Sure it might vary some person to person, but all things being equal (and with some training), how do you think the size difference between the 9MM Glock models affects the time it takes to draw from concealed carry (likely IWB) and fire an aimed "triple tap" into center of mass?
Glock 9MM G26 G19 G17: how does gun size affect likely draw and follow up shot times?
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a small frame pistol will be harder to get a positive grip from a draw but again with training it can be minimized. As well, smaller guns like the 26 will be lighter than the 17 or 19 which means that muzzle flip and felt recoil will be increased, which will mean time to reaquire sights will be longer.
Ive found that drawing from an IWB set up, from under a tshirt tends to be a little longer than OWB due to the fact that the shirt has to be swept out of the way. With a smaller pistol, i feel its harder to get a positive grip while moving the shirt, due to the shortened grip length.
Being a woman means i wear tighter clothes than most guys, so drawing from concealed takes a bit more effort, which is why i preferred open carry, although in my current state, open carry is the same as waving a gun around to the police so its more or less a bad idea.
Ive found that drawing from an IWB set up, from under a tshirt tends to be a little longer than OWB due to the fact that the shirt has to be swept out of the way. With a smaller pistol, i feel its harder to get a positive grip while moving the shirt, due to the shortened grip length.
Being a woman means i wear tighter clothes than most guys, so drawing from concealed takes a bit more effort, which is why i preferred open carry, although in my current state, open carry is the same as waving a gun around to the police so its more or less a bad idea.
The subcompact Glocks are far better shooters than people expect. They are a chopped 17, and they shoot like it. They are barely any lighter than the 17 and 19, and they have a dual recoil spring that really works well.
The shorter grip does mean there is a chance that things could go wrong in a sloppy, adrenaline-powered draw, but the way the subcompact Glocks are shaped, they basically force you to hold them correctly. The big hump that makes a lot of people think twice about buying them in the first place, makes them excellent shooters.
Biggest thing to remember is that the guns aren't particularly different in weight, they are all plenty heavy enough to keep the 9x19mm under control, they all shoot well, and weirdly the smallest of them shoots just as well for most people compared to the bigger ones.
The shorter grip does mean there is a chance that things could go wrong in a sloppy, adrenaline-powered draw, but the way the subcompact Glocks are shaped, they basically force you to hold them correctly. The big hump that makes a lot of people think twice about buying them in the first place, makes them excellent shooters.
Biggest thing to remember is that the guns aren't particularly different in weight, they are all plenty heavy enough to keep the 9x19mm under control, they all shoot well, and weirdly the smallest of them shoots just as well for most people compared to the bigger ones.
If I'm carrying my G26 with a ten round magazine I put a Gap floor plate on it because of the draw. It hooks your fingers and makes it easier and faster to draw. It also indexes the grip.
I own all the 9mm glocks but the 18
I find followup shots and drawing to be mostly identical between the models, the 17L is obviously a difficult draw.
If I take my time and pull the trigger purposely I find the bigger platforms to slightly better shooters. If I shoot quickly or under pressure I don't find a big difference at all. Not in ease of shooting or accuracy, even with +p+ ammo.
I find followup shots and drawing to be mostly identical between the models, the 17L is obviously a difficult draw.If I take my time and pull the trigger purposely I find the bigger platforms to slightly better shooters. If I shoot quickly or under pressure I don't find a big difference at all. Not in ease of shooting or accuracy, even with +p+ ammo.
I have actual "trigger time" with the G19 and G27. Because of the higher recoiling caliber of the latter, this isn't a direct "apples to apples" comparison, but is close enough. The only serious and meaningful difference is when drawing the short gun from the holster, where my grip feels less secure. This is to be expected, as the human hand naturally wants to wrap all the fingers around an object. For this reason, when carrying a mini-Glock belt holstered, I like a finger rest on the magazine.
AK103K
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I have all three, and have carried all three IWB. The 17 and 19 are a bit easier to draw, as its easier to get a hold of their grips, but the 26 isnt bad if you practice.
I found stippling the grips of all of them make it easier to get a hold of the guns, but the 26 benefits the most as far as getting a hold of it quickly. It also benefits all of them shooting wise.
Shooting wise, the difference between the 17 and the 26 is noticeable if youre shooting them together to compare, but not anything that would be an issue. All of them shoot about the same as far as hits on target go. The 26 may seem strange at first with your pinky wrapped underneath, but you get used to it pretty quick, and the gun is very shootable for its size. Ive tried the extensions, and found them lacking. They just make the gun bigger, and pinched my hand while shooting and especially while reloading.
I found stippling the grips of all of them make it easier to get a hold of the guns, but the 26 benefits the most as far as getting a hold of it quickly. It also benefits all of them shooting wise.
