anothergunisjammed
Inactive
I love the glock 34 but it doesn't seem to fit my hand very well like the 1911 or xdm does. Would you pick the glocks reliability over hand fit? Thanks guys.
Would you buy a gun that didn't fit your hand well?
- Thread starter anothergunisjammed
- Start date
For what purpose? That's a competition / target gun. With me the problem would be the Glock trigger, not the fit. Are you looking for 9mm specifically or any caliber? A lot of very accurate 1911s out there now. If you can find a gun you will shoot well, most well made pistols are reliable enough, depending upon what you want it for.
tahunua001
New member
I've bought guns that didn't fit my hand well, such as the 1911, which I love to death.
on the other hand I've bought guns that fit my hand like they were custom made for me which I tried to love only to finally give up and sell... the Canik TP9 comes to mind.
there is more to owning and loving a gun than "fits your hand" but it does make it a heck of a lot easier moving forward. I currently own 6 handguns.
1. springfield xdm45 compact, I did not like the way my pinky dangled when I first bought it, after a few hundred rounds through it I'm not even phased by it and for years it was my most accurate handgun.
2. Ruger SR9 Compact. I bought it at the same time as the xdm. I liked that it had higher ammo cap than the xdm, it had a fing groove extension for the low cap mag which fit my hand much better, and it shot 9mm so it was much cheaper to practice with. despite all this, and the way higher amount of ammo I've put through it, it's still not as accurate as the XDM nor as high up on the list of guns I like to shoot.
3. Ruger 22/45. I like the grips, they fit me better than most other 22/45s(the rubber overmold styles). despite this, I still shot the old styles better. so I traded my upper for my brother in laws upper thinking his upper on my frame would increase my accuracy and allow me to keep the good ergos, didn't work, he still has the more accurate gun.
4. Springfield 1911. it is now the most accurate handgun in my collection. the 1911 does not fit my hand nearly as nicely as other guns in my collection, and I don't like 1911 controls location, but I still love to shoot and see those tightly packed holes in the target.
5. Springfield XDS9 4". does not fit my hand well at all, and I can't shoot it as accurately as other handguns, but the overall package is something that I am looking for, a single stack handgun that I can easily carry concealed, fires a cheap cartridge for practice, manages recoil well, and has so far been 100% reliable.
6. Ruger 9E, identical to my SR9C only with a full length grip, and cheaper finish. it fits my hand like a glove, is reliable, and shoots very accurately. despite all this, it's not my favorite and I have no emotional investment in it at all. it's likely going to serve as a loaner/trainer.
as to the "glock reliability" I've seen more glocks fail than any other brand of handgun, bar none. granted, every random idiot you run into at the range packs one because the guy behind the counter always makes the recommendation, but it still does not scream reliability. I shoot them well, but they do not fit my hand at all, and that matched with the number of failures I've witnessed, and experienced(plus the whole brass to the face thing) is enough that I will never purchase a glock of my own free will, and will never recommend one unless a person has at least explored other options. I was just getting into firearms when the gen 4 glocks were jsut coming out, this forum was filled, daily with new threads about issues with the gen 4 glocks, issues which eventually led to a recall, but never mention that to a glock owner, some are known to flip out on you. god forbid you post about a glock regularly failing to feed, they'll slap you with accuzations of "limp wristing" faster than you can hit submit.
on the other hand I've bought guns that fit my hand like they were custom made for me which I tried to love only to finally give up and sell... the Canik TP9 comes to mind.
there is more to owning and loving a gun than "fits your hand" but it does make it a heck of a lot easier moving forward. I currently own 6 handguns.
1. springfield xdm45 compact, I did not like the way my pinky dangled when I first bought it, after a few hundred rounds through it I'm not even phased by it and for years it was my most accurate handgun.
2. Ruger SR9 Compact. I bought it at the same time as the xdm. I liked that it had higher ammo cap than the xdm, it had a fing groove extension for the low cap mag which fit my hand much better, and it shot 9mm so it was much cheaper to practice with. despite all this, and the way higher amount of ammo I've put through it, it's still not as accurate as the XDM nor as high up on the list of guns I like to shoot.
3. Ruger 22/45. I like the grips, they fit me better than most other 22/45s(the rubber overmold styles). despite this, I still shot the old styles better. so I traded my upper for my brother in laws upper thinking his upper on my frame would increase my accuracy and allow me to keep the good ergos, didn't work, he still has the more accurate gun.
