Kimber or Glock.

Myself

[NY.SS-Bar9]

I am considering trading in my S&W 6906 (Stainless 9mm x 13rd) for a smaller, lighter weapon. I am looking at the Glock 30/36 and the Kimber Ulta 10.

I prefer a .45 to 9mm - any suggestions?

[Cook]

I prefer the Glock, double action.

[logic101.net]

I think you will find that a 45 will be both bigger and heavier than your 9mm. In addition, you will have reduced accuracy. Personally, even given these drawbacks I also prefer 45cal. If you are looking for a carry weapon, I'd stick with the 9mm. If you are looking for a target weapon, you might want to check into 40 cal or a 10mm. The 40 is a toned down version of a 10mm which is almost as large as a 45 cal, but very accurate. MARK A SITY www.logic101.net

[cyberaxe]

.....you might want to look at a 10mm.....

.....best of both.....

[Space Wrangler]

Both are fine pistols. I own two Glocks, an older Model 19 9mm, and a Model 23 40 S&W and I couldn't be any happier with both of them. The 23 is a good carry gun. A good friend of mine has the Kimber Pro-Carry .45, and it is an excellent pistol as well. Sorry I couldn't be of more help, but on the bright side, either way you go, you'll be pleased.

[yarddog]

If it were me, I would keep your S&W, assuming it works well.

Of the two, I would take the Glock if I had to pay for it. If someone would donate it, I would go with the Kimber.

Why not keep the S&W and buy the Glock. You should still have money left over if you have enough for the Kimber. I have never got as much in trade as my gun was worth.

[Blood of Tyrants]

Neither. Get a Sig.

[max61]

I second the recommendation of the Sig. Check out a P220, then make your decision.

---max

[Tijeras_Slim]

I own both a Glock 17 (9mm) and a Kimber Stainless Gold Match (.45). The Glock definitely wins on simplicity and weight. Another item you might want to look at is the Taurus Millenium .45, 10+1, DAO, But does have a safety like the 1911 to use if you so choose. Lighter and smaller than the Glock 45's, and about $450. Taurus also is a big 2A and NRA supporter.

[A2J]

I don't know that much about the Kimber, but I can attest to the supremecy of the Glock because I've owned one.

Glock, in my opinion, is probably the finest handgun in the world.

[P220]

I would choose the glock over the kimber. every consider a Sig P220? :^)

[gieriscm]

From a proud owner of a P220, P226, P229, and P245 - another vote for Sig Sauer. If you're looking for a .45-cal pistol in a small package for concealed carry, the P245 rocks. It also takes P220 magazines.

[A2J]

"Neither. Get a Sig."

Sorry, but the Sig is an overrated anchor.

With an immensely hard trigger pull and a finish that takes a great deal of upkeep, Sig is a over-priced prop. Glock makes the Sig look like a toy gun bought on a blue-light special at Kmart.

[MindBender26]

Have "matching" Glocks 23+27. Will also get 22. Love the 27 as a "front pocket of trousers" weapon. Have carried there for 4 years and no one has ever picked up on it. As far as calibre, .40 or .45 will give same PRACTICAL results in street; torso or upper leg shot, perp is out of the game.

Ammunition choice is important. Use one of the high tech frangible hollowpoints

[P220]

every=ever

[Double Tap]

Glock or Kimber, whatever your choice, it will be a good one. SIG's are great if you like double action guns, I don't. 45ACP is a good choice in a small carry gun, you don't loose much in velocity since it is a low pressure round to start with.

[DE50AE]

My preference is also .45 over 9mm, however I have a few of each and they're all fun to shoot. My recommendation: Keep the S&W and get a Glock. My wife bought a Glock 36 at a gun show last year as sort of an impulse purchase because she liked the way it fit her hand. It has since turned out to be a very good carry gun, fits in her purse well, accurate, long sight radius, reliable, never jams or misfires, easy trigger pull, and since it's .45 would have the stopping power if needed. It's recoil is also surprisingly manageable for a small gun. Hope this helps!

[Astronaut]

I've owned H&K, Walther, and Sigs. Right now I carry a Glock 23. Glocks are reliable, accurate, and comfortable to carry. Never owned or shot a Kimber, and I'm sure its a fine gun, but based on my experience you cant go wrong with a Glock.

