Posted on 03/06/2010 8:03:05 PM PST by smokingfrog
You've seen the endless discussions on internet discussion sites. You've read the articles. You've seen the topics discussed ad nauseam by gun owners who range from novices to experts. What all these pundits have in common is a simple enough prospect, but one in which they hold the firmest of convictions and the most powerful of faiths: They are convinced that the Glock pistol is inherently unsafe.
In fact, the Glock is a remarkably popular weapon with civilians and law enforcement agencies alike. There are very good reasons for this. If the Greek philosopher, Plato, could have imagined a handgun in his world of forms-those concepts that embody the ideal versions of all we are capable of imagining, the earthly manifestations of which are but imperfect copies-he would have envisioned a combat firearm with a simple means of sighting, a barrel, a hand grip, a simple and light trigger, and a cocking and ignition mechanism that fires when the user pulls the trigger (but does not fire unless the trigger is pulled).
The closest "imperfect" manifestation of this Platonic form would be the Glock. Available in multiple popular calibers, the Glock comprises precisely the minimum number of features a combat handgun must possess. It has a comfortably sized, slip-resistant grip for the average male or female hand, which remains comfortable across a broad range of ambient temperatures. It offers a simple, easily upgradeable sighting system. It exhibits reasonable combat accuracy at 25 meters. It has an acceptable light trigger that is long enough on the first shot to permit mere mortals to recognize that the trigger finger is moving, but it has a very short trigger reset that permits rapid fire of multiple shots.
(Excerpt) Read more at humanevents.com ...
Less safe in hands of idiots like this.
http://www.stupidvideos.com/video/just_plain_stupid/Accidental_Discharge/#1299
Otherwise safe.
Many “moons” ago, when Detroit PD went to glocks, an officer hung his on the flusher handle while engaging in personal hygiene. Bang! It busted the toilet and flooded the restroom.
I have a Smith and Wesson M&P 45 ACP. Mine lacks the manual safety. I overcome this by following the fundamental firearms safety rules (finger off the trigger unless I'm about to shoot, only point at that which you intend to destroy, etc...).
Your firearm won't try to kill you if you shoot another gun.
Someone with common sense.
You are apparently unfamiliar with 1911s as they were issued to regular troops.
Two words: barrel bushing.
However, I just do not like the bloody damn black plastic brick nor can I shoot the ugly thing worth a damn. How many times in you life have you heard it described as elegant, sleek, or pretty?
The 19ll and the Browning Hi Power do it right for me. As an added bonus you can beat someone about the head and shoulders with a 1911 or Hi Power and it will make an impression and if wielded with sufficient enthusiasm a depression.
I guess I am showing my age, but I like the feel of a chunk of elegant blued iron in my hand. I can also shoot it well. I just can not shoot a glock.
I feel better now. :)
The article lost me at “Plato,” but the answer is no, not inherently unsafe. But there are some unsafe things you can do with a Glock:
Pocket carry
Let a psychotic jihadi Army Major have one or two on base
Try to shoot a Pentagon guard with one
Twirl it on your finger while loaded (either you or the gun)
Show a picture of one to a liberal
That’s all I can think of. Other than that it’s perfectly safe! :)
I have one in S&W .40 - a most excellent machine for those shopping.
It is an execellent primary weapon short of a shotgun or a rifle.
“My all time favorite tho is the Browning Hi-Power.”
Me too. It got even better with a Hogue grip. Very accurate too.
That said, I still feel "safer" with my 1911 than my Glock though.
I have a Glock 9mm and a Springfield 1911.
The 1911 sits in my bedside table awaiting the next intruder.
My wife has the Glock.
Glock: the ultimate test of rule #2!
Huh?
The gun is not safe for dry firing or maintenance until the user has assured himself multiple times that there is no round in the chamber and no live ammunition anywhere in the vicinity.
That's just a basic safety rule no different from any firearm that one might dryfire.
Glock is a fine weapon. All weapons are subject to user error. Glock is no different. I had a 17 which I sold and am now contemplating a 19. They're fine weapons.
Not necessarily. It's point and shoot. Minimal training required. That's gotta keep the budget down.
I have Hogue grips on both of mine. They improve on what is near perfection already. The Browning Hi-Power fits my hand better than any other gun. The Sig P226 is close tho.
I have a S&W M&P 357 sig love the gun. I bought it over the glock only because it was more comfortble. Nothing wrong with Glocks though.
I’m old to this thread but having a weapon always at the ready is no problem. If someone has a problem with their own discipline I suggest they don’t have a Glock. Over
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