Honest Opinions Wanted: Glock 23

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zebco

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I held a 4th Gen. Glock 23, and really want this to be my new toy, and I must add that I am itching to buy something new. Really bad. Anyway, I really like the size, like the way it feels in my hands, and like the way it points for me. Again, this is the size that I want. Great compromise between full size and sub-compact.

However, while I know I can shoot the 19 very well, I'm not sure about the .40 version. And I really wasn't wanting a 9mm. I kind of want to move up a bit. So let's hear from those that own/owned these, or who at least have shot more than just a few rounds through them. What do you really think of the accuracy, recoil, how it compares to other guns chambered in the .40 caliber? I've shot the Sig 229, M&P, and PX-4 in .40 but haven't had a chance to shoot the 23 yet. Really looking for unbiased opinions. Thanks!
 
i have a glock 23, 3rd gen. shoots great. not to big and a nice size mag. the fbi is
using them and alot of police depts. the 22 or 23. mines accurate , easy to field strip.
not to expensive compared to others.if you can try it out first. some people dont
like the grip angle. i have no problems with mine. easy to conceal.
good luck on your choice
george
 
I have a glock 23 and love it. I had a few modifications done; stainless steel guide rod installed to reduce recoil, trigger pull modified from the 5 lb to 3, extended magazine release. Shoots great and is very comfortable in my hands (I have small hands).
 
23

I have had several Glock 23's Generation 3's and carried one for years. I think they are one of the most perfect personal protection/combat pistols ever made.Light, utterly reliable, accurate, cost as little as some "Saturday Night Specials", very high capacity ie 16 rounds .40 cal. in a 9mm size package (if Model 22 mags are used along with a plastic collar to fill the gap). The FBI, Secret Service and various agencies still use the Model 23. I shoot 1911's more (I'm currently trying to carry one as well) as I like the trigger and ergo's better. However, nothing has an edge on the Model 23 in the real world. My opinion from owning many many pistols, and I'm no combat guru.
 
Ive had mine for about 6 years (gen 3), I had to get used to the snap of the recoil. I carry mine daily, trust my life with it, although i am not the most accurate with it i do feel i am accurate enough for a SD situation. Also if you dont like the .40 sw you can change it to a 9mm or .357 sig.....
 
Glock 23 is my go to pistol. That being said, like any other new handgun purchase its going to be important to practice quite a bit with it. To some the recoil can be harsh, somewhat snappy, and to others overwhelming. Put in the time and I think you would be very please with your purchase. I carry it IWB, and its not to bad, its hard to beat 13 rounds of .40s&w in that size of a package.
 
What isn't to like?

A great cartridge, with better penetration than 9mm or .45ACP, delivering nearly or as much energy and expansion as a .45ACP, in a platform that allows 13+1, and is quite tame in recoil, in a relatively light weight and very reliable firearm...

...that's worth a lot.

If they quit making the Glock 23 tomorrow, and I didn't have a 3rd Gen, I'd pay a lot of cash to get one. I think it's one of the last pistols I'd ever want to part ways with.
 
the fbi is using them and alot of police depts. the 22 or 23.
Click to expand...
Approximately 60% of all U.S. PD's use the 22 and/or the 23.

Not to mention Canada, Australia and many other lessor nations.
 
Since we're talking opinions here, well my 2 cents is that you can't go wrong with the 23 Model. I've owned the Mini Version Model 27 for about 9 years now and have been nothing but pleased. The recoil is manageable on that model so it can only be better for the next size up. I've owned a model 19 for 15+ years and yes there is a noticeable difference in recoil but after some practice you won't notice a difference in accuracy. I keep the model 19 around only because the 9mm is cheaper to practice with but I don't carry it. I carry my model 27 (with a grip extension) because of it's concealability but I keep my Model 32 next to the bed. The 32 model can have the .357 barrel switched with a .40 barrel and instantly become a model 23 (and vice versa for gen 3 to current from what I've read). I have plans to buy a 23 barrel for that gun in the near future. If I could only own one Glock I would choose either the Model 23 or 32 and I would own both barrels. Between the two .357 Sig is more expensive to shoot but it does have it's place.
 
The honest truth is that there is precious little difference in how the 19 and 23 shoot.

