Surplus Glock Comparo

[E-Rock]

I'm cruising some of the deals for Police trade-in Glocks and have narrowed it down to two options: 3rd Gen G22 with two mags for $349 or 2nd Gen G23 with one mag for $339. Off the bat it looks like the G22 is the better bargain.

But I'm rebuilding my collection and the pistol I choose will be my only pistol for a while. Home is defended by shotgun, so this is primarily a carry gun question. Prior carry rotation has included a Magnum Research Baby Eagle in .45 and 4" K Frame S&W carried 4:00 IWB - neither were a problem to conceal, even under a medium t-shirt. Build is an athletic 6'2"/180 and I plan to continue carrying IWB.

Is the G23's concealable size enough to overcome the G22's enhanced grip and rail? Is the G22, despite the generational improvements, still handicapped as a carry gun by its greater size? For those who own both or have chosen between the two, what helps you decide?

The smart thing to do would be to wait for a deal on a surplus Gen 3 G23 - then I'd have the best of all worlds. But given these options, what would sway you one way or the other?

 

[ColtPythonElite]

I have one of each. If I could only have one, it would be the G23 for it's concealability factor. The slightly smaller grip doesn't bother me. I still shoot fine with it. I don't care about the rail. I don't use a light on it. I have one as an issued piece of gear, but do better with a good compact light in my weak hand.

 

[Telekinesis]

I don't care about the rail, but I do like some of the other improvements between the Gen 2 and the Gen 3. I would get the G22. For what its worth, I'm 6'0"/150 and plan on sometimes carrying my G17 once I get my holster in (though it will be primarily a gun for practical shooting matches and carbine classes). With the right holster, belt, and wardrobe, you can conceal nearly anything.

 

[daytodaze]

My first gun ever was a glock 23. I've since purchased a glock 22, but if I had to sell one, I would keep the 23. For me, the 22 doesn't have any real advantages, it's just a baddass gun with a couple more bullets in the mag. The glock 23 can function as a carry gun, and it's easy to travel with when I don't have my g27.

I've never added a tac light, but all my guns are gen 3

 

[Dr_2_B]

I've often said I consider the G19 to be the most ideal combination of compactness, firepower, reliability, and functionality around. And the G23 is the 40 caliber cousin to the G19. In fact, I don't even own a G19. I opted for the G23.

 

[greyling22]

Have you ever held a gen 3 glock? the finger grooves really bother some people because they're hands don't line up with the grooves. (my buddy ended up filing his off. he has smallish hands) Personally I'd go for the 23 if you're thinking about carrying it. The 22 is pretty big.

 

[jackpinesavages]

I've owned both, kept the RTF2 G22 and sold the 23. I'm much more accurate with the G22. My duty pistol is the G19 and THAT is the cat's ass for every aspect of needs. YMMV.

 

[CZ223]

Get the G23

I have 2 of them. I fell into this nostalgia kick and now carry a 1911 but the G23 may be the perfect combination of size/caliber/capacity going. I am 5'6" and have no trouble carrying a 23. I personally like the finger grooves on the 3rd gen but I never use the rail.