Why do I want a G26..?

[MikePaiN]

I've passed the G26 up so many times, yea I've been very close to buying one but never have done it. I always snub the baby Glock for some other "smaller" gun made for CC. Inevitably, I find some reason to sell my CCW to "just get the Glock" but end up back in the same pattern Recently I did it again picking a Ruger LC9 over the G26. The LC9 is a fine pistol, it has been 100% reliable and is super easy to carry. As good as it is, between the grip slimness and goofy trigger of the LC9, stupid as it sounds it doesn't "feel" like a real gun too me. Which must be the reason(this time) why I wake in the morning thinking about getting a G26 .....

 

[memphisjim]

Get one you know you have to. But I'll bet after owning it a while you'll wish you got a 19 its a lil bigger but neither are pocket guns so it doesn't make much difference
I got a g27 back in the day and it shot fine and all but found my self envying my buddies 23. And this was in the Clinton days. So it only held 1 more round

 

[iblong]

Buy one and get it out of your system, my first carry was a 26 I thought it was to fat so I sold it.I bought a PF9sold it,bought a Kahr cw9 sold it,bought
a PM9 and a Colt officers model 1911,Bought a Glock 27 gave it a fair chance and find it conceals verry well and is comfortable IWB.One size bigger pants,purpose built belt and a low riding holster.
I also have a G19 and love it use it in Idpa but still prefer the 27 for carry.

 

[Jonah71]

Without the Pearce mag extension I wouldn't much care for mine. I carry the 26 at times, but I still prefer my G 23. If I had bought the G 23 first, I may not have the 26. It's a great gun and I like it, it's just not that neccessary. But I guess that may be true with a lot of my guns.

 

[ForumSurfer]

I loved my 26, but it was no pocket pistol. Honestly, by the time I threw on a great belt, a good holster, pants that allowed for IWB carry of a thick glock...I could have just as easily carried my 19. To each their own, though.

 

[boricua9mm]

I loved my 26, but it was no pocket pistol. Honestly, by the time I threw on a great belt, a good holster, pants that allowed for IWB carry of a thick glock...I could have just as easily carried my 19. To each their own, though.

My experience has been just the opposite. I have been pocket carrying a G26 everyday for the past 7 years now. I make sure that when I go shopping for pants that I can fit my hand inside the pockets with my fingers spread out. If I can't do that then those pockets are too small. I always wear a real-deal gun belt, so that isn't an issue for me. Cargo-style pants make printing much less of an issue due to the location of the side pocket material in relation to the gun. I have been shopping for clothes with CCW in mind for the last 10 years, and I advise others to do the same. Makes more sense to find pants with bigger pockets than to carry a .25ACP.

If dressing around the gun, why not go IWB? The big difference between myself an other CCW folks is that I live in Coastal Florida where shorts and a t-shirt is the standard uniform for 9 months out of the year. Button-down cover garments are usually too hot and miserable down here, and t-shirts are really poor at concealing something that's riding IWB.

Obviously climate and lifestyle play a huge role in what works and what doesn't.

 

[Mastergunner40]

I'd get the G26 because I really like Glocks. I've owned all the 9mm, 40 S&W and 45ACP models and they were all 100% reliable, except for an early model G36, which had a bunch of FTF's.
I find that my G26 is my go-to gun when I feel the need for something a bit more substantial than my 38 J frame. The G26 is super accurate, small but not too small, lightweight but not too lightweight, carries well and holds a decent payload. Not as thin as a Kahr or Walther PPS, but it's not too bad. I would highly recommend it.

 

[ForumSurfer]

If I can't do that then those pockets are too small. I always wear a real-deal gun belt, so that isn't an issue for me. Cargo-style pants make printing much less of an issue due to the location of the side pocket material in relation to the gun. I have been shopping for clothes with CCW in mind for the last 10 years, and I advise others to do the same.

If I buy pants with huge pockets on my frame (big enough for a g26 AND my hand), they end up being baggy. I just don't like wearing anything baggy or a +1 sized shirt. It is what it is. I carry a g19 in the winter and something smaller in the summer. I tried using button down cover shirts in the summer, but sometimes it is just too hot here.

