[Mossberg88]

Reading up on the Glock website, I was wondering how many have tried the Glock "C" Models, and if the compensators are really as effective as they seem.

[Geno]

I have a G19C, and love it. I took one of my Advanced Tactical Shooting courses with it. We had to put 700 to 750 rounds down range, firing on command in single-round, double-tap, triple-tap and empty the whole magazine as quickly as possible. Speed was not the objective, speed and accuracy was. I had the sole compensated pistol in the course. I also fired the fastest series, and kept on target with little trouble due to the compensation. (Not bragging. Just saying that the compensated Glocks are ultra-controllable). There is virtually zero muzzle flip! This was probably also due to me having had the light weight trigger installed.

The sole objection that anyone had voiced was the allegation that the gas ports would "blind me" in nighttime shooting. Not at all. We had to fire in low-light, and in no-light. The low light shooting was performed w/o a flashlight; the no-light we had to use a flashlight. We also had our front and rear sights taped-over, because we had to do 100% point shooting. The gas ports did tend to blow the tape away a bit from the front sight.

You will note more concussion when shooting indoors. One last comment...I would not desire to have to fire the beast inside of a car in self-defense (i.e. through a window). That would have to be deafening. As you can tell, I like Glocks, and I love Gs with compensator ports. JMHO.

Edit to add, I suggest renting one at a range before buying one. You may not like them as much as I do.

Doc2005

[Gun Slinger]

Having nowhere near the experience that Doc2005 has with a "C" model, I was fortunate enough to be able to fire my best friend's 20C several weeks ago.

Muzzle/Compensator blast was, in a word, significant. Might put off those who are sensitive to such things, but I enjoyed it immensely and am now looking to acquire one for myself. Lotsa fun. :D

Note: Moreso than ever, quality eye protection is must.

[VegasOPM]

I have three issues with compensated pistols- but I do agree that they allow for faster follow up shots for most shooters. That being said, I sold mine and will never buy another for defensive purposes.

1. I have done nighttime training with a 22 C and it did dramatically impact my night vision- even with "low flash" rounds. After 3 rounds in moonlight I was unable to see for 30 seconds.
2. Use of "close contact" or other non-typical holds can result in severe injuries.
3. They are illegal in IDPA and put you in Open division in USPSA.

[mpc12]

The gun actually gave me headaches with plugs and muffs on shooting at an indoor range, problems went away outside.

Beyond that, try shooting the gun from anywhere other than eye level is a problem. Hip shooting is a huge no no with this gun.

[threefeathers]

My G-32 C is as easy to control as my 9mm that are non compensated. I don't even see the so called additional flash with Speer Gold Dot's in 357 Sig.

[Armed 24/7]

I had a 23C, and dearly regret selling it. I currently have a G23, and the muzzle flip is much sharper without the ports. I found it very important to use low flash ammo when shooting after dark, as the "V" of fire coming from the ports was very bright without it. I would love to buy a 19C...

[1KPerDay]

I have a 23C and have shot it back to back with a 23 and it's a bit better. Not astoundingly better, but you do notice it.

[JZ06]

I have a 19C(thanks to a friend for letting me try his! which convinced me) and LOVE IT. Over 5250 rds through it. Like the above mentioned, super easy to get on target, rapid fire, slow fire, group tightly or empty the entire mag and have EVERY shot hit center mass.

With self defense ammo, the flash really isn't bad. We've tested in dim lighting and found the results we're acceptable. I'd worry a little about the noise which is a bit louder than a non-com'd in a stress/self defense situation....Then in that circumstance..your adrenaline is pumping so it'd dampen the effect.

[Marcus L.]

I would never use one for self defense or duty purposes. Yes, they do make a significant difference in managing recoil, however the ports blow out hot gas and burned material. Shooting from the hip or using close quarters combat holds will bring those ports into range of your face. Unless you are wearing full goggles, you will get hot gases and material in your eyes causing injury or blindness. If your hold is extended out in front of you it isn't a problem, but when you bring it in close for more realistic combat scenarios you will have problems. Compensators on pistols have been around for at least a century, but they are not used by police or military for this very reason.

[leadcounsel]

I have a G23C and really like it. I am a fan of the compensated duty and carry size models because I do believe they reduce recoil by the estimated 15-20%.

I don't buy the hype about injury or night blindness...

[Commander Crusty]

My dad was a Magna-Holic and ported several of his pistols. The porting reduces recoil a LOT, does not significantly increase muzzle flash (yes, I have fired these guns in low light), and very rarely (a couple of times in 20 years) sent some particles of un-burned powder back toward my face (this with full power magnum .357 loads).

IMHO the dangers of using ported guns for self defense is over rated. I'd rather reduce the actual strain on my body from shooting hundreds or thousands of rounds of ammo than worry about flash or powder burns in the unlikely event I should use my pistol for defense.

Although, the darned things are LOUD.

[lanternlad1]

Having watched videos of compensated and non-compensated Glocks being fired on You Tube, I cannot SEE a discernible difference in recoil. Please approximate in percentages the differences in felt recoil. Say, a Glock 19 vs Glock 19C. And how would you compare a compensated Glock vs a low recoiling gun like a Beretta Px4 Storm?