It's an excellent tool that performs as a life saving intrument should, reliably with a reasonable degree of accuracy. I've carried one for the past 15 years and respect it for it's abilities. I just can't bring myself to hold it while I admire it like I do a gun made of blue steel.
Glock or not?
- Thread starter kennyb
- Start date
I think you may have answered your own question with the last sentence. I have a decent collection- for a poor boy- and it consists of several makes and models from 1903 to present. Oddly enough, my G22 is one of the ones that I just don't see myself letting go of and if you saw a list of my guns you would probably ask: "Why?". I think the Glock can answer that question for itself
I own four Glocks. I trust them as much as I trust any brand.
If I had to voice objections to them, they would be few.
1. The angle of the grip does not have a good feel to it in my opinion. I fire them well and without discomfort but I would like a better feel to a gun.
2. There is little a person can do that will dress up a Glock. No custom grips or such.
3. They are likely the ugliest gun ever made. They look like a childs water pistol.
On the flip side, they shoot great and last.
If I had to voice objections to them, they would be few.
1. The angle of the grip does not have a good feel to it in my opinion. I fire them well and without discomfort but I would like a better feel to a gun.
2. There is little a person can do that will dress up a Glock. No custom grips or such.
3. They are likely the ugliest gun ever made. They look like a childs water pistol.
On the flip side, they shoot great and last.
USAF385
US Veteran
I love this topic. Possibly because I'm one of the converted.
I first fired a Glock a few years ago and thought it was nothing special. I knew Glock was known for reliability but had no desire to own one. After reading around for some reason I got on board with the "Glock has no soul" crowd.
Then one day I went to the range with my brother in law (future BIL at the time) and his buddy. His buddy, Matt, brought along his G27. Eventually we traded guns (he took my 681) and I didn't expect to be overly impressed.
The silhouette target was pretty well beaten up at that time, so I thought I'd go for the left elbow. First shot: dead on target. I then went for the other elbow... dead on. At 15 yards, everywhere I wanted to hit, I hit. I put a few mags through and was very impressed.
Two weeks later I owned a brand new G27 and have since carried it 4 out of 5 times as my primary.
Now I haven't put it through a Glock torture test, but I have put about 3,500 rounds though it without a single malfunction. I've shot every brand I could get my hands on. FMJ, JHP.. it eats em all. All of my magazines work flawlessly (I only own factory mags, I will not put anything else in it). I also feel the grip angle is blown overboard. I find it comfortable. I know there are those who really don't like it, but I feel some out there use it to complain because they don't like Glock. Like every gun, you got to see how it feels in your hands.
I frequently take it out to 40 yards and can manage a 4 to 5 inch group. I've got to admit I shoot it better than any other gun I own.
I definitely feel it's a tool and not something I bring out to show people. Is it a thing of beauty? I don't think so.. but then again anything that's not a revolver I don't feel is pretty. Will I own another? Yep. I've already decided that since I shoot the short little G27 so well I want to pick up on of the competition models.
I first fired a Glock a few years ago and thought it was nothing special. I knew Glock was known for reliability but had no desire to own one. After reading around for some reason I got on board with the "Glock has no soul" crowd.
Then one day I went to the range with my brother in law (future BIL at the time) and his buddy. His buddy, Matt, brought along his G27. Eventually we traded guns (he took my 681) and I didn't expect to be overly impressed.
The silhouette target was pretty well beaten up at that time, so I thought I'd go for the left elbow. First shot: dead on target. I then went for the other elbow... dead on. At 15 yards, everywhere I wanted to hit, I hit. I put a few mags through and was very impressed.
Two weeks later I owned a brand new G27 and have since carried it 4 out of 5 times as my primary.
Now I haven't put it through a Glock torture test, but I have put about 3,500 rounds though it without a single malfunction. I've shot every brand I could get my hands on. FMJ, JHP.. it eats em all. All of my magazines work flawlessly (I only own factory mags, I will not put anything else in it). I also feel the grip angle is blown overboard. I find it comfortable. I know there are those who really don't like it, but I feel some out there use it to complain because they don't like Glock. Like every gun, you got to see how it feels in your hands.
I frequently take it out to 40 yards and can manage a 4 to 5 inch group. I've got to admit I shoot it better than any other gun I own.
