IF I were going to buy a 9mm Glock...which one and what to add/change?

Redcoat3340

Redcoat3340

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So I've owned two Glocks since I started shooting sometime in the very early 1960's. I couldn't shoot them worth a damn (when I was shooting everything else just fine) and sold them almost immediately (Glock 19 and 17).

I'm tempted to try one last time, strictly for range use.

I figure on fitting it out with a bunch of Apex stuff, new sights, and whatever else will improve it.

And I'm wondering which one to buy: 17? 19? Another number. And which version: 1, 2, 3, what's to choose from and why?

There's plenty to read about how to upgrade, so I won't be asking that here...just what one I can get for the least price, invest a couple of bucks making it better, and be able to say I got one (as I have 'bout everything else I need or want, except a Walther P88 which I can't afford, a S&W 1911 which is also out of my current price range & I have a decent 1911 anyway, and a 4053 or 43 which I'm sure I'll find soon.)

I'm thinking of a gen 1 19 or 17, as they are probably not-so-rare and cheaper than anything later..but any and all advice is appreciated.
 
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I think I paid $350ish for a Glock 43x a year or so ago. First one for me, as I too couldn't shoot them worth anything. I just happened to run into a Glock team trainer at the range where he had me point the gun and he'd pull the trigger, and he 10 out 10 shots at 15-20 yards. Talk about a wake up call on grip, etc.

Point being, get a later model with the grip. At first, I was like I don't like this grip - but now I'm all about the grip. I think the XD series from Springfield had Glock take a little closer look at improving what was already a great platform.
 
As a Glock guy, I would buy a G19. Gen 5. It's the quintessential hand gun. If you get a deal on a Gen 3, They have the best finish on them before they made the change. If you can shoot a DA revolver well, then you can shoot a Glock well.

The G19 is about the perfect size, can carry well, and has a huge aftermarket support with sights, triggers, holsters, etc.

Get an MOS model if you think you will want to mount a red dot to it.
 
True gen.1 Glock 17 models are pricey; the recent production retro models can be found for $500.00 +/- if you shop around. The gen. 1 Glock 19 is truly rare, though they exist. The early gen.1 Glock 17 has a smaller barrel OD than the later models. My gen.1 17 was made in 11/87 and has the smaller diameter barrel. The front sight is also held in with a pin, rather than a screw.

I agree with the suggestion to start with a gen. 5 Glock 19; however, if you intend to heavily modify it I would recommend a LE trade-in.

This is my gen.1 Glock 17 along with a Gen.1 Glock 19, which has a hand cut frame.
 

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I own a Glock 19, Glock 26 and a Glock 43. I don't have a picture of the Glock 43 and I don't think I've carried it in a year or two. To be honest if I could talk my wife into it I would sell it and the Ruger LC9 and buy an M&P Shield Plus as a replacement.

The only thing I've changed on either one of those guns. Was the Glock 19 has OEM steel sights instead of the plastic Glock plastic sights, and the 26 has Ameriglo I Dots on it.

I don't know if it counts as a change but when I bought the Glock 26 I bought a bunch of Magpul 12 round magazines for it and I bought five or six OEM 12 round magazines for it and three OEM two round extensions for the 10 round magazines that came with it.

The Glock 43 somebody put skateboard tape on it before we bought it.

I qualified expert with the Glock 19 every time I qualified with it.

I don't think I ever tried to qualify with the 26.
 
I prefer the 45…it’s a 17 frame with a 19 slide. I have big hands so prefer the longer 17 grip but like the shorter 19 slide for carry.

I do not like slimline Glocks, I’ve never shot them well.
 
A slightly different take on this - look at the Ruger RXM. It's a Gen 3 19 "clone" with some subtle changes. Better grip angle, better stock trigger, direct mount optics cut and co-witness height sights. Still uses Glock 19 mags, almost all Gen 3 accessories can be used, and fits any and all Glock 19, 23, and 32 holsters. Street price is around $400.
 
I recently had the opportunity to handle a Glock
G43 subcompact 9mm.

Small, thin, trim, smooth, and highly
concealable.

Definitely a future purchase.

Another consideration is all the 9mm ammo
out there.
 
I've got a 2nd Gen "factory refurbish" for over 30 years. Thousands of rounds 100%. The night sights are dead since the 20th century but they work great on the range. I probably won't buy another though, I'm not a "striker fired" fan. Joe
 
The G19 is the tweener Glock. Does just about everything OK or better. I like the Gen 3 myself, but to each his own.

The G34 is the ultimate night stand/glove box/range Glock.
 
If I was looking at another G19 I think I'd go for the Ruger clone RXM. Otherwise I'd go for the Gen 5 Glock with optic cut. I have one and I have no complaints. Original Gen 1s are becoming collector items to the extreme Glock fans and will be harder to find and probably not as cheap as it should be. A used Gen 2 or 3 would be the best deal.
 
Vtfw4Fh.jpg


Gen 5 on top
Gen 3 on bottom, with my customized hump reduction and stippling.
 
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