I got interested in handguns relatively late in life. My interest was driven by a desire to be ready, willing and able to defend myself and my family, in case trouble comes. Now I am, by nature, an analytical person. I tend to study, gather information, read a lot, ask a lot of questions, and only then, when I feel like I’m at least a little knowledgeable, do I make a buying decision.
Well, that’s how I see myself doing it. The truth is, my decisions are often influenced by other factors, and then I draw my “logical” conclusions to justify an emotional decision I’ve made. I am not alone in this. If it weren’t for this kind of decision-making, I’d be out of a day job, because marketing and advertising wouldn’t work.
When I began thinking about what gun I wanted to buy, all sorts of new terms came into my decision-making process. Revolver. Pistol. Single action. Double action. Magazine capacity. External versus internal extractor. Caliber. Everyday carry.
As I began wading through volumes of information, reviews, opinions, and such. I got an earful of the seemingly timeless debate over the stopping power of the venerable .45 ACP cartridge, versus the 9mm Parabellum, the new(ish) .40 Smith & Wesson, the .380 ACP, et cetera. I also dove into the Ford vs. Chevy vs. RAM-style conflict between fans the more traditional guns with metal frames versus the polymer frame guns from manufacturers like GLOCK.
There are a lot of fanboyz out there in the firearms world and they are passionate about their handguns. Faced with this dizzying array of features, specifications and impassioned opinions on all sides of each issue, I fell back into a time-honored axiom: “If it was good enough for my father, it’s good enough for me.”
So I made my buying decision based on the sidearm he carried in WWII (a battle fought over 50 years ago). Yep. I chose the M1911-A1, a.k.a. “Colt 45” or “Colt government” semi-automatic pistol, originally designed by John Moses Browning. When the US Military standardized on it (in 1911) it was considered a cutting-edge marvel of modern engineering.
It felt good in my hand. It was solid. Traditional. A classic. It was also heavy as Hell. Carrying around a full-size, all-steel 1911 with a steel frame and a 5″ barrel was not for the faint-of-heart. It was also no small feat to carry it concealed at a time when Texas did not offer an option to open carry.
It didn’t take long, before I decided to replace that weapon with another, a Kimber 1911, “Commander” sized, with an aluminum frame, Crimson Trace laser grips, and a barrel an inch shorter than the full-size 1911. It was lighter. Ish.
If you’re not familiar, owning a 1911 (compared to other semi-auto weapon designs) is rather like having an elderly (yet still sharp as a tack), aunt live with you. They have special dietary needs, certain set-in-their-ways of doing things, and you have to jump through some otherwise-unnecessary hoops in order to keep them around.
Some need a special tool to field-strip it. I opted to make a “bull barrel” mod to mine, which allowed me to forgo the tool, and replace it with a paperclip.
Still, field stripping a 1911 is a fairly labor-intensive, time-consuming process, especially when compared to field stripping a polymer gun. (I defy any 1911 aficionado to field strip their weapon faster than even a novice can take down a GLOCK.) Still I soldiered on in the 1911 loyalist camp.
Now you need to understand, a 1911 can hold up to eight rounds in the magazine, with another in the pipe. Your average equivalent-sized polymer gun has a double-stack magazine that will hold somewhere between 15 and 20 rounds, depending on the caliber. Ah yes…the caliber.
I bought into the claim that the .45 ACP cartridge simply has more “stopping power” than the 9mm. It’s a physics thing. I didn’t understand, at least not all the particulars. But it sounded good and macho. The .45 ACP – a big, slow bullet – knocks down bad guys and they don’t get up. The 9mm Parabellum – a faster, smaller bullet – needed many holes in bad guys to stop them. Ugh.
Well, as it turns out, that’s not entirely true. First of all, if you put a carefully placed additional hole in a human body, it is guaranteed to give them pause, and done correctly, it is likely to set them well on their way to assuming room temperature for the foreseeable future.
A .22LR round (largely dismissed as a “plinker” gun for varmint shooting or target practice) will kill a man just as dead as a round from a large-caliber handgun, if the bullet goes through the heart or brain. It may take longer, but the dirt nap they’ll take is a certainty. The “stopping power” argument stems from the supposition that the larger the hole, the faster the bleeding, the more damage around the wound channel, and the sooner the bad guy will be joining the bleedin’ choir invisible. But past shot placement, we get into the physical characteristics of the munition.
There’s been a TON of research on this subject, much of it from ammo manufacturers and groups like the NRA. Here’s the TL/DR 50,000-foot view: everything is a trade-off. If you want 15-plus rounds in your gun without reloading and you have average-sized hands, then you’re gonna have to go with a 9mm or smaller round. If you can live with fewer rounds before a reload, the world is your oyster, as far a choice in caliber is concerned. And that’s the argument that got me to thinking about my choice in ‘dream guns.’
I joined a private security firm a few months ago, and stood for a Level III commission as a licensed, private security officer in the Great State of Texas. One of the guys in the group is a…how can I put this delicately…one of those GLOCK fanboyz, who insists that GLOCKs are the only logical choice, and all other pistols — especially a 1911 — are sadly and genetically inferior.
That kind of attitude royally pissesd me off. However, in our training class, he made a logical point. To wit: If you’re in a shootout with one or more perps (and keep in mind, most gun battles last less than one minute) you can assume they have a modern weapon with 15 or more rounds before needing to reload. With a 1911, you have eight, possibly eight plus one. Who do you think has the advantage in that contest?
Wow. Looking at it that way, I had to admit, he had a valid point. This was hammered home when we did our shooting test as part of our qualifications. The test involved shooting five rounds, then another five, then another five. The polymer gun guys could do that one without a reload. Me and my trusty 1911? Not so much.
Then there’s the law of marketing inertia. The 9mm cartridge is the NATO standard, used by troops across the globe. It’s also used by a huge number of police departments across the country. The .45 lost out because their size limits the number of rounds you can stuff into a magazine.
The .40 S&W cartridge looked like a “best of both worlds” choice, until the ammo manufacturers turned their attention to improving the characteristics of the 9mm round. And improve it they did. The tech on the 9mm cartridge has gotten so sophisticated that it meets or exceeds all the other standard handgun rounds in performance. So there’s that.
So I decided I needed a duty weapon with a larger capacity than eight rounds. (I know, I could buy extended magazines, but that’s against regulations for the obvious reason that you don’t want a magazine sticking out another six inches from your side.) Now my wife owns a Springfield XD-M, a very nice little handgun. Hers has a short grip/magazine, with an (optional) larger-capacity magazine that adds an inch or so additional grip to the pistol.
I took both the XD-M and my trusty 1911 to the range, to stage my very own “shoot off.” I rented the range’s GLOCK 17, Gen5, just so I could make it a fair test. Full disclosure: I’ve never liked GLOCKs. Didn’t like the angle of the grip, and the whole Cult of GLOCK thing was a real turn-off. I figured a rental gun would be dirty, not sighted-in properly, and generally not in pristine shape…an ideal candidate for me to eliminate it from contention.
At the range, I discovered something surprising. Shooting the XD-M with the short magazine made it harder to control. Much harder. By going from the short to the long mag, I was able to cut my grouping size by about 30%. Impressive.
