Glock pros and cons.

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Greg Bell

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Guys,

Lets try to come up with all of the pro/cons of the Glock. I used to do this on TFL and we always generated some interesting threads. I promise not to call anyone an idiot.

Pro

1. Capacity. Glocks seem have higher capacity than similarly sized weapons. Example, 226/92/usp are 15 while G17 is 17.
2. Affordable. They are usually much cheaper than competitive firearms.
3. Finish. The Tennifer finish seems tougher than most, if not all, other finishes.
4. Variety. They seem to be available in more varieties than most other designs.
5. Accesories. Lots of goodies available.
6. Consistency of trigger pull. Always has the same trigger.
7. Simplicity. This goes for design and manual of arms (see pro #6)
8. Easily cleaned. The Glocks plastic and tennifered steel finish is a snap to clean up.
9. Easily repaired. I believe the Glock armorer's course is 11 minutes long. :D


Con

1. Questionable safety. The trigger is light and there is no manual safety. It eschews the traditional DA/Revolver heavy first trigger pull also. There seem to be an unusual number of ND/ ADs with the design.

2. Kb! The guns seem to explode with a little more frequency than alternative designs.

3. Non-Glockers seem to have an unreasonable hatred of the design.

4. Plastic sites. The factory sights are fragile.

5. The grip angle is a little unusual.


Any suggestions?



GHB
 
I think that I see some of your positives as neg's...

2. Affordable. They are usually much cheaper than competitive firearms.
~~Affordable compared to what? An all metal sig? a custom 1911? sure they are cheeper then those, however many quality name brand handguns can be had for equal or lesser funds...

3. Finish. The Tennifer finish seems tougher than most, if not all, other finishes.
~~Finish i correct... only one finish is available (see below)

4. Variety. They seem to be available in more varieties than most other designs.
~~Variety??? They only have one gun in different calibers and sizes and all the same finish.... It is not like S&W that is variety... Sig? 5 different styles with all calibers covered....

Obviously I am not a Glock Guy.... But there always has to be a desending opinion....
 
Positives: they're affordable, tough as nails, dead-bang reliable, impervious to corrosion, and hold a lot of bullets for their size. They have consistent trigger pulls for each shot, and they're point-and-click simple.

Negatives: they're a little homely-looking, the large-framed ones have chunky grips, the factory sights are merely tolerable, and the grip angle is a bit radical for some folks.

Sights can be replaced easily enough with Mepros or Trijicons.
 
Pros:
1) You can switch from one model to the next with very little difference ( if any) in the function/manual of arms
2) Customer service/warranty: Glocks customer service is top notch, and I believe they stand behind their product 100%
3) Reliability: I switched from Glocks to the 1911 platform, and although MY 1911 has been 100% reliable....Glock has the competition beat hands down in this category
4) Available in many sizes/calibers: Glocks are available in practically every popular caliber, and come in small, medium, and large sizes. No other pistol manufacturer can match their selection of quality hanguns
5) Durability: Bang em' around all you want, but there ain't much you can do that will cause a Glock to not function....or, seriously effect it's appearance. I would venture to guess that Glock makes the toughest pistol known to man....hands down.


Cons:
1) Less accurate than other pistols: Not all, but some. When I traded in my Glock for a quality 1911....I realized that tight groups were possible with a pistol. I won't argue that a Glock isn't "combat accurate"...because they are. But....For me, the single action 3.75 # trigger pull of my 1911 lends itself to amazingly accurate fire
2) Lack of customizable features: Short of a full-house custom shop....I would be hard pressed to think of a place that offers the type of bells, and whistles needed to truly consider a Glock "customized"
3) Lack of a manual safety: Some may argue that this is a non-issue...I would disagree. Having worked as a police officer...armed with a Glock, I would have appreciated the added security of a manual safety....even at the cost of longer training times to learn the manual of arms for the pistol. When you are wrestling with on a barroom floor, with a 300 pound drunk....the lack of a safety becomes more important to you than it may seem when you are casually shooting in a controlled environment


Ultimately....Although I have switched from the Glock to 1911's...I still love the Glock series of pistols. It all comes down to a matter of personal preference. I would not feel at all inadequately armed if my sidearm options were limited to a Glock pistol.
I have simply found something that works better for me, and my intended use of a handgun.

