A quick and dirty review of the Glock 19
Some folks prefer revolves over auto loaders, while others simply want a simple .22 for target practice and recreation on the weekend. The “perfect” defensive handgun for me may not be right for you or your needs, it is a personal choice and one that should be taken seriously.
For me the perfect defensive handgun is the Glock 19. I bought mine several years ago from a local gun shop, and immediately fell in love. It is just the right size and fits my hands perfectly.
The Glock 19 is small enough for everyday concealed carry without weighing you down or getting in the way, yet large enough to serve as a full size weapon, offering a full grip, accuracy and magazine capacity comparable to full-sized auto pistols.
Glock pistols are capable products right out of the box, but can be made even better by adding a few choice accessories, most of which are also offered by Glock. The first thing I did to mine was replace the standard synthetic sights, with the more durable Trijicon Night Sights that are proven to give shooters greater accuracy in conditions of low light.
The next thing I did was add the slug plug to the grip, this helps to keep out dirt and other unwanted gunk, I also installed the extended slide release, even though I never use it, I just pull back the slide with an overhand movement with my left hand to chamber a round from the magazine. My main motivation for installing the extended release was to aid in one-handed operation, if needed. No one plans on being shot but it happens… 
Over the years, gun writers have spent countless words debating the stopping-power of the 9mm round. Most of this has been a complete waste of time and wasted print. The number on element of “stopping-power” is shot placement and two penetration, not whether the bullet tips the scales at 230 grains or 115. If you do not hit a vital organ because you shot was off or did not penetrate deep enough to reach it, then the outcome will likely be the same no matter what handgun round is used or how much it weighs.
I am a big fan of the 9mm for survival and defensive usage. Keep in mind I am not talking wilderness survival here, but about a break down or collapse of the current system or TEOTWAWKI. For price and availability of ammo the 9mm is hard to beat and offers plenty of “stopping power” to get the job done with the right ammo.
If you are wondering or care to know, my choice for an everyday carry round with the Glock 19 or any 9mm is the 115 grain Cor-Bon +P at 1,308 fps.
Like I stated at the start of this post, everyone has their own idea of what makes up the perfect handgun, let us know what you think and your choices in the comments below. Thanks…
{ 117 comments… read them below or add one }
Colt 1911 .45……..A proven man stopper for over 100 years! There is a reason this is still used in The Marine Corps! SEMPER FI !
Nam Marine,
The Marine Corps is limited to the use FMJ ammo – we are not. The Glock 19 is lighter in weight and smaller in overall bulk, it is more reliable, holds more rounds, has less recoil, quicker follow up shots, is easier to maintain etc.
But as I said at the start of my review:
“not whether the bullet tips the scales at 230 grains or 115. If you do not hit a vital organ because you shot was off or did not penetrate deep enough to reach it, then the outcome will likely be the same no matter what handgun round is used or how much it weighs” Sorry, but that is total B.S. If you hit a vital organ it won’t much matter what you hit it with. It’s if you miss a vital that grain+type+fps become really important. To say the size of the bullet does matter, but the weight of the gun does…”Glock 19 is lighter in weight and smaller in overall bulk” makes no sense. I figure it is really pretty simple. What would you really rather be shot with… a 9mm or .45? Now answer that honestly and you will know why I carry a .45.
redneckrod,
I think you need to go back and read my post very, very, very slowly. You just repeated the same thing that I said in my post…
“Glock 19 is lighter in weight and smaller in overall bulk” makes no sense.”
What? I was talking about the firearm not the ammo…
I’m glad that you carry a .45 – that is great…
M.D.,
I understood what you said. And I agree. I like the Glock 19 because it is small enough to fit my hand well. I like the fact that I can get two or three shots off quickly and with accuracy. I also like the fact that it takes 15 rounds.
A +P 9 mm rd traveling at 1300 fps might penetrate ‘cover’ selected by your assailant that a .45 rd, though imparting more tissue disruption by transferring more of it’s energy if it penetrates the cover and lumbers in), may not.
