Posted on 10/11/2008 7:48:11 PM PDT by eaglegso
I own a S&W 357 (Long, freakin' barreled handgun) that can not be carried around at all, it's too long. I got it from my grandfather, when he passed!
I own a Walther PPK, I sold my P99 recently. But I decided to go in to a dealer today, just to see something new with some more stopping power than the PPK. They tried to sell me on a Glock 19 (which I liked alot actually). I went and shot it, in the shooting range, and I would like to get your honest opinion on that gun!
I want something with some stopping power, than a PPK. I know the PPK will not give me the stopping power I need, so I will ask you, and hope you can give me some honest responses on a Glock 19. What do you think?
Is the Glock 19 a great gun?
I want a really good reliable handgun for myself with some stopping power, beside the PPK.
Glock 19 - Good Gun??
I have an older G19. It’s lots of fun to shoot. I replaced the recoil spring with an after-market spring, and the felt recoil is now very low. To low, perhaps. I have to grip the gun much tighter than is required by the recoil; otherwise, I get too relaxed and get “limp wrist” jams. (Energy that would normally go into pushing the slide back goes into flipping the barrel up. The slide then moves forward too soon and catches the ejected brass.) Unless you want the extra umph of the .40S&W, I can recommend the G19.
It is NOT "full size." You're thinking of the Glock 17. The 19 is often carried by cops as an off duty gun because they can use the same mags as the 17 for a +2 reload.
Get a glock model 23 or 30.
Speaking as an NRA Instructor with 20+ years experience, I don't recommend the M23 for a novice as a gun for CCW. It has a nasty barrel whip in the recoil and in practice may cause an intense case of "flinch" before enough rounds have been put down range in order to build the appropriate muscle memory when it comes to that all important flash sight picture and other techniques. Also the ammo, both defensive and ball for practice is a LOT more expensive than the 9mm. I owned several types of the Combat Tupperware as it is affectionately called: I've had a Model 21 (45ACP), a 30 (compact 45ACP) 23 (40S&W) and a 27 which is the subcompact 40. I loved them all and carried them all concealed, even the MONSTER Model 21. I sold my Glock collection for just one reason: The ergonomics are simply too "blocky" for my smallish hand size.
I carried a 45 for years and still own three. My two 1911s are pretty much safe queens for my own reasons. I still carry my Sig P245 for fun and nostalgia sometimes.
Yet a couple of years ago I did some personal research with friends of mine, mostly recently retired special ops folks. I discovered that most of the SEALs swear by the Sig P226 9mm and a lot of folks also like H&K handguns. So I started checking and discovered that leaving the issue of cross sectional density aside (and it's place in a "stopping power" argument), bullet technology has evolved to the point that if you put the shot where it counts both calibers (9 and 45) will do an equal job. The plus side is the cost of the rounds, availability and capacity swung me to the other side. Also as I age I find I like the lessened recoil that allows me to stay much more accurate and faster in the followups. Consequently my primary carry guns are now a Sig P226 in 9mm and an H&K P30 in 9mm. I carry them in the hot and sultry South Florida heat under a native Guyabeara shirt (looks like a civilian jungle fatigue top) in a CROSSBREED HOLSTER (Super-Tuck Deluxe model) in perfect and totally concealed comfort. Just today I spent the day in the next county up with my wife and 27 year old daughter inspecting her new apartment and having an awesome lunch in the beachfront district. Nobody "made" me and I was so comfortable I came home and fell asleep, still wearing it in my "DAD'S Chair" in front of the TV.
The 23 is hands down a great weapon that is easy to conceal especially with an ultimate conceal carry holster.
If you're very experienced, that's fine it's your call. But for a novice, I say no. You want bigger, a 45 is a better choice since it's a softer and more gentle recoil and the 9mm is better IMHO for all the reasons I've stated above. Just my .02.
Yes, a G19 is a good choice. I’m looking to get two, consecutive serial numbers (his & hers), one with suppressor.
I have a G17 & G26; while I’ve done fine with both, they’re a bit too big & small respectively, and the G19 is ideal - IF a compact 9mm is what you’re looking for.
It’s not a “full size” gun like someone noted. The G17 is, this is smaller, but not as small as a 9mm could be (G26). If it’s comfortable for you (in hand and in holster), great choice.
The complaints about the “safety on the trigger” should be ignored. Just understand that this gun WILL GO BANG when you pull the trigger, and won’t if you don’t; there’s no “proper” safety & magazine disconnect for a reason. Understand what you’re using; if you’re comfortable with a “no safety” gun, which many of us are, it’s great. The assorted sorta-safeties are there to assure it won’t fire if the trigger is not decisively pulled.
