If you could only own one Glock...

[mukibetser]

I've acquired a small collection of 8 handguns over the past few years, but onle one striker fired (Kahr PM9) and no Glocks. I've decided I want a Glock. I've read plenty about the pros and cons and handled and fired a G19. I just can't decide on a model/caliber. I don't want a subcompact, but am undecided as to caliber (could be 9mm, 40sw or 45ACP). Will be used primarily at the range, although could be carried at some point. My fingers are on the short side. I am limited to 15 rd mags here in NJ and don't want to have to use a neutered G17 mag so I've ruled that out.

If you could only have one glock, what would it be: G19, G21SF (or Gen 4), G22, G23, G30SF or G35 (are the SF models still available?). Primary consideration: comfort/shootability. I'm not concerned about ammo cost and can handle the recoil of larger calibers.

[BarryLee]

It really sounds like the G19 is what you need from a flexibility and size standpoint. Also, 9mm will be much cheaper to shoot at the range than .40 or .45 would be.

[hoytinak]

Gen. 2 G19 for me....the only Glock that's somewhat fit my hands.

[GlockedNLoded32]

Honestly I would go with the Glock 23 .40 cal you can also buy Factory Replacement Barrels from the GlockStore for $149.99 and shoot .40 cal, .357 sig, and 9mm so you can virtually have 3 guns in one if you chose to do so

[BRE346]

The Glock19, 'cause it's easier and cheaper to practice with. 9mm, with the ammo available, is a potent weapon too.

[Nitesites]

Get the Gen4 G22 (or G35). You have the option of shooting 40 S&W as-is or get conversion barrels for it in 357 SIG and *9mm. 3 guns in one!

*I've only read 9mm conversion works with a barrel swap and mags but will not be as reliable as the 40 to 357 conversion. Take into account differences in case size versus breechface dimensions, ejector and extractor design.

Added : I do like the G19 (any Gen). One of the greatest modern designs. It deserves a place in firearms history.

[precision_shooter]

There are also .357sig and 10mm that you could get...

[OutlawTech3]

For the range G19 or if you like buying expensive ammo the G20. As far as protection and carry G30 which is amazingly accurate for a slightly heavy compact pistol.

[Crow Hunter]

My "Glock Experience"

Beginning in 1997

G21
G30
G23 w/.357 bbl
G22 w/.357 bbl
G33 w/.40 bbl
G24 Upper
G34
G19
G26

I bought the G19 for my wife as a Valentine's gift after we got married in 2000.

I liked it so much and was so much more "effective" with it that I only have G19s and the G26 now.

I found that with the conversions, I mostly shot whatever was cheaper. (.40) and almost never shot .357 Sig.

I also had a NEF rifle that I had 5 or 6 different barrels for. I mostly looked for places to keep the extra barrels.

Extra barrels/conversions are one of those things I have found looks better on paper than it works out in real life.

But of course YMMV.

[Uncle Malice]

Hard decision. For me, it's probably a very close between:

Gen 3 17
Gen 4 19
Gen 4 21

I also have a Gen 3 29(10mm) that I love. I'll be interested to see how the Gen4 feels.

[Farmalljon]

Another vote for the G-23 here. You just can't go wrong with a 23.

[Will Beararms]

Glock 22 Gen. 4

Full sized pistol with 15 round magazines

Great feeling handgun due to the reduced grip size of the Gen. 4

Reduced felt recoil due to the new recoil spring assembly

Chambered in a great compromise between the 9mm and .45ACP

Ammo is becoming prolific due to the .40's popularity with law enforcement---FBI---DEA---BATF---Coast Guard---numerous local and some state LE agencies

Parts are everywhere. The Glock 22 is probably the #1 law enforcement pistol in America today.

There is not much difference between the 9mm with the right load and the .40. With the .40, you get decent stopping power without the need for a +P or +P+ high pressure round. One ammo company out there is now making +P .40 ammo but to me it's overkill. For starters, a handgun is a stop-gap effort to buy time to get to the shotgun or black rifle IMHO. I will also add the pressure of the .40 is on the jagged edge to begin with.

[Chilli9880]

mukibetser, I, like you, thought I had to add a Glock into the picture. And though that phase has come and gone for me, I went ahead with the Glock 19. 9mm, consistent, decent feel and pretty much the Glock of Glocks. Don't bother with the conversion barrel talk, you'll never do it unless you're uber-proficient with all things Glock. So, like the general forum has suggested, I say Glock 19.

