Glock Short Frame?

[JTQ]

And until I read this thread, I have never heard it called "short frame". Everyone has always called them "slim frame".

It's probably not the only Glock term, feature, or claim that doesn't pass the common sense test.

 

[Buzznrose]

I own both, I like to shoot both. IMHO, the notion that your hand has to fit your gun grip perfectly to be able to shoot it well, that should be put to rest once & for all. There is just so much more that factors into it.

Agree with your points, but I also kind of agree there is some validity to the other side of the argument.

I have a G21 Gen 4. I’m not a tall guy and I wear a medium mechanic glove, so no gorilla mitts. I can run a G21 SF frame fine. I prefer the G17 size gun, but I can draw and shoot a G21. My issue is the fast reload, where I really have to focus in order to get to the mag release, but I can do it okay.

However, I cannot run a 2011 worth a crap because my thumbs cannot easily reach the safety to either drop it or to engage it. I tried for several range sessions and finally sold the gun to a friend who got a great deal. Don’t get me wrong…I could consistently shoot a dozen rounds into one small ragged hole with it at 15 yards…but to draw and fire was hard.

So while my Staccato P and my G21 had pretty similar size frames, the functions made a difference.

 

[Buzznrose]

It's probably not the only Glock term, feature, or claim that doesn't pass the common sense test.

It is not slimmer (width), it is shorter (length).

Just because someone doesn’t understand the term doesn’t mean it doesn’t make sense.

 

[JTQ]

However, I cannot run a 2011 worth a crap because my thumbs cannot easily reach the safety to either drop it or to engage it.

It's a matter of expectations.

Shannon Smith doing mag changes with a G17, beginning at about the 2:05 mark.

"There is basically no gun on the planet that I can reach the mag release without shifting the gun in my hand."



One way to look at it is the things you need to be able to reach with a firing grip to shoot the gun are within your reach, while the things that can foul the gun with a firing grip are out of your reach.

 

[Buzznrose]

It's a matter of expectations.

Shannon Smith doing mag changes with a G17, beginning at about the 2:05 mark.

"There is basically no gun on the planet that I can reach the mag release without shifting the gun in my hand."



One way to look at it is the things you need to be able to reach with a firing grip to shoot the gun are within your reach, while the things that can foul the gun with a firing grip are out of your reach.

understood. My expectations for a handgun is I can smoothly and quickly draw and fire from a holster, with one hand if needed.

For me, I almost always have to adjust my grip on the handgun to drop a magazine. But again, not required for the “grip-draw-present-sights-trigger press” sequence.

I establish my shooting grip when I draw the gun. On a 1911/2011, the sequence is “grip-draw-present-safety off-sights-trigger press”.

But on the 2011, I cannot release the safely without losing my grip. I tried but it’s a no-go with my stubby thumbs and arthritic hands.

 

[StrykerByte.45]

On my SF, even with the grip reduction, have to shift to mag release. Now I practice releasing with my left thumb to not change grip. But honestly dont feel like it makes a difference. Grip returns almost immediately and instinctively.
Counting your rounds fired and finding cover to do reloads is much higher priority. Unless of course it's for competition in which case you will have to find the fastest way to reload.

 

[drobs]

I have a G21 SF Gen 3 and can say the grip is still quite large. It would fit only the most ham fisted folks out there.

I still like the gun and am very accurate with it so I tolerate it even though it is on the large side for me as well.

To put this in better perspective, I also own a G19 Gen 3 and I think that is the best fitting grip size offered by Glock in Gen 3 for me.

My go to was a Gen 3 G19. I have 3 of them or 3 variations of them. OK 4 if you count the PSA Dagger.

I'd been fighting the temptation to buy a G43X / G48. I had a feeling it would replace my G19, G26, and Ruger LC9s Pro for carry.

Bought a G43X earlier this year. Shot it enough to find it reliable. Plus outfitted it with the Shield Arms metal mag release, 3 15rd Shield Arms mags, Night Sights, and OWB Holster, and an IWB Holster. Yep - it replaces those 3 guns for belt carry. Grip is small in circumference.

I still like my Ruger LC9s Pro for pocket carry though but find myself carrying it less and less. My G19's have become bedside / truck guns. I will carry a flashlight equipped G19 if I know I will be out in the woods at night.

 

[JohnB-40]

I'd been fighting the temptation to buy a G43X

I also bought a 43X last year after 5 years of using a LC9S for carry. It was my first Glock and I instantly liked it at the LGS because of the grip fit. Sometimes I'm tempted to buy a G48 for the slightly longer sight radius and commander like size. I would buy just a 48 slide and barrel,but on ebay etc,they are asking for a few bucks less than a new complete pistol. I still mostly carry the Ruger because it is so concealable.