Recoil and Conversion Questions on the G27

[trey gil]

I've been searching and each thread makes me reconsider what I just read on the previous thread. Bottom line, I still have two questions.

How bad is the recoil on the Glock 27, in general and compared to that of the 9mm sister the G26?
-And-
How difficult is it to convert a G27 to 9mm (I know that the .40 needs a simple barrel swap to convert to a .357 Sig, but I seem to get different answers on converting the .40 to a 9mm regarding what you have to replace in addition to the barrel and magaizines, if anything).

As far as what I am used to, I have shot several .40 S&W handguns, but they all have been larger than the G27 (think Beretta 96 size).
The only Glock subcompact I have shot has been the G36, and the recoil seemed more than manageable.
I am currently loving the 9mm because it is so quick and accurate (dead on with my Sig 228), but jumping into a compact .40 seems like a great idea, only I now have recoil concerns based on reading other threads.
I want a subcompact Glock, just trying to decide between the 26 and 27.
Can anyone provide a comparison, guidance, or any help (other than going to rent both guns and try them, although that is not out of the questions if someone knows of a cheap range in the Houston, TX area that will do so).

Thanks

Trey G.

 

[dmftoy1]

I've been trying to get my brother to sell me his model 27 because I love shooting the thing. I've not shot it alot, but I would guess I've put 400 rounds through it in the last 2 years in various sessions we've had together at the range. I don't think it kicks any worse than my 1911's, but it's a "sharper" recoil. I'm not quite sure how to describe it . .it seems like the slide is cycling faster or something like that. No pain or anything, just "sharper". (if that makes any sense)

Have a good one,
Dave

 

[trey gil]

Dave,

Makes perfect sense, lets me know that the recoil on this little guy may be a bit overhyped. Thank you....anyone else want to chime in?

tg

 

[DSGB610]

ive had my glock 27 for about a month and the first time i shot it i was not expected for the amount of force from it. it is not the worse recoil but compared to what im used to (glock 17 and glock 22) it is a bit of a change

 

[g1726]

I owned a G26 for about 2 1/2 years and put about 6500 rounds through it, with about 1000 being +P. I only sold it because I prefer the longer sight radius of the G17 and after I chopped off the grip, it conceals just like a 26/27. So I still carry about 1/2 of a 26. Anyway, I digress.

A good friend owned a G27 for nearly two years and put about 6000 rounds through it. I was responsible for about 1000 of that. The recoil of the 27 is greater than the 26, but is not substantial if +P's are used in the 26. Standard pressure 9mm to .40 is quite noticeable, but not with +P's in the 26.

All that being said, my friend recently sold his 27 and bought my 26. He liked ammo/mag commonality with his G17 and figured that shot placement is far more important than a bit more power. He always shot my 26 better, so it was an easy decision for him.

If you didn't mind the G36, the 27 will be fine for you. I've fired about 300 rounds through a 36 and the recoil was overall comparable to that of the 27. The 27's was a bit quicker and the 36's was a bit more of a slow push. If you can handle the 36, you'll be fine with the 27 IMO.

As far as conversion, you can get an aftermarket barrel to use with your 27's slide (~$120-200). These get somewhat mixed reviews, with most being very good. I can't comment from personal experience. Or you can get the whole Glock slide/barrel assembly (~$360) and mags ($18 ea.) and a new ejector (~$4). If you go the all Glock factory route, just buy another gun in 9mm. Low end is about $382. I just now looked on Glockmeister, and they don't even have the upper for the G26 available, so you'd be SOL. But they do have a conversion barrel for about $165.

My advice on the conversion is don't bother. Get a 9mm if you want to practice alot. GOOD extra practice will make you a better shot and with better shooting you're not likely to miss the extra 80 fpe you gain with the .40. It's a handgun, it's never about the power, it's always about the shot placement anyway. I'm not dismissing extra power, I just don't see it as that important in a handgun of 9mm or larger when used for defensive purposes.

 

[trey gil]

Great Reply, it makes perfect sense and thank you for the honest feedback.

 

[Rockrivr1]

Glocks here in Mass are pretty hard to get and when you find them they are expensive. Last year I found a guy selling his G22 for a decent price so I jumped all over it. At the time I shot the 40 S&W OK, but not as good as 9mm or 45. So I started asking around about a 9mm conversion bbl for the G22. Some told me it would need a new extractor and some said the guide rod spring would need to be changed. Others said just get the bbl and some new mags and it will work find.

Long story short I bought a Federal conversion BBL from Desert Scorpion over at GlockTalk for $85. He sells all kinds of glock conversion bbls. I also picked up a couple of G17 mags real cheep and the G22 is now a very accurate and dependable 9mm handgun for me. I never had to make any other modifications. I even shoot it in USPCA without any issues.

My suggestion would be to go over to Glocktalk and get a 9mm bbl and a mag or two. I would bet they work just fine. If not, you can always sell them and get most of you money back pretty quick.

Oh and I also was tossing back and forth with trying to find a G26 or G27. I ended up getting a G26 a few weeks back and so far I really like it. I wanted something a little different then the 642 I was using for CCW. So far I can't complain.

Good Luck

 

[trey gil]

RockRivr1,
what was it that made you pick the G26 over the G27?

When I first started looking into something smaller I was set on the G26, but after thinking about it I leaned towards the G27 (with the hope of converting it to a 9mm in due time). However, I don't think a converted G27 would be the best choice for carry (I would leave it as is), so I am back to picking between the 26 and 27, I was wondering what was the final point that made you go with the G26.

Thanks.

 

[Rockrivr1]

It came down to the accuracy (for me) of the round. For some reason I shoot the 9mm better then the 40 S&W. Plus, if your shooting +P 9mm your not giving up much over the 40 S&W from what I've read. Also, I found the 40 S&W to be a more, um how should I put this, snappier round then the 9mm. For me it seemed like it took me longer to line up a follow up shot in my G22. Figured it would be more noticable in a lighter more compact Glock like the 27.

 

[Onslaught]

I've owned a couple of 27's, my wife has a 26, and I've had quite a few other small semi's in 9mm and .40.

The Glock 27 recoil is, as stated, sharp... BUT it is NOT "forceful".

Put another way, My Smith & Wesson 642 using .38 +Ps KICKS. It feels like it punches you in the palm with every shot. The Glock 27 on the other hand has NONE of that "punch", you can just tell that it's a quick and powerful recoil, but not at all painful.

My wife's 26 is not that much different, and she's a pistol recoil wimp (tiny little wrists) but she has no problem shooting it. Her last pistol was a Kahr MK9, and it had more felt recoil (to her) than the Glock.

My other mini pistols have included the Kahr MK40 (more felt recoil than Glock) and the Kahr P9 and P40. Both of those pistols had more felt recoil (to me) than the Glock 27. The P40 came the closest to having that 642 punch, and a few of my friends have fired both the Kahr and the 642 and handed them both back after one shot.

On the conversion, bottom line is that a Glock 27 is NOT 100% reliable when converted to 9mm and therefore should be done ONLY to practice with, and NEVER to carry.

I personally would get the G26 and carry +p or even +P+ if you want to shoot 9mm... Cheap ammo for practice, hot ammo for carry, and no conversion kit to purchase.