Colt Officers or Glock 36 for EDC?

Racingsnake · March 25, 2013, 05:14 PM

I've narrowed my choice down to these two guns and would appreciate your opinion.

The Colt appeals to me because I'm a Colt guy, the gun is narrow, I like it's safeties and the one I'm looking at has been totally reliable when I fired it at the range. It is a used early 90's Officers enhanced (pictures below). It has a few nicks and bumps and is in need of a thorough clean but other than that it's in great condition. I think I can pick it up for about $700.00.

The Glock appeals to me for it's simplicity of use and reliability and that it is purely functional - a tool if you will, which is perhaps what an EDC should be.

I'm kind of leaning towards the Colt at this stage but the durability and reliability of Glock is hard to ignore.

I'd appreciate your thoughts especially if you've had experience with either gun.

Racingsnake

Tactical Jackalope · March 25, 2013, 05:34 PM

If you ONLY want those 2. Then Glock 36

Grant D · March 25, 2013, 05:40 PM

Picked up a Officers Model back in the 80's for $440.00 and I carried it in a Bianchi X15 shoulder holster.It was kinda heavy for everyday carry and limited to what your wearing.
Now I carry a LC9 in a Crossbreed holster.
I miss the Officers model though, it was a reliable handgun.

dajowi · March 25, 2013, 07:28 PM

Colt Officer's vs Glock 36 - no contest.....COLT WINS

Tactical Jackalope · March 25, 2013, 07:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dajowi

Colt Officer's vs Glock 36 - no contest.....COLT WINS

Lol! Well. Maybe from a collectors standpoint. But for SD, I'd definitely pick the Glock.

oldandslow · March 25, 2013, 07:45 PM

rs, 3/26/13

I have a 1911 Officer's size 1911 (Springer) and a couple of Glocks (19 and 34). I also have a number of other carry pistols from HK, Sig, Beretta, CZ, etc. I haven't found the sub-4" 1911's to be reliable enough for carry. If you are looking at just those two guns for a carry pistol I'd go with the Glock. While I'm not a Glock fanboy they do make reliable, durable pistols.

Best wishes- oldandslow

kutz · March 25, 2013, 07:51 PM

Dang boy--- you already know it IS the COLT, mine is totally dependable.

Wreck-n-Crew · March 25, 2013, 07:59 PM

Could you drop a 50lb steel weight from 6ft' on both of them and make it easy for me to pick the Colt?

Tactical Jackalope · March 25, 2013, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Could you drop a 50lb steel weight from 6ft' on both of them and make it easy for me to pick the Colt?

They'd both be inoperable.

WC145 · March 26, 2013, 07:38 AM

The G36 is the only Glock I've ever owned, I got rid of it years ago and won't own another. I carry Colts - Officer, Commander, and Gov't sizes - and see no reason to change.

coop2564 · March 26, 2013, 08:47 AM

I think you should rethink, neither would be EDC for me. But as much as I hate glock between these it would get picked.

jglsprings · March 26, 2013, 09:49 AM

Have you shot the Glock model you are looking at? All Glocks are not alike and the 36 is definitely different. I carry a Glock, but I LOVE my 1911 style guns.

If you get a Glock - and you are a Colt guy - you probably won't be happy. If you think you need the features of the GLock - the Colt will always be less than what you thought you needed.

It really isn't what we think, it is what works best for you. If it really is for carry - ya' gotta shoot it first man.

ClydeFrog · March 26, 2013, 11:59 AM

Of the 2 choices, I'd lean towards the Glock 36. It's small lightweight offers a serious punch & can be toted many ways(pocket strong side cross-draw shoulder holster ankle).
Both are fine sidearms & well engineered but I'd carry the Glock 36.
I'd add 3 dot night sights to like the popular Trijicon HD line.

For ammunition, see the 230gr +P JHP short barrel Speer Gold Dot, Ranger T/T series 230gr JHP +P, the Hornady TAP or new Critical Duty 220gr, Corbon DPX or PowRball .45acp.

CF

chris in va · March 26, 2013, 12:33 PM

How about the new Glock 30s?

Racingsnake · March 26, 2013, 01:15 PM

My local range only has a 30 and a 21, which I like but understand hey are a different experience to he 36.

mesamay2003 · March 26, 2013, 01:16 PM

Pick which ever one you like/shoot thge best, both are easy to carry...I love 1911's the best, but I also have a Glock 30 (I added a thumb safety since that is what I am used to and it makes me feel better when reholstering a glock)...either gun is easy to carry in a supertuck style iwb holster...even a full size 1911 is doable...doing it right now!!

