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

[WFR]

Police Trade-In Glock 45. I've seen them in the $450 +/- range in very good condition.
It's a combination of your two previous Glocks with a 17 frame and 19 slide.
Add Ameriglo I-Dots and take it to the range.

 

[David Sinko]

I too hated the Glock when it first came out but that was decades ago and I got over it. I now own a few and am glad of it. The biggest improvement is the installation of a "minus" ( - ) connector. I found the "wall" of the standard connector to be the greatest detriment to accurate shooting. Glock should've made the minus connector standard but when you consider their target market is it really any surprise that they went so far as to offer the ridiculous NY trigger spring? I change the connector and put on steel sights. Other than that it needs nothing else. The complaints about the grip angle are absurd and merely out those who never practice. My first choice would be the 17 Gen 3.

 

[K Frame Keith]

Let us know how the setup works. Good luck. Since I’m not a Glock guy (took the Glock armorers class twice for my guys) I’m still on the fence but I’m intrigued by the modular action group that’s not SIG.

 

[rmc51]

I own 4 of the plastic fantastic, a 29, 2 20s, and my EDC 43. I have owned dozens of them in the past and used most of them as trade fodder. One of my G27s had the S/N BUG001, which I thought was kind of cool.

I'm not emotionally attached to Glocks. But they work, every one has been 100% reliable. I recommend them as first guns for new shooters due to the simplicity of operation and dependability.

They're not pretty. They are reliable.

And to the OP, for a range 9mm I'd go G34.

Why did you go with the G43 6+1 and not the G43x 10+1?

I describe a Glock as like a 65Chev 1/2 Ton PU with a straight six and a three speed on the column. Nothing fancy, it just does the job everyday.

We are on the same page, I would say to go with the G17L The gen 2.5's came with a 3.5 pound factory trigger.

 

[rmc51]

Have had my G19 Gen 3 for years! It's MY EDC. My G17 Gen 3 gets a lot of use also. My G41 Gen 4 is a fine 45 caliber pistol. Did recently get the G34 Gen 5 MOS and the G17L Gen 5 MOS. As I get older my eyes need better sights so the Gen 5's make sense for now.

Your G17L gen 5, what trigger was in it from the factory?

 

[rmc51]

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.

CB:
Have you had any of the gen 1 mags crack?

If you have, don't throw them away!!!
DM me I will tell you how to get them replaced.

 

[rmc51]

A 34 or 17L would be my choice.

+1

 

[rmc51]

Since you mentioned “range use only”, I would recommend the Gen3 17L long slide version.

I fitted mine with an aftermarket conventionally rifled precision barrel, 3 1/2 pound trigger and HiViz sights.

( Not sure if it’s still a valid concern. But at the time I purchased it, use of lead bullets was discouraged in the Glock polygon rifling. I reload much of my range ammo)

It’s proven to be exceptionally accurate for me and Glock reliable. Impressive performance for bullseye style shooting or rapid fire on steel knockdown plates.

Can’t say I like the “feel” of the gun. But, I can’t criticize the performance.

SJ:

Your G17L didn't come factory with a 3 1/2 pound trigger?

Strange!

 

[recon-2]

Your G17L gen 5, what trigger was in it from the factory?

5.5-pound trigger.

 

[RevV67]

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.

You said it's for range use, so that virtually eliminates my 2 favorites, the 26 and the 30.

I think the first question is: Single or Double stack?
If double, the 19 is hard to beat, but many love the 45 (basically a 19 slide on a 17 frame).
If single, the 43X is liked by many, but I prefer the 48 because the slide is slim and the grip is more spacious.

If you like 45 ACP, I think the 21 is amazing.

If you want an optic / dot, then look at a MOS. It's not the best optic mount system out there, but it's probably the cheapest way to mount an optic on a Glock.

Regarding upgrades, many Glocks have been "improved" to the point that their inherent Glock reliability is compromised!
I always change the sights and I have a couple with the Glock Performance Trigger (not the best trigger, but it's a genuine Glock part) but those slight modifications and a little polishing of internals are the only changes I make to Glocks.

You know this, but there is no substitute for handling them (and preferably shooting them) yourself before making your decision.

Best of luck!

 

[A10]

Why did you go with the G43 6+1 and not the G43x 10+1?

I describe a Glock as like a 65Chev 1/2 Ton PU with a straight six and a three speed on the column. Nothing fancy, it just does the job everyday.

We are on the same page, I would say to go with the G17L The gen 2.5's came with a 3.5 pound factory trigger.

Easier to pocket carry, along with the fact that when I bought it the 43x was pretty much hens teeth. I put +1s on my spare mags, gives me 21 rounds so hopefully I'm good!

 

[Grog]

My 1st choice of a new Glock would be the G45. Then a G47.

But I like to screw around with guns, so I have a Ruger RXM FCI and G19 size grip frame with a PSA Dagger slide. The stock RXM is a great choice and a great value.