Glock Model 20

[RETG]

I’m not a Glock person, but that might change since I want a reliable 10mm for backpacking, camping, etc. I have some friends with Glocks but since none of them carry or have a model 20, they can’t give good educated answers. I tried Glocktalk. It took over a week to be accepted, and then it appears to be taking another week for them to allow my post with questions in regard to the model 20. Would really appreciate some answers before I retire. So, I’ll ask here:

Plan on loading the Glock with Double Tap 10mm 230gr. WFNGC Hardcast, 200gr FMJ-FP or 200gr WFNGC Hardcast. Is it safe to use the standard Glock barrel if I make sure to clean it out after a few hundred rounds? (I do plan on firing up to around 1K rounds to familiarize myself with the Glock before taking it out in the woods. And I plan on cleaning it after every few hundred rounds while practicing.)

I have read that some say when shooting these heavy rounds it is advisable to upgrade to a 22 lb spring. Anyone have any experience with this?

Thanks,

 

[wow6599]

Make sure you look at the G20 SF (short frame) before you buy a regular G20......night and day difference in my hands. If you are going to throw really hot loads down range, then I would get a 22# Wolff spring for it.
As far as shooting lead out of a stock Glock barrel, I think you would be fine to do so, just clean it every 30 rds or so........but my bigger problem with the stock barrel is that it is no where near as accurate as my Lone Wolf barrel....even at 7 yards.

There is a great Youtube video by Hickok 45 on the G20 and the difference in the stock barrel and an aftermarket barrel when shooting lead. I try to find it and post it.

 

[wow6599]

Here ya go - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-m0satEkGjw

 

[gofastman]

yeah, the SF is better.
May I suggest you look at the 29, the 20 is one large piece of hardware and my not be conducive to hardcore backpacking/camping.
Hardcast loads are safe in the stock barrel if it its checked regularly for leading, the problem is they usually aren't that accurate with the stock barrel.
check out swampfoxammo, he actually makes his loads move at advertised velocities.
200gr XTP's are what I keep in my magazine for woods protection.

I have an ISMI 22lb spring in my gun, I find it works very well, it cycles .40 target loads from my conversion barrel with zero problems.

 

[RETG]

Thanks to everyone.
That video was very informative, and probably answered my first question. Looks like I'll get the Lone Wolf Barrel. I was surprised at how inaugurate the stock barrel was compared to the Lone Wolf.

As for size. I live in the middle of nowhere; any type of handgun I get has to be purchased via the Internet or with a long drive. Yesterday, I did drive 115 miles to visit a few actual gun stores, and no one had a Model 20 in either configuration or a model 29. So, yes, I am leaning toward a SF model. I figure if the SF is too small, I can always add a hogue grip, but if the standard is too large, I can't shave off plastic.

Also, will get the Wolf 22 with the new barrel.

As for weight. My back pack trips are day trips; too damn old to do any overnights. So, I drive to a location, then setup camp, then do the hikes. But many of these hikes are in National Forest, BLM lands or National Parks in CA, ID, UT, CO and I have come across some bears. So far, they have not caused me any problems, and I have not caused them to be aggressive. And, even though I was carrying a SIG 229, I was never comfortable thinking my .40 would stop them if it was ever required. I really prefer them to go on their way as I go on my way and we all get along.

 

[wow6599]

I figure if the SF is too small

Unless you have the paws of a grizzly bear, that won't be possibe........

 

[SharpsDressedMan]

I have the 20 and the 29, and either would serve you well. You can use the 20 mags in the 29, if you are carrying a 29 and want large capacity backup mags. I consider the Glock 10mm's among the finest choices available for what you plan to use it for, with the S&W 329 4" .44 mag as the next step up in a light, but more powerful gun, should you need that. For two legged predators, and most 4 legged ones, the 10mm is usually sufficient.

 

[Shadow 7D]

the G20 is much like a brick, them both sharing many ergonomic feature, Haven't gotten to try a short frame, but I suspect anything would be better than a G20.

 

[RETG]

Shadow 7D.
I started a thread asking specific information on a specific model handgun, and received very good information; that is until your post. Do you have anything intelligent to say in regard to the operation or reliability of the Glock model 20? Or do you just not like the looks of the gun, which I'm not a lover of either, but for what I need, for what I want, the Glock does appear to be the only option out there.

So, please explain from your knowledge, why the Model 20 is not a good choice?

 

[SharpsDressedMan]

Yeah, I've got bricks at my house, and honestly, it's much easier to grip a Glock than ANY of the bricks I have on hand.

[/IMG]

 

[Shadow 7D]

Balance/heft
and the lack of my ability to reach the controls with my not so short, nor stubby fingers.
It is VERY long in the grip for my comfort, and actually kinda narrow, doesn't fill the palm, and while I can reach the trigger, I couldn't drop the mag one handed, nor the slide. It immediately struck me as a 'not for me' gun.

So, if I'm so bad...
Why did Gaston come out with a modified frame, I guess aimed at people like me.
Like I said, try the short frame version, that was my point, I haven't had the opportunity, but realize there is more than one 'Glock 20'.

