Opinions on Glock?

**Skyy** · 02-03-09, 09:49 PM

I will be purchasing a new weapon here in the coming months. I was considering the Glock, for a few reasons. First, their reliability. But the second reason, and the bigger reason, is I will also be purchasing and carrying a smaller backup, that will also be used as a concealed weapon. A friend brought it up that it'd be optimal if the primary and backup gun could use the same magazines, if sh!t really hit the fan and I not only needed my backup, but needed more rounds.

I want a 45 caliber, for the slower velocity and higher damage infliction. The recoil isn't an issue (I honestly can't tell a difference).

So I was looking at the G21 and G30 as a backup.

However, a friend today said that while the magazines do interchange, the large capacity mag will not lock into the compact G36. So I'm looking for opinions regarding this, and the weapon choice in general. Thanks!

**Car 4** · 02-03-09, 10:07 PM

I have carried and owned Glocks of several calibers....I like the guns and have never had a complaint..... and the idea of having your backup fire the same round has real merit.

But if you really want the top of the class in .45 auto...go for a quality 1911.

Car 4

**Cidp24** · 02-03-09, 10:15 PM

I have it on VERY good information that a 9mm Glock with 115 gr JHP wont penetrate through a car door from the inside from about 12-18 inches away. At least not an early 90's Caprice.

Seriously I like a heavier round. I also think a 1911 and lots of training/practice would be the way to go.

**213th** · 02-03-09, 10:39 PM

I think Glocks are a very effective and reliable tool and not one I would trust you with.

**Caveman** · 02-03-09, 10:52 PM

I own three. 17, 22, and a 26.
Wouldn't use any other for duty.

**Skyy** · 02-03-09, 10:59 PM

That wasn't a very helpful post at all 213th. I realize the things I say here are not always going to be on the beaten path. But don't draw conclusions on the type of person I really am. It is entirely possible that I conduct myself very differently outside of the internet. That's the advantage of anonymity. And while it may not be favored by all, especially here, it is something that's important to me. Now back to the subject at hand.

I've heard a lot of really good things regarding the 1911s, and I like the Kimbers a lot. My first concern is that the magazine capacity is relatively low. The second, is that if I were to carry a backup weapon, it would not use the same magazine. So the backup weapon would be useless after just a few rounds. Do they make a compact 1911-type weapon that uses a primary magazine of small capacity, yet can utilize the same magazine as a full size 1911?

I apologize for my lack of knowledge concerning firearms, but I'm trying to learn! Thanks for the helpful posts!

Ok, after looking around on Kimber's site, I see they do offer a 3 and 4" barrel version of the 1911. However I believe they still use the same magazines, thus have the same height, as the full size.

**Five-0** · 02-03-09, 11:08 PM

Originally Posted by Caveman

I own three. 17, 22, and a 26.
Wouldn't use any other for duty.

As do I: 21, 22, and 27.

The 22 and 27 would be a good choice Skyy. Cheaper to practice with too. .45, .40, and 9mm are not that much different when have good shot placement.

**Xiphos** · 02-03-09, 11:42 PM

I carry a Glock 22 on and off duty. I love it and have no trouble concealing it with a good holster.

I'm also a Glock Armorer and it is hard to find another gun as simple and reliable.

There is no bad gun if it is reliable and you can shoot well with it. Your plan for the magazine fitting in either gun is a good idea too.

**Skyy** · 02-03-09, 11:48 PM

Originally Posted by Xiphos

I carry a Glock 22 on and off duty. I love it and have no trouble concealing it with a good holster.

I'm also a Glock Armorer and it is hard to find another gun as simple and reliable.

There is no bad gun if it is reliable and you can shoot well with it. Your plan for the magazine fitting in either gun is a good idea too.

Being a Glock Armorer, do the magazines interchange no problem? For example, if I take the longer G21 magazine, and put it into a G30 like a normal magazine swap, can I release the slide and expect the G30 to function exactly like if it had the shorter magazine in it (Except with more rounds of course)?

**pgg** · 02-04-09, 12:12 AM

Originally Posted by Skyy

Being a Glock Armorer, do the magazines interchange no problem? For example, if I take the longer G21 magazine, and put it into a G30 like a normal magazine swap, can I release the slide and expect the G30 to function exactly like if it had the shorter magazine in it (Except with more rounds of course)?

the 21 mag works just fine in my G30. The 21 magazine will not work in the 36 as that uses a single stack mag.

