[Black Majik]

Ok... well, I know there are two types of people, those who dont like glocks, and those who do.

Glocks in general, are ugly, awkward grip angle, and a very spongy trigger.

But, they're very corrosion resistant, slim profile, reliable, and little safety doodads to get in the way.


I will give you my take on it. Before I saw them as being ugly with the worst possible trigger possible to put on a gun. But, now... I want one. Theres something about it that has drawn me to them. I have been spoiled by the 1911 triggers, the crisp clean pulls. The all metal construction. But I realized that I want a gun that doesn't require a lot of maintenance, slim profile and easy to carry around as a house gun, lightweight and relatively corrosion resistant. I am still having a hardtime admitting to actually considering getting a Glock, but its a niche I must fulfill! As soon as money comes up I hope to get a G23. Compact, lightweight and fills my polmer niche and my .40 niche :D

Now the question, who has gone from disliking Glocks, to seeing "the light" and buying a glock pistol?

... and what was your reasons? What pistol did you buy to fulfill your "need"?

[JohnKSa]

I looked at some Glocks when they started getting popular and was pretty unimpressed.

That would have been that, but some time later I decided that I wanted a 10mm. After some research, it seemed to me that the best of the bunch (particularly in terms of durability) was the Glock 20.

When I got it home, I took it apart to clean it as I do with all my new guns. I was so impressed by the design that I went back to the store the next day and bought a 17.

The guns have no soul, perhaps, but they do work well and keep working well. Other than the plastic sights, I've had no complaints after a lot of years and a lot of rounds.

[magsnubby]

I was pretty much the same way when those plastic "things" first hit the market. To someone raised on S&W wheelguns and 1911's they were strange lookin' pieces of plastic stuff. Then i handled one. Then i shot one. Big mistake. Then i bought one. It quickly replaced my cherished Ruger s/s Security Six as my everyday gun. I shoot it better than any of my other guns. That was in '94. I'll never part with it.

[pogo2]

I have owned handguns a long time, and was fond of 1911's and S&W revolvers. My initial impression of Glocks was that they looked funny and had a very odd trigger feel. I first rented one at the range about 6 years ago - a 9mm model 17. I was surprised how well I could shoot it, and had to revise my opinion.

Later I bought a model 19 and then a model 23, both with standard capacity mags and various holsters. I decided the model 23 might be the best carry gun ever made, and the ideal compromise between modest size and significant firepower. Where else can you find a fairly slim (1-inch thick slide), 22 ounce gun that allows a full finger grip, is absolutely reliable, and holds 14 rounds of .40 caliber ammo? And there is no manual safety to forget in an emergency, nor is there a DA/SA transition to worry about. It isn't as pretty as a 1911, but it is the ultimate in practical function over aesthetic form.

[MikeJ]

I have to concur with what the other posters have said. When Glocks first came out I wasn't that interested. Then they gained quite a reputation and became almost a household word, certainly one of the most easily recognized names among nongunners. A friend of mine got a model 19 and it was actually my wife that convinced me I should get one, and she doesn't like guns. The .40 S&W was making waves and the model 23 got my attention and that's what I got. It still isn't my favorite gun but as others have said they are reliable, impervious to most abuse and just so darn practical from a users perspective. For what they are meant to be they certainly succeeded.

[flip180]

It was a G23 that I ended up selling to finance a down payment for a car and have regreted it ever since. I bought my second ( a G26) a little over a month ago and am very pleased. I particilarly don't care for the looks of the gun as long as it works. I had a Kimber that was eye candy like no other but it had been less than reliable. It was like dating this really hot chick that cheated on me. I'll take the ordinary looking glock because it is faithfull and will always be there for me. I think I'll buy it a ring:p .

Robert.

[Black Majik]

I'll tell ya this, and its kinda ironic.. but...

Ever since 1911forum went down... I spend my "other time" (besides here on THR) on Glocktalk reading up on all the information. :D

[Steelharp]

Well, I'm not a bigtime shooter like a bunch of the folks here, but I'll chime in with my experience. I have owned 3 Glocks; a 36, a 17, and a 21. Of the three, the 17 was the one I liked the best, but I was far more excited about selling them all. I tried to continue to sell myself on them; easy to maintain, lightweight, the "smart, modern" thing to have. But I just couldn't do it. They never felt comfortable, they just never felt "at home" in my hand. I sold one, and I would think I should try another model; maybe that one just wasn't it. Well, I've tried 3... and my "Jonesing" is finally completely over. I know, it's not that they're not great pistols; they're just not great pistols for me.

Mikey D...

[boofus]

Really the only things I like about Glocks are the price and the finish on the slides. Compared to H&Ks or Sigs the Glocks are bargains. The factory finish on the Glock seems much more durable than other guns.

I never carried my Sig P245 in a holster and it still ended up picking up nicks and scratches after a couple months.