Shooting wise, the difference between the 17 and the 26 is noticeable if youre shooting them together to compare, but not anything that would be an issue. All of them shoot about the same as far as hits on target go. The 26 may seem strange at first with your pinky wrapped underneath, but you get used to it pretty quick, and the gun is very shootable for its size. Ive tried the extensions, and found them lacking. They just make the gun bigger, and pinched my hand while shooting and especially while reloading.
guyfromohio
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Thanks for all the replies so far. Per JTQ's suggestion I found the following listing of what IDPA shooters are using: http://www.idpa.com/tj.asp?ID=290
I didn't know anything about IDPA until I did a web search and read a few threads. Sounds very helpful and fun.
For me, getting a good quick grip on a G26 is a lot more "worrysome" than with the larger G19 or G17. I wonder if the requirement to focus on grip with a G26 would contribute to slower first shot times. I can't afford to buy both to see which is best for me.
I wish I had a timer to run some fast-as-possible aimed shot to shot times with between the various models.
Basically, in a defensive shooting situation with someone trying to kill me as fast as they possibly can, I'm figuring every millisecond counts on my end; thus the thread question. I know all three models are "close", but am thinking why not pick the model that's fit for CCW carry that helps most with speed?
I very much appreciate everyone's comments and help. Thank you all.
I didn't know anything about IDPA until I did a web search and read a few threads. Sounds very helpful and fun.
For me, getting a good quick grip on a G26 is a lot more "worrysome" than with the larger G19 or G17. I wonder if the requirement to focus on grip with a G26 would contribute to slower first shot times. I can't afford to buy both to see which is best for me.
I wish I had a timer to run some fast-as-possible aimed shot to shot times with between the various models.
Basically, in a defensive shooting situation with someone trying to kill me as fast as they possibly can, I'm figuring every millisecond counts on my end; thus the thread question. I know all three models are "close", but am thinking why not pick the model that's fit for CCW carry that helps most with speed?
I very much appreciate everyone's comments and help. Thank you all.
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I have shot the G26 and the G19 in IDPA competition. I have shot the G17 in USPSA and in GSSF matches. The G26 is tougher to shoot well. Of the three, I now only have the G19.
I have and shoot the G26. It is my EDC and my all-'round fun gun. I have installed the Pearce +2 magazine buttplate extensions, and it is exceedingly comfortable to grip. I carry mostly OWB (Blackhawk Serpa) but also use Thunderwear. In both cases, with the mag extensions, I have had zero issues with acquiring grip as I address a target.
My next adventure is to use G17 magazines in it with grip extensions. Essentially turns the G26 into a very short barreled G17. With a Pearce +2 mag extension, you are looking at a 19-round capacity magazine (plus one in the pipe), with a grip length no longer than that of a Glock 17, in a subcompact style.
My accuracy in slow, measured fire, as well as rapid-fire, have both improved with the mag extensions. I can dump 13 rounds into CBM at 21 feet with a 4 inch spread in about 4 seconds.
That being said, the shorter barrel does make constant practice a must to develop accuracy and muscle memory, and remember: your rounds will develop less than maximum velocity because of the shortr barrel.
My next adventure is to use G17 magazines in it with grip extensions. Essentially turns the G26 into a very short barreled G17. With a Pearce +2 mag extension, you are looking at a 19-round capacity magazine (plus one in the pipe), with a grip length no longer than that of a Glock 17, in a subcompact style.
My accuracy in slow, measured fire, as well as rapid-fire, have both improved with the mag extensions. I can dump 13 rounds into CBM at 21 feet with a 4 inch spread in about 4 seconds.
That being said, the shorter barrel does make constant practice a must to develop accuracy and muscle memory, and remember: your rounds will develop less than maximum velocity because of the shortr barrel.
Oh, and another thing: Glocks are known for their short trigger reset. Learn it and practice it. It may save your life.
Balance is the key here. If you start adding +2 or whatever extensions to a G26/G27 to make them easier to grip they begin to get as long as a G19 anyways. So why give up the rounds, barrel length, sight radius and so on you loose carrying a G26 as opposed to G19? In a very real way folks that are adding grip extensions to G26/G27 are creating a G19 grip anyways. So where is the advantage of a G26 if the you have to add length to the grip to make it work for you?
If you already have a small Glock, like a G26, modding it by adding a grip extension contributes to your ability to handle and shoot it well, for a $10 investment, as opposed to buying the next larger size pistol (G19) which also has a longer barrel length and would call for certainly more than $10. And bear in mind, you are only adding to the grip length, not the overall length of the firearm.
It's kinda like getting a 1911-45ACP and modding it for softer recoil: if you wanted a softer recoil, you shoulda bought it in 9mm.
But recoil is hardly ever the principal reason for a particular gun purchase. Does that make sense? My $0.02.
It's kinda like getting a 1911-45ACP and modding it for softer recoil: if you wanted a softer recoil, you shoulda bought it in 9mm.
But recoil is hardly ever the principal reason for a particular gun purchase. Does that make sense? My $0.02.
The extension-equipped magazines are great as a reload. Longer and easier to grab while flustered, a few extra rounds never hurt, and at that point concealment doesn't really matter much anyway. I do find I shoot best without the extensions though.
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