Makes more sense to find pants with bigger pockets than to carry a .25ACP.

With all of the super-small 9mm and 380's out there, these days...there's no reason to resort to .25. I prefer to carry a 10+ round mag full of at least 9mm. At the same time, I don't feel under gunned with 7-9 rounds of 380 plus a spare mag in a small autoloader, 5 rounds of 38sp +p with 2 speed strips or 2 speed loaders in a small wheel gun or 7 rounds of 9mm plus a spare mag in a small, slim autoloader.

 

[Dogguy]

If you persist in wearing tight-assed britches, you can't pocket carry a toothpick. Loose pants with deep, wide pockets (I much prefer Tru-Spec 24/7 pants and shorts) are a requirement for pocket carrying. Otherwise, it's a holster on the belt for you. In that case, you may as well go with the G19.

 

[ForumSurfer]

If you persist in wearing tight-<edited> britches, you can't pocket carry a toothpick. Loose pants with deep, wide pockets (I much prefer Tru-Spec 24/7 pants and shorts) are a requirement for pocket carrying. Otherwise, it's a holster on the belt for you. In that case, you may as well go with the G19.

Yeah that about sums it up for me. I don't like wearing the looser fitting ones like that on a daily basis, it just isn't comfortable for me. My most comfortable attire is a pair of jeans, a good instructors belt and a g19 in a phantom style holster with a button down cover garment. Even if it is a "pocket" pistol, I have found that I prefer to carry it IWB at 3-4 o'clock or weak side appendix carry. Often times I end up with the IWB holster for the pocket pistol positioned between the belt and pants.

 

[Nakanokalronin]

My OD G26 was what got me into Glocks in the first place. I then bought a few and sold them all except for the OD G26. Its a great carry piece but I prefer other models over it for their ergos. If you do buy it, I highly recommend the GAP floorplates. You can thank me later.

http://concealablecontrol.com/

ETA: Don't buy into all the hype that you need extended controls either. I use the hand over the slide method to chamber a new round but, the stock slide catch is very easy to release with your thumb if needed. The mag release is perfectly fine as well. The GAP plates offer stability in the hand using a standard 2 finger hold without adding length to the gun.

 

[boricua9mm]

If I buy pants with huge pockets on my frame (big enough for a g26 AND my hand), they end up being baggy. I just don't like wearing anything baggy or a +1 sized shirt. It is what it is. I carry a g19 in the winter and something smaller in the summer. I tried using button down cover shirts in the summer, but sometimes it is just too hot here.

Pocket size is not a funtion of pants size; it's all about how the pockets are cut and sewn. There's plenty of shorts and pants out there with big enough pockets, but if you find yourself in a position of "gott buy pants today" then you'll be plum outta luck.

With all of the super-small 9mm and 380's out there, these days...there's no reason to resort to .25. I prefer to carry a 10+ round mag full of at least 9mm. At the same time, I don't feel under gunned with 7-9 rounds of 380 plus a spare mag in a small autoloader, 5 rounds of 38sp +p with 2 speed strips or 2 speed loaders in a small wheel gun or 7 rounds of 9mm plus a spare mag in a small, slim autoloader.

We had a recent shooting here where the victim shot a would-be robber 4 times in the chest. The robber asked the victim to "Stop shooting me." All too often, the .380 fails to deliver, even when shot placement is achieved. I personally stopped carrying a J-frame when I was involved in a violent confrontation. There's just not enough firepower present before a quick reload becomes a very real necessity, even when there's a single assailant. Yes, there are other small 9mms out there, but none of them are as reliable, as easy to manage, or as easy to make accurate hits with at a distance than the Glock 26. It really remains the king of the sub-compact 9mms.

 

[ForumSurfer]

Pocket size is not a funtion of pants size; it's all about how the pockets are cut and sewn. There's plenty of shorts and pants out there with big enough pockets, but if you find yourself in a position of "gott buy pants today" then you'll be plum outta luck.

I'm just a blue jeans kind of guy. I have one or two pairs of cargo pants and I hardly ever wear them. Even though they are a little more "roomy", they just aren't comfortable to me. I also don't like those huge pockets, just a personal preference.