I've had a Glock 26 and Glock 19 but sold them both. I just couldn't get used to that trigger. Plus I feel safer carrying my P7M8 with a round in the tube. Puts my mind more at ease than the little plastic trigger safety on the Glocks.

[sig970]

First gun was a G19

Sold it. Moved onto Sig Sauer, Beretta, and Kimber

[22/22mag]

I have only one Glock a G27 that I reguard as a revolver with a hair trigger and with that mind set I should have no problem with ND.I would carry the g27 if I had need of a quick gun for SD.I had shot a G30 but liked the size of the G27.As far as ugly the sub-XDs are ugly-er.

[denfoote]

Glocks are the Borg of the gun world.
Resistance is futile.
You will be assimilated!!

My first was the G26.
Then came the 19, 30, 29 (traded the 19 for this one) and the 36!!!

[mmike87]

Nothing wrong with Glocks if you're looking for a plastic gun. Might I suggest you take a Springfield XD for a test drive? It has several advantages over the Glock:

1) Grip safety in addition to "safe action" style trigger
2) Superior single-action trigger (IMO, and many others)
3) It's a little cheaper
4) Lifetime warranty from Springfield Armory
5) Glock like durability and reliability
6) I do not think that the XD suffers from the "unsupported chamber" thing

The Glock has a distinctive advantage over the XD (and every other gun) when it comes to the finish.

[WhoKnowsWho]

and what was your reasons? What pistol did you buy to fulfill your "need"?

A Glock 22 because it was used with 2 pre-ban mags and quite inexpensive with those, I didn't have a .40 S&W yet at the time, I could get a 9mm conversion, the grip fit okay, though I think a G36 fits a bit better.

And more recently, a G26, compact, 9mm, 10 rounds, accurate, reliable, and I think it's kinda cute. :p

[natedog]

The Glock has a distinctive advantage over the XD (and every other gun) when it comes to the finish.

If you're talking about aesthetics, then yes, probably so- but if you're talking about durability, nothing beats the tennifer stuff. From the GLOCK website

The metal components on a GLOCK are practically indestructable. That's because they're finished with a unique surface treatment called Tenifer that makes those parts virtually as hard as a diamond. It is even more corrosion resistant than stainless steel.

[Sean Smith]

*Shrug*

I started with Glocks, then moved on. Not bad like their detractors say, but wildly over-rated by their fans. The ergonomics, sights and triggers sucked for me, and when I grew up I realized that what makes a gun easy to shoot are... good ergonomics, sights and triggers. I can't imagine ever owning one again, but there are alot of autoloaders I don't expect to own in the future: Rugers, Smith & Wessons, Berettas, Sigs that aren't P210s, HKs, etc.

[git_r_dun0405]

I just bought my first Glock 17 a few weeks ago. I love it. Full size light weight. Accurate, Reliable and Comfortable to carry. I just wish that I could find Hi Cap Mags that wont break the bank. $100 for 17 rounder?:eek:

[Rockstar]

One would think that handgun "experts" would realize that the stock factory Glock trigger doesn't have to be tolerated. With the replacement of a $15 or so part and a little polishing, one can quickly achieve (without having to pay a gunsmith) a 3#, fairly crisp trigger with a quick reset. For around $100 or so, there are Glocksmiths (Custom Glock Racing, etc.) who'll get the trigger pull down to 2# or less. There are also connectors (Ghost Rocket) that take out all the excessive overtravel.

I found over the years that many "experts" are only expert in writing big checks to grateful gunsmiths. :)

[michiganfan]

" nor is there a DA/SA transition to worry about."

This is what I like about a Glock first shot is just like all the rest.

[doofus]

6) I do not think that the XD suffers from the "unsupported chamber" thing

It's not an "unsupported" chamber, it's a "partially unsupported" chamber. :) In any case, it's not so much a problem, as it is a trade-off which promotes a higher degree of feed reliability. The corresponding KB! problems that the anti-Glock set are so quick to point out can happen to *any* firearm under the proper conditions. Interestingly enough, I've recently seen a few pics of XD KaBooms on a couple firearms forums. Does it seem that KaBooms happen more frequently in Glocks? Sure, but I'd be interested in seeing what the actual numbers are. When a company sells as many pistols as Glock does, their "problems" tend to be far more visible.

[git_r_dun0405]

If youre worried an unsupported barrel. Buy a new after market barrel.

The XD finish will be worn off in no time.

[WhoKnowsWho]

The XD finish will be worn off in no time.

Which is why I bought a XD-40 in stainless steel... purty.

[LeonCarr]

I started shooting IPSC in 1995, and I shot 1911s. Maybe this is just my experience, but they malfunctioned alot, always in the middle of a match while you are winning :), and they spent more time at the gunsmith than they did in my holster. I switched to the Glock, both as my duty weapon and my competition gun, and the problems went away. I am a Glockoholic for life.

