Renting first didn't work out

J

johnwilliamson062

Moderator
Have you ever done the try before you buy thing and then found the one you bought didn't seem at all the same?

I rented a bunch of 9mm sub compacts with my wife and we both really liked the Glock 43 we rented. So I bought one for her. Had it out today and it just felt awful in my hand. I couldn't hit anything with it. Both the flush and extended mag seemed not to fit my hand well. I couldn't get a consistent pull on the trigger. Everything just seemed wrong. I couldn't even work the slide release.

Now the rental was pretty well worn in and this was new, but I put about 200 rounds through it without getting any more comfortable with it or any of the controls seeming to smooth out or loosen up.

On the plus side I ran numerous brands of ammunition through it from WWB to some defensive loads and it ate them all without any issues.
 
I had a somewhat similar problem a few years ago. Rented a Glock P22 and really liked it. So, I saw one at a gun show shortly thereafter. Once I got it I never did like the gun. The design of the grip hurt my hand every time I shot it. No longer own the gun. So much for rent to try.
 
Not a Glock fan but guns do break in. A lot of my pride of ownership comes from knowing I broke a gun in through genuine use. My Ak safety is butter smooth and my double action CZ trigger just glides.
 
I've never rented anything...

I research based on size, weight, capacity, reliability, and reviews. With a list of acceptable candidates I head out to feel them out. I buy the one I like best from that, so far I've never been disappointed.
 
More importantly, how did your wife do with it?
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Her interest went another direction. It has been sitting until she found time to make it to the range. I wanted to make sure it worked before too much time passed, so I took it without her along. Thought at least it would get some of the initial break-in and she would be happier when she did get around to it. I also liked the rental enough I was considering switching from a G26 to a G43 myself. I'm not sure she will be able to operate the slide release. I'm going to detail strip it and make sure nothing there looks bent.

I do hope some of it is break in and will go away with time. Plan to keep it close to the TV and manipulate when watching TV. Watch out for another thread about shooting the TV! I can't remember reading one of those for a few years.
 
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I had a chance to shoot my Walther PPS M2 alongside a borrowed Glock 43 and there's no doubt that the Walther just flat out works better for me!
 
Detail strip and clean -- and lube is where I would start. Running a gun on the "wet" side in my view, is a good idea.

I would then put another 200 rds thru it...clean and lube again ...and see how it feels.

I suspect, at that point --- if it still doesn't feel like the gun you rented ....investigate changing spring weights...

I am not a glock fan--- but getting it to run similar to the rental gun should not be that difficult --- or talk to the folks at the rental range and see if their gun has some options on it - or if their gunsmith worked on it a little....
 
I have noticed this kind of variation with Glocks. I have a friend who has a 17 that is the loudest non-ported gun i have ever shot. Louder than a snub nosed revolver. Shoots well though. But I have to double up hearing protection whenever we shoot with that gun. He has made no modifications on it and bought it new.
I shot another Glock recently with some plated bullets and it was keyholing like crazy. Even did a post about it on here.
Other Glocks runs like tops and shoot soft. But some feel like your holding a 2x4 strapped to a jack hammer. Before you write off the 43 I would go back and rent that other 43 and shoot yours and the rental side by side. If you still like the rental but not your purchase at least you'll know that it's not just you.
 
You guys just gave a good reason for buying a used gun. I have bought them that were pre-broken in. Although some were just broken. I can't say that I am much more likely to get a used lemon than to get a new lemon. New- send it back, used - it is usually discounted.
 
I buy mostly used guns and there are some definite benefits. Of course, the springs often need replaced and once you do that some of the break-in is negated, but they still seem to run smoother.
I have a friend who has a 17 that is the loudest non-ported gun i have ever shot. Louder than a snub nosed revolver.
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Odd you mention that. This pistol did seem exceptionally loud. Compared to my G26 and my memory of the rental G43. Especially with WWB which is a pretty wimpy load.
I would go back and rent that other 43 and shoot yours and the rental side by side. If you still like the rental but not your purchase at least you'll know that it's not just you.
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I've considered it. I think I may go back and see if I can trade them if it hasn't improved after a few hundred rounds.
Running a gun on the "wet" side in my view, is a good idea.
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I hate to run a carry gun wet. A lot of exposure to lint and other debris. Hate to have a lot of oil inside for it to stick to. I had a buddy who said he hadn't cleaned his carry gun in two years and couldn't remember how to do so. I stripped it and it was PACKED FULL of lint.
 
You liked the rental 43 but not so much the new 43.

That's odd.

I hope you are able to go back to the rental and try 'em side by side. If you do please update the thread. I'd be interested in the results. I've always thought and recommended rent then buy. Might have to change my advice.

Good luck.
 
Not cleaning a carry gun --- as a routine -- is not your smartest option. Not cleaning any gun - especially a carry gun -- for 2 yrs is not a responsible approach if you expect it to run.

I put about 6 boxes a week ( in a variety of drills-- drawing from holster, rapid fire, reloads, etc.)thru my primary carry gun --- a 1911 ( it's always on wet side vs dry ----- not dripping wet )....but I've never seen any lint in it ( I carry it in a good Horsehide leather IWB holster not in a cotton sweat sock...)...
 
Not cleaning a carry gun --- as a routine -- is not your smartest option. Not cleaning any gun - especially a carry gun -- for 2 yrs is not a responsible approach if you expect it to run.
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Oh, I agree. Although he is fifteen years my senior, a great guy, and very knowledgeable on many subjects I still gave him a terse lecture as I cleaned it up.

I know my holster tears up my pants and belt where it sits, so I know there is a fair amount of fiber floating around that area. I do not clean my carry gun daily, weekly, or even sometimes monthly(especially in winter when my shooting schedule slows). I'd rather limit the amount of sticky inside.
 
while a NIB could benefit from say
100-200 rounds.
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But I put almost 200 through it. I will reserve final judgement until I hit 400.
The Kahr was similar at first, but it was running pretty smooth by 200. Did improve until 400 though.
 
Renting or borrowing first is your best bet. Shooting a rental or borrow does not tell you as much as handling several pistols for your best grip and feel. Your grip is your first directive...if it feels good, then try it. All manufacturers have different grips just as all shooters have different size hands. An NRA instructor can show you how to hold the firearm (NO cross-thumbs and no "tea cupping")! Choose the caliber for your comfort. The rest is all practice.
 
Running a gun on the "wet" side in my view, is a good idea.

I am not a glock fan---
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Obviously!!! LOL:D
If you soak a Glock's innards in oil you run the risk of the Great Glock Armorer God swooping down, and giving you 42 lashes with a stiff curtin rod!
 
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