Thinking about replacing my Glock 27

[thekelvinator]

Hey folks, my first post in a while. I used to have an account here but it seems that my old login information is no longer valid, so I've signed up to join the discussion again.

I am the happy owner of a Glock 27. It's mostly stock but it has the mepro night sites, the 5.5 lb trigger mod, and the 2-round mag extension for 11 rounds and a place to put my pinky finger. In all I am very happy with the gun, and I have put several hundred round through it at the range and outdoors. It does very rarely fail to feed, and when it does it only takes a second or two to clear it.

However a few weeks ago we had quite the prolonged cold snap here in western Oregon. Like upper mid-west cold, which is pretty unusual for us. I went shooting with a buddy of mine who had a S&W .38sp revolver and I brought my Glock and my Henry survival rifle. We had a pretty awesome time and certainly put a lot of rounds downrange (especially with the Henry which is an awesome plinker), but, at the time I was wearing those "finger" gloves where your fingers are exposed and have little mitten flaps on them so you can stay warm but still have full finger dexterity when you need it. I got them at a hardware store for five bucks.

The problem was, wearing the gloves the Glock would fail to feed almost every time. I wasn't limp-wristing it, the gun was clean and lubricated, pretty standard 180gr FMJ american eagle and some magtech ammo I had on hand. When I take the gloves off, the gun cycles fine. Gloves on, fail to feed. The gloves are pretty well padded and have a sort of foamy grippy substance on the palms. Even when I made a conscious effort to grip the gun very firmly it would fail.

I'm concerned about the possibility of using the Glock as a carry gun. I would at some point soon like to get my CCL which is pretty straightforward here in Oregon. I love just about everything when it comes to carrying this thing. I tend to just tuck it in my waistband under my belt and it feels comfortable and has never slipped. I like the controls on the Glock (even though I'm a lefty I can shoot both hands equally). The simplicity of breaking it down and cleaning it, the many magazine and holster options (as I type this it is strapped to my ankle) but this fail to feed wearing gloves concerns me.

Now we get to my friends 38 Smith. He was absolutely stunned that my gun would fail at all. Obviously the revolver had no such issues. He didn't have much experience with autos but having tried mine (it failed on him a couple times too due to limping) he said he would never ever consider carrying or owning one. I have to say the Smith was a pleasure to shoot as well and I have shot another friends snubby .357 Smith which was a hand-cannon compared to the Glock.

So, I'm thinking about switching actions for carry purposes. The Smith model 327 looks incredible, 8 rounds, moon clip reloads, flexible low-cost and recoil .38s and/or extreme power 357s. But having not seen or held one I'm not sure how it would compare carry wise to the Glock. Dimensionally it's a bigger gun, even the 2" barrel makes it slightly longer than the Glock and a couple ounces heavier, and then there is that big fat 8-round cylinder.

I'm interested in what people have to say about trying the cure the glock fails (i've heard "spicier ammo" is one approach) and any thoughts on the 327 as well or other reasonable alternative. Please keep in mind that I do really enjoy my Glock, I'm not a hater, so l'd prefer there be no glock bashing, I've read the limp-wristing threads, seen the videos, I know how to hold the thing, I just feel like I might be switching my lifestyle preference to be revolver oriented, but I'm not sure yet.

 

[jbrown50]

It's possible that the slide could be just making slight contact with the thick webbing of your glove during recoil. There may not be any outward visual signs on the gloves but still ever so slight contact is enough to cause a malfunction.

Glocks sit very low in the hand so this is something that you have to be very cognizant of, especially with the sub-compact versions as they recoil a little harder.

I own two Glock 27s and I have to really work at it hard to get them to malfunction via limpwristing. All of my gloves are of the Hyperlite All-Weather type though.

 

[DBR]

I've done a lot of cold weather shooting with handguns. My experience with S&W revolvers has made me cautious when shooting them with gloves.

The top of the trigger where it enters the frame has a sort of gap between the trigger face and the part of the trigger that enters the frame. I consistently get the finger of my glove caught in this space preventing the trigger from resetting and catching my finger in the trigger guard. This makes the gun a one shot that I can't let go of.

I do carry one of my J frames in an outside pocket during the winter but I don't plan to fire it with gloves on.

As for the G27 not cycling, I think something was dragging on the slide or the gun needed some lube or if it had lube it was wrong for the temp. I can't make mine "limp wrist" even firing it held between my weak side thumb and finger and pinching the trigger with my other thumb and finger.

 

[167]

Was this all using the same magazine? Does it have the plus 2 extension?