Read the Signature :)

Just my .02,
LeonCarr

[goalie]

I wanted to hate them, but they are simple, reliable, durable, accurate, easy to work on at home, and easy to use under stress. The only problem I have ever had was with metal aftermarket magazines eating up the magazine release on my G17, and that was fixed by a Glock armourer for free in about 5 minutes, and with an extended mag release to boot.

[7.62FullMetalJacket]

It has all been said. No soul, but the ultimate tool. Not something to break out at parties, but definitely something to bring to a riot. :D

[magsnubby]

I tried to hate 'em.....i really did.....i think they put a spell on me.....repeat after me.....blue steel.....walnut.....blue steel.....walnut......

[SirPorl]

Glocks are quality handguns no doubt about it. I am not all to crazy about the look of them but what I don't like about them most is in that I just can't grip them very well. The grips seem and feel too fat my my hands. Not as comfy for me as my CZs.

SirPorl

[Boats]

Want tennifer in a pistol with decent ergonomics? Get a Walther P99. With the pending death of the AWB, there will be a window to address the lack of full cap mags, which is the only shortcoming this pistol line really suffers from if they ever get a universal rail.

I keep trying to like Glocks, especially the G20, but I can't bring myself to do it. The grip angle was always a huge turn off and now the poorly thought out height of the finger grooves is a deal killer.

[Lawyerman]

I bought my first Glock an M19 in 1988 or 89. At any rate it was so new that it came in a model 17 box. In the 15 years since I bought it it has not had a single parts failure or jam. This includes my less than great quality reloads assembled at the kitchen table as I learned how to "roll my own". It includes at least one case of Corrosive as all heck Egyptian +p machine gun ammo. It includes several trips to shooting schools where high round counts are the norm. For the whopping price of $425, complete with two extra magazines no less. Yes, I have replaced the crummy plastic sights with a set of Novaks. Exactly the same as 99% of 1911's have had to have done until about 1998.

Glocks are tools, not toys. Like so many others I wanted to hate them but they work too well for that. I am willing to throw my Glock across a parking lot without hesitation. I don't know too many guys that will do that with their Les Baer's and Wilsons- Clint Smith notwithstanding (he get's it). As far as I'm concerned if you aren't willing to do that, it's just a toy not a tool!

[CZ52GUY]

Simple, reliable, combat-accurate (trigger does take some getting used to).

It's not a work of art, but it's a tool that does the job.

I've got 3-40's (23,22,35) enjoy them all.

Safe shooting,

CZ52'

[one45auto]

I am willing to throw my Glock across a parking lot without hesitation.

Holy $%@!!!!! :what: :what: :what: :what:


The image of my beloved Colt sparking off the pavement is too terrible to comtemplate.... :eek:

[CZ52GUY]

I am willing to throw my Glock across a parking lot without hesitation.

I am unwilling to toss a firearm unless I'm at slide-lock, out of ammo', and it's necessary to use it as an extended range blunt object weapon ;).

I did, however, once toss a Fobus Paddle well to the right of the Peanut Gallery at a competition...but that's another story :D.

Safe shooting,

CZ52'

[dairycreek]

and now I don't own any! I liked each and every one of the Glocks I owned, particularly the G26. But I have never been able to get used to (or feel comfortable with) the so called "Safe Action" part. Rational? Probably not but that's the fact of the matter. So, no more Glocks for me. Good shooting;)

[gulogulo1970]

I bought my first as a protest purchase(whenever the government bans a gun I run out and buy one even if I don't want or need it) because of the 1994 over ten shot magazine ban.

I was and still am to some extent a 1911 guy but hated 9mm's so I found the highest capacity 40S&W I could find a 15+1 Glock 22. I used to make fun of my friends who had some really ugly plastic guns. I used to be ashamed for them. Then I shot my new Glock 22 and loved it. Trigger is funky but it remindes me of a two stage trigger with a weird take up, little more pressure, Bang! But what sold me is how well I shoot them. It's like pointing my finger and a bullet hole appears wherever I want it to. I don't shoot any other handguns as well. I guess that stange grip angle was made for me. Now I own four different Glocks(17C, 22, 23, 36) and only one 1911. Never thought that would happen.

[CZ100B]

My Glock 29 is purely a tool. It will not fail me if I need it, and I don't care if it gets messed up in the process.
None of my other firearms are that way to me, I have a cow if they even get a scratch.

Jeremy

[HSMITH]

I've done things to a Glock that would make most really cringe, and they keep on ticking. They WORK, plain and simple. Yeah the trigger sucks at first, no it isn't anything like a tuned _________, but when you need a gun that WORKS you can grab a Glock without reservation. Put a little time in on the range and the trigger, just as Glock supplied it right out of the box, is quite useable and does not present a problem. Most should 'learn to shoot' before they complain about it, poor trigger control on the part of the operator gets blamed on the gun far too often.

Glocks WORK, and if the operator is a even halfway decent shot they are PLENTY accurate for anything a defensive handgun would ever need to do.

