Why Glock? Why 9mm?

[USMC03]

I am often asked "Why a Glock" and "Why 9mm"?

Since 1990 I have carried on duty Beretta, Sig, Smith & Wesson, H&K, Colt, Les Baer, Springfield Armory, Para Ordance, Kimber, and Glock (there may be others that I can't recall right now)

I have had the opportunity to shoot Styer, Taurus, Walther, S&W Sigma, Wilson Combat, Ruger, CZ, Desert / Baby Eagle, STI / SVI, Browning HP, and others that can't remember right now.

Since the late 1990's I've narrowed my handgun choice to 1911's and Glocks....because it's what I shot best and what I felt most comfortable with.

Up until 2001 I had always been a fan of the .45acp, but felt comfortable with a .40cal....And felt that the 9mm was under powered.

I generally carried a 1911, but when it came to stressful shooting (ie. SWAT qual, Firearms Instructor's qual, etc) I would use a Glock because I felt more comfortable with it under stress, and found time and time again that I shot better with a Glock under stress. The Glock had the same trigger pull every time, the grip angle was perfect, no grip safeties to worry about in ackward positions, the size of the grip was just right, no safety levers / decockers, etc.

In 2001 I took a Tactical Response (formerly OPS Southeast) Tactical Pistol class. I shot the first day with my Les Baer Thunder Ranch Special and the second day with my Glock 35. It was after this class of shooting 500 round through each gun, back to back, that I realized that the Glock was much better suited to me.

I have been through other classes, matches, and training, and shot both guns and found that under stress, shooting one handed, shooting in awkward positions, shooting on the move, shooting while trying to perform other tasks other tasks, etc. that the Glock was better suited to me.

"Why the 9mm"? During my first class with Yeager he made the comment "Pistol bullets poke holes, rifle bullets tear shit up".....That quote stuck in my mind. I thought back to the after effects of shooting on both animals, victim's of shootings, and Officer involved shootings that I had seen personally and read about during my career. Not one shooting I could think of would the effects not been the same with a 9mm or a .45acp.

With 9mm being approximately half the price of .45acp, the recoil of 9mm being less than the .45acp, and knowing shot placement is much more important than caliber, it's not hard to understand why I switched over to 9mm. And now that I'm buying only 1 pistol caliber, logistically it's much easier for me when buying ammo.

Me: How many boxed of the 9mm Winchester White Box 100 round value packs do you have in stock?

Wal-Mart employee: 21, how many do you need?

Me: I'll take all of them.

Wal-Mart employee: (cocks head and has a bewildered look on his face) Man you must shoot a lot.

I started to rethink my mentality on pistols and pistol calibers, and after some deep soul searching found that I was an anti - 9mm guy, and loved the 1911 because I had listened to everyone else's hype. Every time I had taken a pistol class, shot in a match, practiced at the range, etc, it solidified that I shot better under stressful conditions with a Glock. But I was carrying a pistol and caliber due to hype, not on what pistol and caliber suited me the best.


Choose what best suits your style, don't believe the hype, and try it before you dismiss it.


All Glocks, All 9mm

Semper Fi,
Jeff

[Sled_Dog]

That's really interesting Jeff. As many "holy war" threads have been started over what pistol is best and why, I think you summed it up best by saying that "the Glock was better suited to me."

So much of it comes down to personal preference. I'm a civilian and don't carry (yet) so my experience is the time I've spent on the range, and my life or someone else's has never depended on my choices, and y tastes have changes several times during my years in the shooting hobby.

The glocks trigger pull always felt erratic and uncomfortable to me and I never liked the lack of an exposed hammer. I also prefer the weight of a steel frame. What does that mean...absolutely nothing...just my preference.[Tooth] Next year I might shoot a different model and love Glocks!

The two most accurate pistols I ever owned were a Browning Hi-Power practical in 40SW (foolishly sold it) and believe it or not an East German Makarov 9x18 made in 1962. I just bought a Sig 229 Equinox in 40SW, but have yet to shoot it so the jury is still out on that one.

I too like the 9MM, learned to shoot with a Beretta 92FS (a much maligned pistol that deserves none of it's criticism) and think it probably would do the job. Hopefully I will never have to find out if the 9MM has adequate stopping power, but you and NATO seem to trust it does. Got a Sig 226 in 9MM on the way.

I appreciate you posting your observations. I wonder how much my opinions would change if I needed to make my choices based on duty and some of the tactical situations you guys end up in.

SD

[Great-Kazoo]

I started to rethink my mentality on pistols and pistol calibers, and after some deep soul searching found that I was an anti - 9mm guy, and loved the 1911 because I had listened to everyone else's hype. Every time I had taken a pistol class, shot in a match, practiced at the range, etc, it solidified that I shot better under stressful conditions with a Glock. But I was carrying a pistol and caliber due to hype, not on what pistol and caliber suited me the best.


