Which Glock to buy?

richko · October 12, 2005, 09:58 AM

I am interested in buying a Glock, any thoughts as to which
model and caliber is best?

'75Scout · October 12, 2005, 10:32 AM

What are your needs? I needed a small semi-auto for CCW in 9mm, because it's cheap to practice with and HPs will do the job. So I went with a GLOCK 26. I you want more power go with a .45 cal, the frame is wider.

There are sub-compact, compact, full-size, and long slide GLOCKS and all have their uses.

chrisandclauida2 · October 12, 2005, 10:35 AM

my advice would be to avoid glocks. lol. i hate them. this is just personal opinion. they are excellent weapons. if i were forced to pick a glock it would be a glock 18. it is select fire full auto . lol but since that isnt a liikely choice i would go for a full size in what ever caliber you prefere. if you want a small concealed weapon go for their ultra compact in your caliber of choice. i would avoid any of the 40 calliber because to me all glock 40 sting the hand on every round. again this is just me cause i dont like them.i have a px4 storm in 9mm. they come as 17 + 1 with available plus 3 base plates so the mags hold 20 rounds. it is a tupperware frame like glock but completely different shape. so i guess go with the 9mm with hicap mags.

'75Scout · October 12, 2005, 10:38 AM

My GLOCK fits my hand perfectly and recoil on the sub-compact 9mm is very workable. That's not to say that I would like a SIG, H&K, or Beretta.

Glenn E. Meyer · October 12, 2005, 10:51 AM

Many folks think the G19 is the best overall package for size and capacity. Of course, some folk don't like the 9mm but quality 9mm in an easy to shoot package seems to work for many professionals.

rgillis · October 12, 2005, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Many folks think the G19 is the best overall package for size and capacity. Of course, some folk don't like the 9mm but quality 9mm in an easy to shoot package seems to work for many professionals.

I agree completely with Glenn. Of all the choices available in a Glock, I've found the 19 fits my needs the best.

USP.40 · October 12, 2005, 11:37 AM

I like my Glock 23. It has good capacity and I find it to be very accurate.

281 Quad Cam · October 12, 2005, 11:48 AM

Vote for the 19 here.

95gtman · October 12, 2005, 12:19 PM

My first glock was 26, but if I bought another glock in 9mm it would be a 19. Although my G21 is by far my favorite, second would be the 10mm.

LoadIt · October 12, 2005, 03:13 PM

I also decided on the G19. And now the 15 round mags are back.

The Stook · October 12, 2005, 03:14 PM

Ill bite and throw my opinion out there.

If it HAS to be a glock, i would go for the mid size .40 or 9mm.
For me, i can not stand the grips, and grip angle of a glock. I have two friends that LOVE them thou. I would recomend firing a S&W Sigma VE or GVE and also firing a Springfield XD. If you still prefer the Glock buy it. If you end up liking a Sigma better you just saved over $200. If you like the XD better you just saved $100.

Bravo25 · October 12, 2005, 03:19 PM

I have 2 Glock 23's. I like the capacity, and the .40 is a capable round. The size of the firearm lends itself well to carrying on duty in a vehicle. Concealed carry, and long enough site radius for accuracy. Now I just have to get a few thousand rounds down my new Gen 3 to smooth out the trigger like the old Gen 1.

Oh and just an FYI if you get an older compact or sub compact that has that little half moon cut out in front of the grip, don't get those "gizmo" magazine floorplates that fill in this area. I found this out the hard way while doing some tactical drills one day.

Para Bellum · October 12, 2005, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Many folks think the G19 is the best overall package for size and capacity. Of course, some folk don't like the 9mm but quality 9mm in an easy to shoot package seems to work for many professionals.

yep. have two. love 'em. They hold 16 rds and are very compact to carry concealed, yet have a 4" barrel. I also shoot competitions with them (IPSC, Standard and Production), and whenever I don't like my score, that's despite my Glock 19. ;-)

If you prefer .40 caliber you can have the same gun with two rds less: Glock 23

2ksportny · October 12, 2005, 03:35 PM

my first gun purchase was a glock 23. I wanted a little bigger round then the 9mm & I wanted something compact so the glock 23 fit perfectly. I carry it concealed off duty since I can not carry it on duty. I do not like Berretta at all, I tried them & they just do not sit well with me, as for the Springfield XD, I just felt that they tried to copy the Glock to much & it felt cheap so I passed that up, the only other gun I was considering was the Kahr, but after the deal I got on the Glock I would have been stuppid to pass it up.

stardate · October 12, 2005, 05:02 PM

I hate the plastic gun craze stayed away from them for years. Glock that Tupperware gun was the worst of them, why buy a gun without a safety, they must be nuts. Then I was in the market for a small 45.

