Glock 26 vs. Glock 43 vs. Glock 42: which do you prefer?

[Flankenstein]

42... Surprisingly.

43 is great, but for me, too small for IWB and too large for pocket. If I'm going IWB I'm going 19 or 17. 42 fits very nicely in the pocket.

[Eurodriver]

I have had all 3 and a S&W 642. I strongly prefer the 43 in all respects.

26? Might as well carry a 19.

42? Not worth the caliber tradeoff for like 1/8" thinness over the 43.

642? 5 shots and twenty minutes to reload? No thanks.

[Frailer]

I'm a big fan of the 26.

I find it much easier to carry than a 19, yet I shoot it as well as the bigger gun.

The 43 looks great on paper, but in actual practice it doesn't work nearly as well for me.

[jmoore]

>>....but I'd almost have to have the Pearce Grip extension to the factory mags to make it comfortable to shoot.
<<

The question isn't whether or not it is "comfortable" to shoot, but can you shoot it effectively? It may not feel "normal" or "comfortable" to you - but can you still put rounds on target in a combat-effective manner and time?

You are likely carrying a smaller weapon because of being in a NPE or something similar. Obviously smaller is better - up to a point. Caliber becomes an issue as well, as does body habitus and clothing. Are you willing to (or can you) "dress around" a weapon that isn't quite as small as you might think you need?

Part of the reason I love the G26 is that I can make it whatever I want. Currently it has an X-Grip G19 mag in place in my OWB holster - basically the same as a G19 (with a slightly shortened sight radius). Hell - I could even run a G19 barrel for slightly more velocity if I felt that was needed (I don't). Spare mags can be either 10 (why?), 12, 15 or 17 rounders. IF I need to pocket carry, I drop down to the factory 10 round mag in the gun, and 1 or 2 G17 mags as spares - clothing dependent.

As always - YMMV

john

[WickedWillis]

What's your ankle rig?

I've had many problems in the past with pistols "flopping out" of ankle rigs (I do a lot of walking), and I'm skittish about investing in another.

I really liked the Galco Ankle glove holster, and unless I see some crazy reviews on something else, it will be what I go with again. I walk quite a bit, as well as kicking high pressure cylinders all day in work boots and I personally never had it flop out. YMMV.

[1911-A1]

Has anyone cut a 19 down to take 26 mags?

I cut my 17 to a 19 grip and it's pretty much perfect for CCW but still a little too large for every situation. I've been eyeing a 43 for alternate summer carry, but I might cut down my backup 19 instead.

[ggammell]

One thing I've been trying to do some research on without much luck is how much the +2 floorplates affect reliability.

I'm one to stick to the "zero" floorplates just because I like to have a place to put my pinky, but this brings up the general question: DO THE PEARCE GRIP EXTENSIONS IN ANY CAPACITY AFFECT RELIABILITY?


Also, I have no experience with these. Are they a bitch to install?

Never had a problem with the glock branded ones. I believe they stuff G19 springs into the 26 mags to start with so you have built in extra power.

[brickboy240]

If I was to buy a Glock smaller than my 19, it would be the 26.

[Eurodriver]

Just out of curiosity, you guys concealing the 19s...

Are you doing so in fitted dress pants and dress shirts? Polos and khaki shorts (Not cargo khaki shorts, but J Crew type clothing)

I've often found the "I can conceal a G19 as easily as a G43" folks are usually the ones wearing 5.11 gear and ARES belts 24/7, but if you have any sort of social life that statement is just not true.

[Primus Pilum]

One thing I've been trying to do some research on without much luck is how much the +2 floorplates affect reliability.

I'm one to stick to the "zero" floorplates just because I like to have a place to put my pinky, but this brings up the general question: DO THE PEARCE GRIP EXTENSIONS IN ANY CAPACITY AFFECT RELIABILITY?

Also, I have no experience with these. Are they a bitch to install?

Yea they can be a pain in the ass to install. I hate taking apart glock mags. But I have seen no issues with reliability running the +2. The G26 mags are strongly sprung so there are no issues feeding the last couple rounds.