Getting a Glock! But Which One?

when it comes down to it, get the one that YOU fell comfortable with.

 

If you are going to shoot and compare a number of different models and calibers of Glocks only, no other models, then I can tell you right now which one will be the most "comfortable".....the 17, full-sized 9mm. Larger gun, good grip, good capacity, powerful but mild recoiling caliber, and the least expensive to shoot extensively enough to become proficient.

Many folks feel underarmed with a 9mm. I do not. Sure, I like the 45acp and the 357SIG, as well as the 10mm, the 40S&W not so much, all are more powerful than the nine, but all kick more, cost more, and the degree to which they are more effective is dampened by a tendency on the part of many shooters to be unable to fire as accurately and likewise unable to practice as much because of cost factors. A box of 50 9mm costs half of what a box of 45 does, and 357 or 10mm are even more expensive than 45 by a fair stretch.

 

I wouldn't jump into a glock right away...good weapons but the grip angle is not comfortable for everybody.
If I was shopping for that type of handgun, I'd look at Springfield XD, more natural point, for me anyway.
More similar to 1911.
Be aware, recoil impulse is sharper for a 10mm and 40, than 9mm or 45 acp.
Just some things to consider.

 

I disagree.

Weakest to strongest recoil
9mm, .40, .45, 10mm

Compared to other platforms, the Glock has less recoil.

 

I was wondering the same thing. I don't think I have ever seen a 10mm

 

i ran across this recently...pretty interesting:
http://www.fsdip.com/website/VBRBelgiumHome/English/Glock792VBRBCompact/tabid/196/Default.aspx

 

It's not AS available as the other big 3, but it is definitely available. I've seen at least 1 at every gun show I've been to. And, up until last month I was consistently able to buy ammo at Academy.

I chose it because of it's high energy and large caliber. It was developed by the FBI specifically for mixed tactical use against human targets. The FBI chose the .40 instead because the 10mm had too much recoil for some of its agents.

 

Try as many as you can before you buy. Best advice anybody ever gave me.

I personally have had a G36, G23, G27, and a G22. The only ones I still have are the G22 and the G23. They're both in .40 cal., and I really love shooting them.

I had a small piece break off of my G23 after about 10000 rounds through it (it was my first handgun, and thus the one I shoot more than any other). It was one of the small metal flanges on the top back part of the frame (this flange and the one on the opposite side are what actually engage the slide). I have a friend's whose father lives just outside Smyrna, GA, and I let him take the pistol home with him and he took it to Glock's customer service dept. (to save shipping). No questions, had it back with a new frame within 3 weeks. Best customer service I've ever dealt with.

Other than that, I have had exactly zero problems with any Glock I've ever owned and have heard of none from friends of mine who also own them.

Just my $0.02.

Edit: Also, that's about the best wedding present I've ever heard of.

 

A lot of people have already said it, but test fire the full size, compact, and sub-compact. My department carries the full-size G22, but because I have small hands and a stubby thumb, I have to carry the G23 for tactical reasons. See which one suits you the best. I wouldn't give my G23 up for the world. I also own the G27 which usually rests in my night stand and is loaded with Golden Saber Hollow Points.

Also, if you're thinking that .40 of .45 are too much fire power, Glock makes most of their firearms in a compensated model. I'm not an expert on it, and have only seen one in the field, but it expels the gasses and whatnot out of a port on top of the barrel so you'll have less recoil. It's not much more expensive (if any) than the standard version.

Now for ammo, anywhere you go the price has gone up significantly, some blame it on the price of metal, some blame it on Obama-Nation, some just say it's inflation. Regardless, ammo is 2-3x more expensive than it was a few years ago. If you want target rounds, make sure to get FMJ, as it's only a little more expensive and easier to clean. I found my best deal on the bulk box of 1200 when I went to Cabela's last month. That was about $.08 cheaper PER ROUND than buying it in boxes of 50. As a side note, the Walmart near me is no longer permitted to sell ammo. Another good ammo place is cheaperthandirt.com

 

I had a glock 17. couldnt hit shit with it...
I shot a ruger .40 KP944 and liked it way better.

 

I was looking at the compensated models before I got my G23. I was told that this is a terrible idea for a self-defense weapon for 2 reasons. 1. The gas will potentially come back into your face potentially causing hesitation, distraction, etc... 2. At night the flash from your first round will blind you for a few precious seconds, etc... giving the BG the advantage.

Made sense to me.

 

I've been told similar, but I'm still looking at firing one myself. The glock rep that I spoke with stated that the way the "blow off" comes out from the top is in a V pattern away from the sights. His explanation was that if you're focused on the sights then the flame should not affect you that much. But as I said, I still haven't seen it for myself.

 

I haven't fired a compensated Glock, but I have fired several compensated handguns. In my experience, even the ones that vent in a "v" pattern still cause some flash, etc., especially when firing in low light.

 

Not to mention LOUD...really LOUD