About to start shopping around for my first pistol. I was looking at the Glock 17 Gen 4, but I have also heard that the SW M&P 9 is a good alternative. Opinions??

I just gave my sister a G17 Gen 4 and I have a M&P 9.  The M&P 9 grip is more comfortable and has a natural point angle IMO.  My sister has small hands and preferred the glock because it was blocky.  She said it was easier to hold on to with two hands. 
Only way is to hold both and see how the grip fits your one/two hand hold. Keep in mind, the M&P in the shop will have the medium backstrap in place so it can get smaller and larger.  Not sure how the Glocks come from the factory.
As far as reliability, both have ate everything with no probs.
FWIW, I shoot tighter groups with my M&P.  The stock M&P trigger is lighter and smoother than the stock 17G4.  It's a big enough difference that I'd recommend the M&P over the glock for the trigger alone, especially if you are planning on keeping the gun bone stock. 

If you go with the glock, make sure it has the most current recoil spring assembly.  If not, glock will send you one for free.  I never shot mine with the old RSA, so I can't comment on if the new one is better or not.   But.... the new one ran like a champ!

 

Thank you for your thoughts Pit.I was watching some comparison videos and they both state that the M&P has the slight edge over the Glock. Yet, I am attracted to the Glock platform because of the simplicity of the design. The common thread that I have read the most is that the Glock standard sights need to be replaced. I guess both complete a niche within the 9mm field, and maybe I need to look at purchasing both.

Both are definitely great pistols.

I prefer the grip of the Glock. It just fits my hand better.

Both have excellent triggers, I'd call that one a tie.

I shoot better groups with a Glock than with a M&P.

I really believe that the new owner should shoot both guns before buying one but either way you'll be getting a great gun.

Both are definitely great pistols.

I prefer the grip of the Glock. It just fits my hand better.

Both have excellent triggers, I'd call that one a tie.

I shoot better groups with a Glock than with a M&P.

I really believe that the new owner should shoot both guns before buying one but either way you'll be getting a great gun.

u forgot to tell him that I shoot better than you do........haha j/k homie.  We need to meet up for some trigger time and bring the new toys     Oh, and I finally took the steel targets for a spin........hella fun!  thanks again bro.

sorry, 

Your FIRST pistol should be a .22.  If you start with a centerfire, you'll either spend lots of money on expensive ammo learning how to flinch, or you'll decide that ammo is too expensive and never shoot the thing.

A very valid point CrazyCat. I already have a Browning .22 that I inherited and have been shooting with over the years. I should have titled my topic as the first pistol that I "purchase".

That's good to hear.  The guy who handles membership for our club (Kahuku Practical Pistol Shooters Club) has been inundated with people (almost always new members with no shooting experience) asking what handgun to start with "a .40 or .45; maybe a .357"?  He tells them all to start with a .22.  I can't count the number of people I see at the range who are in the habit of flinching (and missing), but still think .22s are unmanly. 

That's good to hear.  The guy who handles membership for our club (Kahuku Practical Pistol Shooters Club) has been inundated with people (almost always new members with no shooting experience) asking what handgun to start with "a .40 or .45; maybe a .357"?  He tells them all to start with a .22.  I can't count the number of people I see at the range who are in the habit of flinching (and missing), but still think .22s are unmanly.

I assume your club shoots at khsc..not in kahuku? I see alot of rounds up in Laie falls when I go, well used too!

Also....how about a CZ-75b?

u forgot to tell him that I shoot better than you do........haha j/k homie.  We need to meet up for some trigger time and bring the new toys     Oh, and I finally took the steel targets for a spin........hella fun!  thanks again bro.

sorry, 

I seem to recall beating you at 250 yards with me using a pistol and you using a rifle...

 

 

Just for the record u had a scoped tc contender shooting 223 or x39 with almost a rifle barrel  . I can't remember what I was shooting but I'm pretty sure it was a iron sighted ak of some sort.

I do like that tc........I still need to buy one for myself.

Btt

glock mags can be found cheaper than m&p mags, especially used. Something to consider.

Just for the record u had a scoped tc contender shooting 223 or x39 with almost a rifle barrel  . I can't remember what I was shooting but I'm pretty sure it was a iron sighted ak of some sort.

I do like that tc........I still need to buy one for myself.

Btt

glock mags can be found cheaper than m&p mags, especially used. Something to consider.

 
 

It was a 1x power scope.

 

The thing I like about Glock is that there are hundreds of accessories and upgrades for the Glock.

The M&P doesn't have nearly as much.

Plus you can use the Glock mags in multiple guns (17,19,26,etc...)

I also like the fact that on a Glock you can change out the barrel for different calibers. One platform with multiple uses.

I also like the fact that on a Glock you can change out the barrel for different calibers. One platform with multiple uses.

IDK about that. I know you can get aftermarket 9mm conversion barrels if you have a G22/23 or M&P40 and get the proper magazines. The M&P40 is able to shoot with a factory M&P9 barrel. I have a Storm Lake 40-9 conversion barrel on my M&P40.

I found some links that offer conversion kits to make it either a.22 or .357 SIG.

The only polymer pistol I'd consider replacing my Glocks with is the new Walther PPQ.

How about a Smith SD9VE?

Most people generally side with one or the other.  Enthusiasts get both lol.  Glocks already have their name and a lot of aftermarket support.  M&P's also have a big aftermarket but not as big as glock.  My biggest gripe is the factory trigger reset, it's not as pronounced as a Glocks.