[shooting4fun]

G'day All,

Quite a bit on the subject matter has been said on this thread already. Good stuff too. My spin on Glocks has a similar tone with those issues already mentioned. I'll add to the discussion. The area that I truly appreciate is the maintainability. I shoot a bit for casual entertainment purposes so I rack up the round count significantly on all my firearms. The Glocks seem to take the use, and occasional abuse in better stride than the other patterns that I own.

Case in point, during longer matches, 200 + rounds or so, the Glocks just keep running without a hint of hesitation or function issues. Other patterns will show something to tell me that they are getting to the outside edge of the operational window of things.

In my overall assessment of handguns, I want it to run”.” I can live with that. Similarly in my entertainment pursuits, if the gun runs well I can focus what I'm doing rather be distracted by having to worry about with the thing cycle or function till I finish the stage. Malfunction drills with the Glocks are pretty rare. When they do, they're pretty easy to deal with. Rack and go!

Get out there and enjoy the shooting sports! Cheers!

[PieThatCorner]

The first Glock I shot was a G17 9mm... that was over ten years ago and I was completely unimpressed, disinterested, and besides, it looked fairly ugly to me. All that and regardless of the fact that I was printing an impressive group in the ten-ring at 7 yards. I attributed it to the suprise break from not being used to the Glock.

Fast forward to last year; I went shooting with a buddy who had a G21 .45... it still seemed just as ugly to me, but it felt very comfortable to hold and shoot - the recoil was very tame. On top of that, again, I was printing a tight group in the ten-ring. To qualify this, all I can say is that I think I have questionable talent in getting my bullets on target and I never really spend enough quality time on a range - thus, my lousy skills. But I do believe I actually exercise better form and am capable of shooting more consistently accurate with my Glocks. So at the time, I contemplated... hmmmmm.... perhaps there is something to these Glocks.

A month afterwards, I figured what the Hell... just for a day, I'll quit being such a cheap bastard and buy one already! So I picked up a G21 and no regrets whatsoever. I now own three Glocks in two different calibers (.45 & .40). As my wife likes to point out, and I'll repeat it here for its comedic quality, (the statement, not my wife) "...it sure isn't very pretty-looking, is it... "

"Pretty looking?" Oh for cryin' out loud, it's a combat gun! It ain't 'sposed to be purdy!

But to my eyes, they're a thing of beauty. And with that, to each their own. A Glock just isn't for everyone. It certainly is not by a long shot the definitive gun of all guns. But it's definitely in a class all by itself. (Insert your own joke here :scrutiny: )

-Jim

[PO2Hammer]

I went from liking what I read about Glocks to disliking how I shot the Glocks, to trying most everything else, to trying the large frame Glocks, to loving the Glock 20-10mm. Other than a Colt Python or Freedom Arms 97, the Glock 20 has become my favorite.
I wanted to like the 1911, I really did, but the big Glock 20 has proven best for me. (sorry J.M.Browning)

[SSGAUTEN]

I bought a Glock 17 in 1986. It came with 2 Hi Cap magazines and I bought a third for $26.

I was in my local gunshop looking at a lot of pistols (I was a wood and steel lover), the salesman handed this square slide, plastic, funny looking (ugly) gun.
I really wasn't thinking about a "plastic" gun, but I closed my eyes, held the gun out at arms length, opened my eyes and I was looking at a perfect sight picture!

I bought the gun! I have never regretted it. After many thousands of rounds, the gun still shoots as good as it did when it was new.

Considering the 3 Hi Cap magazines are worth more then I paid for the gun, not a bad deal at all.

I also have 2 KelTecs, a P-11 and a P-32 and love all of my "Plastic" guns.

[steelhead]

Would not buy one today but it was the ULTIMATE when I first started shooting. As time went on, however, I moved away from Glocks and went to 1911's and revolvers. Same thing for hi-cap's when I first started out. Hi-caps were not an option but a must (after watching Red Dawn and/or Zombie flicks). Had to have a G19, Beretta 92, etc. but now I find 8, 6, or 5 are plenty. Won't slight someone for owning one (other than in playful banter) but Glocks did not age well with me.

[Baba Louie]

Whenever I take newbies out shooting handguns I always throw in one or two of Gastons Terrorist weapon of choice (anyone remember Jack Anderson's article?) along with a 1911, the CZ75, a 586 and/or a 29 and either a MKII or Buckmark. Everyone of them ends up preferring the Glocks.
When asked why, responses typically fall into these three:
"It's lighter."
"I'm more accurate with it."
"I don't know. It just feels right."
One couple later bought a 17, another bought a 19. One petite female bought a 21!
And since they all know I've got a 26, they really want to shoot the babyglock, but due to grip size prefer something with more handle to it, I guess.
People who have shot a lot tend to go for the 1911, the CZ or the 586/29.
Everyone loves shooting the .22's, but the newbies will expend more of my ammo in the Glocks.
They're nice to own and shoot. Not the end all be all.
I do carry the 26 daily cause it's small and light, it always goes bang and I feel confident in my placement of rounds downrange.
Before the glocks came on the scene it was either a 1911 or a .357.