About how old is the gun, and have you ever replaced the recoil spring assembly?

Best guess is there is something going on with the gloves as already mentioned. But might as well look into maintenance problems.

About how often does is usually fail to feed? You mentioned it happens everynow and then without gloves.

 

[iblong]

I carried a Smith snubby for a long time like them a lot,but now my main two carry pistols are the 27 and a 1911 I shoot year around and it gets chilly here.
I've had 0 issues with the 27 or my 1911's this winter but I dont wear gloves while shooting,Only problem I have is accuracy falls off a bit when you start to louse feeling in your fingers.

 

[hardluk1]

I have 27 also and have a hard time understanding after reading your post. After i find a handgun works properly i try to make it scew up and so far i can't hold mine with just two fingers around it and make it fail to do anything except work as made. Could be springs,oil, gloves or ammo. Just try to xhange one thing at a time to see. I do from time to time carry a revolvers but if your looking at an 8 shoot revolver better think about the width and weight of the revolver. My current one is a ultra lite thats only 12oz. My old carry 5 shot SS taurus was 21oz. Thats close to the glocks weight.

 

[jad0110]

About how old is the gun, and have you ever replaced the recoil spring assembly?

This was my first thought as well. Typically, I replace the mainspring in my 1911 every 1,000 rounds; cheap insurance.

Then again, I have no trouble at all inducing feed/extraction failures in most polymer framed semi autos. It isn't so much limp wristing, as limp forearming them. If your gloves are very thick and well padded, and depending on your grip, stance and forearm position, I can see the gloves being the difference between a proper slide cycle and a FTF or FTE.

That said, I carry a 6-shot S&W N Frame Model 28 highway patrolman in a leather Lobo Gunleather IWB holster on a 1.5" bullhide belt from thebeltman. This gun is the same width as the 327 you are looking at, but it has a 4" barrel, is all steel and is out of production). Weight is not an issue for me, nor is the 4" barrel. But the gun is large, so it isn't an every day carry piece. I try to carry it all the time, as in my hands it is the most accurate handgun I own.

So a 327 might not be the best EDC, and I'd consider a bit longer barrel (up to a 4"). For me, a true EDC revolver is something like a 2.5 to 4" S&W K Frame or similar Ruger "Six Series" revolver.

My model 28:

 

[deltaunit]

Kelvinator....I have trained and shot my G27 in extreme cold with gloves and have never had a problem, I think your gloves are in contact with the slide on the return just enough to keep the slide from going into battery.
WARNING: You should never just stick a Glock in your pants without a holster that is dangerous and an accident waiting to happen. Not long ago a gun writer for a popular gun magazine did that and bent over gun went off whil ehe was bending over in his garage. He shot himself died from blood loss on garage floor. ALWAYS USE A HOLSTER WITH A GLOCK!!!

Be safe my friend.

 

[jon86]

I tend to just tuck it in my waistband under my belt and it feels comfortable and has never slipped.

I assume you mean that you do not use a holster when you carry your glock 27 this way. I strongly suggest that you use a holster IWB, and I strongly suggest that you carry with a round in the chamber.

A smith and wesson 627 is HYOOGE. I would not want to carry an N frame all day. Hat's off to jad ^^^. If you go to the candy store maybe look at the 686plus as well.

I recently acquired a glock 27 as well. I haven't started carrying it yet, as I'm just putting it through it's paces. I have shot it with gloves on and I have found, as was previously mentioned, that you can't let the glove touch the slide or it may jam. YMMV. Good luck on your search for the perfect carry gun, I'll let you know when I find mine.

 

[thekelvinator]

Hello all, thanks so much for the many thoughtful and thought provoking replies. I didn't even consider the idea that the slide was making contact with the glove when it cycles, I will definitely look into that.

jad, that is one sweet looking revolver. I might just get a similar one even if I don't intend to "replace" the glock with it! I have shot a revolver with an 8" barrel and I was surprised how much more accurate i was with it than the shorter sight pictured glock. I do a lot of hiking, mushroom hunting, and multi-night camping trips in the deep woods, so maybe something like that would be better for an outdoor carry where longer ranges are to be expected, open carry is more acceptable than the city, and survival situations prepared for, and keep the glock for more "urban" situations.

As for replacing the main spring, I have never done that either. I bought the gun from a local knifemaker who bought it from an LEO, and there is some holster wear on the slide, so it is likely that the gun went through daily practice sessions while in public service. Anyone have an opinion on the heavier tungsten spring guide rods? Seems like a little more weight in the frame might help with cycling as well as muzzle rise, or so the ad for the product says.