Then I shot the rental GLOCK. It was…a revelation. My groupings were half the size of the best I could shoot with the XD-M. Twice as tight. And they blew my accuracy with the 1911 out of the water. It was as if I couldn’t miss with the GLOCK.
Okay. Sold. So I ordered a G17, figuring I’d keep my 1911 as my bedroom gun. In accordance with my “it’s not cheating if it means you survive” philosophy, I ordered the MOS version, and promptly equipped it with a Trijicon SRO, Trijicon tall iron night sights (for co-witnessing) and a Streamlight TLR-H1 weapon light that turns a darkened room into a daylight shooting situation. (Bonus: the weight of the light helps control muzzle flip.)
Yesterday I sold my 1911 “dream gun” to a friend. Why? As one wag put it, “The great thing about Kimbers is that you can sell them and buy two GLOCKs for what you sold the Kimber.” That’s true. 1911s are expensive whips, no doubt. And GLOCKs are big winner from an economics perspective. The average GLOCK is well under half what you’d expect to pay for a quality 1911.
Then there’s the whole “I can standardize on one caliber of handgun ammo” thing. Yeah, I know. There’s two sides to that proposition, too. But with range ammo going for almost $60/box in these troubled times, standardizing on one caliber that’s hard to find is better than two that are equally hard to come by.
To be fair, the GLOCK 17, fully tricked-out with a red dot sight (it’s almost like cheating!) and a weapon light is no svelte EDC. Not in the least. It’s a serious commitment, AND a free weight program in and of itself. But the lovely thing about selling the 1911 is that I now have the loot to go buy a smaller GLOCK (I’m looking at the 43x) and I’ll have money left over.
Don’t get me wrong, I still love the feel of a 1911 in my hand, and I think it is a wonderful firearm. Based on my goals (self-defense, protecting my family/property) it’s just not as good a choice as a polymer pistol. GLOCK fanboyz may be annoying, but I simply can’t argue with the kind of accuracy and ease of use I get with that G17.
So I’ve moved on to the wonderful world of polymer handguns. I just hope that the 1911 versus GLOCK thing won’t turn out to be similar to the left versus right political thing. I don’t want to be thought of as an “apostate” by the 1911 crowd. And I don’t know how well it’s going to go down if the two sides start calling each other “Nazis” and “Satans,” like they do in political discussions. Especially since both the 1911 guys and the GLOCK guys will be well-armed.
As of now, I view the 1911 with a sense of nostalgia. I’m sure that someday, if I have the money for a ‘fun gun,’ I’ll consider buying another one. But given the self-defense goals I have in mind a double-stack polymer pistol chambered in 9mm Parabellum looks to be the way to go. As much as I hate to admit it, if I can shoot better with a GLOCK, then a GLOCK is what I need.
Your results may vary. Void where inhibited.
There’s NOTHING they could do to get me to love a GLOCK. It isn’t happening in this lifetime.
Same here.
I own several Glocks and carry most of them. I don’t “love” any of them.
A glock is like a nice hammer. It works pretty much every time. But I don’t hold it in my hand and marvel at the workmanship.
I have 1911s for that. Custom ones. But if I had to bug out of my house with only one handgun, it would be a Glock.
As an aside. A few years ago I was getting ready to send my Colt Lightweight Officers ACP off to Wilson Combat to get some work done. The OACP was worth about $900. I was getting about $1100 worth of work done to make it reliable and easy to manipulate.
As I was getting it ready to ship I noticed my G19 hanging on a peg on the safe door. Hmm. I took it out and held the two side by side. The G19 was the same size as the smallest 1911. Width was about the same. Weight was lighter than the 1911.
Hmm. I had $550 into the Glock and I’d have $2k into the Colt.
Oh and the Glock held 16 rounds of 9mm vs 7 rounds of .45 for the Colt.
I put the Colt up for sale that evening. It just didn’t make sense.
A carry gun is a tool to me. Nothing more. Its all about function.
Don, I really don’t see how you traded up much. 7 rds .45 ACP X 2 equals 14 rds of 9mm. So. You gained two rds. In a pedestrian pistol. Instead of a Wilson 1911
Your business, but a poor trade in my opinion. Cost not withstanding. Some things cost really shouldn’t enter into.
Nice satire. Almost reads like a rea 1911 Fudd writing. 8/10
Cloud, laugh if you want to. If being a Fudd means having the firearms I have in my safe, as opposed to the shit you youngsters have to buy, I’m proud to be a Fudd.
If you think a .45 is a guaranteed one shot stopper, I really hope you never have to find out the hard way that it’s not.
Gadsten,
I neglected to mention possibly the most important factor.
I could deliver lead on target (acceptable “combat” accuracy) much faster with the G19 than I could with any OACP in .45.
Also. You are letting romance and beauty cloud what should be a practical decision.
I GET IT. I love my 1911s. But I no longer carry one.
Finally your 2:1 equalization of .45 ACP vs 9mm may have held water in the days of FMJ. But like the FBI says, there is little practical difference between the top rounds these days.
Joe & Don, nice to meet you. No handgun round is a guaranteed one shot stop. However, as I’ve said before I’ve been to more than a few autopsies and I choose to hedge my bets. Those bigger holes do more damage. Funny how that works. Among my friends are a few FBI agents. Every one said that the current move to 9mm has to do with money. Not ballistics. It’s the bean counters, not the gun fighters decision. Oh, as an aside, 9mm makes things easier for the agents that wear panties. Maybe that includes you guys. Also, I own and rely on at least four handguns who’s bore size begins with four that are not 1911s. It’s all about wound channel. Last, if you want a one shot stop use a .30 caliber rifle with soft point ammo. A torso hit usually takes the aggression right out of a bad guy.
Wow ….. the stupid emanating from your post is ridiculous…
NOBODY with an IQ above room temperature would trade a fkn Colt for a POS glock…. I sure hope glock is paying you to spout that garbage….
Hemorrhoids are no joke.
Take heed from this man, add extra fiber to your diet now young-uns, before it’s too late.
All satire aside, it never fails to amaze me how people get so wrapped around the axle about personal preferences.
Buy and shoot what you like and prefer. Like a 1911? Cool, own one and shoot one. Don’t like a Glock? Cool, don’t buy one and certainly don’t shoot one, because broadening horizons and learning anything past the age of 30 can be dangerous to one’s fragile mental state.
But questioning the decision-making paradigm of someone who does, while insulting their intelligence at the same, gave me a good belly laugh. So thanks for that one grandpa.
“WWII… A battle fought over 50 years ago”
Try a war fought over 75 years ago.
Not everybody is a History Major, but come on.
Over 50 means 50+, that includes 75…
Lol.
You got issues dude…. over 50 means just that… OVER 50…. THAT WOULD INCLUDE 75 YOU DIP$HIT
Makes sense – I mean, WW2 was fought over two and half minutes ago.
Yes… Typing in all caps and using profanity will get your point across… This country was founded over 50 years ago too.
50 years ago was 1970… Perhaps I would say most of the Vietnam War was fought over 50 years ago.