Choose what best suits your style, don't believe the hype, and try it before you dismiss it


i had to check who posted this. Echo's my feelings to a T.
its not what everyone else says you should carry. It's what YOU feel the most comfortable with, in all kinds of scenarios.

nice write up.

[copfish]

I agree! I stress how important it is to make the shot count more than miss with a major caliber. Proudly packing my Glock 19. Great thread!

[Colorado Osprey]

I too carried a 1911 tuned for reliability on duty. I was hired on another department that used Glock 22's and bought one to become proficient before I had to trust my life to it.


Took both to in indoor range and dumped the usual 500 rounds... 250 through each.
Targets ranged from 5' to 25 yards. Slow precision aimed fire to timed stress shoots with multiple mag changes.

Long story short my groups in almost all targets were 1/2 the size using a Glock...and it didn't matter what model or caliber. I shot them all the same from the 380 through the 10mm or 45acp.

Soon after that faithful day I sold all of my 1911's and ended up with about a dozen glock in differrent calibers and sizes.

Today I have only one Glock... and no 1911's.
G20 10mm and it is my go to gun.... but I wish I kept 2 and never sold the G26 9mm for it's concealability.

I no longer work where I need to potentially defend my life every day so the handgun inventory has gone waaay down.

[Spinone]

Interesting write up. I have tried to like Glock's but I just can't get used to the grip angle. Every time I pick one up I find that they just don't point naturally for me; they point low and I have to cant my wrist up to line the sights up. The sights on my H&K, Kahr, and 92fs seem to line up perfectly for me. Am i doing something wrong? This issue has always led me to believe that Glocks were all about hype because I doubt that I am the only one with this issue. It sure seems that a lot of first time handgun buyers purchase Glocks.

I don't carry for my job but because I carry daily I have to feel completely comfortable with my choice. Glocks have never given me this comfort. Who knows, maybe it's because I don't shoot enough and I don't shoot in stressfull situations. Thanks for the thought inducing write up!

[Jer]

Bump for a great read and quality first hand information for those who are on the fence or drinking the 1911 koolaid. If nothing else at least use this to realize that you need to consider every make and every caliber other than what one person or even a shop full of people tell you because you might be surprised by what those who really know actually carry. I personally carry 9mm because placement trumps caliber and with a similar size frame and wallet I have more chances at that perfect shot on more targets then shooting .45 which is key. One thing I didn't see mentioned specifically is that multiple hammer shots on target in a panic situation are substantially easier to group tightly and consistently with a 9mm than a .45 do to recoil differences. If it hits the fan and you need to send a lot of lead in a short period of time 9mm is your best bet.


All Glocks, All 9mm

+1

All I own is Glock and the only caliber I own is 9mm and I trust both with my life.

[Ranger]

Personally, I'm a gun whore and like them all :). My favorite to shoot is my Smith 9mm - it feels good in my hands, has little kick and is hyper accurate. I bought a .45 for it's "man stopper" ability, my .357 just because it's fun (and super accurate) and my .38 to carry in my car. My carry weapon is a KelTec 9mm, shoots so-so but I can't imagine conceal carrying a .45.

I like 'em all!

[kidicarus13]

Show your 1911 to your friends, show your Glock to your enemy.

[ronaldrwl]

bump for a good read

[SU405]

Great read and good info on all the other posts as well. I think tha same happened to me with AR type rifles. I just bought into the hype. I'm an AK guy and just had to get an AR type rifle after reading all the "hype". Don't get me wrong I still think they are badass rifles and can respect what they do i.e. accuracy etc. I am just more comfortable with an AK and like what an AK has to offer over the AR even if it's not the most accurate rifle.

I have been thinking about trying a glock in .45 or 9mm. The 30 rnd. mags make it even sweeter.

Thanks again for all the usefull first hand experience and info gentlemen.

[Beer]

[KFinn]

I want to hit a few points that came to my head when reading the original post. However now much of them have already been covered. So this now is more reaffirming some of the opinions.


I don't like the way glocks feel in my hands in 2 ways. For these 2 reasons, I prefer my Sig. I can draw with my eyes closed (not that I would ever do this in real life) and when I open my eyes I am on roughly on target. Thus I believe that my posture and muscle memory will kick in when I am in a stressful situation and cannot rely on fine motor skills. Therefore this is the safer carry choice for me.
Top heavy, unbalanced feel
with my draw, my hands, and posture, the sights naturally not pointing on target.
I have always preferred 9mm over some of the higher calibers for the following reasons
Shot placement is more important.
9mm is nato in a SHTF day. and i want to be able to pick up other peoples ammo.
9mm is more readily available these days. This wasn't always the case thus this is a more recent advantage.
lastly 9mm is cheaper. Cheaper means a few things. Cheaper means I can shoot more. Which means I enjoy the hobby more. It also means I practice more. It also means I am a better shot that some of my friends because I do practice more.I think I hit all the points in my head but i may have missed one or two.