CDW4ME · March 27, 2013, 11:12 AM

I've owned both, still have the Glock.

Stevie-Ray · March 27, 2013, 02:18 PM

I carry both a Glock and a 3" 1911, the G up north and the 1911 while in the Detroit area. If I had my druthers, I'd carry the 1911 all the time, but the power of the G29 is comforting while in the wild. For me, 2-legged threats only, 1911 wins, especially from Colt. Both .45 ACP? Again, no brainer.

bossman · March 27, 2013, 02:27 PM

I own both and the CCO was my carry for years, but the Glock-36 has replaced it for EDC. The weight difference is what gives the G-36 the edge. Almost the same size and both 6+1 for ammo. I find the G-36 to be very shootable with mild recoil for such a light 45 acp.

Either way you win. I keep my CCO's for show and tell and range fun and make the Glock do the EDC work.

Racingsnake · March 27, 2013, 02:54 PM

I'm going to go and shoot them again tomorrow. I'm leaning more towards the Colt at this stage even though I agree the the Gock is the clear choice from a practical point of view. Probably goes back to my love of all things Colt plus the Officers is still a viable alternative and not a complete relic

Will try and send a few more pics tomorrow on how they perform.

Tactical Jackalope · March 27, 2013, 02:57 PM

hmmm...okay. Just train really hard under stress. On removing that safety. I have stories for days on that.

Let us know how it goes.

geetarman · March 27, 2013, 03:09 PM

These comparisons will go on forever.

If you like the Colt, use the Colt. If you like the Glock, carry the Glock.

I know they are ugly but 15 rounds of attitude adjustment in a G19 or 10+ in a G30 is something to consider.

Pure mathematics at work here people. Simple division. . . 15 or 10 goes into one more times than 8 goes into one.

Tactical Jackalope · March 27, 2013, 03:15 PM

^ Yes sir!

Multiple attackers being the common as of late. I don't see a need to carry 5 round revolvers and 7-9 round 1911's. (any gun with that capacity not just those, but especially those)

Modern JHP's have closed the gap in those differences that used to exist.

**Spats McGee** · March 27, 2013, 04:13 PM

As between the Colt Officer's and a G36, I'd go with the Colt. If we were talking about a G30, with 4 additional rounds, then we might have a different story.

Dan Newberry · March 27, 2013, 06:14 PM

guys.... I don't mean to rain on anybody's Colt parade but those Officer's ACP's were discontinued because they DID NOT WORK...

Of course we'll have the obligatory "mine does, 100 percent of the time" comments--but those will be the exception to the rule.

You cannot trust your life to that Colt Officer's model... they jam repeatedly, and they eject the brass here, there, and yonder...

Nice little collectors piece if it's mint and in the box... but for self defense, you'll want to consider something else.

1911's typically do not function well with shortened slides. I've owned two Colt Commanders over the years... a short Springfield V10 (I think it was)... and even a Kimber Pro Carry II. ALL of them proved unreliable.

But my full sized 1911's from WWII never miss a beat... perfectly 100 percent reliable...

Just sayin'...

Dan

March 25, 2013, 05:14 PM	#1
Racingsnake Senior Member Join Date: November 5, 2008 Posts: 153	Colt Officers or Glock 36 for EDC? I've narrowed my choice down to these two guns and would appreciate your opinion. The Colt appeals to me because I'm a Colt guy, the gun is narrow, I like it's safeties and the one I'm looking at has been totally reliable when I fired it at the range. It is a used early 90's Officers enhanced (pictures below). It has a few nicks and bumps and is in need of a thorough clean but other than that it's in great condition. I think I can pick it up for about $700.00. The Glock appeals to me for it's simplicity of use and reliability and that it is purely functional - a tool if you will, which is perhaps what an EDC should be. I'm kind of leaning towards the Colt at this stage but the durability and reliability of Glock is hard to ignore. I'd appreciate your thoughts especially if you've had experience with either gun. Racingsnake

March 25, 2013, 05:34 PM	#2
Tactical Jackalope Senior Member Join Date: December 5, 2010 Location: Miami, Florida Posts: 6,429	Colt Officers or Glock 36 for EDC? If you ONLY want those 2. Then Glock 36