50 years ago was 1970, OVER 50 years was before 1970, so yes, this country was founded OVER 50 years ago. lmfao. And ignore George Washington, he’s not stable.
Function over form. Minimalist and utilitarians love glocks. Bad guy can’t tell if that 9mm was shot out of a glock or gucchi race gun when it hits him.
What about a Gucci Glock? Ha. I laugh at those people. A glock perhaps the best practical gun there is.
But $2500 ones are just stupid. Like polishing a turd. There is nothing you can do to make a Glock beautiful.
Polished turds can be pricey, too.
https://www.artbygod.com/shop/fossils/coprolite/coprolite-polished/
The world will survive without you owning a Glock.
There is a third way… the 9mm 2011. All the magazine capacity of the Glock, most of the ergonomics of the 1911. And you can buy at least three Kimbers for what you sell one 2011 for.
Somebody used to make double stack 1911s back in the day, but I cannot seem to recall who it was…..
Oh yeah, para ordnance.
https://staccato2011.com/product/staccato-p/
I grabbed a NIB Para Ord 14.45 Expert shortly after Remington bought Para out.
Still in my safe, still unfired.
I have a Wilson Combat shooter, a Wilson Combat/Beretta 92G Brigadier Tactical, full bench tune, magwell, around 2 dozen 20rd mags.
Trump/Pence 2020.
My PARA is the EXPERT model, so standard 8 round magazine. But I know people who own and carry and shoot 2011’s as their normal everyday gun. Darn things just plain work and all the Glock cult fan bois can kiss it for all they care.
Nice.
I wish I had come across the Black Ops 14.45, but those were around double the Expert price.
Just picked up an almost new Baby Desert Eagle III full size/all steel 9mm from the same gun shop/range, over 3lbs with 17rds in it.
Yet to shoot it. It feels very similar to the 92G Brig Tac. Should be a real tame shooter with little flip, similar to the 92G.
back in the Gen2 days, I thought a Para P10 Warthog was the bee’s knees. until it was discovered they had nose dive issues because the feed ramp was too steep. and every single used P10 I looked at, had a gouge mark on the feed ramp from exactly that.
no Glock has that problem.
If a Glock had acceptable ergonomics, a hammer, and a manual safety- I’d consider owning one.
If you’re a do it yourself person that understands many out of the box firearms need tweaking and can get along without a hammer try a SAR 9. Other than performing the usual tricks for tweaking a Glock you’ll need to replace the hefty SAR 9 striker spring with a Glock spring along with proper out of the box cleaning and lube.
Sarsilmaz has a US based facility and is a very old company. Aftermarket products are in the works due to lots of SAR 9 interest. For now the price is right especially compared to Glock.
https://youtu.be/l1Jwbu9JlvQ
Salissamar, salissamar, the words chanted while rubbing a magic lamp. But before the thing could answer me, someone came and took the lamp away, I looked, around, a lousy candle’s all I found
The magic carpet!
possum…Yippie you found a candle now stretch your imagination and find a better firearm than I did to recommend. Good luck with that.
HiPoint. Why spend any more on a plastic gunm then you have to. They are more accurate, and as tested, bullet proof.
“If a Glock had acceptable ergonomics, a hammer, and a manual safety- I’d consider owning one.”
Possum…The hi-point was the above. Since a Glock lacks those attributes be helpful and recommend something plastic that comes closest to filling the bill.
Never sell a gun. Unless it just can’t be made to function or is somehow dangerous under normal conditions and cannot be made safe. But never sell a gun.
As far as the age old question of 1911 or glock, my answer has always been “Yes, please!”
+1
Crimson, if you’ve never sold a firearm: 1. You haven’t been in the game long. 2. You never saw something you wanted more than what you have. 3. You never went through a divorce.
Personal rule:
Sell one…buy two.
Helps keep order in the univers.
Just Sayin
Just, a good rule. When I read Brad’s article I thought, “The next time he has a nice 1911 he wants to get rid of I’ll trade him two Glocks.”
I sold one before the pandemic, regretted it, bought 2 to replace.
4. Never had to make a choice between keeping a few guns, or keeping the utilities on….
(To be clear, there is a minimum number of firearms, and I don’t drop below my minimum. Even if that means cooking with the grill in the backyard, packing food in an ice chest, or washing clothes at the laundromat for a few weeks…)
Joel, first I have two generators. Next I don’t have a minimum number of firearms. I have a list of a basic firearms battery. Numbers are irrelevant. If I have to ever bug out with the basic battery it will mean leaving a lot behind. The extra stuff I just enjoy owning.
Gadsden, same here. (Even post divorce, I kept my gats, she kept the jewelry)
I’ll be spending a considerable amount tomorrow due to a friends misfortune. All ammo.
I’m going to be way more comfortable feeding the 51 and the 1911.
I’ll be able to fill up all my 51 mags for storage and plinking.
Gotta keep practicing those diminishing skills!
I’ve never sold a firearm that’s why I have a firearms room instead of a safe. I still have my first rifle and shotgun, from 50+ years ago. The rifle is nonoperational but, the shotgun still goes boom. I just can’t let boom sticks go. For me it as much to do with the memories as anything. YMMV Be Safe Out There.
Same here. The only single gun I ever sold went to my brother-in-law so it would be (and still is to this day) in the family. All others I’ve acquired over my lifetime are still in my possession.
I am the same way, although I sold two decades ago. a .270 (don’t rem the band) Guy I sold it to dropped it out of a stand on opening day and bagged up the scope. A llama 9mm that rattled like a soda can full of gravel. I wish I had the Llama back because I learned to shoot the rattle can pretty well.
Otherwise, any thing I buy stays. I even have the Daisy I had as a child.
…how long do I need to have been in the game for it to “count” that I have never sold a firearm? Asking for a friend, who is me?
Also, I will say that either way, I’m not sure why the author couldn’t keep their 1911 AND their Glock at the same time. It’s two pistols!
Never sell. Just add. Three 1911s and three Glocks plus plus plus. My wife can sell ‘em after I’m gone.
She knows what to do.
I sold a gun once and regretted it although it was a right handed bolt action shotgun and I am left handed. So after almost 60 years I decided to move about 40 miles. I have filled the back of a Toyota 4-Runner with the seats folded down twice and still have another full load. Then I have to hide them in an undisclosed, secure location until the movers bring the safes. Moving the ammo will be equally as much “fun”.
Yeah, but when was the last time a cop shot himself trying to field strip a 1911?
A person is to blame for the negligent discharge. Not the gun.
It’s never the gun’s fault. Stop feeding the gun grabbers.
Gotcha! Like, “It’s that guy’s fault, he bought a Glock!” Right? I bought a Glock, neat gun, has a lot going for it. I discovered I couldn’t bring myself to carry it with a round chambered. Revolvers, Sigs, Kimbers, an XD-M, OK, but not the Glock. So, yes, it is people who make the mistake, the gun operates as advertised.
Probably more recently than you’d think given that, by and large, the baseline for firearms competence among law enforcement (speaking very broadly here) is… less than impressive. Some of the absolute best AND absolute worst weapon handling I’ve ever seen has been from police officers.
