Glock for Duty

NikonShooter

Inactive
I am thinking of trying out for a reserve law enforcement position, and i have been doing all sorts of research. I have found out the the agency that i am looking at uses Glock 22s. Although i love the Glock design, I am some-what concerned about some of the problems that the 22 has had. There are 4 main concerns i have regarding the Glock 22;

1.) KBs. (had to know that would be the first concern) I know they are infrequent, and they usually happen with lead or reloads, but it still concerns me.

2.) Malfunctions when a M3 tac light is attached. Is there a way to prevent problems with this setup?

3.) Increased recoil. I have never shot .40 before, so i am concerned that accuracy might suffer. I know this is a stupid concern, considering that the last pistol i owned was a .357 mag, and i liked to shoot the hotter rounds with it (cor-bon). Is the recoil of the .40 much more than a 9mm?

4.) My final concern is with ammunition costs. Where is the best place to find ammo for a good price?

Sorry about this long thread, but any help would be greatly appreciated.

C.R.
 
All of these questions have been answered on this forum. Check out the 'Search' button - I usually start by just searching the Titles of the articles - this should get you what you are looking for.
 
KBs often largely exaggerated. Fear less. (But wear eye protection when practicing with anything.) Am not a big fan of mounted flashlights, so can't help ya much there. If you've shot .357s much, the .40s in a Glock 22 or 23 will seem rather tame, especially with the lighter bullets (as low as 135 or 155). You may find tho that least expensive practice ammo is 180 grain. I've not bought much .40 in a while, but believe you can probably find something like S&B for around $10 a box (+ shipping) thru folks like Cheaper Than Dirt. Personally, I usually walk a gun show when handy, make some camparative notes, then buy in bulk just before leaving.
 
I think Graybeard has answered all questions as I would have.

I'll add that I have a Glock 23, and have never had any problems with kabooms.

I'll also add that I've never seen a regular uniformed LEO carry a firearm with a tactical light attached, unless it was a SWAT or some special unit.

Finally, you can check ammoman.com for ammo prices, but they are normally around 9-10 bucks per box of 50.
 
1. Don't worry about it. Use only good quality jacketed ammo. Your Department approved duty ammo will also most likely be JHP.

2. As Banrot said. You won't be carrying a tac light on your weapon. Plus you would also have to have a special holster. A surefire or other light will most likely be utilized for illumination.

3. No problem with a full size duty weapon. Most anyone should be able to manage if provided that you can get a good comfortable grip on the weapon. If you have smaller hands you might want to check to see if they authorize the G23 from Officers with smaller hands. There is a good chance they will.

4. I use ammoman.com for larger purchases. Gun Shows are also great places to buy ammo.

You should go through a fair amount of firearms practice getting your CLEET standards or State Certification. The deparment usually provides ammo for this as well as qualifications unless you go through a course here like here in Florida where the ammo cost is part of your tuition.

Good Shooting
RED
 
Malfunctions when a M3 tac light is attached. Is there a way to prevent problems with this setup

Unless you want to be frighteningly "buffy"...lose the light :)

Glocks are great duty weapons, good size, easy to shoot, easy to strip,reliable,and they don't need much care, an all around good gun. JMHO The only thing that broke was the front Trijicon night sight and it was replaced no problem.

I have 2 (model 19s) and they have been dropped, smashed, neglected, bashed,wet, dirty, etc. without a single issue.

Good luck
 
Thanks everyone for the comments. I should have explained that i don't intend to use the tac light for duty, but i would keep it with the pistol in case i had to use it around the house. Also, i just like keeping my options open:D
From what i have heard, i could also choose to use a Glock 19 or 23. They fit my hand just about perfectly, but since the winters in the pacific-northwest can be very cold, i am concerned about the possibility of having to wear gloves for part of the year.
Once again, thanks everyone for easing my mind on the issues that i brought up.

C.R.
 
I agree with most of the posts here. I say don't worry about it. The Glock is an excellent weapon. We've issued the G22 and G23 for over 5 years at my PD. Not 1 single problem to note, other than replacing a few mag springs and a some dead night sights. The .40 is easy to shoot and should not be a problem for anyone to learn. Every time we've needed it to perform in the field it has done so 100% of the time.

Good luck
 
Regarding the light, most uniformed officers who like the M3 light (or equivalent) carry it in a small pouch on the gunbelt. When they are going to have to do a building search or a raid, they simply draw their gun as they would anyway, and attach the light before going in. When they are done, they remove the light and reholster. They carry another light like a Surefire 6P, Streamlight Stinger or Scorpion on their belt and/or a Magcharger (or equivalent) in their car to use when attaching the light is not practical or time doesn't permit. The only problem I have with the attached light is this. What if you attach the light and do a building search or a raid, and when you get inside, you actually find somebody that you need to arrest. At some point during the handcuffing process, you are going to need to reholster, and that point is usually after your weak hand is already occupied with the suspect and the handcuffs. How are you going to reholster with the light attached? How are you going to remove the light with one hand? I like the concept of the light, but the verdict is still out with me on its application in the field.

Sorry, to get slightly off topic, but several posters had mentioned disfavor with the attached light. Just my thoughts...
 
If you are worried about the mythical Glock KaBoom in .40 S&W, then purchase an aftermarket barrrel with a supported chamber.
 
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