So to summarize; 9mm is just as good as any. and choice of weapon should always include minimumlly these to factors; reliablity for when you need it, and comfort/fit/feel to the user.

[275RLTW]

. I shot them all the same from the 380 through the 10mm or 45acp.

Where did you get ahold of a G25/28?

[SA Friday]

I cannot disagree with your conclusion or the validity of your information, but I take a little different view on the matter. Pick a high quality pistol that fits you and shoot the piss out if it till you shoot it like an extension of your body. Don't go below 9mm in caliber and don't go over 45 ACP unless it's a pistol for specialized use. Any high quality pistol will get you there, and Glock does qualify as high quality IMO. If you can put 10,000+ rounds through it without mechanical failure or multiple FTFs or FTEs it quality is good enough.

The key is shooting the piss out if it. I can give you the most pointable, reliable, and shootable pistol in the world, but if you are not practicing it might as well be a saturday night special. Practice is NOT standing at 7 feet slow shooting 50 rounds and then going home. Practice is drawing, shooting multiple rounds on multiple targets, moving, and reloading, and all under stress.

I have to throw this last piece in too. I have a friend who is a thorasic surgen. He has operated on way more shooting victims than I've ever seen. When he says 9mm will do it, but 45's make a mess out of the human body, I listen. Shoot what you shoot accurately first. Placement is key, but if you can shoot the 45 just as accurately, it never hurts to hedge your bets.

[Richard K]

Good read. As I used to tell academy recruits who were having difficulty with a .40, "I'd rather hit 'em with a 9 than miss 'em with a 40".

[KFinn]

The key is shooting the piss out if it. +1


Practice is NOT standing at 7 feet slow shooting 50 rounds and then going home. Practice is drawing, shooting multiple rounds on multiple targets, moving, and reloading, and all under stress. Exactly, which is why I have a hard time paying to go to Firing line or other ranges now adays. I have spent enough initial time at them to build a a decent foundation to make my time at open ranges more valuable to me doing things like draw and rapid fire and rapid multiple targets, etc. I do still like hitting the firing line and such occasional to at least maintain or brush up on basic skills when I have had long gaps between any range type of shooting though.


Shoot what you shoot accurately first. Placement is key, but if you can shoot the 45 just as accurately, it never hurts to hedge your bets. I couldn't agree more. If you can afford .45, practice with .45. I guess my tips were more for hitting the mind of those that I have seen on the bored that they can't or don't want to afford expensive ranges, can't afford a lot of ammo to practice etc etc etc..... So at least they get some valuable tips for an option that fits their lifestyle.

[Cochese]

I can attest to everything said by the OP.

I am a die hard 1911 fan. I have a Springfield EMP I carry off duty and just ordered a Springfield Custom shop PC9111LR based duty gun.

Both are 9mm.

My Glock collection includes a G34, G26 and G19 in addition to my wifes G35/G23.

I went through firearms instructor and multiple SWAT/active shooter schools with my Storm Lake barreled/stippled/ATS sighted G34.

I carry it on duty every day. I trust not only my life, but another 200,000 peoples lives to it everyday.

[Beer]

[KFinn]

I can attest to everything said by the OP.
Help me out... What is OP?

[Jer]

OP = Original Poster

[Cochese]

What lunch box said. ^^^

[Sixgun]

Great read!![Beer] Thanks, now I have to go pick me up a g19.

Actual been wanting one for some time, now I have an accuse.[Tooth]

[tarantula]

I switched to glock based on this article some time ago and I have never regretted my decision.
I also have been paying more attention to physical conditioning and my ability to fight as opposed to whether 1mm of size difference in a cartridge makes it a widowmaker or not.
Thanks for your insights!

[Alpine]

I've owned a G19 since 1991, and have shot it so much it became an extension of my body, and I don't even think about aiming... just point and shoot, with all center-mass hits.

However, ever since I starting shooting USPSA a few years ago, I quickly found that the Glocks cannot keep up with the others in the longer shots. I ended up going to the SIG X5 platform, and use it excusively for USPSA. I have no problems hitting the A-zone at 50-yards while the guys with Glocks can't even make hits on cardboard at that distance under pressure.

Is the SIG X5 practicale for everyday use, maybe? I used it in a three-day three-gun comp last year, and the only issue I had was the weight of the pistol kept pulling my pants down using a drop-leg holster, and would start to wobble while I was on the move. This year I will be using a SIG P226ST, in a holster fastened to my MOLLE vest.