[SCARED]

agree sig is best BUT...it depends upon your reason for having weapons. if you believe that a serious social situation could develop(complete breakdown of social structure) than you would have a difficult time finding parts for the sig(I LOVE HK, HAVE AN HK91). My handguns are mostly 1911's and 9mm for ease of parts and ammo. BTW ... I have a charles daly 45 and am unfamiliar with the maker. does anyone know anything about the charles daly???

[Double Tap]

I believe they are made in the Phillipines(sp?). Go to www.1911forum.com, they have a forum open on Charles Daly 1911's.

[Liberty Ship]

Stick with .45. If you are going to carry concealed, Glock 36 is the way to go. Not only is the pistol slimmer, but so are the extra mags. Get a Fobus paddle holster. You won't know you are carrying. If you are not going to carry, get the 21. HK and Sig are great guns, but I'm not happy with the double (1st shot)/single(remaining shots) action trigger transition. 230 gr. Hydra Shocks or Golden Sabers, by the way.

[SCARED]

thanks

[X-USAF]

The Glock 21 in 45 ACP is an outstanding weapon. Simple, light, and accurate. I replaced my adjustable sight with a fixed one, and I added a Hogue grip. Even though it has a double stacked magazine, a 45's grip never seemed to have the correct proportion of length versus width. The Hogue solves that. Don't forget the ammo, 185 gr silvertips, as a minimum. I also carry without a holster, so there is nothing up the pipe. Practice will allow you to chamber and fire accurately and quickly.

[SirFishalot]

My carries are a highly reworked Kimber Ultra, a Sig 245, a Glock 36, and my newest and definite favorite Para-Ord. 6.45 LLDA. The 6.45 is a double action that has a trigger that is 1 of the sweetest I've ever used, you'd almost swear it was a single.

If I had to choose between the Glock and stock Kimber I would choose the Glock. Kimbers are real nice for limited use but if you shoot like me you will wear it out fast because of the way the internal parts are made. They are a molded cast metal composite thus the lower cost. I had mine gutted and put all new machined hard steel parts and it is great now.

[LibTeeth]

The polygonal rifling of the Glock achieves slightly higher velocities out of short barrels than conventional rifling. However, they lead up with cast bullets. Glocks are real workhorse guns. 1911 designs are also excellant. Both have ready spare parts availability and a huge market base. Something to consider when free trade is restricted. Glocks and 1911s and to some extant Berettas will be kept maintained easier than less common designs. Plenty of aftermarket support that S&W, taurus, Sig, HK and others do not have. BTW, HK USPs are also excellant high quality handguns.

[bvw]

The Kimber (or the Sig) any hangun with a visble hammer .. these sight and aim much quicker than a hidden hammer gun, especially a Glock with those side to side engravings on the back panel of the slide.

[nkycincinnatikid]

bump

[boris]

I have never like Glock. I'm told it is a fine weapon, but I dislike the ergonomics, which to me are uniformly bad.

It just does not "feel right" in my hand; too blocky and square.

And I HATE that silly double trigger with the lamentable "safe action". Gimme a single-action or double action pistol any day.

--Boris

[TheErnFormerlyKnownAsBig]

Definitely not badmouthing glock or kimber, but check out the new Taurus PT145 millenium.

Yea Travis, I know, you don't like the trigger. But when the adrenaline is pumping you won't notice the trigger isn't glass smooth.

[sonofatpatcher2]

Re: I think you will find that a 45 will be both bigger and heavier than your 9mm. In addition, you will have reduced accuracy.

That depends on who is on the trigger. If you cannot shoot straight, caliber is meaningless.

[X-USAF]

Interesting observation on the markings on the rear of the slide. I have never had a problem, but I can see how some may. Then again, I am a cross eyed shooter. I shoot right handed, but aim with the left eye. Maybe my "handicap" (I shoot very well this way and over the years I have tried the normal sight alignment to no avail) overcomes the distraction that hinders others.

[CIApilot]

Glock, definitely.

[amadeus]

I own and carry the Kimber Compact CDP in .45 . It is VERY accurate, easy to shoot, and sturdy. I wouldn't trade it for ANY weapon and I know it won't take more than an accurate 'double tap' to stop any threat.

[NY.SS-Bar9]

1) Thanks.

2) Does Taurus make a quality firearm? I always thought of them as cheap S&W knockoffs.

3) Can Glocks be carried holsterless? I have heard yea and nay on that one.