[sils79]

If I could only have one Glock...I would sell it or trade it like I did. But if you must have one...19/23 is my favorite size. I'd prolly go 19 for range, 23 for SD.

[mukibetser]

Thanks for those speedy replies. I think it will probably come down to the G19, G22 or G23, all in Gen 4. I am leaning towards the full frame gun since this will be used quite a bit at the range. I already own 3 9mm pistols (Sig 226, CZ P-01 and Kahr PM9) and a 9mm carbine so have plenty of 9mm ammo. I really like my HK P-2000 in 40sw, but I do find it somewhat less pleasant to shoot b/c of the 40sw recoil impulse, although still definitely manageable. Also, I am planning on buying a Walther PPQ in 9mm, so may wan't to go with the Glock in 40sw for some variety. This really has become an addiction!

[TailGator]

This question is actually not an "if" for me - I own just one Glock, a G26, which I chose for my EDC because it hit the spot I was looking for in the compromise between capacity and concealability, a compromise that is inherent in every choice of a concealed handgun.

I was pleasantly surprised at how accurate and easy and pleasant to shoot it is. Some people, myself included, find it easier to shoot well than its larger brethren. If I had not been looking for one suitable for concealed carry, though, I probably would have gone with the G19 over the G26. Then again, I might have never known what I was missing, either.

[bossman]

I only have one Glock. G-36

[Will Beararms]

If you go with a Gen. 3 Glock, the Glock 23 is the answer in .40 IMHO. My Gen. 2 Glock 22 bucked like a young mule. The Gen. 23 I owned fit my hand so well, I didn't even notice the recoil. If the Gen. 4's had not come along, I would not have considered the 22 again.

If you get a Gen. 4 weapon, make sure it has the ejector stamped "28926" and the recoil spring assembly stamped "0-1-4". Prior to getting my Glock last week, I called the Glock office in Georgia to verify this.

[md1911]

G19- Gen 3

[EdInk]

Model 19 Generation 3.

Not to dilute the subject but do try the XD9 and M&P9 too.

[MonsterB]

Everyone has a favorite Glock (usually the one they own). They cover almost every caliber and have sizes for every occasion. I would myself pick the Gen4 23. Mine has been the best shooting, most reliable, perfect fitting semi auto yet. It is a smaller grip with no backstraps than the older models, which I'm sure you will like. You can also put a 357 or 9mm barrel in it and shoot three different calibers, so for one Glock that's a good choice. Its very light and quite concealable, yet comfortable enough to shoot hundreds of rounds through. This is my fourth Glock and it has impressed me the most.

[Dashunde]

Your criteria:
G30sf for its caliber (45acp 10+1) and versatile size - respectable nightstand gun, still carryable, reputed to be very accurate.
Or
G23 for its capacity, and ammo versatility using drop-in aftermarket barrels. (9mm capable for range comfort)

Those two are very similar in size with the G30sf being fatter.


My criteria: Subcompact - completely concealable, still shoots great.
G27 for its small size, good standard capacity and more accurate than me.
Enormously versatile - Can run 9mm barrels and G19/G23 hi-cap mags - little gun can be a "big" gun real quick.

[IMightBeWrong]

To pick from your list, the Glock 23. To pick from the whole line, the Glock 26 by a mile. If I could only have one Glock, that would be it simply because it's the perfect carrying pistol for me. I've had a Glock 23 in the past, though (in fact it was the first pistol that I bought myself instead of having it handed down to me) and it was a great choice.

[mukibetser]

I think I will avoid the G26 b/c I'm not really interested in another subcompact gun. I love my Kahr PM9 and it is what I carry (switiching off with my Ruger LCR) when I am out of state and can use my non-resident permits, which is very infrequently. It's surprisingly accurate and fun to shoot.

Based on the feedback, I am starting to lean heavily towards the G23 Gen 4 (subject to checking its the updated model). Plus, Hickock45 says its one of his favorite pistols and I love that guy. I've read the threads re the drop in 9mm barrels and from what I can tell it's perfectly fine for range use but perhaps not a great idea for carry. I have no interest in .357sig whasoever.

I had been thinking about getting another 1911 instead of a Glock, but while I love the way my current 1911 shoots I'm just tired of the hassle of getting it to run properly.

Thanks again.

[Will Beararms]

If I could only have one Glock...I would sell it or trade it like I did. But if you must have one...19/23 is my favorite size. I'd prolly go 19 for range, 23 for SD.

Glad to hear that this means more Glocks for the rest of us.