(Also, if you inadvertently shoot yourself while field stripping ANY weapon you deserve it for pointing the muzzle at yourself)
Mr Glock fan boy writes a column written like he knows 1911s.
Slow weekend for TTAG??
U mad
I don’t think he’s mad, jack a$$…..I think he’s smart enough to realize the idiot that wrote this article knows NOTHING about 1911s… Pretty simple, Dicweed…
If you censor your curse words, does that mean heaven will still accept and forgive you if you repent for vulgarity while breaking the moral codes to not swear? lol. The hypocrisy is real with you dude. You are the farthest thing from a George Washington possible. Now, a Robert E. Lee, sure, which I am sure you’d be proud to adopt.
You can do it with a Glock or you can do it class.
With
I don’t clean or maintain guns and I habitually stockpile cheap steel/aluminum case ammo.
I learned to appreciate Glock because that’s what i deserve to shoot with.
FUDDS… FUDDS everywhere.
Feel better?
Yes actually.
The Glock has been around for what, 40 years? The AR 60? Not exactly new in either case.
I like the Glock and could care less about the AR.
I just like guns 😉
Does it come in black? Good. Make mine a double order.
Racist Much………………………………………………………………………………..(sarc)
Honestly the AR occupies a similar status as the Glock in my opinion. Extremely boring, utterly soulless weapons with zero character and not much for anyone to get excited about… but reliable, efficient, and effective. My Glock and AR are honestly my least favorite guns to shoot, but they’re also the first I would grab if shit was hitting the fan
I dunno man, Ever since I started investing in SIG’s I have a change of heart. I don’t know that I consider any gun “boring”. I am not exactly shopping at American Eagle for guns… or Old Navy… or whatever the boring preppy people wear these days.
@Red in CO,
I agree.
It matter little what you carry…..
What matters is shooting it effectively….cant miss fast enough to win.
I will say that implying that 22 is as EFFECTIVE as a 9, 40, or 45 is silly.
Penetration is evidently important but so is tissue damage.
Otherwise , hollowpoints would offer no benefit.
In order, what matters in a gun fight…..
Situational awareness
Mental preparedness
Actually having a damm gun
Accuracy (most of us don’t carry hand grenades)
Penetration (it’s gotta go deep enough)
Proficiency (with your CARRY gun.)
And there’s something I’m missing…. oh yeah….
Caliber
Speak for yourself on hand grenades……..
I did say “most of us” 😉
I like ‘Luck’ as well.
‘Luck’ is a good thing to have in my experience.
‘Luck’ has kept my fat ass alive more than once. ‘Luck’ has also been good to me in other ways.
He qualified his opinion on .22 properly. Head or heart shots are deadly no matter the caliber. Miss vital areas with a big caliber and you’ve not stopped the threat.
Not really. It was positioned as dispelling a myth about 22 not being effective. He merelymadded a caveat about location at the end.
If a 22 goes through the heart a 22 will kill quickly. Maybe not with the brain.
He made no mention of the application for defense where the 22 may well not have the steam to get deep enough. (Arguments about assassinations have no weight in a discussion of defense.)
I have respect for any missle weapon to maim or kill. The respect lessens when viewed as a desirable defensive weapon.
Despite my being around guns all my life I decided to take a basic handgun class as much of my knowledge is self-taught and based, for all I knew, on assumptions which might not necessarily be true. In these classes, and there were two, basic and advanced, I had the opportunity to shoot many different handguns, both revolvers and pistols. One of them turned out to be a natural fit. It pointed and shot where I was looking with little effort. The point is don’t fall in love with a gun because it looks cool. Try as many as you can. You may get lucky and find the one that feels like it was made just for you.
I can’t agree more. A carry gun has to fit your hand and point naturally.
I personally went on a similar journey to buy my first pistol and decided the G26 was the one for me. Then I held one. It fit my hand fine, but every time I pointed it, I was bird hunting. I decided either all my guns had to be glocks, or none of them. Ended up going with the latter option.
The G26 was the smallest offering they had when I was shopping for my first. I might make a different choice today. I’ve also learned, there are j frame grips that somewhat replicate the angle of the Glock.
I do realize the angle is a non issue for some, and I can hit with a Glock easily at a range, when no one is shooting back, but it’s not for me.
Interesting and highlights “feel” vs “put to use”.
The Glock 48 is the only Glock that “feels” good to me. Points well. Points natural.
I have recently purchased a Gen 5 26. Feels odd – (like a square table leg). It points ok.
It rubs the second knuckle on my middle finger raw (developing a callus).
And i shoot it better and faster than the 48. From low ready…from the holster…doesnt matter. I attribute this to being more conscious of my drawing grip and then a broader gripping surface…regardless of how good it feels.
Similarly, the Beretta 92 feels like a handful, but I shoot it very well.
And the biggest downside of the 26 is slower to reload than the 48…..always tradeoffs
I heard a rumor that an aftermarket magazine maker is selling 15 round, all metal mags that fit flush in a G48. Seems pretty cool if it’s true…
It exists. My copy is a little hinky (both loading and feeding).
I will stick with Glock mags for now.
I own two identically equipped Glock 48s because…… two hands!
Shield Arms does make 15 round flush fit all steel magazines for the 43x and the 48. I bought my S 15 mags from them early on. They have since upgraded their mag springs with 10% stronger springs to correct any feeding issues, and they’ve sent new ones to me free of charge. And, the aluminum mag catch that they definitely recommend has also been upgraded to steel ones. Shield Arms warranties their mag springs for life.
I have three buddies who own Glock 48s, and they also use the S15 magazines with great success. And for me, my 48s are the best Glocks I’ve ever owned.
I like guns that are adjustable. Backstraps, mag release and aftermarket grips.
Big picture?
Who the hell CARES what someone chooses to own OR carry.
Get it, train with it, carry it. If you like it GOOD, that’s all that REALLY matters.
Gun owners are under siege at this time, why bicker over brands.
Focus on the issues at hand, stomping troll testicles, and………wait for it……….
Trump/Pence 2020,
Glad you’re happy troll.
Trump/Pence 2020
Brad, I hardly know where to begin. First, I love a 1911. Carried one in harm’s way since, oh, about ’82. Chased one though a door at 0 dark thirty many times serving warrants. Second, I like a Glock. Got one on my nightstand. Set up very much like yours sans red dot sights. No thanks. And caliber. Been through Glock’s LE armorer school several times. Glocks work like hell, but they have no personality. It shouldn’t, but that means something to me. As far as caliber. I know many new shooters seem to have rediscovered 9mm. Remember, I said “rediscovered” and “new shooters.” The caliber ain’t. 9mm and .45 ACP are both over 100 years old. Nothing new under the sun. All those tech improvements you mentioned? They were done to all the other calibers too. So if they made 9mm better they made .40, 10mm, .45 better also. And the whole bleeding out thing. The bigger the wound channel, the faster you bleed. No matter what causes it. Bullet, knife, it doesn’t matter. The first few autopsies I attended convinced me of that. Defensive handguns are way underpowered for what we ask them to do. Handguns are handy. Only reason to have one. (The answer is always rifle.) If you have a handgun you need every advantage you can get. Bigger, deeper holes are the place to start. Magazine capacity. A false advantage in my opinion. When I carry a 9mm it holds nine rounds. Even though I have double stack autos. All that said your Glock is a good service pistol. Hope you never have to use it.
