Sig Sauer P320 M18 vs. Glock 19

Description

Which handgun is best for preppers?

In a market where you can choose from an infinite amount of handguns, it can be hard to decide which models will provide you with the most benefits. Your pistol is a vital tool that you can carry on your body where it’s readily available to use in a self-defense scenario.

From a preparedness standpoint, we want our firearms to meet some basic criteria. They need to be reliable, and durable and have a vast logistical support system in place. This actually helps to narrow down the playing field quite a bit. And in 2023, there are two standouts that I believe are two of the best options on the market right now. Both of these pistols are chambered in 9mm Luger, which is the NATO standard and the most easily sourced pistol ammunition type in the USA. Generally providing a slightly higher capacity and the capability that modern cartridge loadings provide, the 9mm Luger in my opinion, is the best ammunition cartridge for preparedness purposes. I will also add a couple of honorable mentions at the end as well in case these two aren’t your favorite flavor.

First up, we have the Glock 19.

This pistol is one of the most popular handguns on the entire planet, and for good reason. First off, it’s extremely reliable even when presented with adverse conditions. One of the cliches you’ll hear from Glock fans is that they always go bang. And that’s pretty much the truth. The only issues I have ever had with a Glock pistol in my personal experience have been ammunition-related. Another important point is that Glocks are very easy to maintain and work on, even for the layman. They only have 34 parts in total, whereas the venerable 1911 has 52. This minimal amount of parts helps with logistics and means that there is less to learn regarding replacement and repair. Not to mention that Glock parts themselves are very inexpensive. Glock also benefits from a massive factory and aftermarket support system allowing an owner to acquire everything from magazines, holsters, sights, modifications, and more without any issue and at a more affordable price point. For example, a Glock 19 factory magazine will run you around $30, whereas a HK VP9 magazine will cost $50. And don’t forget, the Glock 19 is chambered in 9mm Luger which is excellent for all of the reasons previously discussed.

To add some additional credibility to the Glock 19, it has quite the track record regarding military and law enforcement pedigree. For example, Army Special Forces, Delta Force, Rangers, the CIA, and FBI rely on the Glock 19. Even the Navy Seals have retired the legendary Sig Sauer P226 (Mk25) and moved on to the Glock 19 (Mk27). To have this many elite groups choosing the Glock 19 over every other pistol on the market speaks volumes to Glock’s reputation in the field. This widespread adoption by law enforcement agencies, and military units and it’s popularity in the civilian world is why any other manufacturer may never catch up to the logistics surrounding Glock firearms. You can easily apply this same logic to a Glock 17, Glock 45, or a Glock 19x, but I chose to go with the Glock 19 as it offers some additional benefits over the previous models. It accepts 15-round magazines as well as any with a higher capacity. It also conceals slightly better, which makes it a good choice for a do-all pistol for the average American. Conceal carry it when out and about and then switch it over to your battle belt for training without having to change guns or your manual of arms, which means you can better focus your training. But, any Glock pistol in 9mm will be a great choice if you prefer a different model.

The next pistol up for debate is the Sig Sauer M18 (or P320 XCarry).

The Sig Sauer M17 & M18 pistols ( which are both P320 variants) were selected for the U.S. Military’s Modular Handgun System program back in 2017 to replace the Beretta M9 as the standard issue sidearm. The U.S. Army adopted the M17, with the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Marine Corps adopting the M18. Before this pistol won the military contract, I would not have likely suggested it as one of the two best choices of pistols for preppers. However, as we know from the M1911 and the Beretta M9, standard-issue military firearms endure rigorous testing, experience hard use in the field, and generate a vast amount of logistical support thanks to those tax dollars rolling in. Interestingly enough, the Glock 19x competed directly against the M17/M18 and lost, but, that’s a different conversation for another time where we can dive into the bureaucracy of military contract negotiations. Fortunately, military contracts provide troves of testing and field data which gives you much more to work with than your average civilian pistol data set. It will also provide you with the confidence to use the same handgun as our soldiers. As of now, the logistics machine has yet to catch up with Glock pistols (and may never) but the future is likely bright for the M18 as it only expands its market share during its military service life. Even now, you can get holsters, magazines, accessories, and anything else you want for the M18 relatively easily. Albeit at a higher price point than Glock.

Another win for the M18 is that it is based on a modular system surrounding the trigger pack. Since the trigger pack is the serialized part, you can remove it from the grip frame and swap it into another. There are a ton of grip modules on the market that support the M18 and all of the other P320 models, so you can be assured you’ll find the ergonomics that fit your hands just right. They come in polymer or aluminum as well, in case you like the feeling of a metal-framed gun, something you can’t get with a factory Glock. My personal favorite aftermarket grip module is the Wilson Combat WCP320 as it has similar ergos to 1911 while applying aggressive texture in all of the right places. The M18 is also slightly more forward-thinking than your typical Glock, as it comes with night sights and is cut for an optic. It’s a better out of the box setup than a stock Glock tends to be, which is nice for those who don’t want to make any changes after a purchase. The M18 and M17 pistols both have manual safeties, which was a U.S. Military requirement. They’re really well placed for activation, and I don’t actually mind having it, but that might deter someone from wanting this pistol. Luckily, you can get a Sig Sauer P320 XCarry which has all of the same controls and interchangeable parts with the M18 minus the manual safety. I chose the M18 over the M17 or other P320 model sizes for the same reason as the Glock 19. It’s a little more compact (a hybrid full-size grip with a compact slide) but still very capable in a concealed carry and duty role. It’s also what the military is using so it has that X factor going for it. And, of course, it’s chambered in 9mm Luger as well, which we all begrudgingly know is the right choice.