Shoot straight fellers!.........
10mm:D
 
FOR THE LIST

Pros:
1. Reliability: It's generally agreed that Glocks are as reliable as a brick, even by those who think they are about as good looking.

FOR DISCUSSION:

Greg Bell,
I would argue that non-Glockers disliking the design of the Glock is irrelevant, regardless of their level of dislike, unless they have a specific articulable issue with its design. The fact that I really don't like the look and feel of S&W autos (which I don't) or that I dislike revolvers because I can't get a comfortable angle on the trigger (also true) doesn't change the fact that they are good firearms.

Ditto the grip angle. I think my Glock 23 is one of the most comfortably designed guns around (for me at least). Respectfully, both of these issues seem to be matters of personal taste, rather than inherent pros and cons of the design.

Denmark116,

I agree with you on the issue of variety, sort of. A Glock is a Glock is a Glock, if it's a sub compact 9mm or a full-size 10mm or a long slide .40. They all pretty much look the same. On the other hand, they do cover most (if not all) of the major auto calibers, as well as all frame sizes. From an aesthetic point of view Glocks don't change much. From a utilitarian point of view, they are all over the board. I guess it depends on your definition of "variety."

I do have to disagree with you over affordability. Greg Bell wasn't saying that Glocks are THE BOTTOM DOLLAR TOP QUALITY HANDGUN. He was saying that in the realm of quality handguns Glocks tend to be on the lower end of the price range. When compared to most SIGs, 1911, H&Ks, etc he is right. You are getting a simpler handgun, with less bells and whistles, and there are cheaper handguns that are still good quality (Springfield XD comes to mind). But Glocks are cheaper than most of the competition.


FOR THE GRAMMAR POLICE
or
A LIGHT-HEARTED JAB AT GLOCK DETRACTORS
(not to be construed as a personal attack on Denmark116 or the greater population of Glock detractors)

I couldn't help but notice that the last post finished with a remark about "desending" opinions. Now, at first glance one might think that the intended word was "dissenting" meaning "to differ in opinion (courtesy of m-w.com). However, after exhaustive analysis of both the document and the issue at hand, I have concluded that the intended word must be "descending" meaning "to pass from a higher place or level to a lower one." It is clearly obvious to any thinking individual that an attack on Glocks, which are the most superior firearm know to man, also an any thinking individual knows, would be of the poorest taste. So a post criticizing Glock design would clearly constitute sinking from a higher level of discussion to a lower level. I hope you will all keep this in mind as you discuss the wonders of the Glock design. Thank you.


We now return to your regular rational debate...
 
Another pro, the magazines are interchangeable. A hicap magazine for a full size gun will function in one of its smaller brothers of like caliber. Useful for those that carry a BUG or an extra magazine. You can carry your baby Glock for CCW and carry a full size magazine on the off hand side just in case you need more rounds than your baby Glock holds. You can leave a full size magazine in the glove box of your car to provide extra ammo for whichever Glock you might be carrying on a given day.
 
Phantom Warrior,

What I ment was "dissenting"... or to differ in opinion...

I am aware that there is a vast number of Glock Lovers out there, and the multitude of police officers that trust them is a testament to their reliablility... However, I personally do not like them....

Sometimes when I get home from work the mind is not back in working order.. I should restrain myself from posting until after I have regained normal brain function.

I still say the all glocks are the same (a glock is a glock is a glock....) Just think that they could become if they ventured out and came up with something new.... (and I do not mean a new caliber or size of frame).
 
Denmark 116,

I knew what you meant. Just struck me as amusing, so I decided to see if it'd be good for a laugh. I agree with you that Glocks all the look the same, but I guess if it ain't broke... *shrug*
 
Reliability, There must be other people besides myself that have had issues with Glock reliability. My Model 34 was flat bad when it was new, I changed Mag followers, and shifted to round nosed bullets only for around 500 rounds. I have it settled now but it seriously sucked until I got around 600-750 rounds through it. Glock customer service was good they sent me mag folllowers for free. It still makes funny noises like a clock coming unsprung when I shoot it, but I have had no jams in over 500+ rounds.

