I have pretty much decided on getting a glock but I can't make my mind up as to either the 19 or 23. What are the difference I know the 19 is a 9mm and the 23 is a 40 is that it? What would be better a gen 3 or a gen 4? I have handled a 19 it felt pretty good I haven't found a 23 yet I would like to feel it before I made a decision. I have looked a ammo for the 40s&w it not hard to find or much more expensive then the 9mm is and one box I looked st was cheaper. I am just wanting some advice and input thanks
glock 19 or 23
- Thread starter jrbaker90
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JN01
Member
The 19 and 23 are built on the same frame so models from the same generation will feel identical.
Gen 4 frames without any backstraps installed will be slightly smaller than a Gen 3 grip, with the medium backstrap it will be the same, and obviously the large backstrap will make it larger. The grip texture is different on the Gen3 vs Gen 4. The Gen 4 has a better magazine release button.
Usually 9mm is a bit cheaper than 40 S&W but not by a huge amount.
A plus to a G23 is the ability to drop in a .357 Sig or a .40 to 9mm conversion barrel (I've had good luck with Lone Wolf) for a multi-caliber gun. .40 magazines will work for .357 Sig, but you would need 9mm magazines for that conversion barrel. Some will suggest that you would need to change out the extractor and ejector for the 9mm conversion, but many people (myself included) have found that it is reliable with just the conversion barrel and magazine swap.
If you don't care about the caliber switch, or have any strong preferences regarding 9mm vs .40, I'd probably go with the 19 for the savings on ammo over the long run. Gen3 vs Gen4- pick whichever feels best in your hand.
Or you could just get one of each.
Gen 4 frames without any backstraps installed will be slightly smaller than a Gen 3 grip, with the medium backstrap it will be the same, and obviously the large backstrap will make it larger. The grip texture is different on the Gen3 vs Gen 4. The Gen 4 has a better magazine release button.
Usually 9mm is a bit cheaper than 40 S&W but not by a huge amount.
A plus to a G23 is the ability to drop in a .357 Sig or a .40 to 9mm conversion barrel (I've had good luck with Lone Wolf) for a multi-caliber gun. .40 magazines will work for .357 Sig, but you would need 9mm magazines for that conversion barrel. Some will suggest that you would need to change out the extractor and ejector for the 9mm conversion, but many people (myself included) have found that it is reliable with just the conversion barrel and magazine swap.
If you don't care about the caliber switch, or have any strong preferences regarding 9mm vs .40, I'd probably go with the 19 for the savings on ammo over the long run. Gen3 vs Gen4- pick whichever feels best in your hand.
Or you could just get one of each.
Coyote3855
Member
I have both. As JN01 said, they are identical pistols with the exceptions he noted re: conversions. My 23 is my truck gun. I carry the 19 or my 26. Some shooters think the recoil impulse of the .40 S&W is sharper and less controllable than the 9 mm. Mostly a question of practice with the caliber you choose. In my area, there is a greater selection of 9 mm ammunition at much better prices than factory .40.
If you can find a range that rents handguns, it would be a good idea to shoot both calibers in similar pistols if you have not already done so.
If you can find a range that rents handguns, it would be a good idea to shoot both calibers in similar pistols if you have not already done so.
JTQ
Member
As the above poster mentioned, the G19 and G23 are practically identical as far as feel goes. They are basically the same gun.
In the G19 pick whichever you like better the Gen3 or Gen4. It shouldn't make any difference.
With the G23, there isn't much reason to pick the Gen3. The reason there even is a Gen4 Glock is to fix problems with the .40S&W models. The changed mag release, and back straps on the Gen4 guns were pretty much throw-ins as they had to change the frame and recoil spring assembly to fix the Gen3 .40S&W problems. The Gen4 models pretty much corrected those problems.
In the G19 pick whichever you like better the Gen3 or Gen4. It shouldn't make any difference.
With the G23, there isn't much reason to pick the Gen3. The reason there even is a Gen4 Glock is to fix problems with the .40S&W models. The changed mag release, and back straps on the Gen4 guns were pretty much throw-ins as they had to change the frame and recoil spring assembly to fix the Gen3 .40S&W problems. The Gen4 models pretty much corrected those problems.
MIL-DOT
member
Though it isn't really a big deal, the .40 round makes a light pistol like the Glock pretty snappy, and I always enjoyed shooting my G17 or 19 rather than my buddy's G23 because of that. But the advice to get the G23 and get the 9mm. conversion barrel makes a useful point, especially if you're torn between the two rounds.