Not putting the Glock down, if I ever get around to actually getting my CCW permit, my first choice for carry will be my trusty G19.

For those who have difficulty shooting a Glock, part of your problem likely is the greater grip angle that the Glocks have, and the other problem is likey the trigger. Spend enough time with the Glock, and you'll get used to it, and you may even become proficent with it.

As far as 9mm. With todays modern ammo and bullets, anything between 9mm and 45 will do it's job as long as you do your part and hit the target.

[Jer]

I've owned a G19 since 1991, and have shot it so much it became an extension of my body, and I don't even think about aiming... just point and shoot, with all center-mass hits.

However, ever since I starting shooting USPSA a few years ago, I quickly found that the Glocks cannot keep up with the others in the longer shots. I ended up going to the SIG X5 platform, and use it excusively for USPSA. I have no problems hitting the A-zone at 50-yards while the guys with Glocks can't even make hits on cardboard at that distance under pressure.

Is the SIG X5 practicale for everyday use, maybe? I used it in a three-day three-gun comp last year, and the only issue I had was the weight of the pistol kept pulling my pants down using a drop-leg holster, and would start to wobble while I was on the move. This year I will be using a SIG P226ST, in a holster fastened to my MOLLE vest.

Not putting the Glock down, if I ever get around to actually getting my CCW permit, my first choice for carry will be my trusty G19.

For those who have difficulty shooting a Glock, part of your problem likely is the greater grip angle that the Glocks have, and the other problem is likey the trigger. Spend enough time with the Glock, and you'll get used to it, and you may even become proficent with it.

As far as 9mm. With todays modern ammo and bullets, anything between 9mm and 45 will do it's job as long as you do your part and hit the target.

The gun isn't the problem. In fact Camron just posted up a pretty nice 50yd head shot group. This isn't really the thread for this discussion anyway.

[Chrispy]

ill start by saying I am the furthest possible thing from an expert. I shoot relationally, not professionally, or competitively.

I owned or shot a lot of handguns growing up, and in the military, however, had not owned a handgun in 10+ years, mostly due to every dime i made going into octane powered hobbies..

anyway, i decided to get back into ownership this year, and began my search with a blank slate. i talked to people i know personally who shoot.. a lot. i researched forums. i talked to LEO's.

things i heard consistently were:

" I compete with a (1911 clone) but my EDC is a Glock"
" My open class gun is awesome, but id go to war with a Glock"
" Glocks just work. period. they are the Crown Victoria of handguns "

I ended up with a Glock 34 Gen 3, and put 1850 rounds down the pipe since Feb 23rd.. I believe that ANY gun you get, that sits on a shelf or shoots 100 rds/year or something is never going to feel like an extension of yourself...

but put enough rounds downrange in a variety of situations/targets, and you will learn your weapon. at 1850 rounds, i'm still a novice at best. ive moved on from 'slow firing at stationary targets' and putting 3-6 round groups into paper plates at 21-50 feet, sometimes from a draw, sometimes from a ready position..

anyway, enough said there. i believe the OP to be dead on accurate. is the Glock the best handgun out there? probably not. is anyone winning with an open class glock? not really. but the Glock just...works. pull the trigger and it goes bang.. every time.

on ammo:

unless your trying to shoot a bear.. theres not much difference in the killing power between a +p 9mm and the larger more powerful rounds, assuming you can hit your target. i like my 17 rounds also, vs less for the bigger bullets.

ultimately tho, with 9mm, i can put 100 rounds downrange for $20. sure, i keep some personal protection rounds, generally hydrashok, in my carry mags, but my range mags are all FMJ Russian ammo, or the federal value box... id be living in my truck if i had to by 10mm or .45 bullets.

i know this is a 4+ year old thread, but i am another 9mm Glock owner, adding to the this tread..

[SpikeMike]

Being a 23 year Army puke and an 18A, I spent a lot of quality time with a variety of weapons and calibers. I actually loathed the 1911 for many years as most of the Army's stock were mismatched parts from a variety of manufacturers. I actually had a broken firing pin eject and nick my face.

I currently own 3 9mm pistols and love them for their accuracy. Two of them are Taurus PT92 AFS models and a Ruger P95. I used to own the Beretta 92F, probably should have kept it too. But the Taurus pistol are A) very very accurate and B) built a heck of a lot better than the Beretta and lastly C) with well over 5000 rds. down the pipe, NEVER a misfeed, FTF or jam.

The Ruger I bought for my 11 year son. It fits his hand nicely and he's pretty much convinced me he can put a round wherever he wants out to about 20 yds. He can double-tap it, and do excellent rapid-fire drills. Which is not the story with my EAAA Witness in S&W .40.

I concur that it is all about shot placement, especially in a tactical situation. If you can put a .22 in the right place, you can do damage.