With practice, one can hit a man size target with a Glock 19 at a far greater range than with a Springfield A1. Flatter shooting, less hold over.
One can put many multiple rounds into an assailant at close range far more quickly than one could with old slab sides.
With a Glock 19 one can transition from tango to tango more quickly while placing double taps than with a 45.
And send more rounds down range than a typical 1911.
Just food for thought…..
All that said; if I only had time for one and only one unobstructed shot at spitting distance……I might like to have my Springfield A1 in hand. All weapons have their pluses and minuses.
I also like the glock 9mm. I went with the glock 17 because I have large hands and it feels better in my hand. I have purchased 20, 17 round magazines. It weighs down the bug out bag, but it makes me feel ready for anything.
Nam Marine: I am with you. I carried a Colt 1911 for 6 years and 13 days in the Corps. MD implies in his comment to me, I think, that FMJ is too heavy for Marines to carry. I now have a Sig P250 and don’t find it or it’s FMJ too heavy. To coin, or borrow, an expression, “It ain’t heavy, it’s my keeper.”
SF
wildwood one one,
I was not implying that the .45 ACP rounds are too heavy to carry, but that Marines are only allowed to use FMJ ammo. If they could use better performing ammo with the 9mm like JHP’s +p I’m sure many of their choices would be a lot different. As for carrying weight personally I would rather lug around two 9mm rounds compared to one .45 ACP.
Good God folks, can’t you read? Due to Geneva (as in the Geneva Convention which restricts the type of ammuntion allowed as well as other restrictions) restrictions, the military is permitted to utilize ONLY FMJ rounds. The point that M.D. is making is that with that restriction the need for a heavier round (such as .45) is evident. However in the private sector, where you are permitted to use any type of round available, the new designs and materials increase the capabilities of the 9mm to a point where it is as capable a round as the .45, plus the fact that it is lighter, has less recoil for follow-up shots, is less expensive and a larger magazine capacity. MD isn’t saying that there is anything wrong with the .45, and in fact says that it is a “personal choice” in the first paragraph. Take time to read the article carefully before making a comment that puts you intelligence into question and wastes the rest of our time. Nice tight article, MD!
Mactex,
Now why didn’t I say that?
MD, I understood what you meant. I think they. Needto reread I own solely 45 but I agree with the assessment. If I ever went back to the 9mm it would only be the Glock 17 or 19.
As a great pistol instructor told me once…
The Colt 1911 is the greatest combat gun in the world. It’ll only cost you about $1200 to get a good gun and another $1000 to tune it up. Or, you can get the next best thing, a Glock straight out of the box for $500 that’ll never fail you.
I have shot a lot of 1911′s, and when they shoot good, they’re a thing of beauty. However, 1911′s are finicky, only hold 7 rounds, need a lot of maintenance, need a lot of practice with carrying cocked and locked, and are made by so many manufacturers in so many models, that you better know what you’re buying.
I’ll stick with my Glock.
Nam Marine, I agree with the stopping power of the .45 and was in during the transition from the 45 to the 9mm.
That being said it was nice to have 45 rounds of 9mm in three mags than 21 rounds in the 1911. Shot placement and a quick follow up will put them down. With 15 rounds you don’t have to change a mag and that’s important when dealing with multiple targets.
I personally own a Glock 21 and Ruger P90 and do not own a 9mm anymore based on a system of all my firearms are limited to 5 calibers.
With custom loads, +P, hollow points, various grains from 95 to 147 can make up for what it lacks in the ball round.
The .45 in the Corps is limited to SRT, SOTG, Force Recon and MARSOC units and even then many times will still use the M9 due to logistics and ammo count on ones self when air support is 30 mikes out or more. Most of the time it’s a team/command decision.