March 25, 2013, 07:59 PM	#8
Wreck-n-Crew Senior Member Join Date: March 8, 2013 Location: Ohio Posts: 1,820	Could you drop a 50lb steel weight from 6ft' on both of them and make it easy for me to pick the Colt? __________________ If you ever have to use a firearm, *you don't get to pick the scenario!*

March 26, 2013, 07:38 AM	#10
WC145 Senior Member Join Date: October 18, 2008 Location: Downeast Maine Posts: 1,836	The G36 is the only Glock I've ever owned, I got rid of it years ago and won't own another. I carry Colts - Officer, Commander, and Gov't sizes - and see no reason to change. __________________ "If violent crime is to be curbed, it is only the intended victim who can do it. The felon does not fear the police, and he fears neither judge or jury. Therefore what he must be taught to fear is his victim." - LtCol Jeff Cooper

March 26, 2013, 09:49 AM	#12
jglsprings Senior Member Join Date: January 7, 2009 Posts: 1,827	Have you shot the Glock model you are looking at? All Glocks are not alike and the 36 is definitely different. I carry a Glock, but I LOVE my 1911 style guns. If you get a Glock - and you are a Colt guy - you probably won't be happy. If you think you need the features of the GLock - the Colt will always be less than what you thought you needed. It really isn't what we think, it is what works best for you. If it really is for carry - ya' gotta shoot it first man. __________________ Let's eat Grandma. Let's eat, Grandma. Commas save lives...

March 25, 2013, 05:40 PM	#3
Grant D Senior Member Join Date: August 14, 2011 Location: Brazos County, Texas Posts: 1,038	Picked up a Officers Model back in the 80's for $440.00 and I carried it in a Bianchi X15 shoulder holster.It was kinda heavy for everyday carry and limited to what your wearing. Now I carry a LC9 in a Crossbreed holster. I miss the Officers model though, it was a reliable handgun.

March 25, 2013, 07:28 PM	#4
dajowi Senior Member Join Date: November 2, 2005 Posts: 1,196	Colt Officer's vs Glock 36 - no contest.....COLT WINS

March 25, 2013, 07:45 PM	#6
oldandslow Senior Member Join Date: October 2, 2007 Posts: 641	rs, 3/26/13 I have a 1911 Officer's size 1911 (Springer) and a couple of Glocks (19 and 34). I also have a number of other carry pistols from HK, Sig, Beretta, CZ, etc. I haven't found the sub-4" 1911's to be reliable enough for carry. If you are looking at just those two guns for a carry pistol I'd go with the Glock. While I'm not a Glock fanboy they do make reliable, durable pistols. Best wishes- oldandslow

March 25, 2013, 07:51 PM	#7
kutz Senior Member Join Date: September 24, 2012 Location: Arizona Posts: 393	Dang boy--- you already know it IS the COLT, mine is totally dependable.

March 26, 2013, 08:47 AM	#11
coop2564 Senior Member Join Date: March 4, 2011 Location: Frisco, TX Posts: 330	I think you should rethink, neither would be EDC for me. But as much as I hate glock between these it would get picked.

March 26, 2013, 11:59 AM	#13
ClydeFrog Junior member Join Date: May 1, 2010 Posts: 5,797	My 2 bits... Of the 2 choices, I'd lean towards the Glock 36. It's small lightweight offers a serious punch & can be toted many ways(pocket strong side cross-draw shoulder holster ankle). Both are fine sidearms & well engineered but I'd carry the Glock 36. I'd add 3 dot night sights to like the popular Trijicon HD line. For ammunition, see the 230gr +P JHP short barrel Speer Gold Dot, Ranger T/T series 230gr JHP +P, the Hornady TAP or new Critical Duty 220gr, Corbon DPX or PowRball .45acp. CF

March 26, 2013, 12:33 PM	#14
chris in va Senior Member Join Date: December 26, 2004 Location: Louisville KY Posts: 13,806	How about the new Glock 30s?

March 26, 2013, 01:15 PM	#15
Racingsnake Senior Member Join Date: November 5, 2008 Posts: 153	My local range only has a 30 and a 21, which I like but understand hey are a different experience to he 36.

March 26, 2013, 01:16 PM	#16
mesamay2003 Member Join Date: February 5, 2013 Posts: 20	Pick which ever one you like/shoot thge best, both are easy to carry...I love 1911's the best, but I also have a Glock 30 (I added a thumb safety since that is what I am used to and it makes me feel better when reholstering a glock)...either gun is easy to carry in a supertuck style iwb holster...even a full size 1911 is doable...doing it right now!!