The recoil is hardly any different - both pistols are virtually identical weight when loaded, and both cartridges use 6gr - 7gr of powder on average for their most common weight bullets.... only the projectile weight and velocity are a bit different. This leads to:

Cartridge - 9mm / 40
Impulse - .8 / .9 (pounds per second)
Velocity - 13.4 / 15.4 (feet per second)
Free Energy - 5.3 / 7 (foot pounds)

As you can see, recoil impulse is virtually identical. Recoil velocity shows the 40 with a modest 13% increase. Free recoil energy shows an increase of 25% with the 40 (greatly negated by proper grip).

Plainly put, the increase in recoil from a 19 to a 23 is no different than shooting hot +P rounds from the 9mm - this mirrors my own experience in trigger time. I don't think the 40 is the snappy beast some make it out to be. If the 23 fits you so well, then just buy one.
 
Thanks for the responses so far.

What is the price range for the Gen 4 Glock 23? I am trying to convince my Wife I need one too.
Mike
Click to expand...
Around here, about $550.
If the 23 fits you so well, then just buy one.
Click to expand...
I almost did, just because of the fit. As said, I really like the way a 19/23 fits and points for me. However, I can only afford one gun at this time and don't want to mess this up. That's why I really want to shoot it first. And with spring/summer around the corner I have to decide if the 23 is going to be the one for CC, or if the 26/27 would work out better.
 
The first Glock I ever bought was a gen 3 23...I will have this gun til I take my final breath... everything about it is perfect. Accurate, it's like an extension of my arm, bullet goes where I want it every time, easy, gun to carry daily, ballistics are great, I like having it in my hand, just feels right. I have Glock 34, which I like and enjoy, and a Ruger SR9c, which is a nice pistol as well, but none have the feel of the 23.
 
I'm betting you can find one for less than $550 without breaking too much of a sweat.
 
Great gun if you like - or don't mind - the "snappy" .40 recoil. It is not that it is harsh or punishing ("flyweight" .357 Magnum revolvers take that prize), but does have more and faster muzzle flip which affects controllability of fast followup shots. Try to rent one before you buy and see how you like it.
 
I just bought a Glock 23 yesterday and I'm trying it out this afternoon.
I have the Glock 21SF and the 26 and I really like them a lot, they are
accurate and reliable and I expect nothing less from the Glock 23. Actually,
I like the way the Glock 23 feels better in my hand that my other Glocks
for some reason.
 
I love my Glock 23.

+13 rounds, 15 round reloads (G22 mags)
+light
+uber reliable
+won't rust
+easiest pistol to detail strip
+easy to clean
+the round in the magazine is allmost perfectly inline with the bore making feeding easy
+good magazines (as long as you don't accidentally buy dusty old ones from a local store)
+easy to put real sights on
+easy to mod
+one of the only guns out there that can keep up with custom 1911s in competition
+perfect for a modern combat high tang grip

-fat
-gritty el cheapo trigger
-expensive mags
-clean that firing pin
-snappy recoil
-plastic recoil rod
-plastic sights
 
Shot one before and I hated it. Uncomfortable recoil and ergonomics that I'm not used to. Plus I'm biased against .40 S&W in a poly gun because of the recoil in general.
 
I did not like me Gen 3 G23. It was snappy and I didn't shoot it very well. I recently bought a Glock 30 and it is a whole different story! Perceived recoil is much lower than the G23 and the accuracy is amazing.

The only down side is the thickness and girth, but if you can grip it comfortably why not move up to .45 ACP?
 
marksman13: I'm not really into the .45. Don't get me wrong, a .45 is fun to shoot and I happen to shoot them well (at least the ones I've rented at the range.) But I'm one of those that prefer velocity. And going to a .45 would negate one of things I find appealing about the 23, which is the size. But thanks for your opinion on the recoil. Not knowing what the recoil is going to be like is the only reason I haven't already bought one. Again, all opinions are appreciated.
 
Different strokes for different folks. Don't get me wrong, the G23 is far from an uncontrollable beast. It was just more of a challenge to get back on target for follow-up shots. I can understand your choice of calibers. It is a good compromise between 9mm and .45 ACP. Honestly though, I don't see enough advantage in .40 S&W to trade my 9mms away. If I'm not shooting the .45 ACP, I'd rather have the mag capacity and faster follow-up shots of the 9mm.

Of course these are just opinions and mine is worth no more or less than the next posters. Good luck with your search, and when you find something you like get it and don't worry about another's opinion of it.
 
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