which Glock?

[doc45]

Ok first off I'm a 1911 guy. My main carry gun is a Baer TDP (limited production lightweight 4.25" built in Sept. '97). I've been shooting and using the 1911 since I was 12 and I'm now 52.

I've been thinking of picking up a Glock-either the 19 or 17 because.....welll, just because they seem to be virtually indestructible & I prefer the trigger to any other non-1911 I've ever handled. It would also be used as a secondary pistol for house gun, range gun (9mm is cheaper than 45 afterall), and possible ccw if the Baer or one of my other 1911s were not available (not likely).

I ran into a local 'smith (Rob Bonacci-Concept Execution Ltd.) that does an outstanding texturing on them and would have that done to either one.

What say you?

[John_Wayne777]

If concealment might ever be on the list of needs for this new weapon, go with the G19.

You really can't go too far astray with either the G17 or the G19. They are MUCH different than the 1911 you are used to and will take a LOT of getting used to, but it can be done if you are serious about training with them.

[LOKNLOD]

If concealment might ever be on the list of needs for this new weapon, go with the G19.

You really can't go too far astray with either the G17 or the G19.

This is the correct answer...

[trio]

although I will add that your size may negate some of that...

I am 6'6, 3 bills....I can conceal a G19 or a G17 equally...and have both, and have at times carried and concealed both....i have actually carried a G34 in a blade tech IWB holster....

also, I will say this, if you can afford to, get both...i learned to shoot on 1911s, love the 1911, consider myself a "1911 guy"...and now I only own glocks (i am trying the concept out that all range and shooting time is training, and therefore I should always be shooting my fighting weapons...which for me means all glocks)...


at any rate...the G19 and G17 are probably the best combat pistols of the last 20+ years...you can't go wrong with either

[doc45]

Thanks guys. I've used both the VMII & Alessi/Heinie DOJ to carry 5" 1911s. Of course the Glocks wider/more "boxy" profile makes them just a tad more difficult to hide, it would only be in winter months so layering makes it easier to conceal a standard size pistol (I'm a 5"9, 195-200lb box myself :D ).

Getting both unfortunately is not an option so trying to decide. Tomorrow I'll spend some time seeing how they feel in the hand.

Keep those cards & letters coming!

[oldtexan]

Ok first off I'm a 1911 guy. My main carry gun is a Baer TDP (limited production lightweight 4.25" built in Sept. '97). I've been shooting and using the 1911 since I was 12 and I'm now 52.

I've been thinking of picking up a Glock-either the 19 or 17 because.....

What say you?

I have a long background in 1911s, Para double-stack guns, and STI 2011s. I'd recommend considering the 34 as your first Glock. It feels closer to a 5" 1911 in terms of balance than any other Glock 9mm, IMHO. If home defense and range use are your primary intended uses for your new Glock, then I think that also argues in favor of the 34. By the way, my carry gun is a 34, in a Comp-Tac CTAC . But I'm getting ready to order a Raven light-capable Phantom for the 34.

[CLHC]

Glock 19

[mattjmcd]

Both are good. I'd lean towards the G19 unless you plan on running a mounted light all the time or if your hand is too large for the (slightly) shorter grip length of the G19.

The G19 is the new Combat Commander, IMO.

[.308holes]

G19. It is still small enough to conceal, can still carry more 15+ rounds in a single mag, (if you aren't one to carry an extra mag during your concealed time.)

The G17, while not THAT much bigger, it is, so for concealed carry smaller is somewhat better.

[doc45]

Great feedback. mattjmcd, excellent analogy.

.308holes, I learned a long time ago to always carry a spare mag or 2. Good advice.

Leaning towards the 19, wanted to see if there was any reason to consider the 17. If it was for open/uniform carry or some similar activity I'd probably go that way.

Be safe everybody.

[NoBody]

Deleted.

[lindertw]

...of course the Glocks wider/more "boxy" profile makes them just a tad more difficult to hide...

not too long ago I transitioned from 1911 to Glock 19 and I thought the same thing, until I had them sitting side by side:

1911 slide width = 0.912"
1911 width w/pachmayr rubber grips = 1.300"
1911 width w/wood grips = 1.278"

G19 (2nd gen) slide width = 1.006"
G19 (2nd gen) grip width - 1.154"

*eta I neglected to measure grip circumference - I'll get that info as well.