**Shoestring** · 02-04-09, 12:26 AM

I never had a problem with my duty glock and or my back up glock. Great guns, very simple

But over time, I have noticed that there are many guns out there that I like better because of grip, weight, etc.

Now I carry a Springfield XD as my primary and a glock as back up.

I dont think you would being throwing away money if you were to go the dual glock route, it is a great feature to have interchangable mags (Depending on guns)

I personally, now, knowing not much

, would fire a few different guns to see what you like before anything

**Retdetsgt** · 02-04-09, 01:35 AM

I like Glocks and loved my Mdl 21, but after I retired my dept had a couple go kaboom. The first time they thought it might be the ammo, but after the second one, they pulled all the issued and reissued Mdl 17's.

**MacLean** · 02-04-09, 01:41 AM

Originally Posted by Skyy

My first concern is that the magazine capacity is relatively low.

My first concern as an instructor is someone who expresses concern about magazine capacity.

If you haven't solved the problem with the first five, step aside and let a shooter handle it.

**Norm357** · 02-04-09, 04:49 AM

Skyy said

My first concern is that the magazine capacity is relatively low.

Seriously? Then what do you think about the fact that my main carry gun is the Ruger SP101 .357? It only holds 5 rounds. I have a Glock, the M23 and like it ok, I just shoot revolvers better.

**CT209** · 02-04-09, 05:17 AM

I carry a Glock 23 on duty. I like them okay. I have since bought three of my own also- a G23, G27, and G35. It's nice to not have to rethink the operation of any of the three since they all work the same way. The mags for the larger frames work in the smaller frames (35 mags work in the 23 and 27. 23 mags work in the 27).

One thing I personally stopped doing was keeping a Glock on the bedside table. Since I try to be self-aware and evaluate myself, I started to analyze how I actually go about waking up from a deep sleep. After doing so, I don't advocate the Glock action for a bedside gun.... for me.

My latest bedside protection is a S&W Model 19.

Norm would be proud!

**Norm357** · 02-04-09, 05:49 AM

Originally Posted by CT209

I carry a Glock 23 on duty. I like them okay. I have since bought three of my own also- a G23, G27, and G35. It's nice to not have to rethink the operation of any of the three since they all work the same way. The mags for the larger frames work in the smaller frames (35 mags work in the 23 and 27. 23 mags work in the 27).

One thing I personally stopped doing was keeping a Glock on the bedside table. Since I try to be self-aware and evaluate myself, I started to analyze how I actually go about waking up from a deep sleep. After doing so, I don't advocate the Glock action for a bedside gun.... for me.

My latest bedside protection is a S&W Model 19.

Norm would be proud!

I am! I am!

**mack** · 02-04-09, 07:04 AM

Originally Posted by Skyy

That wasn't a very helpful post at all 213th. I realize the things I say here are not always going to be on the beaten path. But don't draw conclusions on the type of person I really am. It is entirely possible that I conduct myself very differently outside of the internet. That's the advantage of anonymity. And while it may not be favored by all, especially here, it is something that's important to me. .

Skyy, knowing 213th I am certain he was joking. Don't be so defensive. I know the subject is important to you but lighten up. Take teasing as it is meant, he would never judge you by your online personality.

**Odd** · 02-04-09, 07:16 AM

I took 213th at his word and agreed with the sentiment. I also found the phrasing humorously dry.

**TXCharlie** · 02-04-09, 08:31 AM

I carry a G22. My only concern with it is that the case is not fully supported, but that's only a real concern if you reload. I have seen several reloaded .40 S&W rounds blow out on Glocks, which is a painful experience.

A lot of reloaders swap out the barrels with Lone Wolf or similar because of chamber support and the polygonal rifling on the original Glock barrels, which is not bare lead-friendly - the lead build-up can cause preassure spikes and kabooms in Glock barrels. With ammo prices so high, reloading practice rounds is a growing consideration.

XD's generally work fine with reloaded ammo, assuming it's a quality reloading job.

My G22 also had a couple of defects out of the box: A trigger safety blade that kept jamming (thus preventing a trigger pull), and a weak Slide Lock spring (which caused the slide to lock back prematurely). This wasn't noticable until I did some rapid fire exercises a few weeks ago - The more rapid recoil was apparently enough to bounce the slide lock lever and lock the slide.

**k-9max** · 02-04-09, 08:50 AM

Originally Posted by Norm357

Skyy said

Seriously? Then what do you think about the fact that my main carry gun is the Ruger SP101 .357? It only holds 5 rounds. I have a Glock, the M23 and like it ok, I just shoot revolvers better.

Have you been through the Concealed Carry course?