Why not just get a Glock.

[GypsmJim]

Last year I decided that I wanted a sub compact. With my 2 favorite handguns being S&W and Ruger, naturally a Shield Plus and a Max 9 came to mind. But there are a few others, so I figured I needed to do some shopping.

I went to one of my favorite dealers and low and behold they had a huge selection, covering all of the most popular models. The salesman (also the owner) laid down a gun rug and plopped them all on top.

A perfect side-by-side comparison. When I went in I had no preconceived notions. My research had shown a lot of positive and negative comments about each model, but it was up to me to chose.

My main concerns were how it felt in my hand, trigger pull and sights. All subjective ideas I guess.

I ended up buying the Ruger Max 9. My trade was a Walther P1, and when he said even trade I was filling out the 4473 in a heartbeat.

 

[mikeruns]

I like the Glock 27, often with a 9mm bbl installed...never handled a glock 19 but it is the most popular...a Glock 35 I have also shoots great with 9mm and 357 sig bbls I acquired for it...have a Glock 20 also and like them very much...always dependable for me thus far...and in terms of polymer, I also bought a HK Vp9 more recently and am very happy with that... cheers!

 

[S&W Fan]

As much as I really like my Shield Plus I recently came across a used excellent condition Blue Label Glock 19M. It's a great pistol. The band of merry "Glockers" I know have suggested I not shoot it or carry it as it was the pistol the .gov and some military units got and is desireable.

Well, sorry, I'm an accumulator not a collector. I've put 100 rounds through it so far and it was great! Accurate, reliable with a great trigger. It'll definitely go in to my carry rotation once the weather cools enough for a covering garment-doesn't conceal real well under a t-shirt but with a light jacket/zip up sweatshirt it'll be just fine.

 

[Donn]

Sounds like you've already made up your mind.

 

[Buick]

Regarding the Glock grip angle; build or buy a Polymer80 clone....the grip angle is much closer to the 1911 and feels great. Awesome little pistol.

 

[Puller]

Regarding the Glock grip angle; build or buy a Polymer80 clone....the grip angle is much closer to the 1911 and feels great. Awesome little pistol.

That's kind of funny . . . to me it's the 1911 that has the odd grip angle. That's why Ruger developed the 22/45, so people could train with a .22 LR to get used to the odd grip angle on 1911's.

 

[MattLarmore]

I have already seen responses similar to mine, so I'll just add another factor. Money.

I love my S&W, and recently bought a Shield plus for carry purposes, but motivated mostly by financial reasons. There was a sale on it and I saved a ton, which made my decision easy. However, there are so many incredible options to choose from now, and not just the big name companies either. Although IMO, Walther PDP is one of the best out right now for the money

 

[Yaworski]

The idea of "Glock Perfection" baffles me. If Glocks are perfect, why are they on Gen 5? You can't improve on perfection.

 

[TheHobbyist]

What is the plan or utility of this purchase?

Budget?

Off-the-shelf or custom?

Carry or concealed?

Target sight or red dot or ????

Expectations? Fit, form, function requirements?

To answer your title, Glocks are good for what they are imo; 19X or 43, given your statement. CCL I'm still going with Sig 365, original variant, under these specs...poly 9mm...

 

[LVSteve]

That's kind of funny . . . to me it's the 1911 that has the odd grip angle. That's why Ruger developed the 22/45, so people could train with a .22 LR to get used to the odd grip angle on 1911's.

Man, I hope the 1911 mob don't know where you live. Look for torches in the street.

 

[Greyman50]

That's kind of funny . . . to me it's the 1911 that has the odd grip angle. That's why Ruger developed the 22/45, so people could train with a .22 LR to get used to the odd grip angle on 1911's.

Perhaps you don't have enough real experience with a pistol with a good " grip angle" or about 50 years shooting one. LOL.

 

[nksmfamjp]

I would suggest you handle them all. As a wood and steel guy, I assume you will have trouble with the weird ergos, poor triggers and generally crunch feeling of the action. You may also desire an actual safety mechanism.

You really want to go down to the big gun store and really access the manual of arms, grip feeling, sight picture and trigger quality first hand.

After spending some time doing that, I find the Shield Plus to be excellent. Albeit extra crunchy when brand new.

 

[jimmyj]

If you purchase a GLOCK and post your purchase, expect a knock on your front door. It will be the S&W Forum Enforcement Squad to bring you a few stun slaps. (this kind of offense calls for something more than "Time Out")

 

[Retiredguns]

I have only owned 3 Glocks in my life, but they were/are 100% reliable. My night pistol is a Gen 5 with a light. $425 LEO makes a heck of a value.
16 rounds of 124gr HST in an ultra-reliable package is a winner. Unless you do not like how it feels, looks or just can't hit anything there is no technical reason not to have one.

 

[otis24]

Most name brand handguns are pretty reliable. The next most important thing to me is how it fits in the hand and how well it carries. That's subjective and it is different for everyone. That leaves lots of possible reasons to not just get a Glock. The next thing on the list is capacity. How much do YOU feel is enough for YOU? Find one with the capacity you need and that feels the best in your hands and that carries well.

Every time I think I have found the perfect hand gun, they come out with something else. Like a week after I just purchased! Had a Ruger LCP 2, then they came out with the MAX. Just discovered that Sig makes a P365X. Same frame as the 365XL, short slide of the P365.

 

[S&W Fan]

My three favorite semiautos:

 

[Bubbat]

Bought a Glock in 1983, keep it 3 months, hated it by that time. Never buy other.

 

[kbm6893]

I have a Gen 2 Glock 19 and a Gen 3 Glock 17. For me the 17 looks and feels better. But I do prefer the feel and options of the M&P 2.0 series. The Glock 19 is way too big for me to carry and with guns like the Shield Plus, I don't see any reason to even try, although 20 plus years ago I routinely carried my duty Glock 19 off duty. Funny how perception changes.

 

[pasound]

I tried Glocks many times over the past couple of decades. Range rentals, and borrows from friends. Never shot them well. The grip was always "off", and I refuse to have a striker-fired near me that has no safety. I have a Ruger American .45 that fits my hand, and two P365XL's, all with a safety. Otherwise, it's 1911 frames, Gen 3 S&W's, even counting Ruger Mark 22 pistols.

 

[kbm6893]

I tried Glocks many times over the past couple of decades. Range rentals, and borrows from friends. Never shot them well. The grip was always "off", and I refuse to have a striker-fired near me that has no safety. I have a Ruger American .45 that fits my hand, and two P365XL's, all with a safety. Otherwise, it's 1911 frames, Gen 3 S&W's, even counting Ruger Mark 22 pistols.

My Glocks are range toys only, and I have a Ruger PC9 that uses Glock mags so it's a good match. But I won't carry a striker gun without a safety, so it's a Shield Plus or Ruger LC9S.