S&W645
NRA Life Member
It also isn't a problem if you buy stainless instead of blued.
As a 1911 addict - Glock lovers please help me understand
- Thread starter Daven
- Start date
I stopped carrying my Kimber Ultra Pro Raptor because it was too pretty to muck up. It started getting a bit of holster wear and a couple of dings on the grip from working.
I started carrying a G30SF and sometimes a G36 because the shoot well and if they start off ugly, getting a little uglier doesn't matter.
I still wear the Kimber on some Sunday's
KK
I started carrying a G30SF and sometimes a G36 because the shoot well and if they start off ugly, getting a little uglier doesn't matter.
I still wear the Kimber on some Sunday's
KK
ironmike86
New member
I have a couple 1911. Colt Agent is easy to carry. But I prefer my Glock for CCw. Higher round count ,lighter ready to go. i can shoot both Glock and my 1911 both well. For me the hole patter will be close to the same after a mag or 2. Try a M&P or Springfield. After 200 rounds if you don't like them. Then just keep the 1911 and never look back.
LkWd_Don
Banned
I'm not a Glock lover but did have to carry one for work. Other than qualify with it, I did not like it. For someone who needs a very simple starter piece, I might suggest the Glock as that is the best thing I can say about it, it is simple.
Too simple for my likes. People think it took a long while to learn how to disassemble it one handed like in the Movie Lethal Weapon.. what 3 or 4 where the Chinese Monk reaches up and takes it apart with one hand. Sorry, if you can use thumb and index to pull back on frame while putting pressure on the slide with the palm of your hand just a 1/4 inch you can take the slide off the frame. Try that with my H&K USP or a 1911, ain't happening.
Anyway, you have my opinion now.
Make your own decision.
How exactly was I bashing the Glockers? I believe my post was very respectful and my koolaid reference was purely out of humor as I have seen MANY people on different gun forums joking that once you drink the Glock koolaid, you are hooked. I am genuinely asking how to move past my past issues with the tool. I tank all the other replies. I am going to rent a G36 today when I go to the range and see how it goes. What is different about the G36 than with the other Glocks? Living in Phoenix, AZ, rust isn't an issue with me and I have never had a problem with my EDC, a Kimber PC II. I do think I will add a Glock to my collection for versatility, and thanks to many of your replies, I think it may be a G36. I will let you know after my rental today.
If any of you other local Phoenix guy's want to meet up at Shooter's World, let me know.
The_Outlaw
~The Dude Abides~
The Glock 36 is a 'single' stacked magazine as opposed to the double stacked magazines found in the other Glocks.
So it's a bit slimmer.
LkWd_Don
Banned
I maybe stating the obvious here, but as you go from double stack to single.. you reduce capacity, so that is also something to consider.
Ringo
A WATCHMAN
Yea, it's a consideration and having extra rounds is never a bad idea, but chances of CCW holders being in a situation where they need high capacity magazines is extremely rare, just saying. One or two shots fired is, I believe, the average in 99% of self defense scenarios. Personally, if I was in any situation where I couldn't Get 'R' Done with three rounds I'd throw the gun at them and run. :sarcastic:
LkWd_Don
Banned
You have a very good point as I know I should not need more than 2 or 3 against a single assailant, but then I might suspect that you are someone who also spends a bit more time at the range maintaining better proficiency with your defensive weapon(s).
While working Armed Private Security back in Columbia, SC I certified on and carried a revolver that we were allowed to practice with frequently and we generally were issued 12 rounds for duty, 6 in and one spare load.
Here in Washington State I worked Armed Security, carrying a Glock and they issued 3 ten round mags, one in and two spares. The only time we could draw it was for duty or for qualification. Wanting to get the muscle memory down should I need to quick-change mags, I purchased my own Pistol. LOL Not a Glock as I did not care for how simple it was. That is when I bought my H&K USP .40 simple without being simplistic, incorporated a good safety and decock capability and most importantly for me, much better accuracy then the 9MM Glock.
Iam2Taz
New member
Interesting... I too am a 1911 fan... I had tried a Glock in the past and had a horrible time hitting the target the way I thought I should. At 30 feet I can, most of the time, keep the rounds in the 4" circle at a fairly nice pace with my 1911. (IDPA style shooting.) Not so much with a Glock. I spent some time with an officer the other night who helped me through a few differences because of that dreaded "grip angle." I just needed some coaching to force the front end down, slowly release the trigger to get a quicker reset and finally concentrate on my trigger finger. 100 rounds later I was doing much better. I noticed that by forcing the front end down it really helped with the muzzle flip. Double taps on a couple of six inch plates at 30 feet with no problem.
For looks, I still like my 1911. However, I am thinking of trading the Walther for a G23 or G19. If I am going to consider carrying tupperware, I might as well give it a go.
