Let's have a candid conversation about GLOCKs.

[John Wayne]

My experiences has been the complete opposite of most. I owned a Glock 30.

I actually liked the trigger and ergonomics of the gun. I thought it pointed well and handled recoil better than any other gun its size/weight. I liked the fact that all of the parts were easily replacable by the owner, and very inexpensive.

I got rid of it because of the reason most people buy them: reliability. The gun would not eject a round in the chamber (when hand-cycling) if there was a loaded mag in place. After experiencing a dud round on the range, and finding that my time in clearing this malfunction was about 4x longer than the usual "tap, rack, ..." drill, I sold it.

The gun had been taken to a Glock armorer earlier, because the plastic rear sight fell off. I told him about the issue and he said it was normal, and that the proper way to eject the round was to first remove the magazine. If that's "normal" for a Glock, I don't want any part of it.

My experience hasn't put me off to them entirely, as I have friends who love their Glocks and have not experienced this problem. If I buy another Glock, it will be in the caliber it was designed for though (i.e. a G17 in 9mm, not a G22 in .40 or a G29 in 10mm, not a G30 in .45).

I still think Glocks are a great guns, but XDs are a better value for my needs. Cheaper to start with and I don't have to buy metal sights or a cut-rifled barrel, as they already come with those.

 

[psyopspec]

I've owned a couple in the past, and let them go to fund other guns that I could use for carry. Never had an issue mechanically speaking, but the grip angle was something I just couldn't warm up to. Really liked the reliability and the tennifer finish, so chalk me up to neutral.

 

[mesinge2]

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[harmon rabb]

The only problem with glocks is that xd's exist and are cheaper, while having better ergonomics and a better trigger.

That said, I own a glock, would absolutely own another, and in fact WILL own another as I want a 10mm.

 

[CajunBass]

My wife has a G-19. I've shot it a bit. I think they're rather boring, but she likes it. I don't "hate" them, but I probably will never buy one for myself.

 

[tapauly]

Easy: they aren't fun to shoot (for me.)

My reason for owning guns may be different than others', but I shoot because it's fun. Shooting Glocks isn't fun, so I don't own them.

 

[Broken Anvil]

Why are they so popular you ask......a very short learning curve, police departments can hand them to new recruits with no firearms experience and it's a simple point and pull. Pull trigger - gun go bang - put back in holster - hit the streets. So simple even a caveman can do it......

 

[TexasGunbie]

I am glad that glock grip is natural to me since it seems most people that dislike it have issue with the grip angle.

 

[TexasGunbie]

My wife has a G-19. I've shot it a bit. I think they're rather boring, but she likes it. I don't "hate" them, but I probably will never buy one for myself.

You're right on the boring part.

It's too easy to shoot a Glock, it makes gun range sessions very plain, that's why I add other drills into my session such as point shoot drills, reload drills, rapid fire, double tapping, etc.

 

[DonRon]

Why are they so popular you ask......a very short learning curve, police departments can hand them to new recruits with no firearms experience and it's a simple point and pull. Pull trigger - gun go bang - put back in holster - hit the streets. So simple even a caveman can do it......

Like they could not do that with the revolvers they replaced? Durability and Reliability also play a major role. The side arm is just a tool in your tool box. The most effective tool in your arsenal is between your ears when you wear a badge and deal with the unpredictable public on a daily basis.

 

[GLOOB]

The gun had been taken to a Glock armorer earlier, because the plastic rear sight fell off. I told him about the issue and he said it was normal, and that the proper way to eject the round was to first remove the magazine. If that's "normal" for a Glock, I don't want any part of it.

That's not normal. Glock ejectors are positioned for early ejection. A round with OAL longer than normal would be difficult to eject by hand. My guess is your ammo was out of spec or the ejector was a hair too long. Either problem easily remedied.

3 reasons I like Glocks
1. Trigger: I like the feel if the break and the short, positive reset.

2. Magazines: Mags are half of the system. Glock mags are durable, reliable, and cheap.

3. Finish: It's not just the slide looking pretty. The barrel/slide lockup experiences practically zero wear over time.

 

[TOADMAN]

I think the biggest reason why folks find it easy to not like/hate Glocks is - too many Glock owners are poor Glock Ambassadors... I have no negative issues with the two Glocks, G19/26, that I own..

 

[Steve C]

I've owned my one and only Glock, a model 19 gen 1 for more than 20 years now and while its not the most beloved pistol of my collection it is IMO the best self defense tool of the bunch. When I carry a pistol its the one that gets used. Light, easy to carry concealed, compact in size, imminently reliable, no snagging problems in a draw, durable, lots of rounds in the magazine, simple manual of arms and I can hit what I aim at. All those things that make for a good SD gun. Despite all these good features there's nothing that makes me want to get another one though if I where to loose this one I would replace it ASAP.

 

[DasFriek]

Im Glock neutral also, I can take it or leave it when it comes to them.
My main issue against them is their fat width which is unnecessary imo.
But i would like to have a G29 for ccw despite that fact.

Imo they are no better or no worse than any gun on the market and fail just like the others do. But as far as reliability goes they do tend to be above average.

 

[Ben86]

I myself love Glocks. They totally work for me all around. My wife on the other hand does not like them. They don't fit her hand, and she doesn't shoot them all that well. I completely understand that, and was very happy to surprise her with an M&P9C, which is now her favorite gun.

That said some people disparage Glocks for no good reason. Some it seems bad mouth them as a form of anti-culture, spouting off about glock kool-aid and such. Well I've drank the kool-aid and I like it. The kool-aid's not for everyone, but I myself drink it pretty often.

 

[Zotter]

Have you ever watched a "discussion" on Windows vs Linux vs MacOS by those that care?