Sights, all glock sights stink. If thats the best they can do on sights they should put a certificate in the box for getting sights put on. Something like a $50-75 dollar certificate that I can take to any gunsmith and have sights put on the gun. I would rather have the above certificate and no sights at all just the cuts on the slide so it is easy to install a decent aftermarket. This is my biggest pet peave with Glocks, I think I could carve a pencil eraser that would be as durable and useable as the Glock front sights.

Trigger, I am not crazy on the trigger in my Glock 19, not bad, not good, acceptable is the best word to describe it. My 34 has a much better trigger and I really don't have anything negative to say about its trigger. I am accustomed to shooting the Glock triggers now and really have considered getting the parts to put the lighter trigger in my 19.

Accuracy, Well my 19 is no tack driver thats for sure I have seen better I have seen worse. Frankly I wasn't expecting the 19 to be super accurate it has meet or exceeded my expectations. My Model 34 is a different animal altogether, it is very accurate my best group to date with it is a whole mag on slightly larger than a quarter at 15 yards. I would be more consistent with this pistol if the sights were better ( see above ). I have decided to replace this sights I just haven't decided on what set yet. I am leaning to Hienie slant pro, or a target type sight with a dehorned blade. The 34 once the bugs were out of it, has been very accurate, and if mine is any example the theory that Glocks aren't accurate is bunk.

Now for the things I like:

Cleaning it is a snap, probably the easiest of all my guns to clean.

Ergonomics, Ok I like the 1911 grip, it and a couple of revolvers I own are the absolute best. But there is nothing wrong with the Glocks the angle some complain about is just fine. My only gripe is the finger grooves on the Model 19, they are uncomfortable and don't fit my hand. I also hang a finger of the bottom of this pistol when I shoot. My 34 is much better.

Parts, getting aftermarket parts is easy, this is one of the great things about glocks lots of aftermarket parts.
 
The major PRO, in my opinion...

A 1st generation Glock 17 with 60,000+ rounds fed through it. All original parts. No malfunctions. No breakages. Still using the original magazines.

It might be ugly. The trigger pull may suck. It doesn't have a manual safety. It does however, go bang every time I pull the trigger. On second thought, there isn't any *might* involved, it is ugly.
 
1. Questionable safety. The trigger is light and there is no manual safety. It eschews the traditional DA/Revolver heavy first trigger pull also. There seem to be an unusual number of ND/ ADs with the design.
Click to expand...

Frankly, if this is an issue for anyone, you should not be anywhere near a firearm and I mean it.

If you want it to fire, pull the trigger. If you do not, do not pull the trigger.

Its the same for all firearms, regardless of make, model or safety mechanism.

No offense intended to anyone of course, but I am utterly exhausted with this Glock "issue."
I think that the only reason there seem to be an unusual number of NDs (no such thing as an "accident"; it is the USER'S FAULT except in the rare case of gross mechanical failure) is because they have been painted as some mythical, uber-unsafe deathtrap that will discharge if you look at it funny.

Another reason for what seems to be such a high number of NDs with them is that so many LEO agencies use them and, no offense of course to the fine LEOs here, but we all know how firearms-saavy most LEOs are.

I'll guarantee you that if more LEOs carried 1911s on duty, we'd hear all about how "unsafe" those "outdated" pistols are. :rolleyes:


2. Kb! The guns seem to explode with a little more frequency than alternative designs.
Click to expand...

I think that Glock KBs are trumped up waaaaay out of proportion on the internet. I'll also bet that the ones that do actually happen are due to poor ammo selection or other user-caused problems.

3. Non-Glockers seem to have an unreasonable hatred of the design.
Click to expand...

Its called envy. :D :D :D

I find the same to be true of those who claim to dislike the Desert Eagle. ;) :D

4. Plastic sites. The factory sights are fragile.
Click to expand...

As said, they are easily swapped out for different sights.

5. The grip angle is a little unusual.
Click to expand...

To each his own, but I find Glocks to point better and more naturally than pretty much any other gun out there. I am pretty sure this is aided by the ultra-low bore axis.

I personally shoot my Glocks better than any other gun I own. Well, I haven't shot my DE yet, so I can't say for sure actually... :)

I absolutely love my two Glocks and definitely plan on getting more. :)
 
I've actually considered buying a Glock over the past year or so, just because of their legendary reliability. So I guess the reliability is the "pro," even if it's slightly exaggerated. But these things are not as inexpensive as I had expected. It seems you can't get out the door for less than $425 or $450 on up, and at that price they're competing with a bunch of other guns I'd probably rather have. Probably.
 