👍👍👍
It’s not hard to understand why law enforcement has gravitated to the lighter weight and higher capacity of modern, polymer framed, double stack pistols.
But if you shoot smaller groups with a Glock than you do with a 1911, then something is wrong with either you or the 1911.
LEOs need to be sent back to 5 shot 38 Special revolvers. They have repeatedly proven they are not qualified to enjoy the privilege of carrying anything else while they are working as government employees. This current “spray and pray” with a mag dump or two must end for government employees. Every round must be fired at an identified threat target. Limit them to one speed loader as a reload too.
Nah, just need more accountability. Hold cops to the same standard we are held to in defensive shootings, and lock em up in cases where they cause collateral damage.
(And while we’re at it let’s get me a pet unicorn that shits ammo)
Your post wins the mouth breathers award for the month! Bravo!
The writer made it sound so novel that field stripping a Glock was the end all and the hammer fired 1911 was the apocalypse. Odd, my Beretta 96 doesn’t need special tools to disassemble. Neither does my CZ-75 although that has a tighter fit and isn’t as easy to field strip it still doesn’t need a special tool. I can field strip and or change barrels on my full size Beretta 96 just as fast/faster as I can on my Px4 carry gun. The writer attempts to avoid the A vs B comparison and argument but falls clearly into it.
Boy, a lot of real logic/reason stretches in this article…
A 1911 IS heavier than a polymer gun, no argument there. Carrying one on your hip is not a big deal with a proper holster. Its really not the cinder block people make it out to be, especially a commander sized.
Field stripping a 1911 is a pretty simple affair. Trying to make it sound like its equivalent to rebuilding a manual transmission is just silly. I can have mine stripped and laying on the table in less than 30sec with no tools (and no required trigger pull). Who cares if a Glock could be done in 20. Honestly, after you CAREFULLY check and re-check, visually and physically, for a clear chamber and then pull the trigger (you don’t rush through this step, DO YOU?) I’d be surprised if stripping a GLOCK is any significant amount faster than a 1911.
Caliber wars are meaningless, as shot placement trumps caliber every time. I like 45acp, its capable, time proven and easy to shoot (to me). I’ll never fault a guy for liking 9mm, or 40 though, their both very capable rounds.
Capacity needed for every day carry is debatable. The odds of being in ANY gunfight are very slim and having to take on multiple armed assailants is a tiny percentage of a tiny percentage chance. Everyone has to decide for themselves just how ‘prepared’ is necessary for themselves.
Are 1911’s expensive…sure. Is a good, reliable, serviceable 1911 orders of magnitude more expensive than a GLOCK? Not even close. There are numerous good quality 1911’s out there for under $800, some WELL under that.
A run-of-the-mill GLOCK19 is 500ish bucks. I paid barely $100 more than that for my Ruger 1911, which has been an exemplary firearm.
A GLOCK with the, all but mandatory, trigger and sight upgrades is easily every bit as much as a good 1911.
Lastly, if you can’t shoot well with a 1911, it’s not the gun.
A trigger “upgrade” on a gun which does not have a manual safety borders on suicidal.
I agree, the long trigger pull is a sort of safety.
Meh, Glocks don’t *need* anything- they’re very shootable out of the box (sights aren’t great of course). The accessories are there because as *by far* the most popular handgun in the world they provide a gigantic market for stuff to sell to “upgrade” enthusiasts.
Of course they don’t, technically, “need” anything. They are perfectly functional, and reliable, right out if the box. However, in my (admittedly limited) experience the GLOCK’s I’ve shot have had some if the most god-awful, long, gritty, vague, horrible triggers I’ve ever experienced. *For me* a trigger upgrade is an absolute must.
I’ve only been a Glock user since Gen 4 but based on the comments I’ve seen like yours, the earlier ones must have been *God awful* to keep that opinion going. The current ones aren’t light (duty guns shouldn’t have a light trigger) but are very crisp for a factory trigger, with an excellent reset; especially for a largely polymer trigger system at that price point.
I can’t speak for older ones but from Gen3 onward the factory triggers aren’t that bad. They’re definitely not great, but they’re no impediment to reasonably accurate shooting, even fast shooting, at close range. Frankly, except in super extreme cases (like the NYPDs idiotic, absolute garbage 12 pound Glock triggers), the trigger shouldn’t make much difference on a combat handgun in the VAST majority of realistic circumstances. I’ve shot a LOT of different handguns with a wide variety of trigger quality, and I’ve yet to find one where even an objectively bad trigger impeded my ability to shoot it well enough. Rifles are a different story
Nothing wrong with a Glock, though IMHO there are plenty of other poly-striker pistols out there that are just as good, if not better in some ways, than a Gaston gat. Glock *does* have an unbeatable advantage in aftermarket support, though.
The 1911 is an awesome design, though for me it’s more of a range day gun than a carry gun. I like DA/SA and restrike capability (each to their own, and YMMV).
Glocks are decent guns and all, but it’s just the insufferable nature of this perpetually pissing match between Glock and 1911 owners that keeps me mostly uninterested in both models.
Honestly, at this point the only Glock I’m interested in is one I put together after some spare parts and some spooky plastic. >:E
An argument about handguns which does not involve a Python is a waste of time!
Larry, that was funny! I love a Python too. Bought a 6″ stainless as a gift to myself upon my discharge. It’s in my safe today. Owned three or four since then. No serious handgunner doesn’t own a Python.
Or a .44 mag wheel gun.
Wouldn’t mind a Python. But I’d just as soon get a replacement for my Nagent m1895 that I had to sell some years back. Revolvers are more of a curiosity to me than anything else. >,,>
I dunno – I figure my very large S&W Model 28 will end a gunfight the moment the other guy sees it LOL.
My lowly Tauruses will have to do…interesting ain’t it Taurus’ 22caliber is better Glocks 22?!? For way less $😏
One way is to post as a poofter troll.
My wife is a helluva lot better than your boyfriend. My dreams don’t include a glock. Poof!
When Glock first came out, my initial reaction was, “what kind of an idiot puts the safety in the face of the trigger.”
I realize that it is a system that nearly all manufacturers have gone to, but I am still not comfortable with it.
I have made an attempt to like Glock. As I primarily carry 380, I purchased a Glock 42. I really tried to like it, but I never did. Yes, I still have it, but it gets very little holster time. About the only use it gets is when I am going to do something that would be regarded as abusive, like kayaking. I do recognise that it is reliable, but that does not make it a favourite.
My preference is my Browning 1911-380. Yes, it is significantly more expensive than Glock. I just like it better. I don’t knock the Glock and I would not hesitate to recommend it, but I just never warmed to it.
I had the Browning pistol and I never felt it was reliable enough to carry it. It ran better with JHP than ball but I just didn’t trust it. Trader it on a new gun.
I was a revolver fan. Still am. But going from a double action revolver trigger to a semi with its safety built into the trigger somehow feels natural.