4. Springfield 1911. it is now the most accurate handgun in my collection. the 1911 does not fit my hand nearly as nicely as other guns in my collection, and I don't like 1911 controls location, but I still love to shoot and see those tightly packed holes in the target.
5. Springfield XDS9 4". does not fit my hand well at all, and I can't shoot it as accurately as other handguns, but the overall package is something that I am looking for, a single stack handgun that I can easily carry concealed, fires a cheap cartridge for practice, manages recoil well, and has so far been 100% reliable.
6. Ruger 9E, identical to my SR9C only with a full length grip, and cheaper finish. it fits my hand like a glove, is reliable, and shoots very accurately. despite all this, it's not my favorite and I have no emotional investment in it at all. it's likely going to serve as a loaner/trainer.
as to the "glock reliability" I've seen more glocks fail than any other brand of handgun, bar none. granted, every random idiot you run into at the range packs one because the guy behind the counter always makes the recommendation, but it still does not scream reliability. I shoot them well, but they do not fit my hand at all, and that matched with the number of failures I've witnessed, and experienced(plus the whole brass to the face thing) is enough that I will never purchase a glock of my own free will, and will never recommend one unless a person has at least explored other options. I was just getting into firearms when the gen 4 glocks were jsut coming out, this forum was filled, daily with new threads about issues with the gen 4 glocks, issues which eventually led to a recall, but never mention that to a glock owner, some are known to flip out on you. god forbid you post about a glock regularly failing to feed, they'll slap you with accuzations of "limp wristing" faster than you can hit submit.
I like how Glocks fit my hand but with that said I certainly wouldn't buy one if I actually had to force myself to like how it fits, there are just to many offerings out there today to have to settle. As for reliability, most of the firearms out there today are pretty reliable. For example, Springfield, S&W, Ruger, FNH, Sig...etc..etc..are going to offer you reliability as well.
anothergunisjammed
Inactive
I liked the glock cause it seem like a good "do it all" gun. We have our first indoor gun range opening soon so it will be fun to take there im sure, i want to keep it in car and home for defense. I just cant say it was a pleasure to hold because my fingers dont wrap around the gun well. The colt and cz 75 felt great. It always seem like the reviews of glock scream superior function and durability. Maybe when that new gun range opens I can rent the ones im talking about.
anothergunisjammed said:
I would absolutely choose the reliability of my own Gen3 17 over the fact that the 17 does not fit my hand ideally, but I still can hit my targets very well with it. With the large beavertail backstrap my Gen4 21 fits my hand better, and it is also very accurate and reliable. With my HK P30 I get reliability, accuracy, and ideal grip ergonomics, so that's a win-win-win.
turtlehead
New member
Nope. Way too many other choices in the world.
turtlehead
New member
One more thing. Went to the LGS today to pick up a Beretta 84FS and left with an 85FS because it just felt better.
It's just meant to be a fun range gun but there you go.
It's just meant to be a fun range gun but there you go.
Aguila Blanca
Staff
No.anothergunisjammed said:
I just bought the first gun that I ever determined "didn't fit my hand." It was a Model 669 Smith & Wesson 9mm. I say it didn't fit, simply because I wasn't able to really warm up to it. It shot fine, I shot it fine, I just never really liked it.
So I sold it and got something else. I could have used it with no real problems, but I just didn't see much sense in it since I didn't have to.
Most agencies that issue weapons don't bother to ask if it "fits." This is what you get. Make do with it.
So I sold it and got something else. I could have used it with no real problems, but I just didn't see much sense in it since I didn't have to.
Most agencies that issue weapons don't bother to ask if it "fits." This is what you get. Make do with it.
g.willikers
New member
An ill fitting handgun can be accommodated.
We monkeys can adapt to most anything.
If it's the only one we use, it's no big deal
But if one gun is vastly different than the others we use, it can cause hassles.
Glocks seem to be the worst to combine with others, at least for me.
We monkeys can adapt to most anything.
If it's the only one we use, it's no big deal
But if one gun is vastly different than the others we use, it can cause hassles.
Glocks seem to be the worst to combine with others, at least for me.
One thing about a polymer framed gun,there is no finish,and ,for me,its a tool.
With plenty of regard for the engineering,wall sections,etc,I have picked up a small half round file and made slight,subtle mods to my S+W M+P 9 C.