Yea - similar paradigm here. (sorta, analogy breaks real fast on particulars)

Ultimately it all comes down to :: wait for it :: Personal choice.

It's a product that fills a market. Does that mean the market for Glock really is that big? Maybe. Could also mean their marketing department is on par for effectiveness with Microsoft. Could well be that just like for using Windows, some don't have a choice. If they did - or even knew they did - maybe they'd use something 'else'.

Choice - ain't it great?! Make one. You'll like it.

(new tag line: "Glock, the Windows of semi-autos")

 

[gwnorth]

I'm not a fan. But for me it is not just glocks. After experimenting with owning different guns over the years (and renting many too, for that matter) I just don't like striker fired pistols. Everything I own now has a hammer - either DA/SA with a decocker, SAO with a safety or is a revolver. That's the manual of arms I like so I steer clear of glocks and other striker fired guns.

To those who like them - enjoy!

 

[leadcounsel]

Well this is a ground breaking conversation...

For the reasons already mentioned, (affordability, durability, field tested and proven, simplicity, weight-to-power ratio, reliability, ease of use/cleaning/stripping, accuracy, etc.) I am a HUGE fan.

 

[Waywatcher]

I didn't grow up with guns of any sort. The Glock angle is just fine, I was never used to anything else. I find the transition between it and my revolvers very natural.

It's not my favorite gun, but my 17 is my favorite auto-pistol.

I don't mind sending money to Austria, some other countries--not so much.

Oh, and for the record, their 9mm chambers are not undersupported.

 

[Phil W]

Darn good weapons......just so bland

 

[9teenEleven]

Well, let me complicate it a little. I really really want to dislike Glocks. There are guns that are far better designed with intuitive controls and ergonomics (P30 comes to mind). There are guns that are all metal (I love my P225 and Kimber because they feel like a gun should feel). There are even striker fired guns that don't look like they were made in shop class (M&P). Glock seems to be stuck in the past. The new Gen 4s are very ill-thought out, with poorly implemented backstraps and the same crappy controls.

However, as much as I want to dislike them, I prefer them. They point very well; the low-axis makes for the fastest shooting gun I own (even if the controls make them the slowest to reload); they are amazingly accurate for what they are; and they are reliable and easy to break down and clean. As much as people gripe about the trigger, although it feels cheap, IMO it is one of the best factory triggers I've shot under 1k. I really want to hate them, but every morning I load up my Glock 26 and stick it in a holster.

 

[Joe Demko]

Love? Hate? Those are emotional terms that don't really describe the situation with me and guns. Those that fit me, or can be customized to fit me, and that are accurate, reliable shooters are worth having. The rest? Well, I just don't buy them or I get rid of them after their shortcomings come to light.
I've owned a couple different models of Glocks and shot a bunch more. They don't fit me and that is that. There are enough other guns in the world that I don't have to force myself to adapt to a Glock. I don't hate them, or even dislike them, but I have no desire to own another.

 

[DonRon]

Well, let me complicate it a little. I really really want to dislike Glocks. There are guns that are far better designed with intuitive controls and ergonomics (P30 comes to mind). There are guns that are all metal (I love my P225 and Kimber because they feel like a gun should feel). There are even striker fired guns that don't look like they were made in shop class (M&P). Glock seems to be stuck in the past. The new Gen 4s are very ill-thought out, with poorly implemented backstraps and the same crappy controls.

However, as much as I want to dislike them, I prefer them. They point very well; the low-axis makes for the fastest shooting gun I own (even if the controls make them the slowest to reload); they are amazingly accurate for what they are; and they are reliable and easy to break down and clean. As much as people gripe about the trigger, although it feels cheap, IMO it is one of the best factory triggers I've shot under 1k. I really want to hate them, but every morning I load up my Glock 26 and stick it in a holster.

Amen.. well said and same here. I could not agree more.

 

[lambertiana]

It's mostly due to subjective appraisals that are unique to each user - appearance, ergonomics, etc.

I happen to like my G30. I have a full size 1911 (SA), and my son has a P220, and I shoot the G30 better than the other two. It feels good in my hand, and I do not have large hands. In fact, before I started to look at Glocks, I was concerned because of all the reports from people who complained about the fat grips, but that has not been an issue for me. In fact, I think the USP 45 has much blockier and very uncomfortable grips.

Use what works best for you, and don't be a hater if someone likes something else better. If you like your 1911 or Sig or M&P or XD or HK, that's fine by me. I will stick with my G30.

 

[GunBugBit]

Don't own a Glock just yet but I will soon. I'm no expert on Glocks, but I've shot the 20, 22, 23, 27, 31, 36 and 21 so I do have an opinion on them.

My thoughts on the frequent criticisms:

UGLY - It's a gun, not a beauty contestant. I've never understood how some gun owners perseverate over how a gun looks, including having anxiety attacks over tiny scratches. Not that I can't appreciate a good-looking gun, it's just such a low priority for me.

BLOCKY - So is my head.

FRAME MADE OF PLASTIC - Yeah, extremely rugged plastic.

BLAND - I don't look for spiciness in a gun. For that, I turn to food.

TRIGGER IS YUCKY - Not as yucky as a Springfield XD(M). I'll always love 1911 triggers above all others, and I'll never expect a Glock to fill the 1911-sized hole in my heart. When I want the 1911 experience, I shoot a 1911.

GRIP ANGLE - I'll admit I don't love it. My benchmark for how a pistol should point is the 1911, the pistol with which I have the most experience. I think I can train myself to adjust to the Glock grip angle with no serious issues.

OK, so what's good?

They're inexpensive, light, easy to operate and maintain, rugged and reliable. Their design mechanically is quite elegant, very few parts involved.

Not much more to say about them.