[schromf]

Well, I'm not a bigtime shooter like a bunch of the folks here, but I'll chime in with my experience. I have owned 3 Glocks; a 36, a 17, and a 21. Of the three, the 17 was the one I liked the best, but I was far more excited about selling them all. I tried to continue to sell myself on them; easy to maintain, lightweight, the "smart, modern" thing to have. But I just couldn't do it. They never felt comfortable, they just never felt "at home" in my hand. I sold one, and I would think I should try another model; maybe that one just wasn't it. Well, I've tried 3... and my "Jonesing" is finally completely over. I know, it's not that they're not great pistols; they're just not great pistols for me.

Exactly how I feel about Ruger BlackHawks, bought 3, 2ea 44 mags, 1 ea 41 mag. I wanted to like them, I tried to like them, I tried again to like them figuring I was picky or wrong, there just not good pistols for me.

.Everyone of them ends up preferring the Glocks. I have found younger shooters fall into this group, older shooters seem to like the all metal guns. When I go to the range I must admit it isn't really fair comparing a Glock to a Colt Python, most new shooters like the Python, auto's in general are intimidating to new shooters, it takes some time shooting before they seem to get comfortable with the auto's be it a Glock, a 1911, Sig, or a CZ.

Glocks are OK, not a 1911, BHP, or a S&W or Colt wheelgun, but that isn't all bad, I like mine, shoot it well, not much more to say except every gun collection should have at least one.

[MRE]

When I first shot a Glock I also didn't like it. The grip felt like a brick and the trigger a sponge. I only liked single action pistols like the BHP and the 1911. When I started thinking about a carry gun, is when the Glock started looking good to me because I didn't want to carry cocked and locked. The trigger is shorter than a traditional DAO and it has a very short reset. With some dry firing practice I started to like the trigger. The more I shot it the more I liked the consistent trigger. The finish is great for a carry gun and it is very easy to take down and clean. A lot of people don't like the grip angle, I found out that the grip angle fits if I naturally extend my arm out in front of me with my fist closed, all my other guns I have to cock my wrist up a little. So I think the glock grip would be better in a stressful situation, but I know any grip angle can become natural with enough time and practice.

[c5367]

I came across a good deal on a G21 and ended up buying it. truth be told, I hated the thing. The grip was like a 2x4, the trigger was mushy with a mile of overtravel, and the sight were garbage. Now, a couple thousand rounds later, the grip has grown on me, I've installed meps, and modified the trigger to be very crisp with no overtravel. It still lacks a soul, but I can shoot the thing as well, if not better, than some of 1911 guys at my local range.
I don't mind if it gets scratched, which is near impossible with the Glock finish. I won't mind if I have to use it, and the cops take it into evidence. I don't feel bad about shooting the snot out of it and possibly wearing it out. I like being able detail strip it in the time takes some to field strip, and to do any and all work needed on it. I like having 14 rounds of .45 ready to go. I like the consistent 'safe action' trigger pull from shot to shot. In short, I like Glocks.

[MyRoad]

I guess I'm a classic, if not partial, "convert". I started with SIGs and Berettas, then over the years gravitated to 1911's. After having sampled some of the finest all-around guns out there, when I became serious about carrying, I picked up a couple of Kahrs (a PM9 and a K40) and a couple of Glocks (a G36 and a G32). In the end, the looooong trigger reset on the Kahr, while nice and smooth, just takes too long to hit the sweet spot. The Glocks are, for me, the best carry compromise (I only carry IWB): reliable, plenty accurate for defense, snag free, pretty narrow for IWB, tough finish, lack of external safeties is lefty-friendly... pop them into a Kydex Comp-Tac holster and you're good-to-go.

I shoot them every time I go to the range because I need to stay familiar with my carry guns. But I look forward to putting them aside and taking out the guns I really love to shoot - 1911's. For a home defense handgun (to back up a shotgun), I have a SIG P220ST. If I hit the trail I'd take a S&W .357magnum. But for concealed carry, I have Glocks.

[arizona]

I fullfilled my niche with a G19C.

Decked out by the Glockmiester with 3.5 trigger, night sights, springs, etc. everything he suggested except the extended mag release. Unless you shoot competitively I would not get it. The slightest bump and it's gone. :uhoh:

Great pistol.

[antediluvianist]

A handgun is just a launcher for the bullet, the projectile that actually makes contact with the person trying to kill you.

A Glock is a simple, reliable, low- maintenance launcher.

Simplicity = 33 parts only and no manual safety to forget to flick off or external hammer to snag; reliability that is as good as any other semi-auto and far better than most; a design that does not need much maintenance.

Add in a nearly indestructible, non-rusting frame, and a tennifer finish.