And while the .40 may be a balistically superior round, recent advances in bullet technology have yielded some very lethal, high-quality 9mm ammo, so I think that consideration is minimal.
Though 9mm is cheaper, I keep hearing that during all the recent panics, .40 was still commonly found, while 9mm turned into unobtanium, so that may be something to consider. But whatever you get, you should immediately put away at least a few boxes (if not a case) that you have no intention of touching any time soon.
Another thing, I seem to see in the used market a lot of guys ditching the .40, in favor on 9mm and .45. If that's accurate,and not just an inpression I'm getting, then that would make 9mm G19 more desirable in a future trade or sale, and I've often profited by the rule of thumb, "all other things being (more or less) equal, go with best re-sale value".
I personally prefer the G19 and the 9mm, and I think it may give you more flexibility down the road should you want to move it and get into something else.
And while the .40 may be a balistically superior round, recent advances in bullet technology have yielded some very lethal, high-quality 9mm ammo, so I think that consideration is minimal.
Though 9mm is cheaper, I keep hearing that during all the recent panics, .40 was still commonly found, while 9mm turned into unobtanium, so that may be something to consider. But whatever you get, you should immediately put away at least a few boxes (if not a case) that you have no intention of touching any time soon.
Another thing, I seem to see in the used market a lot of guys ditching the .40, in favor on 9mm and .45. If that's accurate,and not just an inpression I'm getting, then that would make 9mm G19 more desirable in a future trade or sale, and I've often profited by the rule of thumb, "all other things being (more or less) equal, go with best re-sale value".
I personally prefer the G19 and the 9mm, and I think it may give you more flexibility down the road should you want to move it and get into something else.
Hammer059
Member
My logic is that if I can hit what I'm shooting at, it shouldn't matter if I'm using a 9mm or 40s&w. At the same time, if you can shoot well with both, a bigger bullet can't hurt.
As someone mentioned above, I also noticed that during "panic" times, .40 was slightly more available at some stores.
As someone mentioned above, I also noticed that during "panic" times, .40 was slightly more available at some stores.
Rob62
Member
My recommendation is for a 3rd Gen G19.
Ammo is much cheaper than the .40 S&W chambering of the G23.
Plus recoil is more manageable with the G19.
Regards,
Rob
Ammo is much cheaper than the .40 S&W chambering of the G23.
Plus recoil is more manageable with the G19.
Regards,
Rob
9mm Glocks are the best Glocks as that is what they were originally designed to be. .40 Glocks have had more problems, shorter service lives, etc as it is a retrofit job.
I'd definitely go Gen 4. Mag release is much better, grip texture is much more secure, back straps can be interchanged which can help fit the gun to you, and the new dual spring RSA is said to improve accuracy over the Gen 3 variants. Plus Gen 4s come with 3 mags instead of 2.
I'd definitely go Gen 4. Mag release is much better, grip texture is much more secure, back straps can be interchanged which can help fit the gun to you, and the new dual spring RSA is said to improve accuracy over the Gen 3 variants. Plus Gen 4s come with 3 mags instead of 2.
Zerodefect
member
As if Glocks had issues with service life.
"Oh darn, my Glock only lasted 25,000 rounds."
"Should have got a 9 milly."
Get the gen4 G23, OP. It's runs every bit as well as my 19 did. With practice, I now shoot it better.
Snyper
Member
A simple barrel and magazine change will convert one to the other
There's no need to agonize over the choice
There's no need to agonize over the choice
razorback2003
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I would probably move up to 45 acp if I wanted a round bigger than 9mm. 45 is not as hard on guns as 40 is. 9mm ammo is about the cheapest centerfire ammo that you can find.
The 9mm G-19 gives you 2 more rounds in the mag, and IMHO, the choices for 9mm defensive ammo are more extensive in 9mm than in .40 S&W these days. Either caliber costs the same new, but the .40 S&W G-23 is worth less used, whether you are buying or selling. I'd be OK with either a Gen3 or Gen4 in either caliber.
edmo01
Member
I own a Gen3 & Gen4 G19 and a Gen2 & Gen4 G23 and here is my opinion the variations...
If I could only have one it would be a Gen4 G19. Once I had a G19, my second choice would be a Gen4 G23.
It is hard to beat a GLOCK 19.