In answer to your question, reliability, accuracy as in you will really be surprised, capacity and I guess last would be weight. Just my thoughts.
For looks, I still like my 1911. However, I am thinking of trading the Walther for a G23 or G19. If I am going to consider carrying tupperware, I might as well give it a go.
In answer to your question, reliability, accuracy as in you will really be surprised, capacity and I guess last would be weight. Just my thoughts.
Hey everyone. I think you all know I am a very devoted 1911 fan. I own many and even have my YouTube channel about them (and my life and other guns). I have been carrying for about 20 years now and have always carried either a 1911, sig or other external hammer gun. I have never liked the look of striker-fired guns and have not really given them a chance.
Seems many of my friends are drinking the Glock koolaid and are changing to them. I won't ever give up my obsession with the 1911's but want to know. I know they are reliable, I know you can bury one for a year and pick it up and fire it, I know they are reliable, but seriously, what other than that is there to LOVE about them? I shot one a week ago and HATED the grip angle, the trigger feels like a toy, generally didn't like it but I only gave it about 30 rounds to shoot, I ran out of time. I am going back to the range this week and might go with my best friend and his brand new G19 3rd gen. I guess it's hard to teach this old dog new tricks, but wondered if any of you can help me understand the appeal of such an ugly gun.
One thing I have heard is the sights on the Glocks is horrible if you have the square rear sight, and replacing them with 3 dot's is MUCH better, my friends new G19 is getting 3 dot sights today, I did NOT like the square rear sight when I shot it last week, I couldn't hit the target. A cop friend of mine (who obviously carries a Glock) said Glocks are NOT designed to have tight bull's eye shooters, but rather tactical guns.
Thanks again.
Daven
Daven,
A Glock may not be a proper direction for any 1911 junkie. The HK USP pistols are touted to have a similar grip angle to the 1911 which makes the transition to that particular polymer pistol much easier. The grip angle on the Glocks can really put folks off and make them look for something else.
I've been shooting Glocks for some time so I know exactly where they should and do shoot when in my hands. I can also spot too little trigger finger with a shooter that is new to Glocks without ever standing next to them on the range. I am one who wishes that Glock would offer their competition pistol upgrades in their factory combat pistols. Every upgrade that is on the Glock 34 would be quite nice on a Glock 19.
Dave Nowlin
Old Geezer
Well I have been a devoted 1911 fan for years. I actually got rid of my Kimbers and bought some Glocks. I had a G-30Sf & a G-27. They are now gone. I learned to work on them and improve the action considerably but in the long run they just don't feel right to me. So now I own two Springfields. A Range Officer full size & an Ultra Compact (0fficer's size) and now I am back in my comfort zone. The walk on the wild side didn't work for me. No more oversize chambers that overwork my brass and no more ugly guns. I now know how a guy feels who is stuck with an ugly woman.
CDR_Glock
Glock 23
I have 4 Glocks: G23/27/30/36.
I have a Springfield XDM 9mm.
I have a Sig P220.
I have 2 1911s: Mars T.H.U.G. And an Ed Brown Special Forces.
I have a PX4. I have others, too.
I've had other 1911s, 9mm's, and other guns.
I shoot a range of different guns. Each with a nuance that doesn't hinder my ability. I rotate my guns often and shoot my carry guns, more frequently. The Glock 30 is the softest shooting 45 ACP I've ever shot. It's my Winter/Fall carry gun. My 27/23/36 are the warmer weather pistols. I carry a Ruger LCR or P238 for backup.
It's hard to compare my 1911s to my Glocks since they are 4-5 times the cost of my Glocks. Single action is easy to shoot. However, when it comes to concealed carry, I don't want a safety to deal with. The Glock is not about beauty. It's about reliability, accuracy and low maintenance. This goes for any striker fire pistol, not limited to a Glock, such as the XD/M and S&W M&P. The trigger is easy to control. The factory sights aren't good but I replaced all of mine with tritium, as are on my other guns/1911s.
My Glocks are thick but it tames recoil better than most guns that I have shot, except Large Frame revolvers and 1911s.
Glock= Simplicity and inexpensive. Accessories for it are widely available and cheap.
1911=Enthusiast for accuracy not compromising any standard when it comes to a gun and getting the best that a person can afford. My next will be a Wilson.
iPad/Tapatalk
I have a Springfield XDM 9mm.
I have a Sig P220.
I have 2 1911s: Mars T.H.U.G. And an Ed Brown Special Forces.
I have a PX4. I have others, too.
I've had other 1911s, 9mm's, and other guns.