So, I switched to a Glock from a 1911 and a Tanfoglio. A simpler, more reliable, lower-maintenance bullet-launcher.

For looks, marry a beautiful woman.

[Amish_Bill]

A fair number of Glocks have passed through my hands over time. I only have one right now, and that's just because it has a novelty serial number.

They have two major problems in my eyes.

1) The trigger mounted safety huts my finger. I've carved them down to be flush with the surface of the trigger at full engagement, and they are more bearbale, but it still annoys me.

2) I cannot take the grip angle. I've done the "close your eyes, preent the gun, and open your eyes" bit with them. Without fail I have a good view of the chamber between the front and rear sights.

I'm not willing to attempt training myself to present it straight out as many have suggested. First, it's fighting against my natural mechanics. Why swim upstream when you don't have to. Second, none of my other handguns point this way. Why should I should I train for a strange grip that may hurt how I present other guns?

This situation used to really bug me. Here was a plain, durable, functional weapon that I could not get to like.

Then I found the Walther P99. Except for that blasted proprietary rail, it's everything that Glock did right, and nothing they did wrong. The trigger is wider and does not have that rail in it. The grip is user adjustable. It has a superior magazine release. I believe the slide is even finished the same way. Now, as soon as the ban goes away I can stock up on stainless full-cap mags and I'll be SOO happy!

[Amish_Bill]

A Glock is a simple, reliable, low- maintenance launcher.
Very true. Unfortunately, that's where some people stop in their logic process. At some point, you have to ask "Can the user actually operate this tool properly, easily and comfortably?"

I really wish I could answer that in the affirmative in regard to Glocks. I'm apparently in the minority on this. The fact that Robar offers grip reductions must mean that enough of us exist to make the conversion profitable. Someday I'll have to track down a Glock that's had it's grip reduced. I'd like to see how it fits my hand.

[Obiwan]

I was hooked after a 3 day intensive shooitn class....

Got sick and tired of decocking my Sig

Shaved a couple seconds off my best time partly by not having to make the da/sa transition.

I was hooked

To me Glocks are tools...not art objects...simple functionality and reliability

As to the premise that any type of modification must be popular simply because they are available.....

Keep in mind that there are some people that just have to tinker.....they can't help it....they need to "personalize" every weapon......

And there are some that simply have small hands...which may make grip reductions one of the only Glock mods that doesn't potentially screw up a good thing.

For them I say...buy a Kahr!

[malada]

I was never a glock fan. I have several different style of full size handguns but when my state was in the process of passing CCW I realized I really didn't have a good carry gun. I wanted something compact with full power. I didn't want to go with less than 9mm. I found myself for the first time not as concerned about the looks of the gun as the durability and reliability. I wanted a gun that was ready to shoot fast in stressful situations without the chance for confusion with safeties and the worry of carrying cocked and locked. I never really liked the fact that Glocks didn't have manual safeties before, but when I caught myself considering a revolver I realized that maybe Glock's were an option. The final straw was when I was taking my concealed carry class I noticed one of the other guys in my group had a G26. I asked how he liked it and he said he just bought it but it seamed OK. My instructor said he had one in his truck if I wanted to try it. During break the instructor and I went to the range and I ran a few mags through it. I was amazed at the accuracty of a gun that size. I ordered one with factory night sights the next day. I have carried it dailey and have every bit of confidence that if and when I need it, it will function flawlessly. Like mentioned in a previous post, I feel like it is a tool. I don't worry if it is going to get some holster wear or a scratch because I bought it to carry every day and be there when I need it. A little over two months of dailey carrry now and still looks like new. I am now a Glock Lover.

[milcaztra]

I started off carrying a Series 70 Colt Gold Cup. A good friend kept telling me to switch to a Glock. After several years, I bought a Glock 23, then 24, and then 27. Then I switched to an Hk P7 as my carry pistol for several years. Now I'm back to the Glock as my daily carry, after buying the 31 and 32. For me, nothing will replace my 1911's and P7's (and CZ's) for surgical accuracy, but for daily ease of carry, practical reliability and overall effectiveness, the compact Glock .40/.357sig is hard to beat.

[45+]

In the '70's I carried a Python 4" or the 1911 my dad carried in WWII as a Reserve Deputy Sheriff. For a couple of decades I did not shoot, hunt, or carry. In the '90's when Jr. showed some interest, we looked, bought, and shot together.

One day Jr. asked about Glock, and I said I had never even heard of them, better stick with Colt, Ruger, S&W, etc. Third or so go-round he bought a G22. We both fell in love. We got licensed together when then-Governor George W. Bush signed the CHL law for Texas as he had promised and each carried a Glock 40 Caliber.

Then the KB!'s the reloading warnings about 40's etc. I traded several Glocks for other things. I went Glockless for a while.

