Should I Trade Glock 26 for Colt Cobra?

[lilop]

I have a LNIB Glock 26 (9mm). I originally bought it for deep concealment purposes, and as a back up to a Glock 19. Outside of function firing it (100 rds), I haven't shot or carried the thing. When I need deep concealment, it's too big, and when I don't need deep concealment, I just carry the 19. It's the classic "tweener" problem. I have recently been strongly considering trading it towards a j or k frame style revolver. Part of me says to keep the 26 due to mag compatibility with the 19, but I have a hard time keeping a gun that I don't use. Am I crazy for even considering this? It shoots great (better than the 19 in some respects), but it isn't really serving a purpose. ANY and ALL imput will be taken into consideration and GREATLY appreciated.


****EDIT**** Here's another twist to the saga. I have been offered a Colt Cobra in 95-98% condition, with a fully shrouded ejector rod, original grips, original box and papers, as an even swap for the Glock 26. What would you do? Suggestions are welcomed at this point.***

 

[GatorFarmer]

Keep it. Deep pants pockets and a G26/27 are a good match for a BUG. I've gone back and forth between baby Glocks and J frames. I regreted getting rid of my G27, which replaced my Js in the carry rotation for a while. Now I have a G26. If you want a J frame, get one, but I think a baby Glock is a useful item to have. Mine is matched up to a G34.

 

[gr8AmericanBash]

Well, if I may offer up my $.02 worth.

I just sold my Glock 26 and bought a 442 with the funds from the sale.
So far I have been real pleased with the decision.
The little j-frame just disappears in the pocket of just about every pair of pants and shorts I have tried it in. It's light and somedays I forget it is there.
It sounds cliche, I guess, but I should have just bought the 442 years ago when they were cheaper and spent the difference on ammo.

 

[gr8AmericanBash]

Also should mention that I also bought an XD subcompact in 9mm initially after selling the Glock.
I can carry that on days that I can wear a shirt untucked or a light jacket.
But the j-frame I can carry to work, church, or anywhere else that I wear a tucked in shirt and not worry about printing.

 

[ffhounddog]

I carry a Glock 26 with the shirt tucked.

I carry it more than my SW3913.

I have seen used J frame and k frames going for 300-350 in Virginia.

 

[wheelgun1958]

I'd do it. But then again I keep my tupperware in the cabinet.

 

[rodcraft]

keep in mind guns are liquid. Glocks, like j frames are plentiful and reasonably inexpensive. Sell it, if you decide you cant live without one get one. I never thought the 26's offered enough advantage over the 19 to justify having it.

 

[flop-shank]

If you're not sure, keep it. Once the gun is gone, any test firing, ammo testing, break in ammo ect. is money lost. If you ever decide you want another one, you'll then have to start over from scratch. Time will tell if you miss that gun or not. In the meantime it can sit in storage awaiting your decision.

 

[jimmyj]

Should I Trade It?

NO! NO! NO!
Purchase a "J" Frame but keep the Glock.
Each has Its uses.
Jimmy

 

[TNDave]

I know just what you mean. I am a big fan of the Glock 19 and bought a 26 thinking it wuold be even better. I soon realized the G26 is not really a pocket gun. If I am going to wear a belt and holster I can carry the 19 which I much prefer.
In your position I would sell the 26 and buy a Smith 642 for pocket carry. Of course I would keep the 26 if I could afford to not sell it to raise money for the 642. You can't have too many guns.

 

[Spotteddog]

I'd keep it, 'cause there ain't a one of 'em that's gonna' get cheaper in the future!

 

[palmetto99]

I looked at the G26 several years ago as a companion to my G19. It's not that much smaller than the G19. If one adds a finger extension thingy to the mag, well the grip is then the same length as the G19's. Selling it to fund a new J frame isn't a bad idea. I carry a G19 some of the time, but find a J frame a little more easy to carry on a regular basis. My $0.02.

 

[N_itis]

I do not care for Glocks. For those who do, I can see the attraction to adding a subcompact (G26/G27) to the battery if you already own a fullsize gun (G17/G22). Both serve a specific purpose. Whereas, if you already have a compact gun (G19/G23), adding a subcompact gun does seem a bit superfluous.

Since you obviously like Glocks, particularly the compact guns, I suggest considering standardizing with a pair of G19s. I know someone who carries a pair of compact Glocks (specifically a pair of G30s, the "compact," "double stack" .45 ACP offering but I suspect a pair of G19s would work about the same) and is very pleased with the setup.

As for the original question, I agree that, given your situation and preferences, the G26 is not really worthwhile and trading it off is not a bad idea. But, I would also suggest entertaining the idea of adding both a "snubbie" and another G19.

 

[Goldstar225]

I came to the same decision about three years ago. I had a model 27 and 23. I found that there were times that I couldn't conceal the 27 so I sold it and bought a 642. While I miss the punch and round count, the 642 is my "always" gun.

 

[STL9MM]

Wouldn't the G36 be best for CC? It's really slim but packs a punch...just a thought if you're a Glock fan...

 

[lilop]

WOW! Thanx for all the replies. Here's another twist to the saga. I have been offered a Colt Cobra in 95-98% condition, with a fully shrouded ejector rod, original grips, original box and papers, as an even swap for the Glock 26. What would you do? Suggestions are welcomed at this point.

 

[GatorFarmer]

As a collector's item, the Colt might be interesting. While some people do carry them, I would not. I have a 1974 Colt DS that I don't carry (and that I'd conversely trade for a Glock), same basic size/concept but with a steel frame. The D frame Colts are no longer made. The steel guns were rated by Colt as good for 3000rds of +P ammo before they were to be returned for service. The alloy frame guns were only rated for 1000 and anecdotal reports from some users indicate that this may have been optimistic.

I would carry a pocket Glock over the old Colt.

Value wise, you'd probably be coming out somewhat ahead with the Colt though.

 

[arkdweller22]

The Colt's a great gun. My dad carries one daily.
However, it's not a pocket gun. That sixth chamber makes it quite a bit fatter than a five round j-frame.
You would find yourself in the same "tweener" predicament with the Cobra. A j-frame is a better carry option.

Personally: If you have the cheese I would get the Colt 'cuz like others have said, you can't have too many guns. Especially a good reliable American made six shooter that's packable.

To pack in a pocket though, get the j-frame. The Glock or the Cobra don't fit that role as well.

I hope this helps.

Regards,
Arkdweller

 

[safearm]

Absolutely trade for the Colt! Glock will continue to make G26s, but the Colts are gine forever.

 

[Goodtime Charlie]

Keep the G26 and sell or trade the G19. If you want, you can put G19 or G17 mags with grip adapter into the G26 to give it higher capacity and larger grip. So, you can make it as small as it normally is, or as high a capacity as the G18 with the 33 round magazines--a very flexible pistol. I suggest that for deep concealment you get some pants with deep pockets for pocket carry in a Mika pocket holster, or get a SmartCarry. A lot of people that prefer inside waist band carry swear by the Crossbreed Supertuck Deluxe, or the Kholster.

Use the money from the sale of the G19 to fund a 442 or 642 for pocket carry in your weak side pocket, in a Mika pocket holster. That way, you don't have to worry about limp wristing a semi-auto, or trying to do a malfunction drill with one hand if your strong hand is messed-up (wounded).