I had a pressure point at the rear of the grip right where my trigger finger tendon ran over the pad of my palm.Movement of that tendon moved the sights.Filing 1/32 in relief in the frame there fixed it.
Mine has the thumb safety.A little softening of the radius on the frame ,the undersides of the tang,took a pressure point off my thumb going around the corner to rest on the thumb safety,1911 style.Much better!!
I slightly rounded and blended the underside of the trigger guard where it rests on my second finger.The molded square corner was annoying.
I have gone easy,removed minimal material ,realizing the material thickness is not excessive.
Very small changes can make quite a difference.
But if a gun just feels wrong in my hand? No.
The times I picked up a Glock,it just was not there for me.The S+W was really pretty good,like a pair of shoes that seemed to fit in the store.
Just a little tweaking,and its part of my hand.
With plenty of regard for the engineering,wall sections,etc,I have picked up a small half round file and made slight,subtle mods to my S+W M+P 9 C.
I had a pressure point at the rear of the grip right where my trigger finger tendon ran over the pad of my palm.Movement of that tendon moved the sights.Filing 1/32 in relief in the frame there fixed it.
Mine has the thumb safety.A little softening of the radius on the frame ,the undersides of the tang,took a pressure point off my thumb going around the corner to rest on the thumb safety,1911 style.Much better!!
I slightly rounded and blended the underside of the trigger guard where it rests on my second finger.The molded square corner was annoying.
I have gone easy,removed minimal material ,realizing the material thickness is not excessive.
Very small changes can make quite a difference.
But if a gun just feels wrong in my hand? No.
The times I picked up a Glock,it just was not there for me.The S+W was really pretty good,like a pair of shoes that seemed to fit in the store.
Just a little tweaking,and its part of my hand.
I knew when I saw the title of this thread before I even opened it had to be referring to Glocks.
The answer to the OP's question is "hell no."
A pistol does not have to fit my hand perfectly for me to like it, but in terms of modern pistols Glock is the worst of the worst, at least for me.
First the grip angle. It is so different from every other pistol I own that the Glock does not point naturally. I am told by Glock fanboys that in time I would adapt to this. Why the hell should I? So that every other pistol I own would then no longer point naturally?
Then there is the grip shape. Squared off, flat sides. Ever wonder why they don't make baseball bats with squared off, flat sides? And the exaggerated palm swell on the back strap also does not work for me. I am told that I can make that better with pieces cut out of old bicycle inner tubes or expensive aftermarket grip sleeves. Why not just buy a pistol with a decently ergonomic grip?
Then there are the damn finger grooves on the Gen3 and Gen4 models. The Glock 17 has frame grooves cut for three fingers. So does the Glock 19. But the Glock 19 frame is significantly shorter so the space between the grooves is shorter. So what does that mean? Is the Glock 19 only intended to be shot by people with skinnier fingers? Or does Glock think that people's fingers automatically slim down when they pick up a compact pistol? Again, I am told by Glock fanboys that I can just take a Dremel and grind the finger grooves off my new pistol. Really??
There are other things I really don't like about Glocks including the incredibly cheap plastic sights that would be more appropriate for a high-end water pistol than a $500+ handgun. Oh, and the spongy triggers.
One thing that can be said for Glocks is that they are so butt-ugly if you drop them on the concrete, they really don't look noticeably worse afterwards.
But I am repeatedly informed by Glock fanboys that I should happily put up with all this crap because they are used by some Army guy, Navy Seal, cop agency, SWAT team, the FBI, or Hickok45, that the magazines are cheap, that there are a whole lot of aftermarket vendors that I can send my money off to for parts that will make my new expensive handgun marginally tolerable, that I can buy 179 different holsters for it in 39 different colors, most of which are available at my local Walmart, that they can be completely disassembled in the dark using only a chopstick, or some similar drivel just so I can have the privilege of owning "Perfection".
I only need one or two decent holsters for my pistol and I don't buy 50 magazines for it. I don't care what works for others, I care what works for me. As for reliability there are a ton of high-quality, striker-fired, polymer-frame pistols now with reliability equal to Glocks.
The answer to the OP's question is "hell no."
A pistol does not have to fit my hand perfectly for me to like it, but in terms of modern pistols Glock is the worst of the worst, at least for me.