As for tucking it under my waistband, I don't carry it chambered that way around the house, and if I do chamber it at home I keep either a safety block behind the trigger or keep it in my ankle holster. I don't have a CCL yet so I don't carry it in public at all. When I go shooting out in the woods (not allowed to do draws at the local indoor range) I practice both popping the safety block during draw (chambered) and doing a sort of fluid draw and rack motion with my whole palm of the off hand (unchambered). Both motions are obviously slower than a straight draw. I have read that the effect of seeing/hearing a gun get racked can be a very strong mental psych-out deterrent from a would be attacker, but I can see simply presenting and aiming any gun would be just as effective. However in the dark an attacker might not see it, where a racking sound might get him tucked up and thinking twice (or shooting first? didn't realize that until now). It's the ones that aren't thinking rationally at all that concern me the most, so maybe relying on that is foolish.

When I do carry it in public I will very likely get an IWB holster, keep it chambered, and maybe saftey blocked. I'm sort of still discovering a lot of this stuff on my own. Having owned rifles from a young age this is my first few years with handgun experience. I live in a very politically irrational town when it comes to guns, so it's hard to find like minded people to discuss this kind of stuff with.

Thanks again for all your replies and good information! I will spend some more time absorbing it and may be back for some further discussion if I have more questions.

 

[jad0110]

Hat's off to jad ^^^.

Hee hee, I've got that 28 on my hip (IWB) as I type this; I know its there, but it isn't too bad.

But in addition to the 28, I've got my 2.5" Model 66 in a Smartcarry rig too. I figured, what the heck! Hmmm, I've got a spare pocket that my 642 could go in ...

Granted, that's not for everyone, especially if you have back or other joint pain.

jad, that is one sweet looking revolver. I might just get a similar one even if I don't intend to "replace" the glock with it! I have shot a revolver with an 8" barrel and I was surprised how much more accurate i was with it than the shorter sight pictured glock. I do a lot of hiking, mushroom hunting, and multi-night camping trips in the deep woods, so maybe something like that would be better for an outdoor carry where longer ranges are to be expected, open carry is more acceptable than the city, and survival situations prepared for, and keep the glock for more "urban" situations.

Thank you sir! I love my 28, especially the utilitarian, low polish blue finish. That gun is pure business, no flash. I'm looking forward to it growing some honest holster wear. The 27 is basically the same gun with a high polished blue finish and rather impressive checkering on the top strap. But mechanically, they are identicial. The 27s cost more, though they were sold in a larger variety of barrel lengths. I paid only $425 for that 28-2 a year ago (made in 1980). They were offered only with 4" or 6" barrels. A 6" would make a great woods gun. Load that sucker up with a good hard cast .357 semi wadcutters in 158 or 180 grains and you'd be good to go.

The accuracy of this particular 28 startled me. At 25 yards, DA slow fire 2 handed unsupported, all my shots (158 grn RNL over 4.0 grains of W231) landed into a 3.5" group (4 of 6 shots were only 1.25" apart)! Dang, that gun even makes me look good !!!

 

[jad0110]

BTW, welcome to The High Road!

 

[goon]

If you're going N-frame big, you might also consider a Ruger GP-100. My GP isn't an N-frame, but there's something about it that feels like an N-frame.

 

[docnyt]

Methinks gloves are easier/cheaper to replace.

 

[madwell]

I agree with the other that the gloves were probably to blame, but I think every handgun enthusiast ought to have at least one 357 mag revolver. If you get a nice Smith or Ruger you can't go wrong. welcome to The High Road.

 

[orionengnr]

Not long ago a gun writer for a popular gun magazine did that and bent over gun went off whil ehe was bending over in his garage. He shot himself died from blood loss on garage floor.

Citation, please?

I tend to just tuck it in my waistband under my belt and it feels comfortable and has never slipped.

Except for that one time...

Hey, Plaxico, is that you?

 

[thekelvinator]

orionengnr,

Is Plaxico a former member of this board? whoever he or she is, I've never gone by that nick.

 

[thekelvinator]

docnyt,

You're right on the *money* on that prediction!

On he other hand, I could stand to own and afford another pistol!

