There's also the episode where the French UN soldiers are wearing British (or Dutch-style) DPM uniforms.

The 1st Gens also weren't very common in the U.S., either in private or LE/govt. hands. Most of the PDs and agencies that adopted Glocks didn't start buying them until around the time of the 2nd Gen models.

Regarding the M&P, it might still evolve into a good pistol, depending on whatever changes S&W makes. But in today's market, it needs to be stellar and flawless, and it doesn't appear to be so. And it's hard to give it the benefit of the doubt because, unlike Glocks in the 1980s, it isn't a new and innovative design.

To be fair to the M&P. It might not be new and innovative tech, but it is based on the current tested design.

I have an ankle holster for my Glock 26. I've carried the G26 exactly twice that way. The last time was almost three years ago. No way do I want to do that again. My S&W Model 49 and my Colt Detective Special are the only handguns that I carry on a consistent basis in an ankle holster.

...which is all the more reason why it shouldn't be flawed.

At the risk of being accused of contributing to Thread Drift I carry a Glock 19 3rd Generation. It was issued to me brand new four years ago. It's a great little pistol. I shoot it well and I've never had it give me any trouble. I literally trust my life and other lives (i.e. citizens and other officers) with it.

No I don't think Glocks are the end all and be all of pistols and I'm not real impressed with the Glock 20/21, but I do like my G19 3rd Gen.

Now several folks are trying to tell me I need to get the G19 4th Gen. I fired both the 17 and the 19 4th Gen models about a week ago. They're okay, but I'm sticking with my 19. I hope to retire in about thirteen years still carrying it. And I hope that my department will give it to me as a retirement gift. It's still standard practice in the United States to present a retiring officer with his/her's duty handgun.

If they don't want to give the damn thing to me I'll buy it.

How well does the 19 shoot? Out of all the Glocks, it is the only one that I don't think feels awkward and I might consider getting one at some point. I've decided not to get a new rifle or an M&P so I'll have money for a different gun and I'm torn between a Ruger single action .357 and a Glock

In that case, get a Glock. .357 Magnums in single action revolvers can kick kind of unpleasantly, where as a Glock won't be any problem to shoot with.

.357 Magnum has gotten way to expensive relative to other calibers too. If you want a shooter, get a 9mm.

While per box of 50, 9mm is definitely cheaper. About a $5 to 6 difference. But you end up shooting more I feel. Shoot 3 mags, you're at 45 rounds. 3 full cylinders you're only at 18.

.380 has gotten to be more than 9mm, with everybody getting pocket carry guns.