First the grip angle. It is so different from every other pistol I own that the Glock does not point naturally. I am told by Glock fanboys that in time I would adapt to this. Why the hell should I? So that every other pistol I own would then no longer point naturally?
Then there is the grip shape. Squared off, flat sides. Ever wonder why they don't make baseball bats with squared off, flat sides? And the exaggerated palm swell on the back strap also does not work for me. I am told that I can make that better with pieces cut out of old bicycle inner tubes or expensive aftermarket grip sleeves. Why not just buy a pistol with a decently ergonomic grip?
Then there are the damn finger grooves on the Gen3 and Gen4 models. The Glock 17 has frame grooves cut for three fingers. So does the Glock 19. But the Glock 19 frame is significantly shorter so the space between the grooves is shorter. So what does that mean? Is the Glock 19 only intended to be shot by people with skinnier fingers? Or does Glock think that people's fingers automatically slim down when they pick up a compact pistol? Again, I am told by Glock fanboys that I can just take a Dremel and grind the finger grooves off my new pistol. Really??
There are other things I really don't like about Glocks including the incredibly cheap plastic sights that would be more appropriate for a high-end water pistol than a $500+ handgun. Oh, and the spongy triggers.
One thing that can be said for Glocks is that they are so butt-ugly if you drop them on the concrete, they really don't look noticeably worse afterwards.
But I am repeatedly informed by Glock fanboys that I should happily put up with all this crap because they are used by some Army guy, Navy Seal, cop agency, SWAT team, the FBI, or Hickok45, that the magazines are cheap, that there are a whole lot of aftermarket vendors that I can send my money off to for parts that will make my new expensive handgun marginally tolerable, that I can buy 179 different holsters for it in 39 different colors, most of which are available at my local Walmart, that they can be completely disassembled in the dark using only a chopstick, or some similar drivel just so I can have the privilege of owning "Perfection".
I only need one or two decent holsters for my pistol and I don't buy 50 magazines for it. I don't care what works for others, I care what works for me. As for reliability there are a ton of high-quality, striker-fired, polymer-frame pistols now with reliability equal to Glocks.
marine6680
New member
Glock are reliable, but no more so than other respected brands and designs.
The S&W M&P, Sig 320, H&K VP9, Walther PPQ, FNS... All very reliable and fit well in most people's hands.
I've seen some "torture" tests of the Sig 320 where it just kept going, and the Glock they brought too, died... But I don't find those types of tests to be scientific or definitive.
Seriously, most modern pistols are well designed and reliable.
Now I have some pistols that don't fit me perfectly. They are comfortable, but a bit on the large side. Like my Sig 226, and Beretta M9A3. Comfortable to hold and shoot, and I do so well. But their larger size, and my smaller hands means I have to rotate the pistol in my grip to reach the trigger in DA mode. So the pistols are not lined up well with my wrist and arm. (If I only shoot SA this is not an issue) The result is that I am not quite as good/fast with them unless I really pay attention and slow down.
Enough practice usually means you can overcome ay barrier... But for a pistol I want for defense... I want to give myself any advantage I can, good ergonomics for my hands is a good step forward for that.
The S&W M&P, Sig 320, H&K VP9, Walther PPQ, FNS... All very reliable and fit well in most people's hands.
I've seen some "torture" tests of the Sig 320 where it just kept going, and the Glock they brought too, died... But I don't find those types of tests to be scientific or definitive.
Seriously, most modern pistols are well designed and reliable.
Now I have some pistols that don't fit me perfectly. They are comfortable, but a bit on the large side. Like my Sig 226, and Beretta M9A3. Comfortable to hold and shoot, and I do so well. But their larger size, and my smaller hands means I have to rotate the pistol in my grip to reach the trigger in DA mode. So the pistols are not lined up well with my wrist and arm. (If I only shoot SA this is not an issue) The result is that I am not quite as good/fast with them unless I really pay attention and slow down.
Enough practice usually means you can overcome ay barrier... But for a pistol I want for defense... I want to give myself any advantage I can, good ergonomics for my hands is a good step forward for that.
sig-gunner
Inactive
Good gosh for self-defence carry what will work best; hand fit and caliber and reliability etc.
Of course you can get used to a poor fitting gun if you like it enough. But over time I've learned that in concealed carry for defence the whole package is best.
Of course you can get used to a poor fitting gun if you like it enough. But over time I've learned that in concealed carry for defence the whole package is best.