I definitely feel it's a tool and not something I bring out to show people. Is it a thing of beauty? I don't think so.. but then again anything that's not a revolver I don't feel is pretty. Will I own another? Yep. I've already decided that since I shoot the short little G27 so well I want to pick up on of the competition models.
Like a Amex card
No joke, if I forget it on the way out even if I'm down the road, I go back for it
The 26 is the Baby and for whatever reason its the most accurate for me. I have (2) 17's and a 19 with nightsights I carry in a JT slip holster.
You need at least one, they've never fail to go bang and don't worry bout scratches,scuffs or particular ammo.
Go to a range and try one out.
01jerry
No joke, if I forget it on the way out even if I'm down the road, I go back for it
The 26 is the Baby and for whatever reason its the most accurate for me. I have (2) 17's and a 19 with nightsights I carry in a JT slip holster.
You need at least one, they've never fail to go bang and don't worry bout scratches,scuffs or particular ammo.
Go to a range and try one out.
01jerry
Faulkner
Member
The Highlander
Member
I own Glocks in all sizes in calibers 9mm, 10mm, and .357 SIG. I had a 30 in .45 ACP and in a moment of stupidity I traded it away. My next Glock will either be the 19 RTF I played with last week, or I may wait for the 19 Gen 4 to arrive. Or, heck, I may get a 34, or try to track down a 17L or 24, or...well, you get the point.
I will say the 20/21 is a little large for my smallish hands. I have to shift my grip to control the trigger well. The angle is a little different to me, but not so much I can't adapt.
As someone else said, oddly the 29 and 30 seem to be the most accurate I've shot, they are the small big-bores, but are actually the same size as the 19/23/32 medium-bores. I don't have enough experience with the competition models to compare them however.
I do have to say that I actually prefer the grip angle and feel of the 1911, and in particular I like a Commander size 1911. Just to throw this option at you, the first time I picked up a Ruger SR9 I fell in love with it. It feels like a Commander in angle with the flat backstrap installed, yet it has the advantages of polymer construction like a glock, with (for me) better sights than a stock Glock. It is also MUCH slimmer in feel than the Glock. And it has the ambi-mag release which I prefer so my trigger finger moves off the trigger to drop a mag instead of shifting my whole grip to reach the Glock release.
If you just want a good polymer pistol, I'd seriously suggest the SR9 as a viable option. On the other hand, the Glocks are bone-dead reliable for me, and I love the GSSF which lets you have free armorer's attention, CMP gun purchases, Glock purchases at deep discounts, etc....
The Highlander
I will say the 20/21 is a little large for my smallish hands. I have to shift my grip to control the trigger well. The angle is a little different to me, but not so much I can't adapt.
As someone else said, oddly the 29 and 30 seem to be the most accurate I've shot, they are the small big-bores, but are actually the same size as the 19/23/32 medium-bores. I don't have enough experience with the competition models to compare them however.
I do have to say that I actually prefer the grip angle and feel of the 1911, and in particular I like a Commander size 1911. Just to throw this option at you, the first time I picked up a Ruger SR9 I fell in love with it. It feels like a Commander in angle with the flat backstrap installed, yet it has the advantages of polymer construction like a glock, with (for me) better sights than a stock Glock. It is also MUCH slimmer in feel than the Glock. And it has the ambi-mag release which I prefer so my trigger finger moves off the trigger to drop a mag instead of shifting my whole grip to reach the Glock release.
If you just want a good polymer pistol, I'd seriously suggest the SR9 as a viable option. On the other hand, the Glocks are bone-dead reliable for me, and I love the GSSF which lets you have free armorer's attention, CMP gun purchases, Glock purchases at deep discounts, etc....
The Highlander
Horseless Trooper
Member
I carried an issued Glock 17 for about 14 years and I think it is likely the most reliable shortgun on the planet. That said, I have no intention of ever owning any polymer gun. I just can't warm up to them. One of my current departments mandates I carry a Glock 21SF but the other dept. lets me carry what I want so I carry a S&W M14 6in. most of the time. If it's SHTF time I am going to grab a .357 revolver or 1911( if I can't get to a rifle or 12ga. that is).
I own one Glock 9mm just because. But I also have 4- SA XD's as I think they are even better than the Glocks. But my favorite plastic gun is the FNP 9 which is very Sig like and Sigs are my favorite semi autos. The FN now has a "improved " FNx. I like them as they have hammers and decockers.
