks more (with the defense loads) and is harder/slower to reload.
But it does depend what specific S&W it is. That could make all the difference between value, if not usefulness.
A Glock is versatile in the roles it can fulfill: defense, concealment, competition, etc.
The revolver works for defense, but not as readily. But it also works for hunting, if that matters and if your state allows it. (again, depending on the specific model.)
We need more info !
BHP FAN
Member
Browning HI-Power.
DawgFvr
Member
Nothing wrong with a BHP...if you have a boat in deed of an anchor.
9mm = Glock
S&W = Lock
pretty poetic...eh?
9mm = Glock
S&W = Lock
pretty poetic...eh?
Jiml3
Member
Glock 19!!!!
texas bulldog
Member
i agree with those above that say we need more info on the revolver. i know what a glock 17 looks and feels like. but a "S&W .357" could be lots of different things, all with different values and useful roles. is it a 5-shot 2" bbl J-frame? or are we talking a 7-shot 6" bbl L-frame? big difference in both what i'd be willing to pay for each and what i'd intend to use each one for.
also...it sounds like this will be your first pistol, though i could be inferring that incorrectly. if so, you should try a similar example of each before making your choice. a revolver may be safer/easier for a newbie to learn. or if it's a snubbie, it might actually be a lot harder to shoot accurately until you get a good bit of practice under your belt.
to answer the direct question...i'd probably go with the S&W, but only because i'm not crazy about glocks. but some people love 'em. no one here can really answer for you, at least not without more info.
also...it sounds like this will be your first pistol, though i could be inferring that incorrectly. if so, you should try a similar example of each before making your choice. a revolver may be safer/easier for a newbie to learn. or if it's a snubbie, it might actually be a lot harder to shoot accurately until you get a good bit of practice under your belt.
to answer the direct question...i'd probably go with the S&W, but only because i'm not crazy about glocks. but some people love 'em. no one here can really answer for you, at least not without more info.
Justin
Moderator Emeritus
Either of those firearms would be a good pick for a defensive gun and plinker.
Realize that .357 and even .38 Special ammunition is going to cost more than 9mm, so you might want to factor that into your purchase as well.
Realize that .357 and even .38 Special ammunition is going to cost more than 9mm, so you might want to factor that into your purchase as well.
oneounceload
member
get one of each....
seriously, I own several of each - like them both....BUT, if I had to choose only one?????? the S&W......one reason....I can shoot a variety of ammo - shotshells, wadcutters, lead, jacketed, etc......I can plink, target shoot, take it hunting/hiking, be prepared for snakes, etc.....
seriously, I own several of each - like them both....BUT, if I had to choose only one?????? the S&W......one reason....I can shoot a variety of ammo - shotshells, wadcutters, lead, jacketed, etc......I can plink, target shoot, take it hunting/hiking, be prepared for snakes, etc.....
ConstantineJ9
Member
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- Dec 6, 2008
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- 127
S&W revolver or a Glock semi auto.
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