I’ve owned a variety of semis over the years. Including the 1911. But for carry i always reached for a revolver. Until my G19.
That’s my story. Everybody has to live their own.
That’s me, as well, and I love my 1911s, too. But the G19 is the most natural shooting handgun I ever picked up. Until the 19x I just acquired.
It’s not one or the other to have and to hold but lately when I leave the house I’m grabbing the Glock.
Just have to point out that the trigger doodad is a *drop* safety; the actual safeties are all internal. Also that if SIG used that system they would have saved themselves a *ton* of drama on the P320 release.
I won a P320 this year in the Friends of NRA drawing. I’ve never taken it out of the case, and after reading some of the problems with it, I plan on selling or trading it.
I can’t believe what a joke my p320s been. Back to the factory for the drop safety. Comes back, and FTE every 7th round. So after a year, I finally box it up and sent it back to sig. they put a new extractor, send it back. Put another box through it, it fails with a bulging shell that jams it up and fails to eject. Had to get the mallet to unjam it. This is after two trips to the factory.
What a joke. I own 5 other polymer striker pistols, none has ever had one malfunction, let alone consistent failing even after visiting the factory. Do not support this joke of a company.
From early on in the article the weight thing again. Yesterday I carried my 14 oz G42. Today I was back carrying my 32 oz BHP. I also took an extra long dog walk this morning — 8 miles. I couldn’t tell the difference. If you think the difference between say a p365 and a 32oz pistol is significant then I suggest you carry a NAA minirevolver or nothing at all.
Have to agree on the weight issue. With a proper holster the weight shouldn’t matter. I carry a Shield 9 most of the time with an extended mag, but a I also carry a Ruger P89 from time to time. Nothing against them I just never liked how a Glock felt in the hand. For me it’s about how a gun feels when you pick it up and shoot it. As long as it goes bang when you pull the trigger and you can hit what you intend to. The rest is just white noise.
Agreed, although I would ad that a proper holster *and belt* is the key. I’ve seen too many people buy a great holster, attach it to a shitty belt from Wal Mart and then bitch about weight and sagging. Frankly I’d even say the belt is more important
Good point that I should have mentioned.
Anyone who uses a .45 ACP is stupid and anyone who uses it with a 1911 is more stupider. My advice shy away from them both, leave that archaic .45 ACP on the shelves, leave lots of it on the shelves, it’s no good, they should give it away just to get rid of it. 9milnmeder is the only cartridge good for a handgunm, any handgunm as long as it’s not a 1911, rather it be a revolver or an automatic, 9 milnmeder gets the job done in two shots or more. Be smart, stay alive, dump that stupid .45
Guys, I have to run so I can start dinner. My son and his girlfriend are here tonight. (Pan fried crab cakes over lightly seasoned pasta with olive oil and sauteed fresh asparagus.) I’ll leave you with one last thought. Remember, 9mm aspires to be where .45 ACP begins.
Sauteed with onions and mushrooms?
With a nice Keyonte and a side of fava beans.
Shoot a walther PPQ and you’ll sell the Glock.
The PPQ is a terrific pistol, I own one, as is my HK VP9, but I still conceal my still factory stock Gen 2 Glock 19 that I bought new and shoot is just as well as my PPQ and VP9 but it conceals easier. Nothing available has tempted me away from my Gen 2 Glock 19 other than a Gen 5 Glock 19.
I carry the same, they can keep the Gen 3 & 4s. I have a Gen 2 17 as well.
Hope I never get arrested or be involved in a DGU, but I would rather lose a Glock than something really expensive. Probably more likely I’ll get the Glock back at some point.
”Shoot a walther PPQ and you’ll sell the Glock.”
Truth!
I own one poly firearm, a PPQ 45. Don’t leave home without it.
Everyone needs to own and shoot what they like though.
Yes.
It is difficult sometimes to show tolerance for such silly fan boi writing when you’ve seen it so many times from the same crazy cult over and over again. These Glock Bois do not need more publicity, they need free mental health care.
The speed of field stripping any gun compared to another is nonsense when the topic is self defense. You are not going into combat in the muddy fields and hedgerows of France. Or the jungles of Vietnam. Or the dustier parts of Afbadassistan.
Next, there are endless options other than Glock and the single stack 1911 or even the double stack 2011. Mine is the Ruger SR9. I know someone else who prefers another of the Ruger pistols. But again, this isn’t about brands.
The most severe error in judgement is that Glock despises the USA. If you knew the details of how that little factory was built and its operations, you would comprehend that Glock “makes guns” in our country only under duress and to leverage import/export laws in countries that dislike Glock’s real place of origin.
I’ve shot Glocks. They work, they go boom. Bullet goes down the barrel to where it is supposed to go so long as the shooter did his or her part. But claiming it is some kind of “revelation”?
That’s just flat out Fan Boi stuff.
By the way, the first double stack 9mm I owned was a Smith & Wesson model 59. In over twenty years of carrying that pistol it never failed to feed, fire or eject anything I put in it. It was not a revelation, it was just a darned good firearm and still is.
Durable, reliable high capacity pistols were not invented by Gaston. Exceptional marketing was used by Gaston, the branding craze that can result from Hollywood use of a product was used by Gaston.
But actual American guns have been doing the job exceptionally well for generations.
As the owner of various 1911 platforms, from Kimbers to Para double stack as well as a variety of Glocks i must confess to a preference for Glock.
Two basic reasons, Glock allows me to tailor my carry gun according to my need without changing the operating manual, full sized 10mm for hiking to diminutive 9mm for more discreet carry they all work the same. Only fairly recently has the 1911 been offered in differing sizes/calibers.
Secondly, leave your 1911 out on the back patio one rainy weekend next to your Glock, see which one brings you closer to tears. 😛
I have 1911s chambered in 9mm, 10mm and .45. all three chamberings have been around for 30 years and two of them plus a couple of others have been around for longer than Glock existed. But you are right about the rain. That why I have plastic pistols.
“…ammo manufacturers turned their attention to improving the characteristics of the 9mm round. And improve it they did.” Man, I am so tired of reading / hearing this tripe. Gives an unrealistic impression that the 9mm is an FM cartridge!
Yes, 9mm performance has been improved by using new bullet designs and new powders…AND, so have all the important defensive handgun rounds (9mm, .357 Sig, .357 Magnum, .40 S&W, 10 mm, 45acp). The Critical Duty Flexlock and the HST are available in ALL these cartridges. Modern bullet design for the 9mm was not a unique, proprietary-to-this-cartridge-only development.
Brad writes a nice, touchy-feely piece promoting the Glock…ok, but, most of his rationale is strictly opinion based. Opinions are like fundios…everybody has one and they ALL stink!
Other commenters have said it in this thread and it, apparently, bears repeating for the Nth time…carry what you are comfortable with, practice with that weapon and know how to place your rounds for the maximum effect….whether you have a max capacity of 5, 6, 7, 8 10, 12, or 15 plus rounds in a cylinder / magazine should not be your determining factor.
PS: I own several Glocks and do not carry any of them on a daily basis…YMMV.