Then I thought I needed a gun one night. BG threated me and mine, and I spent several hours wishing I had a Glock. Soon after I bought a 3rd gen G21. Occaisionally I think I might carry something else, but then I remember the desire to be armed with a Glock "that night".

I have fired lots of rounds through it, without a hiccup. This is a "working gun" for me. Not a Safe Queen. Much like my RBH 45 Convertible, this one is tank-tough, packs enough punch to do almost anything I ask of a handgun, and shoots like a cream-puff.

I am looking forward to the sunset to get a few high-cap mags at a decent price, but other than that, I expect my Glock will stay with me this time.

Good shootin'.

[one45auto]

I was never a Glock fan either, in fact until last month I used to scoff at those "butt ugly Buck Rogers ray guns." Never, I told myself, not in a million years, would I ever own a piece of combat tupperware. No sir.

Then back in late April I was at White Marsh and saw a rebuilt Glock 23 in the display case. It was one of those police trade-ins that were sent back to the factory for a second chance and carried the department stamp on the slide. I don't know why, maybe out of pure curiosity, but I asked to handle it. I turned it over, felt the grip, sighted it, examined the trigger, and gave it back. No big deal. No interest in buying or shooting one. I left the store daydreaming about my next J-frame or perhaps breaking down and buying a 3 1/16" Ruger SP101 since I couldn't bring myself to send my 2 1/2" off to the factory for a barrel swap.

It was only afterward that the idea of owning one began to grow on me like some insidious viral infection until at last I was struck down by Glock-itis. (Little did I know there was no cure) However the .40 seemed a bit much and so I tried hard to push the idea out of my mind by reading all I could on the comparative recoil of the round as measured by other calibers. Yet somewhere in the midst of my deliberations the concept of purchasing a Glock 19 was born, though just when or where the notion originated I cannot say for certain. All that I do know is once I realized that I could have the same compact frame as the .40 model 23 with the lighter 9mm model 19 my desire became such that I couldn't shake off the suggestion. In a last ditch effort to convince myself that it really wasn't a gun that I'd like, I went to On Target and rented one. Big mistake. It only took less than fifteen minutes for me to fall head over heels in love, so much so that the salesman practically had to pry the gun from my fingers.

The rental was filthy ~ and I do mean filthy. It hadn't seen a bore brush or some Hoppes since the day it was born and in the meantime had been used and abused by numerous individuals and countless thousands of rounds with nary a simple dusting between shoots. Once done the clerks simply put it back in the case, time and time again, yet amazingly that dirty gun fired flawlessly with the very same ammunition which had caused two feeds jams in my pristine series 80 Colt model M1991A1. An identical Colt owned by former co-worker once had the slide stuck open by less residue than I saw on that model 19 and yet the Glock went bang each and every time I pulled the trigger. Unbelievable. To say that I was impressed would be an understatement - I was flabbergasted. My accuracy with it was also something that I found surprising, because the trigger (which took some getting used to) notwithstanding I did better with the Glock my first time out than I did my beloved Colt ~ and I was flinching now and then too! (For some reason I kept expecting the lighter frame to have more recoil than it did.)

From the moment I left the range all I could think about was buying a Glock 19 for myself and after making several phone calls I came across a used model which I examined the very next day and purchased on the spot. In less than 48 hours she'll be mine (Maryland....:rolleyes: ) and believe me I just cannot wait to take possession of her. Unlike the other guns in my collection when I think of the Glock asthetics are the last thing that comes to mind - instead I recall the reliability and feel secure knowing that should I ever need it to use it, it'll perform come what may. As much as I still adore it (for it was my first, and up until now my only, semi-auto) I just don't have the same level of confidence in my Colt thanks to those two feeds jams and tap-rack-bang drills are the last thing I want to be worrying about should some goblin forcibly intrude upon me with evil intentions. Of course I could fix the problem by simply avoiding that particular brand of ammunition or investing in some gunsmithing (such as a throat job/polishing the feed ramp), but I'm spoiled by revolvers that work dirty and with any brand of ammunition right out of the box. I feel that my semi's should behave likewise and even in my limited experience the Glock measured up to this standard. Judging from the comments others here on THR have made I gather that's pretty much par for the course.

Although I criticized them in the past, I'm definitely a Glock fan now and if only I could find a Glock 19 that was traded in and still carried the police department stamp on the slide my happiness would be complete. Don't ask me why, but those markings add a certain aurora to the gun.....they give it a history, if you know what I mean.

[James Bondrock]

I have had a Glock 19 for some time and have been pleased with it ... at least after I sent it back to the factory for new magazine followers. (It was reliable with FMJ ammo but would not feed the last round of a hollowpoint. ) My previous two semi-auto pistols were both double actions: a S&W 5904 and a SIG P228 (I still have the SIG; its reliability and accuracy is simply unsurpassed). Due partly to the large grips, long trigger reaches and double- to single-action transition, I was never really satisfied with my shooting. Then I tried out the Glock and I instantly started blowing the centers right out of the target; it was easy. The grip angle that everyone complains about is a matter of familiarity and practice. If you are used to the grip angle of a 1911, SIG or similar pistol, a Glock will point very high at first, with the front sight well above the rear. After working with the G19 for a while to the virtual exclusion of all else, I find the SIG to point low. ;) The spongy trigger with a tinny "sproin-n-ng" letoff and excessive overtravel is not great for precision shooting of tight groups at long range, but is of no moment in short range fast and furious shooting.