But as to your question, Glocks are fine guns that's why there are so many in use. Pretty amazing that you can completely disassemble one with a ball point pen or similar pointed object.
But as to your question, Glocks are fine guns that's why there are so many in use. Pretty amazing that you can completely disassemble one with a ball point pen or similar pointed object.
I purchased my first Glock 17 when they first came out, the ones with the full pebble grain finish on the frame with no finger grooves, etc. It was the first 9mm I ever owned and I bought it because the gun was such a novelty then. I eventually traded it for a G19, because around that time my dept. transitioned from 586 revolvers to the G17. That G19 was a great gun and if I ever get another Nine, that will be the one. But, I traded that for a G23 when the dept. went from 9mm to 40 (g22) and I am now also issued a G27 and owned a couple G27's. Our uniformed people just transitioned to the G22 4th gen and as soon as the 4th gen G23 comes out plain-clothes officers will get those. The RTF G23 was found to be too abrasive to clothing in a plain-clothes carry assignment, so we are waiting for the 4th gen.
My experience with Glock pistols has been positive. Like others have said, it is designed to be an efficient tool for its intended purpose and at that it excels. My only negative experience has been with the G27. I have never had one with less than acceptabile accuracy and reliability. But, my hand could never get happy with the grip and I always felt that the gun was going to jump out of my hand under recoil, especially in one-hand shooting stages. I tried various methods to rectify the grip with a grip extender and/or magazine extensions. But, this only resulted - IMO - of enlarging the gun to almost G23 size which defeats the purpose of the gun's existence. If I can carry an enlarged G27, I may as well carry a G23, right?
My advice then boils down to grip issues. If considering a sub-compact model like a G26,27 or 30 be sure you try to get an opportunity to fire one and see if the short grip causes any concern. Handling one and actually firing are two different things. If you are looking at a late model Glock with the RTF (rough texture frame) consider that if used as a CCW clothing abrasion could result.
One more thing to consider: Unlike those bone-headed times when you may have sold a S&W and immediately and continually regretted it, the same is not true with a Glock. Sell, trade, whatever. you can always get a dozen more.
My experience with Glock pistols has been positive. Like others have said, it is designed to be an efficient tool for its intended purpose and at that it excels. My only negative experience has been with the G27. I have never had one with less than acceptabile accuracy and reliability. But, my hand could never get happy with the grip and I always felt that the gun was going to jump out of my hand under recoil, especially in one-hand shooting stages. I tried various methods to rectify the grip with a grip extender and/or magazine extensions. But, this only resulted - IMO - of enlarging the gun to almost G23 size which defeats the purpose of the gun's existence. If I can carry an enlarged G27, I may as well carry a G23, right?
My advice then boils down to grip issues. If considering a sub-compact model like a G26,27 or 30 be sure you try to get an opportunity to fire one and see if the short grip causes any concern. Handling one and actually firing are two different things. If you are looking at a late model Glock with the RTF (rough texture frame) consider that if used as a CCW clothing abrasion could result.
One more thing to consider: Unlike those bone-headed times when you may have sold a S&W and immediately and continually regretted it, the same is not true with a Glock. Sell, trade, whatever. you can always get a dozen more.
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I shot one once, a long time ago when "they" decided that my M-39, 1911 and Hi-power weren't safe any more. Given that choice, I opted for a Sig.
wheelgun28
Member
I have a G22 and a G23, a friend has a G27. After shooting thousands of rounds I still cant shoot bulls eyes at 50'. I am on paper and grouped but I cant do it. My friend can with his and my guns, so its all me not the gun. Give me a M39 and I can almost always make one big hole...
Also I dont care for the recoil feel, its just strange and kinda uncomfortable to me. Another big negative is not shooting lead bullets. I know change the barrel, but I dont know.
My friends G27 is the most uncomfortable gun I have ever shot. Frankly I HATE it, after a round your hand feels burning on the outside and tingling on the inside, awful. I have and shoot 44, 41 mag with less misery.
On the plus, they do work well. Hold many rounds and have many accessories. Also they are cheap and are the mags.
Another big negative is lack of a safety, yeah three are build in, whoopee. Snag it while holstering and bang. They dont call it "glock leg" for no reason. I dont know about S&W leg or SIG leg even H&K Leg...