I shoot a range of different guns. Each with a nuance that doesn't hinder my ability. I rotate my guns often and shoot my carry guns, more frequently. The Glock 30 is the softest shooting 45 ACP I've ever shot. It's my Winter/Fall carry gun. My 27/23/36 are the warmer weather pistols. I carry a Ruger LCR or P238 for backup.
It's hard to compare my 1911s to my Glocks since they are 4-5 times the cost of my Glocks. Single action is easy to shoot. However, when it comes to concealed carry, I don't want a safety to deal with. The Glock is not about beauty. It's about reliability, accuracy and low maintenance. This goes for any striker fire pistol, not limited to a Glock, such as the XD/M and S&W M&P. The trigger is easy to control. The factory sights aren't good but I replaced all of mine with tritium, as are on my other guns/1911s.
My Glocks are thick but it tames recoil better than most guns that I have shot, except Large Frame revolvers and 1911s.
Glock= Simplicity and inexpensive. Accessories for it are widely available and cheap.
1911=Enthusiast for accuracy not compromising any standard when it comes to a gun and getting the best that a person can afford. My next will be a Wilson.
iPad/Tapatalk
Here's my experience.
I had never even seen, held or fired a real firearm until I joined the US Army in 1975. I was an MP and my first experience with a pistol was a rather elderly M-1911. What I liked about it was that it had a natural "fit" to my hand and the controls were easy to manipulate under stress. It was easy to get it into action if necessary. I carried it with a round in the chamber with the safety on. I also liked the idea of an external hammer. Old timers [Senior NCO's that had been in combat in Vietnam and Korea] told me that if a round failed to go off, a quick re-cocking of the hammer and trigger squeeze would make the round go off 99% of the time. They said it was much faster than racking the slide and ejecting the round. I tried it a few times, and they were right. I figured if i was down to using my pistol, then everything had already gone to hell and i would need to make every round I had count.
What I didnt like. It only held 8 rounds [7+1]. It was large and heavy. It had a heavy but manageable recoil, which made it hard for me to put multiple rounds into the target with the speed and accuracy i wanted to. Perhaps if my unit had gone to the pistol range more often, i could have achieved what i felt i was capable of with the M-1911.
When i became a police officer in 1981 our agency used S&W Model 10 revolvers in .38 special. What i liked about it-well, nothing. It was big and although lighter than M-1911, it was clunky. It didnt have the natural balanced, ergonomic feel the M-1911 had. Reloading was a nightmare. The recoil, which was mild compared to the .45, seemed to make the muzzle jump all over the place and i had problems getting shot placement in the tight groups i was used to with the .45. My accuracy and speed was not up to my standard and i knew i would be at a definite disadvantage if i came up against a BG armed with an automatic who was half-way competent. My hand was to big for the grip and i wound up buying a fat rubber grip by Pachmyr which that solved that problem. With a lot of practice and the fat grips i tamed the muzzle jump (caused by the skinny OEM grips as I later found out) and became very good with it.
During this time I was still in the US Army as a reservist. In the late 80's our MP unit transitioned to the M-9 Beretta. What i liked about it-almost everything. It was such a natural fit to my hand i thought Beretta had made it custom for me. It had an external hammer.The controls were very easy to manipulate. It held 16 rounds [15+1]. It had an open slide which made it easy to clear a jam, of which i think i experienced 2 or 3 times in a few thousand rounds i shot thru it. The recoil was moderate compared to the M-1911 and I could make follow up shots with speed and accuracy. What i didnt like about it. It was big. It was heavy. The transition from double-action first shot to single action following shots took a while to get used to, but i mastered it.
In the early '90s my police dept finally transitioned to the Glock Model 19. What i liked about it-well, some features i liked, and some i didnt. What i did like. I was light. I could tuck it into a belly band under my shorts during the summer and sometimes I almost forgot it was there. It held 16 rounds [15+1]. Once i got used to it, it had the fastest follow up shot capability of any pistol i owned. It was easy to maintain, although you had to be careful not to overlubricate it, and there were some areas that demanded special attention. What i didnt like. It had a square clunky grip that didn't fit my hand well at all. It seemed to be top heavy. And for me, bad grips cause me to have problems with accuracy, speed and shot placement. Another weird thing for me is, i really feel the recoil force from this gun. After my bi-annual qualifications which consist of 300 rounds, my hand and wrist hurt. Dont know why, but that gun hurts my hand. On top of it my agency installed the "NY trigger" This caused the weapon to experience stage 3 malfunctions, where it would try to chamber 2 rounds at once. The resulting jam was almost impossible to clear, and not something you would want to have happen during a gunfight. Eventually it was determined that "limp wristing" this firearm was the main cause of that malfunction. But after a lot of practice with this weapon, i got very good with it too. Shot more than a few perfect scores with it and even made it into the top 100 in my agency one year.
