First time Handgun owner

There's basically three ways you can screw up with a Glock easier than you can with other guns:

1) Don't shoot lead ammo. (Well, a lead CORE is OK but it has to be a true copper or brass jacketed round, or all-copper if you want). The Glock factory barrels are nice, accurate, they "spit fast" for their length (nice) but they have this weird hexagonal rifling that just gunks the hell up with lead. You can get aftermarket barrels to solve that issue if you need to shoot plain lead to keep costs down if you're a reloader.

2) When you take it apart for cleaning, you have to pull the trigger as part of the take-down. So you have to be damned careful about making sure that sucker is empty before doing so, and STILL watch the hell out of your muzzle direction!!! This is a top cause of Glock-related accidents.

3) For God's sake carry it in a holster that covers the trigger. Seriously. Ask Plaxico Burress if you don't believe me :).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fpgL5kuBpMA (um...OK, language alert, but it's funny as hell)

Now, those issues are NOT show-stoppers. Glock makes a damned good gun. One advantage: the world's best handgun sight is available as a user-installable bolt-on:

http://www.goshen-hexsite.com/pdf/Handguns_2008June.pdf

I've argued at length for the Hexsite in other threads, if you have more questions/comments continue them over at:

http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=432077

...rather than hijacking this thread :D.
 
I agree with Jim March, and I want to make it clear I am not bashing Glocks, they make a fine reliable affordable gun, I would just rather see a first timer start with something else.

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Not with that said when I started reloading everyone said a first timer should get a single stage press, I went with a Dillon 650 progressive. sometimes you just gotta do what you gotta do
 
I think if you know the issues going in, and you're a generally careful person, you should be OK. And the Glock has a lot to offer the careful operator in return.

Oh yeah. One more thing. Avoid any plastic holster that has a push-button release system like the Blackhawk Sherpa or various semi-clones of same. Or a Fobus. Just...don't go there. A lot of people love the mixed kydex/leather IWB rigs like the Crossbreed Supertuck or various derivatives of same, or if you're going to go outside-waistband there's lots of options in either kydex or leather.

The 9mm caliber is a fine choice. Cheap to shoot compared to any other factory centerfire round, and there's some very good "business" loads available. If you don't know what to feed it for serious use, get some Speer 124gr +P JHP, those are a great all-around 9mm slug.

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With all that said, if I was buying something in this class right this second, I'd seriously consider a Ruger SR9. Cheaper, actually has a safety on it, more compact grip, good trigger, low bore axis, Ruger-tough. Mag disconnect safety is a nuisance but on the SR9 it's easy to pull that out without difficulty (and re-install whenever you want). I would however make sure it has the new revised trigger setup rather than the original, including calling Ruger and checking the SN range before shopping.
 
for sure i have the glock 23 exact same size/specifications just chambered in .40 instead of 9mm great for the rang,nightstand and concealed carry with the right holster. i use the crossbreed supertuck check it out. hope this helps
 
The best 9mm I shoot and own is a S&W 5903 3rd generation. Very accurate and one of the safest pistols ever made.
Click to expand...
My 5903 has safety features that Glocks don't have.

1. A safety that when on you can't fire the pistol whether in double or single action.
2. When the magazine is out you can't shoot the pistol. Very good safety feature with other people around the house that don't know anything about guns.
3. Your first shot is a long and heavy double action pull. Much safer than the safe action trigger of the Glock.
4 The rest of your shots will be single action.
There are other traditional DA/SA pistols too. I mentioned CZ but Sig and also Beretta too.
Again, I still say try a lot of different pistols. But in my opinion a person won't get a safer pistol than any of the pistols I have mentioned.
Good luck,
My S&W 5903
SW5903.jpg
 
The best 9mm I shoot and own is a S&W 5903 3rd generation. Very accurate and one of the safest pistols ever made.
Click to expand...

I think he wants plastic, but I have a more than a half dozen S&W semi-autos and I love them, my preference has turned to the 1911 style pistol but that does not mean I don't still love the S&W semis. For a new shooter a revolver or semi like the S&W would be my first choice for a new shooter but when someone has their mind set on a Glock it's hard to change their mind to a metal gun so that is why I suggested the Springfield


945.jpg

my.jpg
 
jaweber
Member
Join Date: December 12, 2010
Location: washington state
Posts: 17

for sure i have the glock 23 exact same size/specifications just chambered in .40 instead of 9mm great for the rang,nightstand and concealed carry with the right holster. i use the crossbreed supertuck check it out. hope this helps
Click to expand...
I also have a G23 and cannot recommend it highly enough for a CCW pistol, it is light weight, easily concealed, yet it is large enough for you to get all three fingers on the grip for good control.

Seeing as how the G19 has exactly the same dimensions but is chambered in the lighter recoiling 9mm, holds fifteen rounds in the mag with another one up the snout, for a total of 16 rounds on tap, I say you have to try one for a test drive.
 
After a lot of research and a lot of range time, I chose a Glock 19 as my first pistol.

That doesn't mean it's right for you or anyone else - you definitely want to try at the range - but it's sure a good candidate. It has a versatile size, a simple design, and it's easy to use. And I wanted a .22 conversion kit (that's a particular choice many won't need, while serious conversion fans may prefer the superior kit available for a CZ-P01, especially since the 4th Gen G19s won't accept the current AA kit).

A G19 is also common enough to accept any modification you may want in the future. If you later decide you want a red-dot, or a HexSite, or a ledge Heinie with a Dawson front, or a red-dot with a backup ledge Heinie, you can get it.

Drawbacks? No manual safety - take it easy, Glock fans. You know what I mean - which has both advantages and disadvantages. The Glock trigger is a mixed blessing, too. And it has a particular grip that sparks some strong feelings.

Only you can decide if it's a good fit. But if you're looking for recommendations, it's well worth trying... and any range with rentals will have one.
 
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