As soured as I have become toward Glocks and.40 they still have a place. After all that, if the SHTF id be hard pressed not to take the Glock, even if I shoot 4" to the left at 50'
Also I dont care for the recoil feel, its just strange and kinda uncomfortable to me. Another big negative is not shooting lead bullets. I know change the barrel, but I dont know.
My friends G27 is the most uncomfortable gun I have ever shot. Frankly I HATE it, after a round your hand feels burning on the outside and tingling on the inside, awful. I have and shoot 44, 41 mag with less misery.
On the plus, they do work well. Hold many rounds and have many accessories. Also they are cheap and are the mags.
Another big negative is lack of a safety, yeah three are build in, whoopee. Snag it while holstering and bang. They dont call it "glock leg" for no reason. I dont know about S&W leg or SIG leg even H&K Leg...
As soured as I have become toward Glocks and.40 they still have a place. After all that, if the SHTF id be hard pressed not to take the Glock, even if I shoot 4" to the left at 50'
Faulkner
Member
After the end times come, the only things left in this world will be roaches and Glocks.
ChattanoogaPhil
Member
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lonejacklarry
US Veteran
I truly don't see how one could "snag" the trigger while holstering. I have been near two occurrences of these events and one was videotaped as it was in the process of a training exercise. Upon examination of the video, the "snag" was the shooter's right index finger inside the trigger housing while holstering. I think one could have the same result w/ a revolver, too.
Anyhow, I agree that a Glock is a really ugly piece of equipment. It was, however, really pretty on two occasions when it produced a really bright light and lots of noise when it was required. I'd come closer to trading off my grandchildren than my Glock 23. Collect them? No, thanks.
I have a 2nd Generation G19, but that's mainly because somebody made me a trade deal that I couldn't refuse. No regrets though. I did have a G30, but sold it. I liked the ergonomics/size of the G19, which I had first, better than the G30. Glocks are ugly, but they sure do work good.
Bob R
US Veteran
I was at a range cleanup a few weeks ago and lots of guns came out after the cleanup was done. I was able to fondle and shoot several different Glocks, from full size to compacts. To a one, they felt odd and uncomfortable to me. The grip on the full size ones was even more unwieldy feeling than the grip on my double stack ParaOrdnance full size.
I had thought I was in the market for a 10mm Glock until that day, now I am looking for other options, mainly Colt 1911 platforms and S&W autos.
bob
I had thought I was in the market for a 10mm Glock until that day, now I am looking for other options, mainly Colt 1911 platforms and S&W autos.
bob
Allen-frame
Member
While in the gun shop ,there will always be some young person fondling or oohing over a Glok.
I usually slide over and offer this bit of info..
With a straight face I say;
The best thing about a Glok is , If you're driving down the road ,
and you get a flat tire on your truck ,then you drag out the spare and the jack ,,and go to jack up the truck to change the tire ,
you can use the Glock to put in front of the tire so the truck doesn't roll off the jack!
They usually shake their heads ,and turn away.
Friends dont let friends own Taurus!
Allen Frame
I usually slide over and offer this bit of info..
With a straight face I say;
The best thing about a Glok is , If you're driving down the road ,
and you get a flat tire on your truck ,then you drag out the spare and the jack ,,and go to jack up the truck to change the tire ,
you can use the Glock to put in front of the tire so the truck doesn't roll off the jack!
They usually shake their heads ,and turn away.
Friends dont let friends own Taurus!
Allen Frame
beemerphile
Member
I have eight Glocks. I like them, lots of people don't. People who don't like them shouldn't buy them. People who THINK they want one ought to try one first. Lots of ranges will rent them. I quit carrying my G23 and G27 because I live in a low threat area and I got tired of going THAT armed. Now I am found with a 340PD in a Mika pocket holster. My wife still carries her G26. She has no interest in anything else.
The Glock 19 is their best seller to concealed carriers. I've had a few Glocks and currently own a Glock 22. But I prefer the M&P. I am convinced that the only edge that Glock has over the M&P is, more after market parts and accessories, and the Glock is a little easier to disassemble and reassemble.
You won't go wrong with either. I recommend a S&W 9MM compact.
m657
Member
I'm an omnivore when it comes to Glocks. While differences do exist between them & more traditional designs, with training and practice it isn't too hard to adapt. They have some features I have come to prefer.
And like any banquet where a 'taste of this' and 'taste of that' is appropriate, we all tend to relapse back into what we know we like.
