L.A. police to get slicker, lighter guns (switching from Beretta to Glock)

Sacramento Bee ^ | 8.27.03

[LibertyThug]

Thanks for thinking of me, though.

[mvpel]

You're using handloads in a Glock? Shame shame...

The reason that they say to always use factory ammo is that Glock chambers are a bit on the loose side to allow reliable feeding, and reloaded ammo can wind up popping in the wrong direction.

[mvpel]

Here's the Glock kB! FAQ:

http://www.f-r-i.com/glock/FAQ/FAQ-kb.htm#6

[punster]

"The laws of physics state that every action has an equal and oposite reaction, so how can they have less recoil than other firearms using the same bullet!"

You are correct, the recoil energy is actually the same. What they are really referring to is felt recoil. The polymer frame flexes and spreads the recoil impulse over a longer period of time. This makes the recoil feel more like a sustained push than a sharp rap to the hand.

[FlyVet]

The reason that they say to always use factory ammo is that Glock chambers are a bit on the loose side to allow reliable feeding, and reloaded ammo can wind up popping in the wrong direction.

My experience is exactly the opposite. I bought mine in the late 80's. The chamber was so tight, I couldn't get reliable feeding. I had to use my moto-tool to polish the ramp and throat the bore. I've had thousands of rounds of handloads through mine since then, with zero failures. Since then, the only problem I've ever had was with a box of factory Winchester Silvertips. They would stovepipe unless I squeezed the crap out of the grip. They seemed to be very light-loaded to me. For every one of me, I'm sure there are 1000 differing rumors out there about the Glock.

[Cultural Jihad]

Glock bump.

[Navy Patriot]

I believe you are correct, as your big glock has a longer barrel and accelerates the projectile to a higher velocity resulting in more recoil (MxV2). I have a couple Glock 10's (as I have two hands) and never have shot better with any other handgun.

[FlyVet]

And, just for an FYI, I have a Dillon RL550B reloading press. The Dillon dies give the 9mm an excellent taper crimp, I'd say better than factory ammo. Roll crimps and 9mm don't mix. Bad, Bad, Bad. I've heard one other hi-use 9mm shooter on these threads say the 9mm is difficult to reload. No way. I find it the easiest round to reload among my .44 Mag and .44 Special, .357 Mag and .38 Special, .223, 7.62x39, and .243 Win loads. That's just MHO.

[mvpel]

According to this page:
http://www.logicsouth.com/~lcoble/dir5/ugum11.txt

Glock 21:
Full Magazine * ~340g ~11.78 oz.
Muzzle Velocity * ~250 m/sec ~820 fps
Muzzle Energy * ~460 J ~302 Ft. Lbs.

Glock 30:
Full Magazine * ~255g ~9.00 oz.
Muzzle Velocity * ~250 m/sec ~820 fps
Muzzle Energy * ~460 J ~302 Ft. Lbs.

The Glock 21 is heavier, but has the same muzzle velocity and energy as the 30 - this is why the 30's lower felt recoil surprised me.

[punster]

"While the Glock trigger is heavy, it is consistent. Since you can't carry a Beretta cocked and locked, you have to master two trigger presses."

The consistency of trigger pull is exactly why I prefer the Glock over pistols with a conventional double-action trigger.

However, I do not consider the Glock with the standard (5 pound pull) trigger to have an inordinately heavy trigger. It is about standard for most combat pistols. The light 3 pound pull triggers are too light for combat situations, because of the increased likelihood of an unintentional discharge. Taking action that probably result in death is not something left to chance, it must be done on the basis of thorough training to be able to make the decision very quickly with full justification, understanding and accepting the consequences. Errors can lead to criminal charges. Lack of understanding and acceptance of one's actions can lead to a major psychological disaster.

[FreedomCalls]

Not only that, but the Glock is made of ceramic and therefore invisible to airport x-ray machines.

You're being sarcastic, right?

No, it's true. John McClane said so. It's the Glock 7 and it costs more than you probably make in a month!

[taxcontrol]

Forward escaping high velocity gas can be used to off set reward motion (recoil). Also, a heavier firearm will be able to "absorb" more recoil (having a larger mass it requires more energy to push the weapon backwards at the same speed). Also, the center of gravity relative to the angle of hold can alter the direction of the kentic energy thus changing the "perceived" recoil.

[BenLurkin]

Bump for the Model 23.

[Lion Den Dan]

The laws of physics state that every action has an equal and oposite reaction, so how can they have less recoil than other firearms using the same bullet!

===========================

These are cop guns. They are above the law.

[KiaKaha]

Sorry there is no such thing as a Glock 7, and all Glock pistols are easy to see on an airport x-ray machine and will set of a metal detector

[KiaKaha]

sorry, will set off a metal detector

[KiaKaha]

1000 Apologies long day, just jumped into bed and “doh”, JOHN MCCLANE!!!!, I hate it when that happens.

[George W. Bush]

"Quite frankly, it's just a much better weapon," than the standard-issue Beretta 9 mm, said Chief William Bratton during a hearing before the five-member civilian panel that oversees department policy.

Like we didn't all know this for years.
The pistols are easier to use, but it's more difficult to trace the bullets fired from Glocks than other guns. Some departments have used a modified barrel in an effort to mark the bullets, but LAPD officials say that system is still untested.

Another Glock advantage. But I can see why police might want to trace their own bullets.