My Very First Glock

[AR-556]

I have never owned a Glock firearm. I have shot a few and like them. I tend to lean towards the full size over the sub compact. I currently own (3) 9 mm's, a .357, and (2) .22 pistols.
I am in a situation where I can afford a new pistol and I want a Glock. I have read that PD's are getting away from the.40 caliber and going back to the 9 mm for several reasons, cost of ammo being one of the most important reasons. Of the (3) 9 mm's that I own, one in particular I don't shoot that much. So, I will most likely be getting rid of it.
I have owned a .40 caliber in the past and liked it. Sure, there was more muzzle rise than a 9 mm, but the stopping power was what I liked about it. I also have owned a few .45 calibers as well, but, ammo and capacity come into play on the negative side there.
Put yourself in my position. Which of the (2) would you choose as your first Glock; the G17, or, the G22? I am very open to ALL opinions and suggestions. BTW, I would use it as home self defense, and, to general target shoot. Thanks.

[MegademiC]

Stopping power isn't different with good ammo, but you can shoot more for the money in 9mm. Sounds like money is just flowing in for you, so I'd go 9mm no question.

[opngrnd]

As a guy who wasn't interested in Glocks at all, but ended up with them because they fit my requirements the best, I have a hard time looking past the G19/G17 as a solid initial first Glock purchase. I honestly take buddies to the gun store and have them handle those two and pick the one that fits their hand the best. Then I tell them to stop over thinking it and get some solid range time. Without fail (so far) it's worked out well for all of them minus two. In both cases they swapped one size for the other. (One went from 19->17 and the other went 17->19.)

With modern advances in ammo, the only time, IMHO, to not go 9mm is when you are required to use a different caliber or a platform that does not run best in 9mm (aka revolver or 1911).

[oldtexan]

Between a G17 and G22, by all means pick the G17. The G17 is likely to have better durability and reliability than the G22, and allow you to shoot faster to a given level of accuracy than the G22, with both hands, but especially strong hand only or weak hand only. These factors matter in a handgun to be used for defense.

As to stopping power, there's really no such thing, at least in handgun cartridges. The hole drilled by a .40 may be indistinguishable from the hole drilled by a 9mm, even among the best loads of each caliber. The .40, in its best loads, may penetrate windshields a bit more predictably than 9mm's best loads. IMO, unless you're going to shoot through windshields regularly, 9mm has all the advantages.

[opngrnd]

I've taken a couple glasses with Tier One instructors, and their opinions of 9mm>40 cal lined up with the opinions in this thread as well. Especially on service life of parts and weapons, and one handed shooting.

[AR-556]

As a guy who wasn't interested in Glocks at all, but ended up with them because they fit my requirements the best, I have a hard time looking past the G19/G17 as a solid initial first Glock purchase. I honestly take buddies to the gun store and have them handle those two and pick the one that fits their hand the best. Then I tell them to stop over thinking it and get some solid range time. Without fail (so far) it's worked out well for all of them minus two. In both cases they swapped one size for the other. (One went from 19->17 and the other went 17->19.)

With modern advances in ammo, the only time, IMHO, to not go 9mm is when you are required to use a different caliber or a platform that does not run best in 9mm (aka revolver or 1911).

This fits me to the letter! I have always liked the G17 from afar, but, always thought they were overpriced. But, I have come to the conclusion that a Glock is probably the best pistol ever built/made. So, I think it's far time I stop making excuses for not owning one and now buy one. I'm not getting any younger, but, am getting wiser. It only makes sense to own the only firearm that has taken over almost every PD and military establishment in the world!
I am not flowing in money, but, with the sale of one of my current 9 mm's, and the money I have saved, I can buy a Gen 3 NIB G17, (2) 17 rd. mags, box, papers, etc., for $488, $5.99 shipping, and FFL.

[opngrnd]

BLUF: The G17 will do its job well.

The biggest choice, in my book, is which grip profile (G17 or G19) feels better in your hand under strings of fire, reloads, and draw with presentation. I ran my 19 and 17 back-to-back this past week and found my times across a few different drills to be neglible in difference of times and scores when shooting out to 25 yards. The 19's back strap "hump" feels higher in my hand and seems to lock in a tad better with my grip and hand size. Grab either/or and enjoy.

Edit-I currently run the G19 most of the time I use Glocks because I can carry it AIWB without printing. I'll have to try to figure out if I can find a different holster that conceals as well with the G17, but for now, my times and accuracy with the G19 are as good as anything I've ever used. I suppose if I were only going to be getting into shooting matches with small plates at 50 yards+ I'd go back to my 1911s exclusively.

[556BlackRifle]

I'd skip the G17 and G22 in lieu of a G19 or G23. I like the size better. If you choose the 40 S&W, you could purchase a 9mm conversion barrel. I have a 40 to 9 conversion and it's great. You will also need some G19 mags. You could purchase a Glock 32 barrel and it would be a drop in conversion from 40 to 357 Sig. Your G23 mags would work although the follower on the G32 mag is different so if you might want to pick up a couple if you plan to carry it in 357 Sig configuration. So, ultimately it would be like having three guns in one.

[bighawk]

If you're going to carry it ever I would check out the 19 but if just for the range and home I would get the 17. I would check them both out and see which fits your hand the best.

I have sold pretty much all of my other handguns in favor of a few 9mm Glocks. I shoot the 19 and 17 about equally and carry both regularly however the Gen 4 17 (with no backstrap) fits my hand better then any of the others. I bought a G22 however sold it for a G17 and I wish I could go back and just buy two of each (19's and 17's) and a 26 and be done with it years ago.

[T2C]

I've fired quite a bit of 9mm and 40 S&W through Glocks. 9mm ammunition is more cost effective for training than the larger, more expensive, calibers, so I would pass on the Glock 22. With a Glock 9mm you can shoot more for the same money. Cartridge technology is such that the 9mm is a good caliber for defensive purposes.

If you plan on carrying it a lot, I recommend the Glock 19. Otherwise, the Glock 17 will serve you well.