[Jer]

Being a 23 year Army puke and an 18A, I spent a lot of quality time with a variety of weapons and calibers. I actually loathed the 1911 for many years as most of the Army's stock were mismatched parts from a variety of manufacturers. I actually had a broken firing pin eject and nick my face.

I currently own 3 9mm pistols and love them for their accuracy. Two of them are Taurus PT92 AFS models and a Ruger P95. I used to own the Beretta 92F, probably should have kept it too. But the Taurus pistol are A) very very accurate and B) built a heck of a lot better than the Beretta and lastly C) with well over 5000 rds. down the pipe, NEVER a misfeed, FTF or jam.

The Ruger I bought for my 11 year son. It fits his hand nicely and he's pretty much convinced me he can put a round wherever he wants out to about 20 yds. He can double-tap it, and do excellent rapid-fire drills. Which is not the story with my EAAA Witness in S&W .40.

I concur that it is all about shot placement, especially in a tactical situation. If you can put a .22 in the right place, you can do damage.

My neighbor has a Taurus that shoots 4' low at 20' plus I've had bad luck with their firearms in the past with feeding issues. I think I'll stick with Glock which is what this thread is about. Let's keep it that way.

[SpikeMike]

no need to be a troll about it, Glocks are great - just not the end-all, be-all

[J]

Ok, so we have a Taurus fan and a Glock fan... Nothing new there.

Lets make sure to keep this a firearms discussion, not a personal character discussion or attack.

Also, lets try to stick to the topic of the thread. SpikeMike, I value your opinion on the Taurus and Rugers you own, and like both brands. Perhaps the best place for your opinion is in a review thread for each of the models you own, and not in a Glock review thread. If you start them, I will definitely read them. If you have direct input on the 9mm Glocks, this is a great place for those.

Jer, in the interest of keeping this thread alive and away from a locking, will you please keep the "stay on topic" reminders to just that.

Thanks

--J

[MCarp71]

Nice read Jeff!
I had a 17 explode on me, ended up selling all my glocks. In a big case of (dumbassisity)<made that one up! After alot of talking to other Glock buddies and a little research. The explosion was my fault with poly reloads. So, here I am broke, and I want another 19. I loved them, and still do. They just sceered me for awhile. I'm headed to be back in the saddle.[Coffee]

[rustycrusty]

No point in hiding the fact that glocks KB. They do. All guns do. There are just alot more glocks and that is alot more chances for failure.

On 9mm- I shoot it because it is the smallest round I can compete with (probobly for good reason) and I get the most bangs for my buck. In a situation where I picture using my pistol, mag capacity is HUGE to me. 

Assuming worst case scenario...
I am vision impaired, attacker may be armored, multiple attackers, need to flee a good long distance...

All of these cases have better odds of landing shots with more shots fired.
Also- more shots fired can equal more time to run away.

Some of us have dilusions of being some sort of calm badass in a gunfight. 
I like to think about what would help the most in a situation where I really really sucked
I picture myself being sedated/drunk and clumsy and with mace in my eyes.

Do I want 7 chances to 'put them down'
Or do I want 17 chances to hit something, keep heads down, and put distance between myself and the attacker/s?

[William]

Show your 1911 to your friends, show your Glock to your enemy.

Good point. Nothing wrong with a Glock. All depends on the application. I have an XDm in 9mm which is in the same family, and I love it. It has never seen the inside of a safe and never will. The 1911 is in the safe. [Beer]

[Troublco]

It took me a long time to warm up to Glocks. A friend let me shoot his Gen 1 G17 a long time ago, and I didn't like the way the grip felt at all. I had a hard time holding it, and shooting it well. That pretty well defined my opinion of Glocks for a long time; I stuck with other things.
Finally, during my research for the best pig hunting handgun I could find, I was drawn to the G20. I ended up getting one, and I liked it so much that not only did it replace my Smith 686 as my GP go to gun, but I swapped a SIG 226 that I didn't particularly like or do well with for a Gen 2 G17. I've modded the snot out of that G17, to the point that it's a range gun only; in spite of the fact that it has never failed me I won't use it for self defense simply because I wound up decorating it by having the slide laser etched. Pretty much everything that can be upgraded or changed on that gun, have.
Next, in my search for a CCW piece to replace my beloved, but heavy, P225; I picked up an OD Gen 3 G19. It promptly got a Ghost Rocket 3.5 pound trigger connector, new trigger spring, and a couple more mags. Next; ghost ring night sights...
I really like my G19, but I sure would like a G30. And a G34. And, both of my XD .45's notwithstanding, probably a G21. As much as I like my XD's, Glocks have the benefit of a huge aftermarket parts availability; and to me that puts them over the top.
I'm thinking that Glocks are to pistols what AR's are to rifles.