[fourdeuce82d]

I've got a Kimber Stainless Covert- don't think they make them anymore- but I love it- put a couple thousand rounds through it, no problems so far.

I also have a glock 19- like it just fine, but prefer the 1911 trigger, with external safety.

Kimber/GLock are both great guns.

[tarawa]

I'm sure Glocks are fine guns (other than blowing up on you), but I would never have one. I carry a Kimber now, and was carrying an HK USPc 40. Either one of these would be an excellent firearm to purchase. HKs are probably the most durable and thoroughly tested firearms on the market. The 40 caliber can be a little more difficult to get good accuracy on, due to a very snappy recoil. 9mm pistols are extremely accurate, but unless you can get your hands on some +p+ ammo, you won't get the knockdown performance of a .45. If you can get a Kimber, do so. Otherwise, you might want to look at the HK USP series. Stay away from the "drastic plastic" or "combat tupperware", though.

[PatrioticAmerican]

kimber in 40! ;>

[PatrioticAmerican]

"Can Glocks be carried holsterless?"

NO way! It does not have a safety. The only safety on the Glock is to keep your finger off the trigger.

[MindBender26]

re: Holsterless Glock. Would not advise. Have my 27 in a "pocket pouch."

[tarawa]

You've had success with the Taurus Millenium series? I'm not implying that you're wrong, but I know a lot of people who've had problems with the PT-145 and the like. I know the Taurus revolvers are very good and dependable. I was rather dissapointed about the reviews I got from people about the Taurus automatics, because I would have liked to have tried on myself.

[oldsalt]

Does Taurus make a quality firearm? I always thought of them as cheap S&W knockoffs.

I can only speak to Taurus wheelguns,they're great....and hardly cheap.

As to the Glocks,my son carries a Glock 30,.45,10rds. He loves it,Idon't like the way it fits my hand,too short in the grip.He hasn't had any problems with it.....unless you count that unfortunate incident when he blew away his TV set with his "unloaded" Glock.

[tarawa]

actually, that should have read, "tried ONE myself". Freudian slip I guess.... ;)

[RetiredArmy]

Glock 23, .40 cal. Deadly. I have one.

[breakem]

I am not very knowledgeable, but here's an endorsement. My wife has been shooting the small Glock 9 mm for years. I don't even know the model number and she's nmot here to ask. No problem and she loves it. The rangemaster who taught her also likes the weapon for small hands. That's all I can say.

[1L]

NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

[NY.SS-Bar9]

Are you sure ? ;)

[databoss]

Traded my Glock .357 Sig for a Kimber Pro Karry as my carry unit. I have over 15 pistols including 2 glock 9's, 3 customized 1911's (Springfield Armory and Colts) and a 4" .357 python (my lil bulldawg).

Kimber is the best 1911 out of the box and requires very little extra work for my needs. Watch the mags for the 1911's some can have transition problems - all are not created equal (I use stainless steel custom mags).

NOTICE: If you are going to carry a 1911 remember to fully familiarize yourself with the Condition 0 - 4 carry procedures - you could easily get into trouble carrying a 1911 in a mode you have not thoroughly trained yourself for.

For most people that don't spend a lot of time with a 1911 - I would NOT recommend using one as a carry weapon for the above mentioned Combat ready Conditons glitch. You would be better served with any DA frame like a glock/beretta/sig.

For the absolute novice that spends little range time get a bulldawg (.357/.44 snub nose revolver) they are small and mean and almost never jam and are always ready to go either as a DA revolver or quickly cocked. All you really need for most personal defense situations (0 - 10 feet - 1 - 2 torso shots with a large caliber organ grinder quick and nasty no safeties to mess with just point, pull, boom, pull, boom subject neutralized).

[Double Tap]

Taurus makes a good quality handgun these days. They got a well deserved reputation for crappy product years ago, but have made great strides toward quality in the last 10 years.

I don't recommend carrying any gun without a holster of some sort, although I've done it myself in the past. Too easy to have it slip past the belt line and go clunk on the ground. That would be very embarrassing, and could get you thrown in jail.

[woollyone]

Get a Coonan .357 Magnum (not .357 sig!). Basically, the Coonan is a 1911, chambered in .357 magnum. A bit slow in cycling, but the .357 magnum is still the FBI number 1 rated one-shot-kill round.