 

[RETG]

Shadow, thanks for that reply. At least now I understand what you were trying to say.

I'm sure from what I have heard, I will be getting the SF model.

On another note, does anyone have the measurements from the rear of the backstrap to the trigger on both models? I have found the glock site lacking in any of these dimensions.

Thanks again...

 

[wow6599]

On another note, does anyone have the measurements from the rear of the backstrap to the trigger on both models?

The difference between a G20 and G20 SF is 3mm. I know it probably doesn't seem like much, but to me it feels much better in hand (SF that is).

From the "shortest" part of the back-strap to the middle of the trigger is 2.8", or 71.5 mm. And those measurements are with the gun cocked.......there is a slight difference of the LOP when the gun is cocked vs not.

My G20 SF

 

[RETG]

Wow, thanks. Comparing to a few of my other guns, that seems perfect for me.

I would like to thank all for their great information allowing me to make an informed decision. Especially, since this will be an internet purchase (legal of course).

So, it looks like a Glock 20, lone wolf barrel and a 22 lb spring.

Now, I guess it is time to start pricing one....

 

[RugerNut9]

Wow, this Shadow guy doesnt seem to have any idea what he is talking about. Anyone who hates a Glock has never used one.

 

[jmr40]

May I suggest you look at the 29, the 20 is one large piece of hardware and my not be conducive to hardcore backpacking/camping.

While the G20 is larger than the 29 it is still a very easily carried gun. It is actually almost half way between a 2.25" and 3" Ruger SP-101 revolver in size and weight. Far smaller than any other 3" or longer barreled 357 revolver.

 

[Mainsail]

It seems like previous posters have covered the SF issue pretty well, so I'll regurg this picture of my 20SF and 29SF for no other reason than gun porn.

 

[ku4hx]

I got my Gen2 20 in 1991 and its the smoothest of my Glocks; I've fired ten of thousands of rounds through mine. It has the original barrel and even the hottest Buffalo Bore stuff doesn't exhibit smiley face bulges on the cases.

The 22# spring is suggested to delay unlocking the barrel for a short period of time for more consistent shot-to-shot velocities. I clocked with both the OEM and a 22# RSA and found the difference to well within the normal variations.

A stronger RSA will retard the slide's rearward movement, but it also will slam it forward into battery more forcefully.

As to dimensions:

 

[Oceanbob]

I have big hands and big socks. So Glock 29 For the Win..!

 

[jdh]

Anyone who hates a Glock has never used one.

Not true.

I have been to Glock school and do currently own one. It is a 20 and as soon as S&W makes the M&P in 10mm the Glock gets traded in. The 17 has already been traded for an M&P9L, the 26 for M&P9C, the 22 for a sword, the other 22 for a M&P357 with a spare 40 barrel.

Come on S&W get on the stick.

However, I should note that since the Great Bastrop Labor Day Conflagration all the above is moot since the fire rendered then into molten piles of scrap. Now I get to do it all again.

 

[kayak-man]

Mainsail, have you noticed any difference in terms of accuracy or recoil between the 29 and the 20? I'm thinking of getting a Glock in 10mm, and I found someone who will let me try his G20 sometime, but I still have no idea what a G29 would be like.

Do you have the lone wolf barrels/recoil springs in both guns, and do you carry either of them? Nice pic, by the way!

Thanks,
Chris "the Kayak-Man" Johnson

 

[Casefull]

Unless you have small hands get the 20. It is much easier to shoot accurately and quickly than the smaller pistol when you have full power loads and if you do not have full power loads then just shoot the 40sw. I reload for both. The difference in wt between a loaded 20 and the sf is nil. It is so easy to achieve 10mm performance(factory ammo) with 40sw that I have taken to carrying my sig 226 instead of my glock 20. I have the heavy spring, steel guide rod, and wolf barrel on the glock and it works great with hot loads.

 

[Mainsail]

Mainsail, have you noticed any difference in terms of accuracy or recoil between the 29 and the 20? I'm thinking of getting a Glock in 10mm, and I found someone who will let me try his G20 sometime, but I still have no idea what a G29 would be like.

The 29 kicks a little more, but that's to be expected. Neither one kicks *too* much. As mentioned, DON'T buy a 20 or 29 until you at least hold the 20SF/29SF first. There's a big difference in feel between the two.

Do you have the lone wolf barrels/recoil springs in both guns, and do you carry either of them?

The 29SF is bone stock, but I want to put a slightly longer barrel in. The problem is it is very accurate as it is from the factory, and I kinda hate to mess with it.

The 20SF has the LWD barrel, trijicon sights, and the 3.5# disconnector (keep in mind that the 3.5# disconector does NOT make a 3.5# trigger). The recoil spring and guide are stock. I'm not happy that I have the dumb cartoon wolf on the barrel, so the next time I go barrel shopping I will be buying from one of the other barrel makers. I know, I know, I can order the LWD barrel without the wolf, but they charge extra for it so screw them.