Which one do I choose?

Well, here’s the thing. I have both for all of the aforementioned reasons. As a prepper, I want to win the logistics game. And right now, Glock is the king of that mountain. And owning a Glock 19 provides me with all the benefits of that. The Sig Sauer M18 has a bright future based on its military contracts and the likelihood of an ever-expanding market. My local police department uses Sig Sauer P320s as their duty pistols, and as I live near a major U.S. Air Force base, those servicemen and women are being issued Sig Sauer M18s. Similarly, most of my civilian friends and training groups carry Glocks.

The proverbial question that always gets asked at this point in the conversation is, “Well, what if you can only grab one and run out your door?” Luckily, I find that question to be easily answered. Right now, here in 2023, I would grab my Glock 19. It has a track record of reliability that I wouldn’t have to think twice about. It’s also easier to maintain than the M18 in an austere environment. The M18’s modular system is great for customization, but it comes with a tradeoff of being relatively complicated and harder to work on than a Glock’s internal mechanisms. If I needed to replace parts or make hasty repairs, the Glock would facilitate that more easily. And lastly, the logistics of Glock still dominate, which could be important in a long-term emergency situation. For example, I can go to my local hardware store in a town of 2,000 people and buy extra Glock magazines right now. However, they do not carry P320 magazines at all. So, as much as I like the M18, for now, the Glock 19 is still a more practical choice, and if someone could only afford one pistol, then I would personally suggest a Glock 19 to them for those reasons. Not to mention, all of the required accessories will be more affordable as well.

Honorable Mentions:

Okay, now that you’re annoyed by the logical choices I made regarding the two pistols I consider the best choice for preppers right now, let’s talk about some other excellent choices. The first is the Beretta M9 or 92 series of pistols which are chambered in 9mm Luger. The M9 was in U.S. Military service for 32 years, providing it with a robust logistics support system and combat-proven capability. Parts, magazines, holsters, and accessories are still easily found for this pistol, and it is a reliable piece of equipment. Next would be the almighty 1911 chambered in God’s caliber, .45ACP. The M1911 served the U.S. Military for 74 years and still sees some service in select groups today. Logistical support has only grown stronger over the past century of this pistol’s existence, and it is still an immensely popular platform. I own a 1911, you should own a 1911, everyone should have a 1911. They’re accurate, reliable, and the most American thing since apple pie. They may not be as reliable in harsh conditions as the other pistols, and they may require more maintenance, but they can still do the job and do it quite well. Lastly, here comes a wild card that some of you may not even know about. The HK Mark 23.

This HK Mark 23 pistol was designed from the ground up to be an offensive pistol chambered in .45ACP. It was adopted by USSOCOM and was introduced in 1991. This is a massive sledgehammer of a pistol. But here’s the thing. If you want a pistol for the apocalypse that will literally work no matter what with almost no chance of ever breaking, then this is your handgun. It’s one of the most successfully tested pistols ever made, with an average of 1 stoppage every 6,000 rounds. It also reached 30,000 rounds of +P .45ACP before showing any signs of giving up. This gun was made to last forever, and for a prepper, that might be worth its enormous size and price.

Choosing a pistol for personal protection involves a lot of factors. Ergonomics, aesthetics, personal preference, capability, reliability, and more all goes into the equation. But if you are serious about preparedness, some of those factors become less important than what practical guns like the Glock 19 and Sig Sauer M18 bring to the table.

–Magic Prepper

Sig Sauer P320 M18:

1. Modularity: The P320 is known for its modular design, allowing users to change the grip frame and slide assembly to accommodate different sizes and calibers.
2. Military Adoption: The M18 variant is adopted by the U.S. military as the Modular Handgun System (MHS), specifically for the Army.
3. Controls: It features ambidextrous slide stop and a reversible magazine release for enhanced adaptability.
4. Trigger: The P320 is praised for its trigger, which is often considered smooth and crisp.

Glock 19:

1. Proven Design: The Glock 19 is a part of the Glock “Safe Action” line, known for its simple and reliable design. It’s widely used by law enforcement and civilians.
2. Aftermarket Support: Glock has a massive aftermarket support, offering a wide range of accessories, holsters, and modifications.
3. Ergonomics: While some users appreciate Glock’s ergonomic design, others find it less customizable compared to the P320.
4. Trigger: Glock triggers are known for a consistent pull, and some users prefer the simplicity of the Glock trigger.

Considerations:

• Ergonomics: Try both handguns to see which one feels more comfortable in your hand.
• Modularity: If you value modularity and the ability to change grip sizes, the P320 may be more appealing.
• Purpose: Consider your intended use (concealed carry, home defense, competition) as it may influence your choice.
• Personal Preference: Both guns have their loyal followings, and personal preference plays a significant role in choosing between them.

Ultimately, both the Sig Sauer P320 M18 and Glock 19 are reputable choices, and the best one for you depends on your specific needs and preferences.