To make a long story short. I fell in love with the Glock's simple system. Keep your finger off the trigger. First I fell for the G36 in 45, next came the G26, once I found out most Glocks take the higher cap mags I was hooked. A 30 round mag on my G26 looks strange but shoots like a dream. Now only lack of funds keeps me from buying a G17 and G21 to round out my collection. Call me crazy but the more research I did on the Glocks the more I liked them.

stevelyn · October 12, 2005, 06:06 PM

Welcome to the polymer side. I guess you should start with what you want in a platform (full-size, compact, or sub-compact). Then decide on the caliber you want. Find the one that fits you, your lifestyle and intended purpose best and go with it.
Don't get hung up on the caliber debate either. With the variety and quality of premium self-defense ammo out there, you are just as well armed with a 9mm as you are a .45.

Mark54g · October 12, 2005, 06:22 PM

Just a question, but:

If you don't know which model or caliber, why did you decide on a glock? I am not trying to knock them, but a gun is a pretty personal thing to buy based on what fits well for someone else. It is almost like asking which pair of underwear will fit you best. Your best bet would be to start handling a lot of weapons, polymer, aluminum alloy, steel, etc and make a decision based on some factors like ergonomics, feel, recoil/control (if you can shoot them), reputation, build quality and cost.

It is your money and your choice. I just thought it might help to have a bit more information out there. It is better to wait just a little bit longer and make sure you are happy with what you purchase than to buy and not be happy.

459 · October 12, 2005, 06:24 PM

ive always liked the basic GLock 17.

Mokumbear · October 12, 2005, 07:39 PM

I can't pretend to be ANYWHERE as experienced as others on this board,
but I can offer my own observations on this topic.

I rented a GLOCK 17 to see if I liked it before buying it.
I found it jammed repeatedly as I got tired from shooting and began
"limp wristing" my grip.

I have read other cases on the 'net where the GLOCK 17 has jammed like this.

With the motto "GLOCK - Perfection", I fully expected for the gun to be able to compensate for any shortcomings of the shooter, this was a major disappointment. :barf:

On that factor alone, I decided to try out the Ruger P89.
So far, I like what I see, and I'm stickin' with it.

The P89 I'm getting is stainless steel slide on "aircraft grade aluminum frame".

Since its not intended as a carry weapon, I think it will work out better, on more than one level (cost/reliabilty).

Nail Shooter · October 12, 2005, 08:08 PM

A G19 with night sights was my first Glock--several more followed. I have no regrets.

NS

2ksportny · October 12, 2005, 08:09 PM

Wow that is the first I have ever heard of a glock having that many jams or any at all. I guess all great firearms have there problems.

glk40 · October 12, 2005, 08:55 PM

Well, It depends. If you want capacity, then a full size 9mm will probably tickle your fancy. The G19 will hold from 10 to 17, and they even have a ridiculously long clip that holds 31.

If concealed carry is what your after then I would go with either the G26(subcompact 9mm) or the G27(subcompact .40). They make a subcompact 45 (G36) but it only holds six rounds unless you opt for the G30 which is uncomfortably wide in the grips. Alot of people will agree, If you want a glock then buy a glock, If you want a .45 then buy a Kimber.

I recently purchased my first glock (G27) and have been very satisfied with it. It will take virtually any ammo you feed it and its quite accurate. I have fired around 500 rounds in it and have yet to see a problem. I did alot of research on them before I decided to purchase it and came up with alot of good feedback.

Guys, Im new here. Forgive my use of the word "clip" in this post. Magazine is much more appropriate.

Mokumbear · October 12, 2005, 09:09 PM

Check out this review, which exactly duplicated my findings!

"Make: Glock Model: 17 Action: Double Action Caliber: 9mm

Rating: 2 out of 5 stars

Review: The Glock 17 is one of the LEAST accurate 9mms I have shot. It is reliable under most conditions, but it tends to jam when limp wristed (Sigs in general don't).

