I finally shot the G29 today with the freshly installed (and proper) #4 OEM magazine followers.
I compared the stock floor plate with the GAP Enterprises Concealable Control extension and the Pearce pinky extension. Firstly, I did not have any FTF or premature slide lock, which is proof that the incorrect #3 follower caused my earlier issue. The G29 performed flawlessly, and now has about 500 rounds through it. I’m somehow more accurate with my powerful G29 than I am with my 9mm G17 and G26. Thus, when I receive my custom Garrett Industries STX 2.0 holster next week, the G29 will become my EDC. I’ll carry the wicked Liberty Civil Defense 60 gr. 2400 fps frangibles for EDC 2-legged defense, and something along the lines of the Double Tap 200 gr. for woods protection.
The stock magazine floor plate is really a non-factor; it doesn't feel good or bad- just Glock stock, meaning it works. So the competition was really between the GAP extension and the Pearce extension. To quickly summarize, the GAP Enterprises Concealable Control extension allowed me to be more confident, and more accurate than shooting with the stock floor plate or the Pearce extension.
With the Pearce extension, I found that my pinky fit, but not comfortably. I felt that my pinky was just a tad cramped. I was accurate and experienced “acceptable” ergonomics, but I found that I thought about what I felt while shooting- it was just enough of a distraction to make a mental note. My groups were good, but varied between point of aim, and low left and low right (all the way out to 25 yards). Not by much mind you (a tribute to the gun and caliber) but enough to notice when compared with the GAP extensions.
When shooting with the GAP extensions, I found that my pinky finger naturally and intuitively curled under the extension. I reiterate that my grip felt natural and intuitive. My groups more accurately reflected my point of aim (again, all the way out to 25 yards). When I “missed” POA, it was in a vertical line; still on target but either an inch high or low (all more in the “kill” zone as compared with the stock or Pearce extensions).
I felt much better overall control of the powerful 10mm. The GAP extensions tame the recoil better and the obvious additional advantage comes in one-handed shooting. The protruding lip on the GAP extension locks in the middle and ring fingers of the shooting hand on the gun grip, and allows for quicker recovery back on target after muzzle flip. Curling the pinky eliminates any adverse affect the unnecessary pinky has on aim. Even in rapid fire, I easily came back on target to keep my groups in an effective defensive kill zone 2-3 inch group.
To be fair, I can curl my pinky under both the stock floor plate and the Pearce extension, but their lack of a front projected extension to lock in place the middle and ring finger on the shooting hand allows the mule G29 to jump around a bit in the hand, which obviously affects follow-up shot accuracy and overall shot placement confidence.
One final attribute I LOVE about the GAP extension is how quickly I can draw from my concealed carry holster. Even if I don’t get a clean first grasp on my gun, the GAP extension acts as a failsafe; the projected extension acts as a “hook” that pulls my hand into the proper draw position. In an adrenaline-drenched situation, I know I’d have every confidence in a fast draw on target.
SO- with the problem of the final round FTF/premature slide lock issue solved, I can unequivocally say the G29 is my favorite Glock. It's a no-compromise, versatile caliber in a comfortably large compact frame.