[denverco]

Quick point of fact: Certain ODA's are using carrying glocks in Afghanistan.

[COeskimo]

I'm new to this site and shooting handguns in general. I appreciate this pov a lot because of how logical you made it sound. No nonsense this cal vs that cal on theoretical future battles that seem to me more like movie style gun fight but what I consider how I may react and that's being scared and trying to escape instead of trading shots. I enjoy shooting and am excited to learn and become more proficient with this new skill, and am happy to hear there are others who agree shot placement and practice trumps cal.

[Kraven251]

I am fairly new to the Glock camp largely because my first experience with them was the older variants and they never fit my hand quite right. However I know have a gen4 G19 that has replaced my sig p226 as my go to gun.

I replaced the G19 trigger with a G17 smooth trigger, and changed out the sights but otherwise didn't have to change much.

The trigger is more crisp, better reset, and feels right. I was surprised. I still trust my Sig, but I'll carry my Glock.

[TAG]

Show your 1911 to your friends, show your Glock to your enemy.


LOVE IT!

[TAG]

Some of us have dilusions of being some sort of calm badass in a gunfight.
I like to think about what would help the most in a situation where I really really sucked
I picture myself being sedated/drunk and clumsy and with mace in my eyes.

Do I want 7 chances to 'put them down'
Or do I want 17 chances to hit something, keep heads down, and put distance between myself and the attacker/s?[/QUOTE]

Very true and well stated!

[sealer]

Great forum post.

I love my P220 but it sits in the safe. I can't say the same for my G22, G23, or G34. I love the 22 but the 34 is AWESOME. A bit large, but instinctive shooting is comfortable...and when it comes time to put some distance between myself and badguys; more rounds = more distance.

If i could only find a G35...hopes, wishes, dreams.

[bear71]

That's great! All Glocks, All 9mm, all 19's!

[3beansalad]

Love my Glock, and trust it with my life. I wonder if I would have the same affinity for Glock if I had chosen the Beretta I carried in the service as my personal weapon... I'll never know. Either way I know my Glock is reliable at all times and easy to service when required. 9mm became the round of choice for a lot of reasons, but overall it was availability (well, it used to be!)

[lex137]

Gen 4 for me all the way, cause I have small hands and short thumbs. 9mm is one of the best rounds imo, but I am no one special.

[stoner01]

Gen4 19 here. It is the only time Ive ever held a pistol and it just felt like enough gun. Its my fighting gun, the gun I choose when I know Im going to get in contact. My 1911 is just a new toy I picked up for $350 as a birthday present to myself.

[Bailey Guns]

I've tried to love Glocks, I've tried to hate Glocks. I've carried them on duty, as a CCW, shot them for fun, shot them in competition. I own 5 (17, 19, 22, 23, 21)...all Gen 2 versions with the exception of a Gen4 21.

I've come to the realization that Glock pistols in 9MM are probably the most practical gun for me all things considered. They (almost) always work under pretty much any condition I'll ever encounter. I don't have to be meticulous with maintenance or particular with ammo. Give it reasonable care and it will most likely function like it should. I've had Glocks that didn't work well and I've seen Glocks that didn't work well...but they were pretty few and far between.

I'm under no illusion that any handgun caliber I'm likely to use for defense is going to work like it should, when it should (if it does, that's a bonus!) but I think the 9MM will do pretty much anything any other caliber will do if I do my part. Then again, considering my lifestyle, the chances are pretty slim I'll ever need to fire my gun in a lethal encounter. I know it's possible and I prepare for it, but it's not likely...so caliber choice is really a non-issue for me. I like the 9MM because I can carry a lot of it in a little space, it's easy on the wallet compared to other common calibers, it's easy to control, it's easy to find and it performs just as well as any other common handgun caliber as best I can tell. On the off chance I need a part for a Glock, they're plentiful and easy to install. Even if I have to wait I can generally cannibalize another Glock (sometimes even from a different caliber) and get my 19 working again until I get what I need.

So, I don't love them, I don't hate them. I can't get "emotional" over them one way or the other. Glocks are just one of those guns that I view as a very effective tool that I know with near 100% certainty will work if I need it.

Now, as for 1911 pistols, if I had to give up all my handguns but one, I guarantee you the keeper would be a Colt 1911 in .45ACP. Unlike Glocks, 1911s (especially Colts) have a soul.

[Milt]

The Glock 19 works for me, but just not as well as my old S&W 3913. The Glock is only slightly larger (height is the same, length is shy of 1/2" more, thickness is shy of 1/8" more) than the 3913 and really no harder to conceal.

Glock 19s and Glock 17s both seem to work, pretty much all the time and as others have said, they are easy to keep running and repair in the rare event of parts breakage.

