Glock/pistol Owners... need some advice

[Saur]

Bar, if you're deadset on the glock in .45, then I'd recommend the Gen4 Glock 21. It'll come w/ a couple options for adjusting the size of the backstrap, but w/o any backstraps on its the same size as the Gen3 Glock21SF. So you'll get 'both' w/ the Gen4 option. Gen4's tend to group a little tighter than their Gen3 counterparts, so you'll get a precision bonus on your accuracy too. The aggressive grip texture helps keep the gun locked in place for faster follow-up shots w/ less grip re-adjustment.

I'm w/ phantom on the caliber thing though, I prefer 9mm. However, the Gen4 Glocks in 9mm have been plagued with reliability issues for awhile due to bad extraction. The Gen4 .45's and .40's do NOT suffer from these issues so you can buy with confidence.

After you purchase, I'd definitely recommend upgrading the sights -- ameriglo, heinie, warren tactical, etc. Be sure to get a quality belt (ie; wilderness tactical 5stitch) and holster (bladetech, milt sparks, etc) too, don't skimp on the support gear.

[-Bar]

Bar, if you're deadset on the glock in .45, then I'd recommend the Gen4 Glock 21. It'll come w/ a couple options for adjusting the size of the backstrap, but w/o any backstraps on its the same size as the Gen3 Glock21SF. So you'll get 'both' w/ the Gen4 option. Gen4's tend to group a little tighter than their Gen3 counterparts, so you'll get a precision bonus on your accuracy too. The aggressive grip texture helps keep the gun locked in place for faster follow-up shots w/ less grip re-adjustment.

I'm w/ phantom on the caliber thing though, I prefer 9mm. However, the Gen4 Glocks in 9mm have been plagued with reliability issues for awhile due to bad extraction. The Gen4 .45's and .40's do NOT suffer from these issues so you can buy with confidence.

After you purchase, I'd definitely recommend upgrading the sights -- ameriglo, heinie, warren tactical, etc. Be sure to get a quality belt (ie; wilderness tactical 5stitch) and holster (bladetech, milt sparks, etc) too, don't skimp on the support gear.

I knew about the backstraps but I didn't know it was equal to the SF, Thanks for the input on that, really helps

[Dead...Again]

Man all this gun talk makes me want to bite the bullet and get a .40 Glock myself

[Dead...Again]

Do not buy a gun with out at least holding it. The weight, balance and overall feel are to important to leave to chance. Ask if you order can you return or exchange it if you are not happy with it. I say ask because some companies will not let you return special order items.
I have a Glock 23C. The 23 is .40 Cal and the C model is ported. Some people will tell you not to buy a ported model if you shoot in low light conditions. I have and it is not a problem at all. It does not blind you. In fact shooting a revolver in low light conditions is worse.
I like the 23 because it is slightly smaller but still full size. It is easy to carry concealed comfortably. It is great for those with smaller hands. It is not a baby Glock though. It is still a full size pistol.
The Glocks are easy to disassemble quickly and reassemble. I have also modified mine for a 2 1/2 lb trigger pull and I have the larger capacity magazines.
Also the velocity of .40 Cal ammunition is greater than the .45 Cal.
Performance wise there isn't any difference between gen 3 and Gen 4 Glocks. The Gen 4's have some custom add ons like different size grips.
I love mine. It is accurate, tough as nails and can take abuse and still shoot when others jam.
Apache

By larger capacity magazines, do you mean that the standard 15 round magazines will fit in the 23?

[Apache Warrior]

The standard 15 round magazine from the Glock 22 will fit the 23. The Standard magazine for a 23 is 13 rounds. You can also use 15 and 17 round magazines.
Apache

[Dead...Again]

The standard 15 round magazine from the Glock 22 will fit the 23. The Standard magazine for a 23 is 13 rounds. You can also use 15 and 17 round magazines.
Apache

Interesting. I had been looking at the 22 and never considered the 23. Would you recommend the 23 over the 22?

[Apache Warrior]

It depends on what you want, like and need. The 22 is a full sized gun. The 23 is a little smaller. I like the 23 because I have smaller hands and I carry concealed.
Apache

[Saur]

Interesting. I had been looking at the 22 and never considered the 23. Would you recommend the 23 over the 22?

I can maintain a full firing grip on my 19 (which is the identical to the 23 dimension-wise) and reach the controls just fine (trigger, mag release, slide stop). I can perform a reload without the magazine baseplate pinching the meaty part of my hand near the magwell. So for me, its the perfect size -- its big enough to fight with (w/o sacrificing my grip) and small enough to carry (w/ untucked t-shirts, even in the humid oklahoma summer heat).

I do prefer the glock 17 (which is dimensionally identical to the g22) when I can get away with it. Like now in the winter/cooler months . Near the bottom of the backstrap of the 19 and 17 there is a pronounced HUMP, and it rides a little higher on the g19, but on the g17 it sits lower and my grip feels rock-solid.

If I had to pick one, it'd be the 19 hands down, since its more concealable and can accept g17 mags just fine. If you can, definitely rent both and see how they handle.

Also, I'd recommend against the ported/compenstated models not just for low light reasons (which can be mitigated by selecting good defensive ammo), but because you may experience some discomfort when firing from retention (ie; hot gases into face/sinus cavity).

[Apache Warrior]

Also, I'd recommend against the ported/compenstated models not just for low light reasons (which can be mitigated by selecting good defensive ammo), but because you may experience some discomfort when firing from retention (ie; hot gases into face/sinus cavity).

I have the 23C and yes it does require the right ammo in low light conditions. I have never had any problems and or discomfort from hot gases firing from retention, but it is possible under the right conditions.
Apache

[Zantheus]

All this talk makes me want to go on a buying spree....

[Apache Warrior]

Are Canadians allowed to go on buying sprees for guns?
Apache

[Apache Warrior]

I have a carry conceal because of the nature of my business. Monday I have to go to the bank with a large cash deposit. I had a customer pay cash for a large diamond and mounting yesterday. And I definitely carry in these types of situations.
Apache

[goldenfooler]

I have a carry conceal because of the nature of my business. Monday I have to go to the bank with a large cash deposit. I had a customer pay cash for a large diamond and mounting yesterday. And I definitely carry in these types of situations.
Apache

I can fully understand in your situtation apache. I just ask why sometimes people carry them, because living in the cities I have and I never felt like I should carry one.

[Zantheus]

Are Canadians allowed to go on buying sprees for guns?
Apache

Well it is obviously allot stricter up here...for restricted firearms (handguns/short barrel) we need to have what is called an ATT (Authorization to Transport) which can only be obtained if you are a member of a shooting range. Usually takes around 7 days to get approval from the gov't when wanting to purchase something. As far as limits go, there is no limit. I can go on a spree, just have to wait a week to pick them up

[JohnyRico]

I have a concealed permit for WA state and own a S&W .40. It has adequate stopping power with a little less recoil that the .45's I fired. Pretty comfortable too.