The ergonomics are terrible, as the grip feels like a 2x4. The plastic sites are not as durable as steel sites would be. The recoil is fairly snappy for a 9mm. OTOH, the low bore axis does help reduce some recoil. On the positive side, the Glock 17 is very durable and will last several lifetimes.

Overall, the Glock 17 is a decent combat gun, but it really is a poor target shooter. Sub par accuracy, mushy trigger, and bad ergonomics are not a good combination for a competition or target shooting gun. OTOH, as a combat gun, the Glock 17 is a decent choice......"

Full reviews found at:

http://www.handgunreview.com/make.asp?make=Glock

This is not what I would expect from a mfg's "signature model".

I have heard the same issue with the 17 brought up by another "gun guru". Obviously, not an isolated incident.
I jammed it no less than 3 times in 50 rounds!

HighValleyRanch · October 12, 2005, 09:59 PM

Quote:

Overall, the Glock 17 is a decent combat gun, but it really is a poor target shooter. Sub par accuracy, mushy trigger, and bad ergonomics are not a good combination for a competition or target shooting gun. OTOH, as a combat gun, the Glock 17 is a decent choice......"

HOWS THIS FOR INACCURATE???

Man, I keep reading these types of posts and wonder who is writing them!
How many photos like this is it going to take to convince you glock bashers that glocks are EXTREMEMLY accurate! This is a typical weekly slow fire target at 50 feet, two handed, unsupported.
I mean, every time I go to the range I shoot one of these groups. I'm going to have to start collecting them and post them all at once for you to believe that these glocks are that good. I shoot bullseye, but two handed, this glock is as accurate as my SW model 52, the queen of bullseye guns!

Shot a friends model 34 for the first time and twelve shots went into an 1.5 inch group, the remainder all in the black except for two.
Jeesh!!

glk40 · October 12, 2005, 10:39 PM

Try this on for size...

Gun video inc (1-800-942-8273) offers a disc called "Glock Torture Test"
They take a glock 17 and freeze it, through it 25 feet in the air, kicked it across the ground, tumbled it across the ground, buried it in the dirt and covered it in mud. Then they shot repeated rapid fire drills with outstanding results.

www.gunvideo.com

Try that with your pistol and tell me how it measures up.

October 12, 2005, 09:58 AM	#1
richko Junior Member Join Date: September 18, 2005 Location: Beverly Hills,FL Posts: 12	Which Glock to buy? I am interested in buying a Glock, any thoughts as to which model and caliber is best?

October 12, 2005, 10:51 AM	#5
Glenn E. Meyer Senior Member Join Date: November 17, 2000 Posts: 20,061	Many folks think the G19 is the best overall package for size and capacity. Of course, some folk don't like the 9mm but quality 9mm in an easy to shoot package seems to work for many professionals. __________________ NRA, TSRA, IDPA, NTI, Polite Soc. - Aux Armes, Citoyens

October 12, 2005, 07:39 PM	#19
Mokumbear Senior Member Join Date: October 8, 2005 Posts: 696	No GLOCK for me... I can't pretend to be ANYWHERE as experienced as others on this board, but I can offer my own observations on this topic. I rented a GLOCK 17 to see if I liked it before buying it. I found it jammed repeatedly as I got tired from shooting and began "limp wristing" my grip. I have read other cases on the 'net where the GLOCK 17 has jammed like this. With the motto "GLOCK - Perfection", I fully expected for the gun to be able to compensate for any shortcomings of the shooter, this was a major disappointment. :barf: On that factor alone, I decided to try out the Ruger P89. So far, I like what I see, and I'm stickin' with it. The P89 I'm getting is stainless steel slide on "aircraft grade aluminum frame". Since its not intended as a carry weapon, I think it will work out better, on more than one level (cost/reliabilty).

October 12, 2005, 08:55 PM	#22
glk40 Member Join Date: October 11, 2005 Posts: 16	Glock Well, It depends. If you want capacity, then a full size 9mm will probably tickle your fancy. The G19 will hold from 10 to 17, and they even have a ridiculously long clip that holds 31. If concealed carry is what your after then I would go with either the G26(subcompact 9mm) or the G27(subcompact .40). They make a subcompact 45 (G36) but it only holds six rounds unless you opt for the G30 which is uncomfortably wide in the grips. Alot of people will agree, If you want a glock then buy a glock, If you want a .45 then buy a Kimber. I recently purchased my first glock (G27) and have been very satisfied with it. It will take virtually any ammo you feed it and its quite accurate. I have fired around 500 rounds in it and have yet to see a problem. I did alot of research on them before I decided to purchase it and came up with alot of good feedback. Guys, Im new here. Forgive my use of the word "clip" in this post. Magazine is much more appropriate. Last edited by glk40; October 15, 2005 at 10:47 AM.