Having made those observations, I still carry the 3913, despite the Glock's capacity advantage of seven rounds (16 vs 9). A friend who was just back from Afghanistan wanted to try a 'standards' marksmanship test someone had showed him - shoot three rounds into a 3" circle at varying distances and positions out to 25 yards. We both came pretty close with the Glocks, but I 'cleaned' it with my old 3913.

The Glock just never seems to 'blind point' reliably for me; everything is fine for five or six repetitions, then, for no apparent reason, the sights are not aligned. The little Smith is 100% for me, just about in the same class as the Single Action Army at eye level. As others have said, shot placement is everything - with the Glock, my shot placement is not quite as precise as it is with the 3913. I would probably carry the Glock 19 if the S&W 3913 did not exist...

[UncleDave]

I've tried to love Glocks, I've tried to hate Glocks. I've carried them on duty, as a CCW, shot them for fun, shot them in competition. I own 5 (17, 19, 22, 23, 21)...all Gen 2 versions with the exception of a Gen4 21.

I've come to the realization that Glock pistols in 9MM are probably the most practical gun for me all things considered. They (almost) always work under pretty much any condition I'll ever encounter. I don't have to be meticulous with maintenance or particular with ammo. Give it reasonable care and it will most likely function like it should. I've had Glocks that didn't work well and I've seen Glocks that didn't work well...but they were pretty few and far between.

I'm under no illusion that any handgun caliber I'm likely to use for defense is going to work like it should, when it should (if it does, that's a bonus!) but I think the 9MM will do pretty much anything any other caliber will do if I do my part. Then again, considering my lifestyle, the chances are pretty slim I'll ever need to fire my gun in a lethal encounter. I know it's possible and I prepare for it, but it's not likely...so caliber choice is really a non-issue for me. I like the 9MM because I can carry a lot of it in a little space, it's easy on the wallet compared to other common calibers, it's easy to control, it's easy to find and it performs just as well as any other common handgun caliber as best I can tell. On the off chance I need a part for a Glock, they're plentiful and easy to install. Even if I have to wait I can generally cannibalize another Glock (sometimes even from a different caliber) and get my 19 working again until I get what I need.

So, I don't love them, I don't hate them. I can't get "emotional" over them one way or the other. Glocks are just one of those guns that I view as a very effective tool that I know with near 100% certainty will work if I need it.

Now, as for 1911 pistols, if I had to give up all my handguns but one, I guarantee you the keeper would be a Colt 1911 in .45ACP. Unlike Glocks, 1911s (especially Colts) have a soul.


My take exactly on Glocks. I have them, I use them. But they have no soul, unlike the masterpiece by John Moses Browning!

[Joe_K]

Why breathe air? Or drink water? Jk


Sent from my PRC 117A in my Batmobile disguised as a sedan.

[osok-308]

It's for some of the reasons you mentioned that I'm getting into buying glocks just now.

[Kmanbay]

I carry a 26 off duty, bedroom 17, wife's office 17, work 17. I own a couple of other pistols too: 92fs, 22/45, and the first pistol I bought after I was old enough to buy one S&W 586 6" .357 magnum.

I would feel comfortable using any of them, except the .22, if needed.

The only one I have ever used to save my skin was the 92fs, and it worked as advertised.

[kpp80202]

Just resurrecting this old thread to throw in my 2 cents. I agree with about everything previously posted, from old steel guns having a soul, to Glocks being the hammers of the gun world. I have owned various Glocks over the years, and while I don't find them sexy like nearly all the 1911s, BHPs, and wheelguns I've owned, I think that lack of feeling is largely due to the subconscious connection all the hype has created for the "nostalgic" guns. Case in point: my CZ 75 SA has more in common with the nostalgic guns than it does with the Glock, but it is feels like much more of a tool to me too. Don't get me wrong, the CZ feels like Excalibur in my hand, but there is no emotional connection to it such that I show it off or fawn over it or anything. Same with the Glocks. I love them, I trust them, and they work. I even drool a bit over ones I don't own, like the G40 and G41. But I bet that when I buy one, it will just be a really nice hammer.

As as far as the 9mm issue, I have confidence in the round. However, I shoot the .40 as well, and pretty much as fast (at least in the Glock), and I think the 13 rounds in my G23 is sufficient. More importantly, I feel much more comfortable with 17 in a 9mm or 13-15 in a .40 than 8 in my 1911, that's for sure.

Lastly, I think that after years of punching stationary paper at 7 yards or 15 yards and making nice, tight groups with slow fire, I developed a belief that the 1911, CZ, B92, and Glock were all pretty much the same for me. Then, after using a dynamic target system that presents a target for a second or two at a time, I realized just how superior the Glock was for me over the 1911. I have yet to try other pistols head to head, but I now know that I can accurately dump a ton more lead in a couple seconds with the G23 than with the 1911. It was quite the eye-opener, though it seems so obvious to me now, given differences in sights.