I have carried a Glock 19 for 7 years as my duty gun (yes my agency only allows us to carry a 9mm…a whole different issue!) I carry everyday concealed and when I wear my duty belt I put on my M-3 light and slide it into my Safarilad SLS Triple retention holster. I carry 124gr gold dot +p, good stopping stats. I have only felt outgunned when I needed a rifle! I have no problem putting 3 inch groups at 25 yards with it and if needed I have 2 33 rd mags in the car besides the 2 17 rd mags on my LB vest and 2 15 round mags on the duty belt! Would I rather be carrying a .45, yes, but I also have the glock 26 as my back up gun and carry it off duty! Yes I like my Glock 19 very much!!
Oh by the way MD, saw your book advertised in the May 2012 SWAT magazine!!
Brad,
Was it a review or advertisement?
M.D,it was an advertisement,Paladin Press ,I recall.Be Safe Brother.
charliebuck,
Thanks. I don’t get that magazine so I did not see it.
I bought a Glock 19 over 15 years ago, and that’s been my EDC since. Does a nine have the stopping power of a .45? No, but MD is right. Shot placement goes a long way. A triple tap (2 center mass, 1 in the head)from a 9mm will stop an attacker. And a 9 will allow the shooter a level of control, that someone without extensive training, will not have with a .45. If I was knowingly walking into a gunfight (not that that’s a common problem in my life), I would deifineately grab a larger caliber. But for EDC, I have to agree with MD about the Glock 19. Good article.
If the G19 is loaded with hollow points or better, then you have no worries. In Iraq we found the FMJ 9mm to be a bit of a weenie round. It tended to punch straight through the adrenaline filled insurgent leaving him standing and fighting.
Personally, I favor my 1911s and the .45 ACP.
Cain. The 9mm is kinda a weenie round Iraq because the insurgents have been known to have oapates in there bloodstream along with adrenaline.
I’m not putting down the 9mm as a whole. I’ve just pointing out a problem experienced with the 9mm FMJ.
We all have our preferences on caliber. Push comes to shove, each and everyone of us will use whatever is available in a pinch to protect our family whether it be a .22 LR, 380 Auto, 9mm, .40 S&W, .45 ACP, or a .50 cal. While I like my 1911s, I have no issue using my wife’s Guardian 380 loaded with Hydra-Shok ammo to eliminate the threat in say a home invasion.
My “day job” is as an anesthesiologist at a large Midwestern hospital. Just last week on a call night a guy came in who had been shot through the left upper chest with a 9mm FMJ. A good shot that most of us would be proud to make in the heat of the moment. He was awake & talking when he got to me about an hour after the shooting occurred, even moved himself over onto the operating table.
That wound would have killed him eventually, but not soon enough to do the shooter any good. Lessons learned if you’re going to carry a 9: 1) load it with good ammo, and 2) shoot ‘em more than once.
As a police officer who has seen what a 9mm JHP can do. The. 45 vs 9mm debate can be settled like this, step back and let me our 2 147gr JHP in your chest and tell me its an ineffective round.
But the Glock 19 is an awesome weapon,I have a 3rd he. And a 4th gen. Its small enough to carry every day yet big enough to fight with.
2 rdns in the chest from a 22 will work nicely as well.
thanks for your service.
George,
The .22 RF is better than nothing, but your assailant is likely to be able to do you some damage before he bleeds out. Still, if it’s all you have, it’s better than a rock.
One bonus for the Glock, any Glock, is price. It’s cheap enough that you can (usually) afford a spare. Also a great deal of commonality among different models. For me, however, it’s a question of feel. Especially since they added the finger groves. They dont fit my hand. J.M. Browning seems to have designed the 1911 for “my” hand. I’m also partial to Sigs. But the price, brrr.
I do agree with you on calibre. My only caviat. If you live in a gun hostile area, it can pay to be using the sidearm and caliber of your local and/or state police.
I carried a 1911 for 19 years ( 30 months in Vietnam) I also carried a Tompson 45 for ambusg work. I have a Model 19 Generation 4 and love it. Well placed rounds will take out a target quickly – my bedside weapon is a Kimber Ultra Tactical CDP loaded with Winchester Silver Tips.
The 19 is alot easier to carry conceled and is deadly with the right ammo.