March 27, 2013, 11:12 AM	#17
CDW4ME Senior Member Join Date: March 18, 2009 Posts: 1,321	I've owned both, still have the Glock. __________________ Strive to carry the handgun you would want anywhere, everywhere; forget that good area bullcrap. "Wouldn't want to / Nobody volunteer to" get shot by _____ is not indicative of quickly incapacitating.

March 27, 2013, 02:18 PM	#18
Stevie-Ray Senior Member Join Date: May 22, 2007 Location: The shores of Lake Huron Posts: 4,783	I carry both a Glock and a 3" 1911, the G up north and the 1911 while in the Detroit area. If I had my druthers, I'd carry the 1911 all the time, but the power of the G29 is comforting while in the wild. For me, 2-legged threats only, 1911 wins, especially from Colt. Both .45 ACP? Again, no brainer. __________________ Stevie-Ray Join the NRA/ILA I am the weapon; my gun is a tool. It's regrettable that with some people those descriptors are reversed.

March 27, 2013, 02:27 PM	#19
bossman Senior Member Join Date: November 16, 2010 Location: Arkansas Posts: 996	I own both and the CCO was my carry for years, but the Glock-36 has replaced it for EDC. The weight difference is what gives the G-36 the edge. Almost the same size and both 6+1 for ammo. I find the G-36 to be very shootable with mild recoil for such a light 45 acp. Either way you win. I keep my CCO's for show and tell and range fun and make the Glock do the EDC work. __________________ NRA life member When the going gets tough, I just open another beer.

March 27, 2013, 02:54 PM	#20
Racingsnake Senior Member Join Date: November 5, 2008 Posts: 153	I'm going to go and shoot them again tomorrow. I'm leaning more towards the Colt at this stage even though I agree the the Gock is the clear choice from a practical point of view. Probably goes back to my love of all things Colt plus the Officers is still a viable alternative and not a complete relic Will try and send a few more pics tomorrow on how they perform.

March 27, 2013, 02:57 PM	#21
Tactical Jackalope Senior Member Join Date: December 5, 2010 Location: Miami, Florida Posts: 6,429	hmmm...okay. Just train really hard under stress. On removing that safety. I have stories for days on that. Let us know how it goes.

March 27, 2013, 03:09 PM	#22
geetarman Senior Member Join Date: November 18, 2009 Location: Arizona Posts: 3,157	These comparisons will go on forever. If you like the Colt, use the Colt. If you like the Glock, carry the Glock. I know they are ugly but 15 rounds of attitude adjustment in a G19 or 10+ in a G30 is something to consider. Pure mathematics at work here people. Simple division. . . 15 or 10 goes into one more times than 8 goes into one. __________________ Geetarman Carpe Cerveza

March 27, 2013, 03:15 PM	#23
Tactical Jackalope Senior Member Join Date: December 5, 2010 Location: Miami, Florida Posts: 6,429	^ Yes sir! Multiple attackers being the common as of late. I don't see a need to carry 5 round revolvers and 7-9 round 1911's. (any gun with that capacity not just those, but especially those) Modern JHP's have closed the gap in those differences that used to exist.

March 27, 2013, 04:13 PM	#24
Spats McGee Staff Join Date: July 28, 2010 Location: Arkansas Posts: 8,821	As between the Colt Officer's and a G36, I'd go with the Colt. If we were talking about a G30, with 4 additional rounds, then we might have a different story. __________________ I'm a lawyer, but I'm not your lawyer. If you need some honest-to-goodness legal advice, go buy some.

March 27, 2013, 06:14 PM	#25
Dan Newberry Senior Member Join Date: October 3, 2012 Location: Wytheville, VA Posts: 216	guys.... I don't mean to rain on anybody's Colt parade but those Officer's ACP's were discontinued because they DID NOT WORK... Of course we'll have the obligatory "mine does, 100 percent of the time" comments--but those will be the exception to the rule. You cannot trust your life to that Colt Officer's model... they jam repeatedly, and they eject the brass here, there, and yonder... Nice little collectors piece if it's mint and in the box... but for self defense, you'll want to consider something else. 1911's typically do not function well with shortened slides. I've owned two Colt Commanders over the years... a short Springfield V10 (I think it was)... and even a Kimber Pro Carry II. ALL of them proved unreliable. But my full sized 1911's from WWII never miss a beat... perfectly 100 percent reliable... Just sayin'... Dan __________________ *www.BANGSTEEL.com* Practical Long Range Rifle Courses... Optimal Charge Weight handload consulting