I think I still have the side by side pics at home and can load them up if you wanna see. Additionally, the Raven Concealment Phantom OWB holster really helps keep my G19 in close - I don't think it prints any more or less than my Colt Commander does. Here's an example of the RCS Phantom w/M&P9:

http://mysite.verizon.net/tlinderman/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/raven_vs_comp-tac_owb.jpg

[Deputy91]

I own the 17, 19 and 26.

If you could buy 2 I would say the 17 and the 26. If it was just to shoot range or 'competition' I would say the 17. But if I were to only purchase one of them and use for all around and concealed carry it would be (and was) the 19. I have larger hands and had a few blood blisters from quick 'tactical reloads'. but it is the best balance out of the 3. Easy to conceal, large capacity (15+1), and easy to shoot with low maintenance.

-Mike.

[Buck]

Ok first off I'm a 1911 guy. What say you?

Well if you are a 1911 guy, the Glock 35 with a Vickers magazine release and Heinie sights is the gun for you... It is the same size as a full size 1911, and has all the same controls, less the grip and thumb safties...

IMHO it has everything you want in duty handgun...

B

[Obiwan]

Another option would be to get a 17 and have the grip cut down to 19 size

Makes it more concealable

[doc45]

Well guys, after spending quite a bit of time going back and forth between the 17 & 19 at the shop today I took home the 19. I think it will fit the bill just fine.

Buck, I was introduced to the 1911 at age 12 by my dad's best friend (Mr. B). We had just moved to Tucson, lots of places there to shoot in '68. Mr. B had some land outside of town (off of Houghton Rd. if any Tucson folks are here) and gave me a very thorough education in the 1911. I had the pleasure of cleaning it after the first time I shot it (under his expert tutoring). My father preferred S&W wheel guns-I have the last one he bought, a no dash 686 4" that was worked over by Frank Glenn.

My screen name comes from Mr. B telling my father that I was like a dr. in surgery operating on a patient the way I field stripped it, laid out all the parts on an old t-shirt, properly cleaned, lubed and reassembled it.

Haven't been without one since I turned 21, just looking for something a little different to add. When my older son was home on leave from his first deployment to Iraq (E4, 68W) 2 years ago I bought him his own Baer TRS. He got to break it in before he headed back, now it's with him but I'll hold on to it when heads out again early '09. When my younger son turns 21 in April he'll get a nice present too.

I think I'm going to add the XS standard size dot sight set to this 19 and I'll be good to go. Thanks again group for all the great feedback. Be safe.

[msoprano]

19, 19, 19!

[Gentoo]

The 19 is a very good choice. Then again, it is the one I have so I may be biased. :p

I got it because it was a good compromise between the 17 and 26, plus I don't really know what I am doing when it comes to gunsmithing, so I wanted something easy to use and very low maintenance.

Someday, I plan to get a g26 for carry.

One thing that I really like about the Glocks is the interchangeability of the magazines.

[ZDL]

not too long ago I transitioned from 1911 to Glock 19 and I thought the same thing, until I had them sitting side by side:

1911 slide width = 0.912"
1911 width w/pachmayr rubber grips = 1.300"
1911 width w/wood grips = 1.278"

G19 (2nd gen) slide width = 1.006"
G19 (2nd gen) grip width - 1.154"

*eta I neglected to measure grip circumference - I'll get that info as well.

I think I still have the side by side pics at home and can load them up if you wanna see. Additionally, the Raven Concealment Phantom OWB holster really helps keep my G19 in close - I don't think it prints any more or less than my Colt Commander does. Here's an example of the RCS Phantom w/M&P9:

http://mysite.verizon.net/tlinderman/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/raven_vs_comp-tac_owb.jpg

That's a damn helpful picture right there. Thanks.

[givo08]

I had a 17 and ended up selling it and buying a 19. I actually shoot the 19 better (faster, more accurate), and I think it's due to the grip fitting my hand better than the 17. The "hump" in the backstrap of the 19 hits my palm at a better angle/place than either the 17 or 26. Also, I found the 19 just conceals a lot better. The extra 1/2" of grip sticking out makes all the difference in the world when you are draping a T-shirt over it.

[Deputy91]

Congratulations on your purchase! Now shoot the heck out of it!

-Mike.

[Beat Trash]

You made a good choice with the Glock 19. Of all the Glocks, it's my favorite.

[Vom Kriege]

The answer is yes to both the G19 and the G17. :)

If funds only allow for one, get the G19. It'll do everything the 17 will do and will conceal better.