We had a recent shooting here where the victim shot a would-be robber 4 times in the chest. The robber asked the victim to "Stop shooting me." All too often, the .380 fails to deliver, even when shot placement is achieved.

There are all sorts of reports out there for similar events where 9mm, 40 nor 45 acp were enough. There are also reports of incidents where 380 and above worked. I don't care to get into a caliber war as nobody ever wins.

I personally stopped carrying a J-frame when I was involved in a violent confrontation. There's just not enough firepower present before a quick reload becomes a very real necessity, even when there's a single assailant.

I'm sorry to hear that and I'm glad you are still here. I can certainly see that side of the debate. I prefer to carry my g19 and a spare mag above anything else. The other side is of the debate is that I don't care to wear tactical shorts or pants all the time just so I can carry a larger firearm. On the days I can't conceal anything my g19 to my liking, I feel perfectly ok with a 5 shot revolver and reloads. To each his/her own. I'd rather have a 5 shot revolver than nothing at all.

 

[fastbolt]

The subcompact Glock 9/.40 model size is my favorite among the entire Glock pistol line ... but that's because I only originally wanted them for small off-duty weapons and I didn't have any need for any of the larger models. I had/have other larger pistols which I prefer over the compact & standard Glock models. That's me, though. Other folks can also choose as they will, for their own reasons.

That said, the diminutive G26 is a fine little gun. I own a couple of them (and one G27).

It's not my "favorite" smallish 9mm pistol, nor is it necessarily the most ergonomic, balanced or most accurate 9mm I own, carry and use. It does well for what it is, though, and for my own needs. It's relatively simple to repair (as an armorer), with parts commonly available, and if I ever actually had to use one of them for lawful defense ... and it were taken into evidence/property for some amount of time ... it's relatively easy to find another one that looks just like it and replace it.

I have other smallish 9's that I prefer to use when I want to derive a little bit of extra "enjoyment" in my range practice sessions, though, such as a 3913, CS9 & a SW999c (both have grip ergonomics that are preferable to me, both have "better" triggers for my use, and they've shown themselves not to be as "sensitive" to grip technique as the Glock ... in my hands).

I had the chance to compare a M&P 9c to my G26, G27 and M&P 40c. Eye opener. Surprising in a nice way. If I'd tried it before I'd ordered my 40c, I'd have opted for the 9c instead of the 40c ... and wouldn't have ordered that second G26.

Now, all of that having been said ... and even owning a fair number of smallish 9's, .40's & .45's that I've carried, trained and qualified with over the years ... I carry (and train/practice with) a number of S&W J-frames more often than not.

Why? Because I'm retired and I'm no longer being sent to, or are out & about looking to find, active (or suspected) crime scenes where I'm expected to take an enforcement action.

I'm now free to take active steps to avoid being around trouble, and places where trouble is likely to occur, and it's going to have to try really hard to find me.

The J-frames suit me rather well for my daily activities, and being a long time revolver owner & user (I used to carry revolvers on & off-duty for some years) I've practiced to maintain my DA revolver skillset (shooting, loading, etc). The J-frames are more suitable to the range of pocket carry circumstances I find convenient, too.

Sure, there are still going to be those situations and anticipated circumstances where I'll slip on a belt holster, or use a larger pocket holster, for one of my heavier & larger pistols (or I just feel like carrying one sometime) ... but most of the time one of my several J-frames is carried.

 

[amd6547]

I got a used G26 as a companion to my G17. I have to say, it carries like a dream. I use a kydex IWB holster, and can conceal under a T shirt.
The G26 plus a spare G19 mag for reload makes a great combo for me.
Finally...I have owned many different 9mm's over the years. None give me as much pleasure at the range as the little G26. It is just a blast to shoot.

 

[Plan2Live]

Yes, there are other small 9mms out there, but none of them are as reliable, as easy to manage, or as easy to make accurate hits with at a distance than the Glock 26. It really remains the king of the sub-compact 9mms.

