-The grip angle seems to defy ergonomics. One must completely relearn to fully accommodate it. I suppose if you started on a Glock you'd not have that problem unless you moved to another platform.
Some argue that's not really a valid objection, but I challenge these people to execute point shooting or rapid fire exercises with a gun featuring a grip angle you do not have muscle memory for. Your performance will suffer, it's no different than the difficulties one encounters trying to master a new trigger.
If I draw from a holster or come up from low ready and then freeze, if I'm using anything besides a Glock, I will see the front sight if I look through the rear sight. It may not be perfectly centered due to improper technique on my part, but it'll be there. If I repeat this with a Glock, I will look through the rear sight and see the top of the slide.
The answer to the problem is of course training and practice, but if I already have something that works for me which is just as viable as the Glock pistol, why should I change?
- On the current generation models, the finger grooves do not separate one's fingers into the valleys of the grip, but rather the ridges settle into the middle of the finger. This leads to an insecure grip, the effects of which are further exaggerated by the first problem I have alluded to.
- Some magazines drop free, others do not. I understand this has been fixed however and the company is making only drop free magazines now, so perhaps that objection is not relevant any more.
- On some models, say the Glock 21, the grip feels like trying to hold onto a sewer pipe. I have fairly large hands but relatively short fingers, and I can barely reach the trigger comfortably with the power crease of the finger.
I honestly really want to like the Glock pistol, I really do, but the fact is there are other products which are just as good (at least for my purposes) when you peel back the marketing hype.
Here's how Glock can get my business:
- Eliminate finger grooves. I picked up a second generation G19 recently, and I was impressed! Why do they not make them like that any more, that's a much better feeling gun. I think I could get over the grip angle issue if they'd just do this.
- Get a grip! Seriously, why only one grip angle? Offer a finger groove less gun with a 1911 grip angle and I'm in. The 22/45 and Mark III are the same basic gun made in two different grip angles, and both are big sellers. The M&P and other guns have interchangeable back straps... it can be done and rather easily!
- Your competition offers double stack .45s which aren't so fat, you can too.
I have come to the conclusion one day if I find the right bargain, I might pick up an old school G19 or G23, but I'm not really looking that hard. Other makers accommodate me, and Glock doesn't. It's that simple.