October 12, 2005, 09:09 PM	#23
Mokumbear Senior Member Join Date: October 8, 2005 Posts: 696	My 9mm's... Check out this review, which exactly duplicated my findings! "Make: Glock Model: 17 Action: Double Action Caliber: 9mm Rating: 2 out of 5 stars Review: The Glock 17 is one of the LEAST accurate 9mms I have shot. It is reliable under most conditions, *but it tends to jam when limp wristed* (Sigs in general don't). The ergonomics are terrible, as the grip feels like a 2x4. The plastic sites are not as durable as steel sites would be. The recoil is fairly snappy for a 9mm. OTOH, the low bore axis does help reduce some recoil. On the positive side, the Glock 17 is very durable and will last several lifetimes. Overall, the Glock 17 is a decent combat gun, but it really is a poor target shooter. Sub par accuracy, mushy trigger, and bad ergonomics are not a good combination for a competition or target shooting gun. OTOH, as a combat gun, the Glock 17 is a decent choice......" Full reviews found at: http://www.handgunreview.com/make.asp?make=Glock This is not what I would expect from a mfg's "signature model". I have heard the same issue with the 17 brought up by another "gun guru". Obviously, not an isolated incident. I jammed it no less than 3 times in 50 rounds!

October 12, 2005, 10:32 AM	#2
'75Scout Senior Member Join Date: August 3, 2005 Location: Central Texas Posts: 815	What are your needs? I needed a small semi-auto for CCW in 9mm, because it's cheap to practice with and HPs will do the job. So I went with a GLOCK 26. I you want more power go with a .45 cal, the frame is wider. There are sub-compact, compact, full-size, and long slide GLOCKS and all have their uses.

October 12, 2005, 10:35 AM	#3
chrisandclauida2 Senior Member Join Date: September 21, 2005 Posts: 312	my advice would be to avoid glocks. lol. i hate them. this is just personal opinion. they are excellent weapons. if i were forced to pick a glock it would be a glock 18. it is select fire full auto . lol but since that isnt a liikely choice i would go for a full size in what ever caliber you prefere. if you want a small concealed weapon go for their ultra compact in your caliber of choice. i would avoid any of the 40 calliber because to me all glock 40 sting the hand on every round. again this is just me cause i dont like them.i have a px4 storm in 9mm. they come as 17 + 1 with available plus 3 base plates so the mags hold 20 rounds. it is a tupperware frame like glock but completely different shape. so i guess go with the 9mm with hicap mags.

October 12, 2005, 10:38 AM	#4
'75Scout Senior Member Join Date: August 3, 2005 Location: Central Texas Posts: 815	My GLOCK fits my hand perfectly and recoil on the sub-compact 9mm is very workable. That's not to say that I would like a SIG, H&K, or Beretta.

October 12, 2005, 11:37 AM	#7
USP.40 Senior Member Join Date: September 9, 2005 Location: Commonwealth of Virginia Posts: 141	I like my Glock 23. It has good capacity and I find it to be very accurate.

October 12, 2005, 11:48 AM	#8
281 Quad Cam Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2002 Location: Florida Posts: 937	Vote for the 19 here.

October 12, 2005, 12:19 PM	#9
95gtman Member Join Date: October 4, 2005 Location: B'ham, Al. Posts: 55	My first glock was 26, but if I bought another glock in 9mm it would be a 19. Although my G21 is by far my favorite, second would be the 10mm.

October 12, 2005, 03:13 PM	#10
LoadIt Senior Member Join Date: June 7, 2005 Location: Kansas Posts: 269	I also decided on the G19. And now the 15 round mags are back.

October 12, 2005, 03:14 PM	#11
The Stook Member Join Date: July 7, 2005 Posts: 36	Ill bite and throw my opinion out there. If it HAS to be a glock, i would go for the mid size .40 or 9mm. For me, i can not stand the grips, and grip angle of a glock. I have two friends that LOVE them thou. I would recomend firing a S&W Sigma VE or GVE and also firing a Springfield XD. If you still prefer the Glock buy it. If you end up liking a Sigma better you just saved over $200. If you like the XD better you just saved $100.