All in all, I think I'd choose the hammer if the chips were down.

[n2877]

I think this is a great thought out thread. I carry glock mainly because that's what I grew up on learning to shoot. Played some with my dads S&W .357 revolver but really loved glock. I've tried other guns I just keep going back to glock. What can I say you stick with what you know and like. I shoot both the .45 acp and the 9mm just as well with glock. I care .45 ACP mainly for the stopping power but 9mm can be just as effective. Its all personal comfort level. I know people who like the .380 auto. Even a .22 cal can be just as lethal. Again preference and comfort level. Forget all the hype and other BS. Just my thoughts.

PS. I would want to be shot with any caliber bullet. that would be no fun no matter what size

[Gravy Sandwich]

I've shot enough Glocks to like, appreciate and recommend them, but never owned one. For me, their grip angle makes them proprietary like Apple products. You either go all in, or none at all. My skill set is based on 15k rounds and 100k cycles of dry fire per year, and my index is not at all consistent with the Glock grip angle. In contrast, I transition almost seamlessly between STI, M&P and HK.

[Wiggity]

I've carried a bunch of pistols. 1911's, HK's, Sig's, Walthers, Glocks, etc.


I went through several phases and finally settled on the G19 about 4yrs ago. My friend Jimmy Graham, former 15yr SEAL vet who runs the Active Shooter Response Training Center, is all about the Glocks as he carried them when he contracted overseas. I switched to Glocks after I started training with him as he uses Glock simunition kits during training. Thought it would be beneficial to carry/train with the same platform. Been shooting the G19 for 4yrs consistently now. It is really hard to beat the small, streamlined G19 package that packs 15rds. The pistol is almost 100% stock. The only mods being a smooth trigger with the glock competition connector.

At this point, I shoot that pistol better than any other pistol I've ever had and its not even close. I'm faster and more accurate than I've ever been.


That being said, I also shoot for fun and love breaking out my Sig Mk25 and my 1911 at the range!

[MrAK]

Jeff, I appreciate the way you present your findings, i.e. That you found what is best suited for you and your situation.

I grew up with a father who loved his 1911s and had a deep seated dislike for glocks and all polymer pistols until the day he died. Despite growing up in an obviously biased household and despite my own great appreciation for the 1911, the 45acp and many other platforms and calibers; I have found myself gravitating more towards the glock and 9mm over the years.

[mattiooo]

First time I've read this thread and I appreciate it. I didn't read all 6 pages of responses but I plan to.

I was a victim of hype both at the beginning of my shooting career and even last year. I have bought a Glock 17 twice because of hype. I just don't shoot Glocks well and I have finally (for the most part) accepted that as my reality. I still read things that make start to doubt it and then I kick myself.

I've found I like Walther and HK a great deal, and they are also good choices for me. My very first pistol was an HK USP and I should have never strayed. I wanted a Barretta 92 for a very long time and owned a Vertec for a while - that was hype too, but just from watching movies in the 80's - Leathal Weapon in particular.

Right now I'm just a Walther fan boy and it's what I shoot well and enjoy shooting. I own 4 of them. My first was the PPX because I wanted a cheap but decent 9mm. After I fell in love with the PPX, I wanted a Walther for a carry gun and got a PPS M2. I upgraded the PPX to the PPQ (M2 Navy), but couldn't bring myself to sell the PPX for what little money I would get for a used one. I then got a PPQ-22 for plinking and training cheaply.

Had I earned more money, all of that would have never happened and I would be shooting HK all around.

I'm just one more case of "Don't believe the hype because what's good for some is not good for everyone". I sold both Glocks, but definitely lost money on them.

[Squeeze]

Excellent thread and great OP. Like many that have already posted, I too have owned and shot a myriad of different handgun platforms. In recent years, I have streamlined all my handguns to 9mm. For me it was for the reasons of capacity, affordable to reload, bulk ammo cost and modern 9mm defense ammo has come a VERY long way in the 9mm cartridge. I own both Glock and M&P series pistols. The grip angle is slightly different between the platforms, but I truly shoot both equally well. Not everyone's requirement/job for their handgun is the same. For me, they need to run in damn near any weather condition, dirty or clean. The Glock and M&P series pistols have me those requirements. I also like the modularity of the platforms. The benefit of the Glock over the M&P in my opinion is the Glock is significantly easier to work on. Knowing not one gun is the "be all, end all" of platforms is really a level of maturity few have achieved.

Stay frosty.

[Nagant1984]

I’ve got a couple expensive pistols that are much nicer guns but if I’m being perfectly honest I would trust my life to my glocks over guns worth 6 times as much as a Glock. Glocks just work.