Thanks alot for the accessory information.
Sirvior
Earl McDowell USMC (ret),
No problem my friend…
Earl, warrior you hit the nail on the head. Shot placement is everything.
Agreed…9mm is my favorite defensive round by far and .380 is second….Good point on placement vs grains/size of lead…a well placed double tap in a critical area is much more important than size/velocity….That is why PDR (Practice,Drill and Rehearse) may save your life…Be aware that head shots are better than chest due to the number of vests that are out there…Be safe Wolf Pack
I agree with Creekmore. I carried 2 1911 in the SE Asia Conference and at least 8 to 10 mags when I was awake. I can not do that now nor do I need to. I have carried a 9mm High Power since 1975 when I saw a British SAS Officer take out 8 NVA with one magazine and then reloaded to shoot down 5 more. while I covered his reload. I was impressed and have believed in the 9mm and the HIgh Power ever since. To each his own. The High Power is just a Jr. 1911 and works the same with an easier to find and carry round and 13 opportunities to get it right. I believe in shot placement and in a pinch a .22 in the left eye will also stop an antagonist. Practice, practice, practice with whatever you shoot and you will be better than the guy who doesn’t.
Just get something and learn to use it safely and correctly and eventually accurately and you will be okay.
Semper Fi
Jack Fallin
I have 3 basics beliefs about handguns.
First, The best gun is the one in your hand at the time.
Second, It is better to have a $300 gun and $500 worth of ammo then a $800 gun and $50 in ammo.
Third, Keep the logistics simple, No more then two calibers and only one is even better.
We use to own a pair of 40 Cal S&W Sigmas. Inexpensive weapons that proved to be dependable and once you learn and compensate for the fact that they shoot right and low they work just fine. It was all we could afford at the time and since it is a common LE caliber I was able to purchase ammo from a “special source” and have stock pilled considerable rounds.
We sold one of the 40′s and bought a S&W 38+P revolver for my beautiful bride JoJo. Due to past injuries and surgeries She has a problem with the slide on Semi-autos. Otherwise she had no problem with the 40 and is a damn good shot. I trained her with targets at 30 yards and we are not concerned at all with 3 inch placement. We are not competition shooters. Body mass and head shots count.
I have a history with Glock-19 as I carried one when I worked Nuclear Security. Cut a lot of paper with it. Its a damn fine weapon I would be very glad to own one for all the resons others have already stated. However, since I have an investment in 40 Cal and I just got my CCL I would most likely go with a Glock 23 rather then a 19.
Eh, not the right eye? Why does it matter?
It is a great little gun for those of us with small hands. I like mine and it is what I have on my night stand. Little recoil, easy to load and use, and so it was my choice too.
Glock 19 seems like a fine choice. I am happy with my xd 9mm. The GF can handle it easily.
I would like to offer my two cents on this subject.
There are a number of factors that contribute to “stopping power”. Whenever “best guns” are discussed everyone’s biases start to show. Typically a person’s best gun recommendation is shaped by what gun “feels” the best to them which is usually determined by which gun they practice with most often. Then we tend to offer factors we find well within our comfort zone to others as being a key consideration.
For some of us a 9mm is a great weapon. Yes, shot placement is a critical factor (duh). That factor must be balanced against your ego/reality quotient. If you are a real marksman, enough said, (that is only if you can remain as cool in a real life threatening situation as you can on the gun range). That is possible if you train, train, train in combat scenario facility.
For the vast majority of us who are focused on survival, our preparations are not for a really good showing at the gun range. We are most interested in preparing for what we might face when the SHTF. In a real life threatening situation you should consider that you may not be as steady or calm as you are on the range. What if your aim is not dead on when there is a gun pointing back at you? What if you do not have time to get in the stance you have practiced? What if you do not have time to take careful aim?
