I see the old sand test I was part of years ago has stirred up a hornet’s nest over on another forum - I tried to post this thread there but found out I was banned - not sure why that would be so I decided to post this here - in addition it answers several questions I get in nearly every class about Glocks- here goes;
IMO the Glock 19 and 17 are the best Glock’s made - both are excellent pistols - I own, use, and recommend both
I do not recommend the G22, G23, or G21 - based on my experience these pistols have problems (breakage, won’t function with rail mounted lights, etc.) and I feel there are better choices in 40 and 45
Glocks as a rule are not as accurate as many other service pistols - partly due to the enlarged chamber - this can be fixed with aftermarket barrels
I recommend 3 things for a Glock 19 or 17; good sights (Heinie, Novak, 10-8and Warren are my current favorites) , a buttplug to keep debris out of the trigger mech (cheap insurance), and my mag catch made by Tangodown. Optional but highly recommended is frame texturing by Dave Bowie (I like the finger grooves removed also)
They are incredibly forgiving in maintenance and lubrication - amazing
Incredibly simple to operate - 2 levers/buttons and 1 is optional
Always remember the golden rule with a Glock; keep your finger OFF the trigger until you are ready to shoot - if you don’t adhere to this expect a loud noise at some point
Bottom line Glocks in 9mm are excellent pistols - they are not my first choice in other calibers however - the S&W M&P has been called a product improved Glock ; this may be true but the verdict is still out as the M&P is a relatively new handgun vs millions of Glock’s in service (mostly in 9mm I might add) and S&W has a spotty record in terms of autoloading pistols - time will tell
My own experience with Glocks mirror Larry’s a great deal. I have had the good fortune (typical for me:( ) to aquire two G19’s and one G17 with serious performance problems, however, I’ve have had so many good examples of both models that I still consider them a ‘top shelf’ handgun and do not fault anyone who chooses to carry one. But my biggest problem is their grip angle. If I shoot nothing but Glocks I can adapt and do just fine, but I have trouble when I switch to anything else and back. And the Glock trigger is not the most accurate for myself. I have had better luck with Sig’s and HK’s and am more accurate with their DA first shots than I am with the Glock’s,(I’ve trained with them a lot) so I turned away from the Glock many years ago and don’t miss it THAT much, although I do admit to missing the ruggedness somewhat.
Anyone that has met/trained with me knows that I’m a huge fan of the Smith M&P. However, a handful of people know that I got my start with Glocks and still carry a 26 as a backup at work. In my book, the Glock is a solid performer. However after breaking two trigger springs on a 19 in the span of 6 months, I dont view the pistol as being the “perfection” than Gaston claims it is.
Just curious, but what problems does mounting a light on a Glock cause exactly? Does the dust cover have trouble supporting it resulting in guide rod interference or something?
Also, have you heard anything about Glock changing their chamber dimensions recently? I hate to reference Glock Talk, but there was a topic there awhile back where members with 2007 production Glocks were posting pictures of their barrels. One picture showed a G23 barrel next to a P229 barrel (as far as I recall), and the Glock appeared to have even more chamber support than the Sig.
I know the 357 Glocks always had more chamber support, but the replies and pictures on Glock Talk make it appear as though Glock has recently started using a beefier chamber across the line.
The .40 caliber Glocks in particular have had problems with excessive frame flex when Surefire X series lights are mounted on them, causing feeding issues.
No idea if it’s an effective config, but I’ve heard if you run a Glock with a polymer-bodied light, you’ll be OK. When you run them with aluminim-bodied lights, that’s when you run can into problems. Supposedely the polymer flexes just enough but the aluminum doesn’t. Just curious if anyone else has heard this or if they can corroborate?
Good info Larry. I’ve owned a 1st gen G23 for 15 years and haven’t had a problem so far, except for a trigger pin walking out when shooting over 100 rounds, rapid fire. After pin replacement, it has been GTG. It’s shoots very well for me though. I had a problem with breaking a striker assym. on an M&P 45 and from what I hear, I’m not the only one. It has to be teething problems on a new firearm brand. I do like the G19 and plan on adding one to the collection soon. Thanks for your insight.
Huh. First I’ve heard of that, but that’s good info to know.
Does the G21SF with the M1913 rail have the same issues? I thought the Picatinny railed G21 was a bit more stable out front, but I base this upon very little time fingering and looking them over.
Some years ago I decided to set up a ‘bug out bag’ of sorts, for just in case…
As I pondered which pistol I would relegate to the unseemly role of living ‘in the bag’ for most of it’s life, the G17 appeared as if by magic. A friend that owned a gun shop called and said he had picked up a factory renewed G17 with a couple of ‘pre ban’ 17 rnd mags. I looked it over and decided to make the purchase.
I have shot the pistol in almost every kind of weather with several brands/loads of ammo and it just keeps on rockin’. A very solid performer.
Doesn’t have the crisp trigger of my 1911s but… what does?
Now, I carry Colts and Les Baer. My competition gun is a Colt. I get compliments on the look and feel of all my pistols when friends come over for a trip to the range.
I’ve always felt sort of guilty about making the Glock ‘live in the bag’ but, I couldn’t think of a finer weapon to have at my disposal in extreme conditions.
I have decided that one of my pistols is going to pull ‘bag duty’. I feel pretty good that I chose the G17.
My entire shooting life I have owned 1911’s which I love.
Always hated Glocks, I mean who the hell wants to own a plastic gun!!
Well I bought a G19, and I just love the damn thing.
It’s light, high capacity, great mags, whats not to like. Have had no issues adapting to grip angle. It has worked like a charm.
The only thing I have to get used to is no thumb saftey. While I used to carry my S&W Chief Special wheel gun years ago it has a much higher pull weight in double action and am thinking of getting a NY 1 or 2 trigger spring for the G19.