October 12, 2005, 03:19 PM	#12
Bravo25 Senior Member Join Date: June 19, 2005 Location: Kansas Posts: 432	I have 2 Glock 23's. I like the capacity, and the .40 is a capable round. The size of the firearm lends itself well to carrying on duty in a vehicle. Concealed carry, and long enough site radius for accuracy. Now I just have to get a few thousand rounds down my new Gen 3 to smooth out the trigger like the old Gen 1. Oh and just an FYI if you get an older compact or sub compact that has that little half moon cut out in front of the grip, don't get those "gizmo" magazine floorplates that fill in this area. I found this out the hard way while doing some tactical drills one day.

October 12, 2005, 03:35 PM	#14
2ksportny Senior Member Join Date: September 16, 2005 Posts: 135	my first gun purchase was a glock 23. I wanted a little bigger round then the 9mm & I wanted something compact so the glock 23 fit perfectly. I carry it concealed off duty since I can not carry it on duty. I do not like Berretta at all, I tried them & they just do not sit well with me, as for the Springfield XD, I just felt that they tried to copy the Glock to much & it felt cheap so I passed that up, the only other gun I was considering was the Kahr, but after the deal I got on the Glock I would have been stuppid to pass it up.

October 12, 2005, 05:02 PM	#15
stardate Member Join Date: January 31, 2005 Posts: 81	I hate the plastic gun craze stayed away from them for years. Glock that Tupperware gun was the worst of them, why buy a gun without a safety, they must be nuts. Then I was in the market for a small 45. To make a long story short. I fell in love with the Glock's simple system. Keep your finger off the trigger. First I fell for the G36 in 45, next came the G26, once I found out most Glocks take the higher cap mags I was hooked. A 30 round mag on my G26 looks strange but shoots like a dream. Now only lack of funds keeps me from buying a G17 and G21 to round out my collection. Call me crazy but the more research I did on the Glocks the more I liked them.

October 12, 2005, 06:06 PM	#16
stevelyn Senior Member Join Date: May 19, 2004 Location: Fairbanksan in exile to Aleutian Hell Posts: 2,655	Welcome to the polymer side. I guess you should start with what you want in a platform (full-size, compact, or sub-compact). Then decide on the caliber you want. Find the one that fits you, your lifestyle and intended purpose best and go with it. Don't get hung up on the caliber debate either. With the variety and quality of premium self-defense ammo out there, you are just as well armed with a 9mm as you are a .45.

October 12, 2005, 06:22 PM	#17
Mark54g Senior Member Join Date: March 21, 2005 Location: NJ Posts: 1,265	Just a question, but: If you don't know which model or caliber, why did you decide on a glock? I am not trying to knock them, but a gun is a pretty personal thing to buy based on what fits well for someone else. It is almost like asking which pair of underwear will fit you best. Your best bet would be to start handling a lot of weapons, polymer, aluminum alloy, steel, etc and make a decision based on some factors like ergonomics, feel, recoil/control (if you can shoot them), reputation, build quality and cost. It is your money and your choice. I just thought it might help to have a bit more information out there. It is better to wait just a little bit longer and make sure you are happy with what you purchase than to buy and not be happy.

October 12, 2005, 06:24 PM	#18
459 Junior member Join Date: August 29, 2005 Posts: 290	ive always liked the basic GLock 17.

October 12, 2005, 08:08 PM	#20
Nail Shooter Senior Member Join Date: October 10, 2005 Location: MI Posts: 195	A G19 with night sights was my first Glock--several more followed. I have no regrets. NS

October 12, 2005, 08:09 PM	#21
2ksportny Senior Member Join Date: September 16, 2005 Posts: 135	Wow that is the first I have ever heard of a glock having that many jams or any at all. I guess all great firearms have there problems.

October 12, 2005, 10:39 PM	#25
glk40 Member Join Date: October 11, 2005 Posts: 16	For all Glock bashers Try this on for size... Gun video inc (1-800-942-8273) offers a disc called "Glock Torture Test" They take a glock 17 and freeze it, through it 25 feet in the air, kicked it across the ground, tumbled it across the ground, buried it in the dirt and covered it in mud. Then they shot repeated rapid fire drills with outstanding results. www.gunvideo.com Try that with your pistol and tell me how it measures up.