For me and mine, I want a gun that will do the job just fine with a near miss of the bulls eye. Of course a gun firing a .45 ACP or larger fits that need, but there are tradeoffs for many survivalists with the magazine capacity, weight, kick, etc. For me there are guns (whether Glock, Beretta, S&W or many many others) firing a .40 SW cartridge that are deeper in my comfort zone.
I carry a Taurus PT 145 Pro. 10+1, 45 acp, 23 oz. , 230 gr JHP. My wife doesn’t like it, too much recoil so she carries a Taurus TCP .380. 6+1.
We are both happy.
though i just bought a kimber 45, i agree w/ md and the choice of the glock19. if i were just starting my defensive armory it would be my choice as well. they are ultra reliable. 9mm ammo will be available long after the last 45acp round has been spent. if it ever failed, spare parts would be easy enough to pick up or you could buy 2 each g19′s for the cost of my kimber. as to “stopping power”, if good hp 9mm won’t put the critter down, nothing will. i have personally witnessed a 22 vs a 45 gunfight, the 22 limped away and the 45 was burried. the perp that killed my best friend took 11 each 357mags to the chest and still had to be restrained by 6 officers. ya gotta put one in the grape and its harder to do with a 45, at least for me and 99% of the shooters out there. if you are the 1% then drive on, you are the greatest shooter in the west.
riverrider:
You are totally correct. I am, however, laughing at your language! Military folks seem to speak, one each, differently.
ROTFL….. God Bless! Cos
old habits die hard:)
I am curvy, and maybe 20 lbs overweight. I was carrying the G19 but found it too bulky to hide in front, and it was giving me a backache to drive with it in the small of my back and so I got a Taurus slim and carry it concealed cross draw, but I really prefer how the Glock shoots to how the Taurus shoots. The Taurus trigger pull is long, and you get to the end and think it didn’t shoot. To make it go bang I have to press it rather hard at that point, which is not good for aim. Maybe I can have that softened up a bit by a gunsmith though.
Meanwhile I’m working on getting fit, so I’ll have a bit flatter tummy against which to hide pistols. Also PT is in order anyway. I’m a marshmallow.
As a boy growing up in the 40′s and a teenager in the early 50′s, there was only one bullet, slug or projectile however you want to label it and it was lead round nose and in the case of the muzzle loaders we had was a round lead ball. I was introduced to bottleneck ammunition when I entered the Army in the mid 50′s. After discharge and during my time as a LEO, I started to handload because my favorite firearm was a revolver that stock ammunition was loaded to mild and it had an extremely tight bore. I experimented around with a lot of loads and soon was loading just about everything up to a 416 Rigby. I had always wanted to familiarize myself with the 600 Nitro express but the guy who owned it would not let it out of his hands. I soon learned the differences between the FMJ ammunition I was issued in the Army and the commercial bullets you could whip up a pretty good round with., Our department had no restrictions on what carry weapon we used, or caliber or type of load. The State Police had turned to 9mm and were only issued the FMJ. We were allowed to use the state police range to maintain proficiency and I invariably shot alongside several of the troopers. I had taken a bunch of different loads with me to the range along with my Lee tools and supplies. One of the troopers was amazed when I proceeded to fire away with my Smith and Wesson 38 with a six inch barrel. When it went off like a 44 magnum, that got their attention and they gathered around. We had gotten permission from the district commander to utilize cans and other containers provided they were only waterfilled and we would clean up the range when finished. (They later kept some of the barrels to check for penetration). They fired first for proficiency and fired two magazines to qualify. I fired some of my standard loads in the S&W which were 140 grain truncated cone Keith type slugs from a mold I got from Lee. They were cast from linotype and lubricated with beeswax and were loaded with 3.7 grains of Bullseye powder. I fired for qualification with this round and was allowed eighteen rounds for qualification. The first load qualfied me and the rest were just follow up. Then I started firing some of my tailored loads. Two of the most impressive loads I fired that day were a 158 grain half jacket hollow point and a 110 grain full jacket soft point. The 158 grain load was propelled by 5 grains of Unique and the little 11o grain