 

[COLOSHOOTR]

I've personally known two other people one of them my father who have had issues with the +2 additions to the G26 or G27 magazines and have heard more horror stories with guys I work with. I'd get rid of those and go with straight factory mags. The standard magazine was designed a certian way with a specific capacity in mind and a spring designed for that capacity. Changing the tension on the spring is a good way to induce malfunctions. Plus, we all know the mag is the weakest part of the system and most likely to cause a malfunction so don't you want to limit that possibility as much as possible? I'd toss the +2 in a drawer or just use those mags for range use. The +2 is probably what causes the FTF's that mentioned you have from time to time. The only times I've ever had a FTF or FTE on a Glock has been when I used my dads with the +2 (would do it about every 2-3mags must have been how the rounds settled or something), when I had one VERY WELL USED factory mag (that was since retired) and when I get something in the way (caught my shirt during close contact drills).

I'd agree that your recent problem was probably the gloves!

On the other hand don't ruin a good excuse to get a new gun!

 

[PowderMonkey]

orionengnr,

Is Plaxico a former member of this board? whoever he or she is, I've never gone by that nick.

Lol. big NFL fan, huh? ; ) j/k

no one knows everything.

 

[GLOOB]

The G27 is definitely finicky as Glocks go. I can make my G27 jam when using 15 round mags, if I grip it loosely. If you use the extensions, try using the Wolff +10% springs. And in winter, avoid greasing up the rails. Grease + powder residue can gum up in cold weather. Stick with oil, and use it sparingly.

 

[thekelvinator]

PowderMonkey,

Oh right, *that* guy. I remember hearing about it. Something about illegally carrying a concealed auto (glock?) into a night club in NYC wearing loose, banger sweatpants, I presume to impress his "friends", dropped through his pants and popped himself in the leg. That's about where I lost track of the story. A quick google says he's scheduled to be released from prison this June.

I definitely don't plan to be that guy. I would never tuck the glock under sweatpants, I always use a snug leather belt and my pants are never riding halfway down my butt. I wear clothes that are correctly fitted for me. That being said I am taking this board's advice seriously to get an IWB holster today. Always love a trip to the gear store.

As for not being an NFL fan, you got me pegged. Not because I don't like it per se, but not owning a television for 20 years has its downsides when it comes to conversing with other people about popular culture. I do enjoy live sporting events, however in Oregon we only have the Blazers with no NFL or MLB teams until you get to Seattle.

 

[toejamm]

Yeah, Plax isn't the warmest bowl of porridge on the table is he?

As for the 27 and the malfunctions, I have owned mine for some time and put more than 1000 rounds through it hot, cold, humid, dry and never had a malfunction of any kind. I always use new, factory, American ammo though.
A year or so after I purchased mine, Glock sent a replacement recoil spring assembly. The letter said to swap it for the one it originally came with. Other than using a Pearce pinky rest base plate in the original 9 round magazines, mine is completely original. I've fired it limp wristed left and right hand, with gloves etc and no failures.
I'm no expert, but I agree with some of the previous replies you've gotten as to the gloves as a potential problem, but first I'd try to get the firearm back to factory spec, magazine and all and then use some trial and error.

The 27 is my constant companion. There are plenty of other weapons that are prettier, sexier, bigger, more expensive, but I trust this pistol with my life because of its reliability and I can hit what I aim at.

I hope you get it worked out. Good luck!

 

[EVIL]

I've personally known two other people one of them my father who have had issues with the +2 additions to the G26 or G27 magazines and have heard more horror stories with guys I work with. I'd get rid of those and go with straight factory mags. The standard magazine was designed a certian way with a specific capacity in mind and a spring designed for that capacity. Changing the tension on the spring is a good way to induce malfunctions. Plus, we all know the mag is the weakest part of the system and most likely to cause a malfunction so don't you want to limit that possibility as much as possible? I'd toss the +2 in a drawer or just use those mags for range use. The +2 is probably what causes the FTF's that mentioned you have from time to time. The only times I've ever had a FTF or FTE on a Glock has been when I used my dads with the +2 (would do it about every 2-3mags must have been how the rounds settled or something), when I had one VERY WELL USED factory mag (that was since retired) and when I get something in the way (caught my shirt during close contact drills).

I'd agree that your recent problem was probably the gloves!

On the other hand don't ruin a good excuse to get a new gun!

This is right on the money ... Use them factory or with the +1 Pierce extension only. Personally, I think they are more accurate w/o the pinky extension (at least for me - since I have large mitts) - but you never know when you'll need an extra round ...

that being said the G27 isn't for everybody (some find it too small for the cartridge)- but it certainly is the CC gun for me!

 

[thekelvinator]

I just wanted to follow up on my post. I got a new slide spring, some of that custom cut grip tape, and a cheap iwb holster. The difference between the new spring rod and the old one is amazing. I feel a lot better about things now. I cycled two boxes of cheap walmart federal through it today and it worked perfectly! Thanks for all your help and advice.