I’ll take a CZ-75 Compact or SIG P-229 over Glock or 1911 with slight edge to the CZ. DA/SAs are for me as the heavier initial trigger pull doesn’t bother me. Both can be quite accurate, although in my humble opinion the new CZ is a little more accurate.
“The tech on the 9mm cartridge has gotten so sophisticated that it meets or exceeds all the other standard handgun rounds in performance…”
Wish you would have wrote this at the beginning so I could have stopped reading then and saved some time.
Except for all that tech being applied to every handgun defensive load I agree. /Sarc.
If you compare the 9mm and .45 rounds using the same sophisticated tech you find that the .45 has even a greater advantage today than it did in the FMJ days. What is true is that the modern 9mm exceeds the performance of all other rounds used 50 years ago.
*cough*cough*gag* .357 Magnum soft point 125 grain at 1500 ft/s and it still can’t be beat
Thank you. Everyone forgets the .357 magnum.
Perhaps not, but most people can put more 45 ACP on target much faster with a quality automatic.
Eh, citation very much needed. 9mm benefits from higher velocity that allows it to take advantage of modern bullet design. .45 ACP flies like a bumble bee so it can’t really participate.
Velocity in a handgun is irrelevant. It’s all about tissue displacement so I suggest you look at Lucky Gunner Ballistics tests and see the expansion and wound depth for 9mm and .45 Auto. To help you out the volume of tissue displacement can be found by the formula pi x.5d^2 × penetration. There are also wounds that are nonfatal with 9mm that are very lethal for a 45 in the same location because the diameter of the expanded bullet is large.
Pro tip: find a source and do the math before making a claim.
Actually, velocity in a handgun can be extremely relevant. Based upon the tissue displacement theory, the only way for a smaller diameter bullet to compete with a larger diameter bullet is for the smaller diameter bullet to increase both its size (expand) and its penetration depth. In practice, though, physics generally demonstrates that these two actions are diametrically opposed to one another.
Getting a smaller diameter bullet to expand to a larger diameter is precipitated by bullet design, which is invariably dependent upon velocity to accomplish this task. Additionally, the envelope within which a bullet has the capability of reliably expanding is inexorably a notably small window.
This means that designing a smaller bullet (9mm) to reliably expand enough to cause an equal volume of tissue displacement/damage as a larger diameter bullet (.45) is almost wholly dependent upon velocity. If the temporary stretch cavity theory of wounding were applicable to handguns- it is velocity dependent, too.
So, velocity is very relevant- maybe just not as relevant as bullet diameter is in handguns.
“Pro tip: find a source and do the math before making a claim.”
Indeed. At least you tried, I guess.
summary: n00b drinks the 9mm kool aid, forgets that Glocks also come in .45 10mm and .357
Ha!…… Yup!
Glocks are great once you fix the grip angle by building one on a Polymer 80 frame.
I own a Glock, and it’s a good shooter, accurate, easy to take down and clean, easy to carry, etc. It is a Glock 32, however, with the black sheep 357 Sig as the load. I just won’t carry a 9mm. All the videos on youtube showing cops plugging perps with multiple rounds of 9mm and the perp still attacking are a convincing deterrent to the 9mm.
I own a 1911. Accurate shooter, .45 acp’s ballistics are slightly better than then “wonder nine,” and the round benefits from all the latest ammunition advances. The take down and cleaning is a little more involved than the Glock, but that’s OK. A good 1911 is a work of art and a pleasure to work on.
I carry a Ruger GP-100 .357 magnum with a 4″ barrel. I have for years. My height of 6’3″ allows me to carry it under an untucked shirt in a pancake holster with no one else the wiser. I can reload it in about five seconds with a speed loader. It is a tack driver out to 30 yards or more, more than enough distance for personal protection. The .357 magnum’s ballistics are unmatched by the other two. It is more difficult and fussy to clean, but it has never failed me. Never. But I’ve had a stovepipes in the Glock and feeding problems with the 1911. I never worry about capacity. One or two doses of .357 magnum will take care of the vast majority (99.5% plus) of self-defense problems. Practice is what counts. Not capacity.
If I ever go into combat, I’ll carry a rifle, but the chances of that happening are minuscule, even infinitesimal. In the mean time I’ll carry the awesome and under-appreciated .357 magnum revolver.
Glock=made in China…
Get an HK and never look back…. lol…. some people and their cheap glocks… the cheapest piece of crap in the gun world….js
HK? lol… wow.
nothing wrong with them, but they are literally the same as Glocks. And Glock is not made in China, ever. China has attempted to copy the Glock, as they usually do, but never has Glock manufactured or designed their guns in China.
Lastly, don’t lie bitch, you carry a fucken Hi-Point in your overalls when you leave the trailer.
H K VP 9 isn’t made in China literally or figuratively. I shot all kinds of pistols. Top 2 I’ve ever owned.
wut? Neither HK or Glock are “made in china”.
If you’ve ever staired down the barrel of a policeman’s gunm, you wouldn’t like Glocks. I’ve staired down the barrel of a policeman’s Glock. “No safety, no safety, no safety, nervous cop, not good, stay calm.” were my thoughts. Another time had a cop rack a shotgunm in my face, barrel looked big enough to hide in, but I wasn’t scared like when the Cop with a Glock stopped the fun.
Meh.
Is one better than another?
It is all subjective.
It can be a $3,000 race gun, but if it does not fit the hand, does not point well, and as a result, the shooter cannot hit accurately enough to be confident with it, then it is not a good gun for that shooter.
I can appreciate the craftsmanship of a Kimber made 1911. Some are nearly works of art and reflect the gunsmiths craft.
Can I afford one?
Nope.
Like to though.
Glocks?
I shot one years ago, pre-adjustable backstrap days. Did not fit my hand well, did not point well. Was not the gun for me. The newer ones, maybe they would.
One size does not fit all in this case, at least not with something I would want to depend my life on.
If you have a 1911, I offer a place where they can retire, live with other 1911’s and swap stories of of the wars they have fought in a safe a secure space. Please do not neglect your old wore out 1911’s, send them to me. These old warhorses are past their prime and worthless to serious handgunners.
Send to:
The M1911 Retirement Range
C/O FormerParatrooper
508 Infantry Lane
Kobbe, Il.
We also accept ammunition as our food resources are scarce at this time.
Thank you for the belly laugh on a Sunday morning!
Your Creative Writing 101 final exam submission should receive an A-plus.
To continue what you started:
I would like to extend a safe haven to any old, tired 1911’s that would prefer retiring in the mountains rather than in the plains. We specialize in TLC for old warhorses….230 gr diet for those with full testosterone and a leaner diet of 185’s for those who want to scale back a bit….heated oil baths and deep cleaning brush massage by appointment only.
Special rates for surviving WWI and WWII veteran 1911’s.
Excellent.
Maybe we consolidate and they could rotate scenery in occasion.
Consolidate and form a 501 (c) charity…The Benevolent Fund for Retired 1911’s. Maybe we could even get added onto the Combined Federal Campaign as a designated recipient for POTG to donate to.