PRO: They will, absolutely, go BANG each and every time you pull the trigger. And only when you pull the trigger.

CON (in some people's eyes, not mine): They will, absolutely, go BANG each and every time you pull the trigger. And only when you pull the trigger.

I wish like hell Glock made a .223 and .308 AR type rifle.
 
"you never go bock..."

I did, I bought a G20 and traded a 10mm 1911 for it. I had it exactly 29 days (30 day return policy). I did not like the ergonomics, the tange bounced on my thumb nuckle and different holds did not help. I could not get used to the trigger, the safety lever wore my finger pad raw after three 200 round sessions. poor accuracy, it wasnt real bad, just not as tight as I wanted, however, I will chock that up to the bad ergo. And lastly, The slide release was too hard to find trying to rapid reload. Granted, it is not an issue when tactical reloading but I came from the Army school of thought.

What I did like:
Very simple to use, clean and operate on if needed (I was able to disassemble it and reassemble it the first night just by looking up a couple of web pages).
very rugged, not indesrtuctable, but more tolerant to drops than most
It chewed everything I gave to it., including CCI blazer
The high caps, if I could have afforded them, OUCH!
the tactical light rail, I even got a light for it.

All the goods could not make up for the bads in my case. I took it back and picked up a kimber 10mm.

Sorry glock guys, I just coudlnt hang i guess :)
 
Let me preface this whole thing with my Glock history. First Glock I experienced was my friends 2nd gen Glock 23. I HATED it. The recoil characteristics were horrible, the checkering on the backstrap ate into my hand, and of course the trigger sucked. Fast forward a few years and I bought into the Glock thing enough to get a Glock 22 ( why, I'll never know). This a 3rd gen, and in the store it felt ok, but when firing it, I don't know, it wouldn't come together for me. Sold it. Fast forward again a few years and I tried out a G24C at the range, and I shot the best group of my life with that gun. I picked up a used 2nd gen Glock 19 last year, and I have to say I love this little pistol. Would like to get a G35 at some point as well. Anyway,

Pro's -
As everyone here has mentioned, they are reliable.
Extremely easy to work on.
The mags swap over going from large to small and smallest in same caliber.
I personally like the sights...they are easy to pick up quickly
They hold a lot of bullets.
They are light
Consistent trigger pull
Super tough finish

Con's -
Trigger is not what I would consider ideal
I personally would like a safety of some type on it, but that's just me.
 
I neither love Glocks or hate them. Mine's for sale though after 12 yrs of shooting / thinking it over. My Glock tenure left me with these thoughts:

Pros;
I like (am used to?) the trigger. short reset for fast followup shots.
High capacity. Not needed but doesn't hurt.
Accurate enough for govt work. (pun? hehe)
Easy to disassemble and clean.
Reliable with all factory rounds to date.

Cons;
You cannot shoot lead out of them for fear of KB.
It's not reliable with my fav lead reloads.
Hi cap mags expensive. (Not their fault)
It don't like my lead reloads.
It don't like my lead reloads.
It don't like my lead reloads.
It has trouble setting off certain primers, lead bullets notwithstanding.
It's mags wont interchange with my 1911 mags.
The spectre of KB!
Oh yeah, and it don't like my lead reloads.

The cons outweigh the pros so I'm reluctantly anxiously awaiting a buyer. Good gun for a non reloader.
 
Dr. Jones said:
Frankly, if this is an issue for anyone, you should not be anywhere near a firearm and I mean it.

If you want it to fire, pull the trigger. If you do not, do not pull the trigger.

Its the same for all firearms, regardless of make, model or safety mechanism.
Click to expand...

And I must disagree.

The last time I cleaned a gluck (rhymes with "yuck") the procedure required you to drop the mag, clear the chamber and PULL THE TRIGGER before removing the slide. So clearly, gluck requires a trigger-pull when you do not want to fire. I believe this is the root of 99% of gluck NDs.

Furthermore, I have no other firearms that require a trigger-pull before disassembly.

Two more Cons for the list:

They have no soul. (I think I got this from Tamara on a previous gluck-hater thread)

Gaston is an arrogant a-hole that grates on my nerves and I can't stand the thought of contributing to his wealth.
 
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