The usual blatherings about “buy something else” are fairly discounted. You asked about a Glock, so let’s talk Glock. If you want to know about alternatives, ask about alternatives; you didn’t so I won’t. Ditto for other calibers - if you’re comfortable with choosing a 9mm, then the G19 is a fine choice, and I’ll assume you’ve decided against other calibers for a reason.
Yes, the Glock 19 is a good choice. Like an iPod, it just works: it’s not to everyone’s liking, and there are arguments made for other choices, but on it’s own it’s a fine choice that probably won’t disappoint you.
Yup. Absolutely correct on all counts. I would just add that the other example of a "no safety" gun is the revolver and the equivalent revolver to the Glock is one that is double action only.
The glock 19 is extremely reliable, but a better choice is the G23. Same gun much better caliber. With the G19 or G23 by changing the barrel and magazine you can change calibers from 9mm to .40 to 357 sig. Simple proven design, but its not for inexperienced gun handlers who haven’t learned TO KEEP THEIR FINGER OFF THE TRIGGER until ready to shoot. That’s why so many cops have had accidental discharges with them.
Glocks are great guns. Simple and reliable. Berettas are great guns—built with the precision of a BMW. Sigs are great guns—as durable as a GMC truck. Each brand has models in various sizes and calibers.
Based on my years of personal observation, different people like and shoot better with different guns, and any way of predicting (eg, size of hand, male or female) is not accurate. For example, my mother-in-law shoots very well with a 9 mm Beretta. I shoot better with a Glock. My wife likes a smaller Glock, I prefer the full size Glock. My father-in-law loves his Sig—I hate it.
Thus, try shooting as many varieties as you can. Go to the range with a few friends and try out each other’s guns. Many ranges have models you can rent. Make 5 trips and shoot 5 different guns. Whatever. When you find one that seems to aim on its own, that’s the model for you.
“This was from 2004: The Smith & Wesson SW9VE is a reliable weapon that is well suited for personal defense or police work. It is accurate enough to fulfill its intended purpose, and feels great in my hand, and to those others that tried the weapon. The last great thing about this pistol is its price. The suggested retail is just $369, but I have seen this gun retail for around 280 bucks. That is about half the price of a new Glock. The Smith comes with two magazines, a lockable hard plastic case, instruction manual, a cable lock, and Smith & Wesson’s lifetime warranty.”
I would keep clear of the SW9VE. It’s half the gun at more than half the price. Lousy triggers, not very reliable. The early versions had LOTS of problems. Do a thorough search on them if you consider buying. In my area you can get a used glock for less than $300.
There! Fixed it, I think. IIRC.
“I want stopping power at this point! I don’t think the PPK will ever give me that!
Simple stopping power!
Thank you all....”
Jeff Cooper used to say something to the effect of - the purpose of a handgun is as a tool to be used until you you can get to your rifle.
There is no such thing a a handgun with “stopping power”. This implies that a hit anywhere will stop a threat instantly. This only happens if the neurological system is totally disrupted (i.e. a head shot). If you truely want “stopping power”, Give Ron Barrett a call with $12000 available on your credit card. Ask about the model 85A.
“I want stopping power at this point! I don’t think the PPK will ever give me that!
Simple stopping power!
Thank you all....”
Jeff Cooper used to say something to the effect of - the purpose of a handgun is as a tool to be used until you you can get to your rifle.
There is no such thing a a handgun with “stopping power”. This implies that a hit anywhere will stop a threat instantly. This only happens if the neurological system is totally disrupted (i.e. a head shot). If you truely want “stopping power”, Give Ron Barrett a call with $12000 available on your credit card. Ask about the model 85A.
“I want stopping power at this point! I don’t think the PPK will ever give me that!
Simple stopping power!
Thank you all....”
Jeff Cooper used to say something to the effect of - the purpose of a handgun is as a tool to be used until you you can get to your rifle.
There is no such thing a a handgun with “stopping power”. This implies that a hit anywhere will stop a threat instantly. This only happens if the neurological system is totally disrupted (i.e. a head shot). If you truely want “stopping power”, Give Ron Barrett a call with $12000 available on your credit card. Ask about the model 85A.
Personally I think that the grip on a Glock is too fat for really good concealment, but it works for some people, just not for me. I have a Kahr PM9 that I pocket carry, it has 7rds and is lighter than the Glock, plus it’s American made. However, I would be willing to trade it for a nice old S&W .357 with a long barrel, depending on condition.
It’s a great firearm. A little big for concealed carry but I can’t ever remember having a problem with mine.
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