Recommendation for 9mm competition barrel

I'm not much of a Glock guy, but I don't think a Glock factory barrel would be something that would be holding him back.

However, Kyle Defoor, who probably forgot more about Glock's last night while he was sleeping than I'll ever know, is a fan of after market barrels. He mentions a KKM drop in barrel in this video.

On the other hand, I think Vickers, Hackathorn, and Harrington keep the stock barrels.

Thomasss said:

Brownells sells a drop in barrel listed under their own name, good for all generations Glock 19, but I don't know who actually makes it.

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The Glock barrels have very good reputation. While I really like Brownell's, I'd be hesitant to replace a known with an unknown.

I would stick with the OEM barrel and see how it shoots first. That being said KKM barrels are very good

What kind of competition? As others have suggested, stick with the OEM barrel long enough to learn about the particular sport he is interested in and that exposure might inform him if he needs a new barrel and what aftermarket barrel might be best for that particular sport.

I shoot all my Glocks at 25 yards and having been a GSSF competitor, tried every major brand of barrel and every load I could think of. One of the guns I tried to use for GSSF was a Gen 4 G19. The only barrel that didn't result in WORSE accuracy than stock was KKM, but it wasn't any better. Storm Lake is garbage. I even had their barrel sent to a gunsmith to try and improve the accuracy and he couldn't. Lone Wolf was horrible, sent it back and it was returned to me dirty and no explanation of what they did, but it was better than before.

My current two most accurate pistols are both Glocks with stock barrels. Both will do an inch at 25 yards.

When I got into GSSF, I showed up with a stock G29 since it was the only Glock I owned. I added the KKM and sights, and did some trigger work as I progressed in skill and learned what seemed to be working for the other guys.

I think he should just run what he brung and establish a baseline of performance with a stock pistol, then see what is holding him back and see what is working for the other guys/gals.

When I showed up with a stock 10mm Glock, everyone said I wasn't going to do well. I won my division.

Thomasss said:

From your suggestions and reading old THR threads, I told him find out what the rules are before making a purchase. I also said to try my XDM Hogue grips and to pick up a couple of extra magazines would be better option when starting out.

That being said, is there a particular ammo or load that might be recommended? I can reload for him. I have Fed. match primers, Bulls Eye and Power Pistol, but so far all I have been able to buy are MBC 124 grn. Hi-Tek RN bullets.

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What sport? We can be a lot more helpful if we know what specific sport.

Thomasss said:

I told him find out what the rules are

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Yup.
If IDPA, USPSA, SCSA, GSSF, or a similar "style" match, the stock barrel is ample. Econoball or bulk reloads are adequate.
I would put money in sights before a barrel; assuming enough magazines and a holster if needed.

If NRA, ISSF, PPC, he will eventually need a better suited gun, no point sinking a lot into a Glock.

Are you shooting lead or coated lead bullets? Then I would do KKM. If you're shooting plated, stock is great. I waited 2 months for my KKM G34 barrel and love it for shooting my cast/hitek coated lead. They tumble out of the stock barrel.

I have run tens of thousands of rounds through stock Glock barrels and maybe 10 thousand coated now also with great accuracy and never considered a replacement barrel. The only change I have ever made to a stock Glock was TRU-GLO TFO sights because they work better for me in any lighting conditions. Definitely have him run it as is for a bit and see if anything needs to be changed. If anything I’d start with sights first and maybe a magwell if reloads at speed are important to him.

I bought a Lone Wolf barrel and it didn’t shoot any better than the stock barrel . About 3 1/2 inch 5 shot groups with Berrys plated . Would probably do better with jacketed . Bought Bar-Sto barrel , semi fit they call it . It did require some fitting which I did . Took about an hour , $315 for the barrel . Same load same plated bullet slightly under 2 inches 25 shot group . I would say shoot the pistol from a rest and compare to shooting standing . When the standing group starts getting close to the shooting from a rest group maybe the barrel would be a benefit . I don’t know if it’s even possible to wear out a Glock barrel . I won’t buy anymore Lone Wolf barrels but I have bought 3 Bar-Sto barrels and wouldn’t hesitate to buy another. I wanted threaded so I spent the money and I like to make stuff . But that’s just me .

If you are shooting factory ammo, stick with the factory barrel unless there is some problem with it.

If you are reloading, start using coated bullets which are both cheaper than jacketed/plated and more available during panics. If the factory barrel shoots those well then you have a winner and should stick with it. If not, consider a drop in like a KKM.

Don't get any barrel that is not factory length or profile. Though you didn't say what specific discipline he'll be shooting in, anything else could push a Glock 19 into a division were it doesn't belong.

Shooting competition and not reloading is only a partial commitment. Cheaper ammo made to exactly the power it needs to be is a substantial advantage once he becomes a top half competitor.

The Glock is surprisingly accurate on its own, even with its loosey goosey parts... When working in unison, you channel Gaston's DOM magic!

The drop - in barrels do require fitting, more often than not; even with the best - fit combinations, the wiggle between the slide and frame is so audibly loose, that gains from the best, most impeccably fitted custom barrels are effectively negated by this property.

Custom barrels with tight chambers are great for one thing, though...

Saving brass when firing hotter loads.

That's why all my toys have Bar - Stos in them

I missed the type of shooting, though...

Pew pew pew, or Peeeeew?

Thomasss said:

He has a gen 4 Glock 19 9mm.
He is looking for a competition barrel ...

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same'ol said:

I have been using the Fusion Firearms UMG 1911 barrels, Fitting has been super easy and lock-up like a swiss clock. I have used 6 of them and I am on my 7th barrel install soon. I don't use anything else anymore.

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You use those barrels in a Glock 19?

KKM in Glock 30sf is outstanding.