That may be the case in Glocklandia but cross the river to Otherland and the XDsc and XDm Compact are well thought of. We don't have kings over here, we're more of a Representive Republic. G26/27 are great for those that prefer that design but be honest, the only kings I'm aware of on this side of the pond are Elvis and Richard (Petty).

 

[fastbolt]

Plan2Live,

I tried to send you some images in a PM in response to your PM question. If they don't come through via PM (never tried to link images in a PM before), let me know and I'll send them in here (since it shows the other gun alongside a G26, it's not all that off-topic ).

 

[thefamcnaj]

Go ahead and pick up the G26. I have both "babies". The wife carries the 26 and I the 27. Great guns, that run flawless. I own the 19 and 23 as well and never consider carrying them over the g27. I carry a g23 mag as a back up so in case 9+1 rounds of .40 isnt enough I can pop in the other mag....and presto it then becomes a g23. In your case just buy you a g19 magezine and carry it as a back up. You can't go wrong with a glock, hope you get it and enjoy it.

 

[reppans]

Yeah, I kind of did the same....

Looking between the G26 and G19, I went for the G19 for the extra 5 extra rounds and full grip, and many said it was as easy to conceal as the 26, but I'm on the thin side and couldn't stop the butt from printing when I bent over or sat down.

Then went for the LCP, the ultimate in concealability, I guess, but I'm not all that happy with it. If looks and feels cheaply made, different pins are backing out every 50-100 rounds, it's had several jams, and I find it hard to shoot accurately with the mile long trigger pull. I carry it sometimes, but just don't feel that comfortable with it. Also is really only good for carry... nothing else.

Finally broke down and got the 26, it's my favorite of the three now. It's a bit thick for carry, but that's the price you have to pay for 11 rounds. No more butt printing for me anymore and with a good IWB holster, I'm fine with short & T-shirt.

For me, the 26 fits that just right slot between reasonable price, small enough for 24/7/365 carry, reasonable capacity, good quality, stone reliability, easy 200 rounds at the range, deadly accuracy, and even home defense with 15/17/33 round mags.

I still like the 19 too, and toss a coin as which I'll bring to the range - I shoot both about the same. I'll choose the 19 for winter carry wearing extra layer for the additional rounds, but if I had to choose one, it would be the 26 with some 19mags and grip extensions for winter carry.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

I won't tell you not to get a G26, just offer an alternative. At the cost of three rounds, the Kahr CW9 has a much better feeling grip than the LC9 (they went a little overboard on making it slim and flat IMO), and a shorter and smoother trigger stroke.

 

[easyg]

In my humble opinion, the Glock 26 is the best Glock that Glock makes!

 

[boricua9mm]

That may be the case in Glocklandia but cross the river to Otherland and the XDsc and XDm Compact are well thought of. We don't have kings over here, we're more of a Representive Republic. G26/27 are great for those that prefer that design but be honest, the only kings I'm aware of on this side of the pond are Elvis and Richard (Petty).

Good luck pocket carrying either of those two pistols; the overall height makes them impossible to fit into even the largest of pockets. Then again, you might have some bell-bottoms with gold trim that might be suitable.

Don't get me wrong, when I carry IWB the LAST gun I want is a Glock. The grip angle is just all wrong. However, when it comes to a pistol that I can actually carry in my pocket, the baby Glock wins for firepower, accuracy, speed, reliability, and its ability accept a high capacity magazine as a reload. Other pistols come close, but they don't win out in all those categories.

 

[capttom]

Buying into the Glock perfection, I carried one concealed for awhile with the Pierce +2 mag extension. I quit carrying it, though and wound up selling it. There was nothing wrong with the gun - it shot well and was easy to tote - but I decided that I really don't like hammerless, polymer framed pistols with dinguses built into the trigger. Maybe I'm genetically defective or old fashioned. Or just plain old.

 

[grayhambone]

here you go, the 4th gen

ahhhh yeah, the 4th gen. and whoever said it's not a pocket gun....it's very easy to use a pocket holster, it's not to big!

 

[WRGADog]

I don't know why you would want a G26

After all everyone knows Glock's are ugly, and, in addition, they function perfectly, feed any type of ammo flawlessly, are accurate, highly reliable, and are easy to maintain.

G26
G19
G30SF