Glock 20

[fire4hunter]

I've been looking at getting a side arm for hunting and I think have finally narrowed it down to a glock 20 or 20 compensated (20C). Not getting this for a primary hunting gun but for a side arm to pull out after a bear has been downed and am crawling through bushes looking for it or other applicable situations. For those that don't know this is the 10mm w/ 15 rounds capacity. I carry a side arm for 40% four legged animals and 60 % 2 legged. I've been carring a 1911 45ACP but found that they don't do much to a black bear ( friend put a "finishing" shot on a downed bear only to discover upon skinning that the round penetrated the hide but nothing else). So I need a more powerful round and besides 41 mag revolver 6 shots nothing seems to compare. So my question is... If anyone has shot both the 20 or 20C or one or the other if they could share thier feelings, comments or whatever they have to say I would appreciate it. Does the 20 C dramatically affect the felt recoil or is hardley noticable? Hopefully will be picking the gun up before the end of the year. Thanks for the help.

 

[mbpautz762]

I used to own a glock 20, and shot a glock 20c one time. I loved both guns. I don't remember much about the compensated model (it was a long time ago) so I can't comment on the recoil differences, but I do remember it being louder. MUCH louder. anyway, I would recommend looking at 6" barrels too - you can easily get about 100fps faster velocity with the longer barrel. maybe someone else will come by and give you more information, but you can't go wrong with the 20.

 

[davepool]

I've owned a G20 for a while now and i really like the versitility,i have a KKM .40 S&W barrel, KKM 6" 10mm,and 6" lone wolf 9x25 dillon and a 6" KKM .357 sig barrel for it, and they all use the same magazines. I haven't fired the compensated model so i can't comment on the differences in recoil.
DoubleTap ammo makes about 14 different loads that are all full power 10mm, no sissy stuff there, if you choose the full power 10mm you'll need to put in a steel guide rod with a 24lb spring and a 3.5lb trigger job helps accuracy. I own several 10mm 1911 style guns that require a lot of tuning to handle full power 10mm ammo and the Glock G20 is my favorite. For hunting, DoubleTap makes a 200 grn lead flat nose that should handle any black bear, esspecially with 15 rounds on tap.... get the Glock ,you won't be sorry

 

[IdahoLT1]

Although im not a fan of Glocks, I would stay away from any compensated pistol that might be used in SD. The fire, metal and unburnt powder that comes out of it WILL damage your fron sight over time. I used to own a G23C and this was the case. Plus, the fire, pieces of copper and unburnt powder can get into your eyes/skin if its discharged near your body(i.e. in a struggle).

If you are fond of Glocks, i would get the G20. If the recoil is too bad, buy a Sprinco recoil reducer for it. Its basically a replacement guide rod that has a built in spring in it. As a round is fired and the slide goes back, it hits the built in spring and slows it down. They are expensive, ~$80, but they do work and are well worth the money. Plus the guys there are very knowledgable and go the extra step to help their customer out. http://www.sprinco.com/recoil.html

 

[KBintheSLC]

I have the G20 for much the same reason as you want it. I opted out of the "C" version because when I tested one, I could not tell the difference. The low slide axis of the Glock makes it very recoil absorbent in the first place. The recoil tends to come straight back... not up. The G20 is surprisingly easy to shoot... even my 5'2" 105lb wife can wield it like a champ. Therefore, I could see no reason to have extra holes in my gun for dirt, water, and other debris to enter while out in the wilderness.
As for my feelings about the G20... well, dare I say that it could very well be my favorite pistol... hands down... ever.

DoubleTap ammo makes about 14 different loads that are all full power 10mm, no sissy stuff there, if you choose the full power 10mm you'll need to put in a steel guide rod with a 24lb spring and a 3.5lb trigger job helps accuracy.

+1 for Double Tap... their customer service is non existent, but they make up for it with great products.
+1 for the steel guide rod... I use these on all of my Glocks

-1 on the trigger job. If the gun is to be used for defense, leave the trigger alone. The 3.5# trigger is for target shooting not for defense.

I would recommend looking at 6" barrels too - you can easily get about 100fps faster velocity with the longer barrel.

The longer barrel is nice, just remember that most of the aftermarket barrels will have a tighter chamber and will reduce reliability. I have a 6" Lone Wolf barrel that fails to feed quite regularly. I only use it for target practice since it is easier on my brass. For duty use, I would stick to the stock factory barrel. It has never failed to go boom.

 

[JImbothefiveth]

Compensated is bad for self-defense, because you can get burned when firing from retention.

May wish to re-think using 10mm for self defense, see "Harold Fish".

 

[JonB]

The fire, metal and unburnt powder that comes out of it WILL damage your front sight over time.

My 20c shows no sign of damage to the front sight. It may somewhere way off in the future, but after 7+ years no sign yet.

Anyway, the 10mm is a great round. Reloading will reduce the cost by half or more. My 20c is dead nuts reliable and a blast to shoot.

Make sure you check it out in person as some people find the grip to be too big to be comfortable. I have small hands, but don't find it to be a problem.

I only wish the XD came in 10mm as well. That would be a perfect pistol.

 

[shooting4fun]

Howdy Fire4hunter, and et al.,

My G20 is one of my favorite outdoors pistols. When we are out and about in SE AZ that pistol is close at hand. It is one of the handier pistols with the various additional barrels adding quite a bit of versatility.

While I don't have both pistols, I can provide some comparison information. I have a 6 inch ported barrel along with the standard stock barrel. The recoil still feels roughly the same. What is slightly minimized is the barrel rise. The port changes things by a small percentage. I've shot both configurations in USPSA type matches, club level, so things are pretty casual. I didn't find a compelling reason to keep using the additional length and the port. Even when blasting away at the bowling pin matches either barrel is suitable. The slight difference in speed is at the level of hundredths of a second for this kid. It is a bit easier to track the front sight with the longer barrel as things don't flip as much.

If you're concerned with really quick follow on shots there is an advantage to the ported barrel setup. Only you can justify the assessment of need and its significance. In my case it really was enough of a difference to justify the additional cost to the extended barrel. Just to be clear the extended barrel is worth it if required for hunting or you want to maximize the velocity. You'll want to consult regulations for your hunting area regarding this.

I can add that those that have shot any semi-auto, (aka bottom feeder) in low light will tell you that there is ample flash all over. This includes the muzzle, any compensator or barrel ports, and the breach too! If you are firing from any retention position you are going to have ejecta all over you regardless of porting.

It is important to not loose sight of the principle goal of any self defense situation, WIN!

Best of luck in your search for information. The platform is a sound platform, good value. Ammo can be more expensive than your more common calibers but it is worth it. I find the G20 to be comfortable to carry and comforting to have!

Cheers!

 

[MarcusWendt]

A G20 is the only Glock I've ever been interested in. Looks like some good advice here.