I've had Glocks for over 20 years. Had one failure in a 3 day 900 round training session. Took a 50 cent replacement part to fix it. EDIT TO ADD: that is the ONLY failure in 20+ years of my own Glock experience.
When the S&W Smegma first came out, a buddy was markedly joyous about it and insisted it was the best gun he'd ever had.
I tried it.....it had the absolute most awful trigger I'd ever seen.
Tastes vary. And for what the Glock is designed to accomplish, it does remarkably well. At first they seem so ugly they should run in the 'para-Olympic Miss America pageant'. Beauty, like palate, is in the eyes of the beholder.
The more I use mine the better I like them....yet there are some needs they just do not satisfy and I return to blue steel & real wood grips.
Nice to have a choice.
And like any banquet where a 'taste of this' and 'taste of that' is appropriate, we all tend to relapse back into what we know we like.
I've had Glocks for over 20 years. Had one failure in a 3 day 900 round training session. Took a 50 cent replacement part to fix it. EDIT TO ADD: that is the ONLY failure in 20+ years of my own Glock experience.
When the S&W Smegma first came out, a buddy was markedly joyous about it and insisted it was the best gun he'd ever had.
I tried it.....it had the absolute most awful trigger I'd ever seen.
Tastes vary. And for what the Glock is designed to accomplish, it does remarkably well. At first they seem so ugly they should run in the 'para-Olympic Miss America pageant'. Beauty, like palate, is in the eyes of the beholder.
The more I use mine the better I like them....yet there are some needs they just do not satisfy and I return to blue steel & real wood grips.
Nice to have a choice.
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Harrison
US Veteran
There are five glocks in our family. None of them are beauties, but they all work, all the time. They are simple to use, and almost impossible to break. Acetone is their only enemy. They are inexpensive compared to other pistols. They fit my hand well and I actually like the trigger, it is close to a double action revolver feel.
That said, I also own a few S&W revolvers. They are pretty, work well, are solid and fun to shoot. Also, they make good defensive guns. However, if God forbid at my age, I ever had to go back to a combat situation, I would want a glock.
That said, I also own a few S&W revolvers. They are pretty, work well, are solid and fun to shoot. Also, they make good defensive guns. However, if God forbid at my age, I ever had to go back to a combat situation, I would want a glock.
sgt.207
Member
My experience too. I have Glock 23's, 19, 26 and 27 -- they all work, all of the time.
I love to shoot my Smiths, Colts, Rugers, etc.....but, if I knew in advance that I was going to be in a shoot-out, I would be carrying a Glock that day.
Don
Don
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BOB THE PALINDROME
Member
I don't care for them very much. Back in 2007 they were the required pistol for State Department contractors in Iraq and I had to qualify with one to get hired. I found them "twitchy" in that the trigger pull was very light and I had at least 2 or 3 NDs or at least premature shots (bang, oops bang) during my initial training.
FWIW my current carry pistol is a Taurus PT145 PRO as it is concealable and has 11 round capacity.
FWIW my current carry pistol is a Taurus PT145 PRO as it is concealable and has 11 round capacity.
palmetto99
Member
I purchased my G19 (2nd gen) 15 years ago. I've only got about 6k rounds through it. But, I've never had a problem. When I carry a semi-auto, that is the one. I picked up a G17 (3rd gen) about a year ago. I got about 2k through it and the only problem I've had was due to a bad crimp on a factory round. The G17 is the one I use in IDPA. I understand why some folks aren't that fond. They are tools. I've learned to work with the tools. They work and work well and that is all I ask for.
Grog
Member
Isn't there a rule about keeping your finger off the trigger until you are ready to fire?
I can't say I've ever had that problem, even when going from 100rds in a 66-4 to 150rds in a G22 with the 8# trigger and then going right to the 3.5# G24 within an hour.
USAF385
US Veteran
+1 to that!
My Glock has never fired without my finger bring on the trigger... neither has any of my other guns for that matter. If you can handle a revolver safely, you can handle a Glock safely.
29Wheelgunner
US Veteran
Glocks are great firearms. The ones I've shot have all been impressive.
I however, do not own one. I have been happy with my Colt's, Beretta's, Sig's and see no reason to own a Glock.
I however, do not own one. I have been happy with my Colt's, Beretta's, Sig's and see no reason to own a Glock.
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