Edmo
If I could only have one it would be a Gen4 G19. Once I had a G19, my second choice would be a Gen4 G23.
It is hard to beat a GLOCK 19.
Edmo
judgedelta
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I have a 23 with a Storm Lake 9mm conversion barrel. I don't think you can convert a 19 to shoot .40. The difference is the hole in the slide, longer on the 23...
Lycidas Janwor
Member
The Gen 3 G23 is about $100 less than a new Gen 4 G23. I'd get the Gen 4 G23 and if you want to convert it to a 9mm you can do that with a barrel swap and getting some G19 mags. Best of both worlds.
helitack32f1
Member
I have been carrying a Glock 23 since about 1993 or 94. To me, it is perfect enough that I have yet to find something to replace it. The only thing I have really considered is a new Gen4 G23. Not sure if it has been mentioned but while the original .40 Glocks were originally built on the 9mm platforms, rumor is, the Gen 4 Glocks were based on the .40 round to begin with. So, if one were worried about their .40S&W Glock having longevity issues, get a gen4.
All that being said, I can't shake the feeling that the G19 is a better all around gun.
All that being said, I can't shake the feeling that the G19 is a better all around gun.
Cocked & Locked
Member
I started carrying a Glock 23 in 1994 and did so for several years. No problems ever...or with any Glock I've owned for that matter.
I've now got another 23 and a 19. I carry the 23 and youngest son seems to have claimed the 19. Both great handguns. The only 4th generation I've owned is a 42 so I don't have any opinions regarding 3rd -vs- 4th generation 19's and 23's.
Both great shooters...
I've now got another 23 and a 19. I carry the 23 and youngest son seems to have claimed the 19. Both great handguns. The only 4th generation I've owned is a 42 so I don't have any opinions regarding 3rd -vs- 4th generation 19's and 23's.
Both great shooters...
Olympus
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My thing with the 23 conversion is that by the time you purchase the conversion barrel and mags, you're about halfway towards the cost of a complete gun. I'd say buy a 19 first, it is the most popular Glock model in the U.S. for a reason, and then save up and buy a 23 later.
I'd recommend shooting both if you can. 40 caliber in a polymer frame fun is snappy and uncomfortable to shoot for me. I gave up owning a 40 caliber many years ago.
I'd recommend shooting both if you can. 40 caliber in a polymer frame fun is snappy and uncomfortable to shoot for me. I gave up owning a 40 caliber many years ago.
OP, it sounds like you may be new to hand gunning. If that is true, get the 9mm. Some new shooters find the 40 S&W snappy in a polymer gun and you don't want to develop a flinch.
Besides, there aren't many people who regretted buying a G19. You can always pick up a 40 somewhere down the road.
(Mine is a 3rd gen)
Besides, there aren't many people who regretted buying a G19. You can always pick up a 40 somewhere down the road.
(Mine is a 3rd gen)
zerobarrier
Contributing Member
I don't have experience with the g19. I did recently buy a g23 gen 3 with factory threaded barrel and suppressor sights. It has become my favorite pistol. I love shooting it and it carries very well. I have been carrying it everyday since I got it. I use to carry a 1911 or beretta px4 subcompact but now just this. Holds 13rds in mag and 1 in the pipe, more than enough. Oh and I have put a viridian ctl on it, very bright light. Had to have a holster custom made though.
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JR24
Member
I have both and my preference is the Gen 4 G19 (though my Gen 3 is fine too). I generally prefer either 9mm or .45 ACP over .40.
My 23 shoots great though, great gun, I just prefer my 19.
My 23 shoots great though, great gun, I just prefer my 19.
RustyShackelford
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Glock 23 gen 04 ....
I'd buy a NIB Glock 23 gen 04 .40 pistol.
You can get conversion 9mm or regular .357sig barrels. You can also shoot .22LR with special kits.
The 23 can take lasers or weapon lights too.
I might buy a new 23 .40S&W then get a spare .357sig barrel later this summer.
I like the Safariland TS7 series polymer holsters too.
I'd buy a NIB Glock 23 gen 04 .40 pistol.
You can get conversion 9mm or regular .357sig barrels. You can also shoot .22LR with special kits.
The 23 can take lasers or weapon lights too.
I might buy a new 23 .40S&W then get a spare .357sig barrel later this summer.
I like the Safariland TS7 series polymer holsters too.
Armed 24/7
Member
As the current and longtime owner of a Gen 23, I would suggest getting a Gen 4 19.
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