The 9mm Glock I used at the range today jammed twice in just 100 rounds. I figured I was doing something wrong.
Likely you were. The mass of the Glock changes considerably as you empty the magazine. Towards the end of the mag if you "limp wrist" the weapon it will jam as the weapon no longer has the mass to hold it in place while the action cycles. You have to hold it solidly in an iron grip. I had similar problems when I first got mine till I understood what was needed. I love my Glock. Used it just the other night with the integral laser sight to whack a skunk. I favor a Hungarian copy of the Walther PPK for carry though. The Glock is too heavy, and the first rule of gunfighting is to have a gun.
regards,
A glock has a very lightweight frame. The weight of your hand is part of the mass that keeps the frame still while the slide recoils to load another round. If you hold it loosly, the frame and slide both recoil together and the pistol jams.
It is a problem for some at the range, but in a desperate situation I don't think there will be any problem remembering to hold the pistol tightly enough. The problem will be in leaving permanent fingerprints swaged into the plastic..
I shoot a 1911, but since you are just starting, get a Glock or Springfield XD or a revolver. There are no safeties or other controls to remember.
Keep it simple to operate.
So9