Just imagine…tables of old 1911’s sitting around reminiscing about olden times while new generations of Glocks are positioned respectfully near their elderly frames, soaking in the knowledge and experiences of their progenitors. I can envision a young Glock interrupting…”Once upon a time, a gangbanger held me sideways…it was sooo thrilling!” to which a venerable 1911 would respond…”gangbangers?…Kid, we fought the fascists in Italy, France and Germany – not only once, but, TWICE…along with a healthy asswhipping dealt out to the Empire of Japan”.
Maybe dialogues like these could help bridge the generational gap that some people foster and nurture in their firearm ignorance.
Where does it say that polymer automatically means Glock and nothing but?
from the FUDDs perspective, if it’s not metal and single stack, it’s a Glock. These types of articles bring out the true nature of these forums. Outdated and nostalgic boomers. That said, nothing wrong with a 1911, but knocking polymer framed guns to be “worse” or “stupid” because the lack of a manual safety is just a lack of training and complacency running its mouth.
One of my 2 1911 9mm holds 18 1 rounds. It is my most accurate gun next to an old Dan Wesson 44 mag with replaceable barrels. Also have 7 Glocks from Gen 2 to Gen 5. The small 1911 is an absolute tack driver at 20 yards. It is heavier than the Glocks by about 1/2 lb.
My most accurate Glock is a small mod 30 in .45 – shoots better than my larger Glocks with the large 13 round mag in for better gripping. Does kick a bit and there is muzzle rise with hot ammo. Least accurate is a 9 mm mod 26. Go figure?
One thing for sure – the Glocks really are much easier to maintain.
So, to each his own as the old saying goes.
I took the same path, though to the G19. Best gun I’ve ever owned. It’s ugly enough that I don’t mind throwing it at the target if I run dry. Then I run over, pick it up and stuff a fresh mag in to fire away.
I thought people were full of S*** when they gloated about 5,000-10,000 rounds without a failure on a Glock. Then I got one. I don’t know how many rounds I have, but the failure count is still zero.
Not a Glock fanboy, just practical.
Lots of modern hand guns can go 5000-1000 rounds without issues and a bad Glock cant make it 200. Modern manufacturing and engineering has come a long way.
My 1911 couldn’t go 100 rds.
Getting excited about a Glock is like getting excited about a base model Honda Civic or Toyota Carol- Zzzzzzz . . . sorry, I dozed off thinking about a GlocIvicRola.
I get excited about reliable, especially when maintenance is involved.
Hey, I have a Corolla. It’s reliablzzzzzzzzzzzz…
Now come back to America, dump that Austrain Block and get a M&P 2.0 9mm.
Same boring reliability, accuracy and ease of use/maintenance. It fits WAAAAY better in the hand, has the proper grip angle, looks way better, is cheaper and its AMERICAN MADE, by AMERICANS from an AMERICAN COMPANY.
You can even use the same light on the M&P 2.0. All you have to do is remove that proprietary Glock rail bit and swap it out for the AMERICAN speced Picatinny rail bit that works with EVERYTHING else, that Streamlight provides in the light kit.
I was a Glock tard too so do not worry it can be cured. The M&P 1.0 had issues that were slowly fixed and the 2.0 finished the job and added some great features. Once I bought my first M&P 2.0 I proceeded to get rid of my 4 Glocks. Bought the M&P replacements during sales. I sold one G17.4, that had easily 10K rounds through it for $350 and bought a brand new M&P on sale for $399.
I have sold a couple guns, and the m2.0 was one of them. When I first bought it, the plan was move away from Glocks since I was not fond of the Gen 5’s. The only thing I did like was the grip on Gen 5’s. But the m2.0 no matter how often I shot it, just never felt right. Plus, in order to take it completely apart and clean the internals of the upper you have to remove the sights. That is the dumbest way to maintain a gun especially a modern polymer framed pistol. I have only sold 3 guns, and basically every gun I sold was like trading it in. When I sold the m2.0 I literally went to the store and picked up a p320 rxp xcompact 30 minutes later. (pre “pandemic”) Now I have a p365xlrz. A total of 5 pistols and the m2.0 lineup is no longer in them. A lot of people complained about the 1.0 triggers, but 2.0 is not any better. I honestly don’t usually care that much but just never enjoyed that gun and it never grew on me. I felt like it was the wrong purchase very shortly after buying it. I did have it as my daily carry for about a year. I guess what I am saying is that if you enjoy the m2.0, try a SIG and never look back. Made in America and much better than pretty much anything S&W has and ever will do.
2011 – all the benefits of a Glock with 1911 ergonomics.
Never met a Glock I could shoot better than a 1911. Wierd grip angle, sqooshy, spongy trigger.
Really wish they made an SAO conversion for the CZ P-07
Christ on a pogo stick!
With so much unsubstantiated opinion and anecdote flying around, you’d think there weren’t at least 3 separate studies that conclusively point out the only salient concept about defensive handgun use is shot placement.
It doesn’t matter what you’re missing with, if you don’t hit the bloodpump or the CNS, you can’t rely on a physical stop with a handgun. PERIOD. Also, you sound like a bunch of Democrat college kids daring one another to have an opinion not handed to you by the official minister of truth. Get over yourselves. Some people prefer Glocks. I promise you, Chesty Pullers’ Ghost will not kill you in your sleep if you agree with the reasons for that preference. Some people prefer 1911s! I promise you that they are fully capable of defending themselves in most DGU situations with an ACTUAL 100 year old pistol, and that’s OK. Some people actually CAN detect a meaningful difference between the weight of an all steel full size 1911 and a compact polymer 9mm. You know what: that’s OK too! They aren’t in danger of transitioning because the don’t like hiking their pants up an extra time or 2 a day. People have opinions that differ from yours and leads them to conclusions you didn’t come to. So the feck what?! If you aren’t practicing regularly, it doesn’t matter WHAT you carry. The level of unmitigated butthurt in this thread would be hilarious if it wasn’t so damned pathetic.
i love glocks, the 19 is the perfect gun, want something other than 9mm, 40s&w 357sig, 10mm 45acp………i admit i didn’t want to love them, but they work, they have the huge aftermarket support, they are reasonably priced……i have a machined slide and an holosun optic on mine, its always on target, even boringly accurate, it seems most people try to avoid, but end up owning glocks……..
Your logic combined with you practical application, delivered a common result. The only error was selling the 1911(s). For the average person, changing out “misson essential” guns is not dependant on the sale/trade-in of current gun(s). Not as much as say your used car which would sit in your driveway and probably continue to require tags, insurance and continued payments. When the thought is already in your mind to “maybe get another one later”: you made a mistake selling it.
There’s a lot of gun form pages with post sale regrets weeks or years later and odds are you will pay more to replace it than what you sold it for. I have never read of anyone express regret from selling a Glock and we know folks jumped around between 9mm, 10mm, 40S&W, 357Sig, 45APC, 380APC calibers, model sizes and Gens. Glocks are utilitarian and inspite of fanboy genetic loyality there is no attachment. What ever Glock is in hand fills the need, leaving no fondness for past “gotta have” Glocks. Former Glockers that switched to another Mfrs handgun don’t express regret either.
I carry Glocks but 1911s are my mistress. Its like being married to one and the other is a guilty pleasure. Keep both! Lol
The 2011 renders your capacity argument invalid.
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