New Guy with a Question

Mark H

Inactive
Hey, I've been following this wire for a while now, and have to say, it's right in line with my interests, and am glad to sign up and join in.

I'm also in the market for a new pistol. I'm looking at a Glock Model 23 (.40SW) and a Sig P229 (.357 Sig and .40SW barrels). Primary concern is for a defensive pistol and concealed carry. I've shot a Glock 32 (.357 Sig), and liked it, and otherwise shoot a .40 Browning Hi Power, a Walther PPK .380, and a variety of six-shooters.

I know the Sig is a little bigger, and a little more expensive ... bottom line, what would be the best choice? I also do a LOT of plinking and practice.

Many thanks.
 
Mark H,

It's a tough call not knowing your financial status. Take a look at the SigPro series which I think is a good deal for the money.
The glocks are good buy.
:ook at Khar and keltec also.
 
Finances aren't that big of deal here, as I would be making a trade of other guns for it. From what I've gathered, I'd be interested in the Sig P229, the SigPro, the Glock 23 or 32, the SW99, or the Walther P99.

I'd like to stick to .40SW, or else get a .357 Sig and (at least soon) a .40SW barrel for it.

I'm just pondering the differences between the Sig, the Glock, and now, these other two guns ... triggers, accuracy, safety, durability, etc.

Thanks!

[This message has been edited by Mark H (edited February 07, 2000).]
 
The Smith&Walther 99 pistol is reputed to be excellent, albeit w/a rather complicated manual of arms. Do a search under posts by member "denfoote", he has much nice to say 'bout it. The Glock is great, and simpler to operate. If you shot the compact .357, the .40 should be quite manageable. I don't own either one, but have experience w/both, & I lean toward the Glock. :)
 
Glock 23 and SIG 229? Have you shot them? The two pistols are too different, and you have to get a good feel for both before you can make any decision. When I was choosing one for myself, I compared Glock 19 and SIG 239, both in 9 mm. SIG won by all parameters. Later, however, I realized .40 was the cartridge to go, and got myself 229 -- my absolutely favorite pistol to date.

Very recently I had a great chance to extensively shoot Glock 23 -- it was a very different experience from what I feel when shooting 229. I almost decided to buy 23, but overwhelming amount of KB! info on the web about this model made me to cancel this decision. I bought Steyr M40 instead -- a whole different set of problems there, but at least none of them will cripple my hand.

The bottom line, if you shoot reloads, don't buy any Glock in .40 S&W. There will be tons of people on this forum telling you it's all BS about them KB!ing, but seeing those pictires made me think otherwise. And I don't ever reload...

[This message has been edited by Emin (edited February 07, 2000).]
 
One of the things I like about the Glock, over the Sig, is that the trigger pull on the Glock is more like my Browning HP or my single action revolvers -- rather than having all of the takeup as in a Beretta or Sig (I'm going off of impression on the Sig; while I've shot the Glock, I haven't been able to shoot a Sig).

I like the idea of switching back and forth between pistols and having triggers that are at least somewhat similar.

I'm showing my ignorance here, but what in the world is KB!ing? I am getting set to reload .40's for my Browning ...
 
Figured out kb!ing ... I reckon this is the "kaboom" factor of .40s and unsupported chambers, largely related to reloading and (I think) bullet weight?
 
Mark H,

The issue of kb! ("ka-boom!", a term roughly describing a pistol blowing up in your hand due to various reasons one of them being unsupported chambers on Glocks in .40), I admit, is highly controversial. I'll even agree to say that it's probably a little exaggerated. But who wants to take such a nasty chance? Thanks, but not me...

Check this link, and you'll find a very useful info on .40 S&W (as well as on other calibers); also, scroll down on that page -- there's a link on Glocks kb! Facts.
http://greent.com/40Page/

[This message has been edited by Emin (edited February 07, 2000).]
 
I sure would consider tossing the Steyr M pistol into you choices. If you are only able to get 10 round mags in that size pistol I would say it is between the P229 and the Steyr M. If you are going to lay out the bucks for the full caps, the Glock 23 followed by the P229 based on cost of full cap mags.
 
Go to gun shops and anyplace else you can and play with the pistols. Find what fits your hands best and has the best natural point of aim. If possible rent the guns and shoot them.

We just got a Glock 19 for the wife in 9mm. While it's only a 9mm she feels very comfortable with it and it fits her had extremly good. I'd rather she hit a goblin with a 115gr +p+ round than miss with a 40 or 45.

My daily carry pistol is a Colt full sized 1911, but I've been known to carry a S&W 442 or a 9mm depending on the cloths and where we were going.

Bottom line is find somthing your comfortable with and practice practice practice.
 
If you discount the Glock .40 calibers because of web stories about kBs, you're making a mistake. It's a fine gun, as are the others mentioned. Get what feels best to shoot!
 
Personally, I think the Glock 23 is the best all around CCW weapon on the planet. Sigs are great guns as well. In this case, you defenitely need to see what works best for you through some shooting sessions, if possible.

Before you throw SW99s and Steyrs into the mix, I urge you to get a proven gun into your inventory and (after training and legal issues are taken care of) onto your beltline.
Either of those newer systems might turn out to be the Glock of the 21st century, but for now they are too new to even have a good supply of holsters on the market, let alone a proven record of dependability.

I own a P99 myself, and I really like it, but I haven't rotated it into a carry duty yet.

You can use the Search function here under "G23" or "Glock 23" to see what I and others have had to say about it in the past.

Good Luck.

------------------
-Essayons
 
Maybe its just me, but I find the Glock 23 and the SIG 229 (or even the 239) just too big for everyday carry. You can't move around freely without them printing in some fashion or another. Maybe no one will notice. Maybe they will.

I think you have to consider multiple carry pistols. At least one for cold weather and one for warm weather. Carry the most effective pistol you can given your ability to conceal it effectively and comfortably. In the winter, with a heavy coat, you can carry just about anything you want... except indoors when you have to take off that coat. In the summer, with shorts and a t-shirt, you're lucky if you can effectively, 100%, conceal a pack of gum much less a pistol.

Its a tough problem. One I haven't figured out yet. However, I like my SIG 239 for cold weather and my Kel-tec P32 for warm. Then I have to be really careful to move such that they don't print. The P32 is much less of a problem and could easily be an everyday weapon.
 
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