I’ve been told by many shooters more experienced and knowledgeable
than I, that
“one shoots a Glock OR a 1911 style, but NEVER both. The difference in
grip angle precludes becoming proficient with both styles. Pick one and
stick with it.”
Unfortunately I did not receive this sage advice in a timely manner.
Therefore, I have both Glocks and 1911 style pistols.
I have a G34 (a Glock model 17 with a slightly longer slide and a 3.5lb
trigger). I like shooting the cheaper 9mm ammo (9mm=$7/box;
.45=$12/box). The Glock works 100% with factory mags. (It doesn’t
like Pro-Mag mags.)
However, I usually carry 1911 style for discrete (CHL) carry.
I like the feel of the 1911 style safety. That’s not “good” or “bad” - it is
merely my preference. That safety, along with “rule 4 - keep your finger
off the trigger, etc.”, combine to reduce (hopefully eliminate) a Negligent
Discharge (especially under stress).
It’s hot here in Texas, and I had to wear my .45 in a belly band under a
loose-fitting shirt. Eight hours later my .45 was rusted badly due to
sweat.
The next day, I carried the Glock the same way, in the same heat, for
the same amount of time. No rust! Not even on the slide.
So, I believe your personal best bet is whatever works best for you considering 1) Safety, 2)
Effectiveness, 3) Efficiency, and 4) other personal/situational
considerations.
If you hit better with a 9mm than with a .45, then practice until you are
better with the .45 or carry the 9mm. Hits count. Misses don’t.
Me? I’m scared of my Glock’s 3.5lb trigger with only a trigger safety. To
me it’s like carrying a .45 cocked and UNlocked. And even if I keep my
finger off the trigger, I worry that when I holster my handgun the trigger
might snag on a wad of cloth, a piece of the holster, or something else
I’m not aware of. Chances are slim, but it gives ME the willies.
Obviously a huge number of Glocksters have no similar concerns (and
NDs are rare).
Listen to the experts (which leaves me out), evaluate which of their
points apply to you, and decide for yourself what’s important to *YOU*.
Then there can be no “wrong” answer.
-------
By the way, about limp-wristing. I know it is a sacred subject but
evaluate it yourself.
I took two Glocks and three .45s to the range and did the following test
on each one.
1) I filled the pistol to full capacity.
2) I set the butt of the pistol on my left palm.
3) I did not grip the pistol. I depressed the grip safety (as applicable)
with my right thumb and pulled the trigger with my right trigger finger.
4) I fired the gun as quickly as I safely could until it was empty.
Not one malfunction. Not one. All five guns fired all available rounds.
So, as far as my little test goes, I can only say limp-wristing does not
seem to be much of a factor with these five guns.
Obviously other folks must have different experiences.
than I, that
“one shoots a Glock OR a 1911 style, but NEVER both. The difference in
grip angle precludes becoming proficient with both styles. Pick one and
stick with it.”
Unfortunately I did not receive this sage advice in a timely manner.
Therefore, I have both Glocks and 1911 style pistols.
I have a G34 (a Glock model 17 with a slightly longer slide and a 3.5lb
trigger). I like shooting the cheaper 9mm ammo (9mm=$7/box;
.45=$12/box). The Glock works 100% with factory mags. (It doesn’t
like Pro-Mag mags.)
However, I usually carry 1911 style for discrete (CHL) carry.
I like the feel of the 1911 style safety. That’s not “good” or “bad” - it is
merely my preference. That safety, along with “rule 4 - keep your finger
off the trigger, etc.”, combine to reduce (hopefully eliminate) a Negligent
Discharge (especially under stress).
It’s hot here in Texas, and I had to wear my .45 in a belly band under a
loose-fitting shirt. Eight hours later my .45 was rusted badly due to
sweat.
The next day, I carried the Glock the same way, in the same heat, for
the same amount of time. No rust! Not even on the slide.
So, I believe your personal best bet is whatever works best for you considering 1) Safety, 2)
Effectiveness, 3) Efficiency, and 4) other personal/situational
considerations.
If you hit better with a 9mm than with a .45, then practice until you are
better with the .45 or carry the 9mm. Hits count. Misses don’t.
Me? I’m scared of my Glock’s 3.5lb trigger with only a trigger safety. To
me it’s like carrying a .45 cocked and UNlocked. And even if I keep my
finger off the trigger, I worry that when I holster my handgun the trigger
might snag on a wad of cloth, a piece of the holster, or something else
I’m not aware of. Chances are slim, but it gives ME the willies.
Obviously a huge number of Glocksters have no similar concerns (and
NDs are rare).
Listen to the experts (which leaves me out), evaluate which of their
points apply to you, and decide for yourself what’s important to *YOU*.
Then there can be no “wrong” answer.
-------
By the way, about limp-wristing. I know it is a sacred subject but
evaluate it yourself.
I took two Glocks and three .45s to the range and did the following test
on each one.
1) I filled the pistol to full capacity.
2) I set the butt of the pistol on my left palm.
3) I did not grip the pistol. I depressed the grip safety (as applicable)
with my right thumb and pulled the trigger with my right trigger finger.
4) I fired the gun as quickly as I safely could until it was empty.
Not one malfunction. Not one. All five guns fired all available rounds.
So, as far as my little test goes, I can only say limp-wristing does not
seem to be much of a factor with these five guns.
Obviously other folks must have different experiences.