[crebralfix]

I went from loving Glocks to seriously disliking them. I first began to become unsatisfied with my Glocks because I did not have confidence in reloading for them. Secondly, I discovered that follow-up shots were slower in the Glocks chambered for 45 ACP. Finally, the lack of external safety became a concern in daily handling of the gun.

Attributes to like:

1) Lightweight
2) Grip to slide angle facilitates carry
3) Large capacity if you have the cash
4) Durable ... finish is very tough
5) Reliable, except when they kaBOOM ;)
6) Everywhere...usually 7 out of 8 shooters at the training classes I attend use them. Cops use them. Ranges have them.
7) Functional looks
8) TRIGGER RESET


Attributes to dislike:

1) Lightweight due to plastic. Some durability issues with slides seperating from the frame on older models.
Also, recoil movement seems to be greater for me.
2) Grip to slide angle feels weird in the hand and takes time to learn to point well
3) Some models have huge grips
4) No external safeties that are for the shooter (the trigger safety is to help prevent an object from snagging the trigger and to help guarantee that the trigger must be pulled in order to fire the gun).
5) Cruddy trigger except for the trigger reset
6) Sights are made from plastic and not so good.
7) Reloading for the unsupported chamber requires care and LOTS of quality control checks

The primary concerns for me were the trigger, extra movement during recoil, and lack of manual safeties. Costs also increased because I only reloaded the brass once; quality control is essential when reloading for Glocks. External safeties are NOT the current trend, so about 50% of all pistols are not eligible. The single action trigger is the best trigger available. Currently, few guns have a single action trigger...including the 1911 and Browning Hi Power (and clones). The HK USP has a variant that allows for Condition 1 carry. CZ also offers a single action model. There are others, but I wanted a pistol chambered in 45 ACP.

[7.62FullMetalJacket]

Secondly, I discovered that follow-up shots were slower in the Glocks chambered for 45 ACP.

21C is the answer ;) Very little muzzle flip for me :D

[Gus Dddysgrl]

I stole...er borrowed... dad's....er mom's G19. I won't give it back. You can't make me!!!!!!! I like how it fits in my hand. I also like how a G26 fits in my hand. For me they fit. It's also easier to shoot sometimes than my Ruger. I also like the look of them.

[Michigun]

I used to be a 1911 guy… I actually shoot these better… they are my main carry guns:

[7.62FullMetalJacket]

Michigun,

What is that funky velour stuff on the grip :confused: :what:

[CZ52GUY]

What is that funky velour stuff on the grip

It's an A-grip...I put one on my early generation G22...very comfortable and absorbs sweat on a hot day...pretty ugly, but goes with my piece ;).

Safe shooting,

CZ52'

[mike in pike]

Glocks! No soul, no looks, no character! But they work! Each and every time, they work! I'll take an ugly gun that works every time, rather than the Prom Queen that's finicky, temperamental, and picky. Glocks may not impress anyone with their looks, but they do what they're supposed to do.I own a number of guns which I enjoy shooting,but in a serious situation, I'll go with a Glock EVERY time. They may be ugly, but they sure can dance!

[antediluvianist]

AmishBill wrote : "At some point, you have to ask "Can the user actually operate this tool properly, easily and comfortably?"

I absolutely agree. If a particular gun doesn't fit your hand, or doesn't point the way you think it should, the hell with it, there are plenty of other guns.

The G17 grip feels fine to me, and apparently to a lot of people. But, if it doesn't feel comfortable, by all means get some other gun. The "feel"of a grip, and the appropriateness of the angle of the grip, are subjective things. De gustibus non est disputandum.

[Michigun]

"What is that funky velour stuff on the grip..."

2,751 posts on this board & you haven't heard of AGrip? :scrutiny:

You're kidding me, right? :)

[7.62FullMetalJacket]

Nope. I like the feel of a naked grip. Although I think the Agrip has some merit.

[denfoote]

I was kidnaped by the Glorg as a child and assimilated into their collective.
So, I have no idea what your problem with our sidearm is!!!
Glocks are what we carry.
Ours is a better way!!!
Resistance is futile.
You will be assimilated!!!!

[Turrican]

I like my 1911 for the range and something pretty to look at. But give me a Glock in a fight anyday. Especialy my G20 with a few mags filled with 15 10mm rounds. Thats some firepower!

[Obiwan]

"What is that funky velour stuff on the grip"

They've been flocked!

opps...can I say flocked here!