My son, who has just returned from his 2nd trip to the sandbox, likes my Glock. He does not like the M-9. Go figure. He also wants my S&W Model 10, which he calls my "legacy gun". When he was growing up, he had no interest in ANY of my weapons. Go figure.
Now that im retired, i carry a Beretta 92FS Compact L. My Glock sits in my safe. The agency i work for now allows you to carry any 9mm you can qualify with, if it meets certain requirements. A lot of the guys have Glocks. But when the fired my Beretta, they loved it. So for me, the Beretta works best. And thats what everyone should do. Find out what works best for you.
I had never even seen, held or fired a real firearm until I joined the US Army in 1975. I was an MP and my first experience with a pistol was a rather elderly M-1911. What I liked about it was that it had a natural "fit" to my hand and the controls were easy to manipulate under stress. It was easy to get it into action if necessary. I carried it with a round in the chamber with the safety on. I also liked the idea of an external hammer. Old timers [Senior NCO's that had been in combat in Vietnam and Korea] told me that if a round failed to go off, a quick re-cocking of the hammer and trigger squeeze would make the round go off 99% of the time. They said it was much faster than racking the slide and ejecting the round. I tried it a few times, and they were right. I figured if i was down to using my pistol, then everything had already gone to hell and i would need to make every round I had count.
What I didnt like. It only held 8 rounds [7+1]. It was large and heavy. It had a heavy but manageable recoil, which made it hard for me to put multiple rounds into the target with the speed and accuracy i wanted to. Perhaps if my unit had gone to the pistol range more often, i could have achieved what i felt i was capable of with the M-1911.
When i became a police officer in 1981 our agency used S&W Model 10 revolvers in .38 special. What i liked about it-well, nothing. It was big and although lighter than M-1911, it was clunky. It didnt have the natural balanced, ergonomic feel the M-1911 had. Reloading was a nightmare. The recoil, which was mild compared to the .45, seemed to make the muzzle jump all over the place and i had problems getting shot placement in the tight groups i was used to with the .45. My accuracy and speed was not up to my standard and i knew i would be at a definite disadvantage if i came up against a BG armed with an automatic who was half-way competent. My hand was to big for the grip and i wound up buying a fat rubber grip by Pachmyr which that solved that problem. With a lot of practice and the fat grips i tamed the muzzle jump (caused by the skinny OEM grips as I later found out) and became very good with it.
During this time I was still in the US Army as a reservist. In the late 80's our MP unit transitioned to the M-9 Beretta. What i liked about it-almost everything. It was such a natural fit to my hand i thought Beretta had made it custom for me. It had an external hammer.The controls were very easy to manipulate. It held 16 rounds [15+1]. It had an open slide which made it easy to clear a jam, of which i think i experienced 2 or 3 times in a few thousand rounds i shot thru it. The recoil was moderate compared to the M-1911 and I could make follow up shots with speed and accuracy. What i didnt like about it. It was big. It was heavy. The transition from double-action first shot to single action following shots took a while to get used to, but i mastered it.
In the early '90s my police dept finally transitioned to the Glock Model 19. What i liked about it-well, some features i liked, and some i didnt. What i did like. I was light. I could tuck it into a belly band under my shorts during the summer and sometimes I almost forgot it was there. It held 16 rounds [15+1]. Once i got used to it, it had the fastest follow up shot capability of any pistol i owned. It was easy to maintain, although you had to be careful not to overlubricate it, and there were some areas that demanded special attention. What i didnt like. It had a square clunky grip that didn't fit my hand well at all. It seemed to be top heavy. And for me, bad grips cause me to have problems with accuracy, speed and shot placement. Another weird thing for me is, i really feel the recoil force from this gun. After my bi-annual qualifications which consist of 300 rounds, my hand and wrist hurt. Dont know why, but that gun hurts my hand. On top of it my agency installed the "NY trigger" This caused the weapon to experience stage 3 malfunctions, where it would try to chamber 2 rounds at once. The resulting jam was almost impossible to clear, and not something you would want to have happen during a gunfight. Eventually it was determined that "limp wristing" this firearm was the main cause of that malfunction. But after a lot of practice with this weapon, i got very good with it too. Shot more than a few perfect scores with it and even made it into the top 100 in my agency one year.
My son, who has just returned from his 2nd trip to the sandbox, likes my Glock. He does not like the M-9. Go figure. He also wants my S&W Model 10, which he calls my "legacy gun". When he was growing up, he had no interest in ANY of my weapons. Go figure.
Now that im retired, i carry a Beretta 92FS Compact L. My Glock sits in my safe. The agency i work for now allows you to carry any 9mm you can qualify with, if it meets certain requirements. A lot of the guys have Glocks. But when the fired my Beretta, they loved it. So for me, the Beretta works best. And thats what everyone should do. Find out what works best for you.