was sent on its way with 4 grains of Red Dot. They were so impressed that after gathering up their empty casings, I agreed to try a few custom loads for them with what I had. The half jacket hollow point loaded to the same loading and with the slug resized to .355 for their 9mm, it was just as impressive as from my revolver with the six inch barrel. However it would not reliably magazine feed due to encountering problems which distorted the soft lead. (This was later cured by and old 87 year old gunsmith who lived a couple of miles from the state police range by working on the magazines and the feed ramp). The 110 grain was purchased in .355 diameter and did not need resized and was so impressive both on silhoutte targets and the various buckets, cans and barrels we were using that I wound up handloading a couple hundred rounds for them. They later were able to order them directly from a manufacturer on special order. At the conclusion of the tests, we were convinced that with the proper load and familiarity with the weapon that the 9mm was indeed justas much of a stopper as the 357 magnums they had been using. I had already been educated by my own experiences with my own firearms. The final clincher was when the one recruit said he like the 357 magnum because it would burst an engine block. When we took an old cast iron single cylinder engine block and placed it inside the barrel and I then fired two rounds with my Colt 22 magnum and broke the engine block after going through the barrel, he decided he would like the 9mm since it would also do the same with the proper load. This was in 1979 and I talked to the former sargeant, now a captain and the district commander in 1995 and they were still using the tailored load and feeling confident with it. You can view this post however you want, as reinforcement for MD or refutation to others. I only have to say that whatever I am armed with, I doubt that any attacker is going to run up and ask me what caliber I am going to shoot him with since whatever it is he would not get close enough to ask that question. About the question of which would you want shot with a 9mm or a 45, my reply is neither nor anything else for that matter.
Geez .45 vs 9mm will never end. I own and like both. I just traded off my Ruger p-90 Super accurate .45 family with promise I get dibs on it. Kel-tec pf-9 small light 9mm you will carry this when you won’t carry your 1911!! Ruger p-89 most accurate pistol I have ever shot no failures ever with any ammo. Glock 21 .45 ok gun. Gentlemen the advances in ammo has made big differences over past few years. Creelmore I shot mostly Cor-bons very hot ammo. Taurus m 66 .357 head n shoulders above .45. That said I never feel under gunned with either 9mm with Cor-bons. Good review Creekmore ! Boys shoot what You like and quit arguing,no pistol is 100% manstopper every time under every condition. Good day all!
China
III
China,
I’ll second the P-89 (15+1). It’s one of my carry guns along with an FNP-9 (16+1), the major difference being weight, since the old P-90 is cast aluminum vs. polymer. The P-89 is nearly 25 years old, and is still extremely accurate considering it’s barrel length and age.
The G19 is so perfect I’d like to trade my 26 for a 2nd 19!! Many tests have shown the ballistics of 9, 40 and 45 to be very similar with JHPs. I enjoy shooting a 45 but not for carry or SHTF
All this tomfoolery of “stopping power” is ridiculous. I’d introduce you to the many gunshot victims I’ve treated over the years but they’d not be able to talk to you because they’re DEAD. They were shot with all kinds of different rounds; a lot of 9mm, .45, and even several with .22. Give me a break. Place your shots, dispatch your target. I wish people would stop with the B.S. It is okay to love a certain type of gun or the round its chambered in, but there is no reason to chastise others who differ in opinion. It’s like vehicles….I happen to love my ’85 Silverado….hahaha
By the way, I love the Glock 19, carry it regularly and it is quite frankly my favorite gun. I have full faith in it and my training that should it be needed, it will get the job done.
Another funny tip, a lot of the popular guns made today all mimic the Glock chassis. They copy what is proven. Did I say I love my Glock….great thread!
Chris: I see your thread…. I’m running my second Ford F150 into the ground. Great pickup, learned to trust em. Never owned a Chevy… drove a ton of em in life .. but don’t care to own one, just don’t work for me. My old Ford ‘fits’ me is all. Feel the same why about what I carry on my right hip.
That’s okay, Prudent, I’ve been a Ford lover most of my life and still am. Just have an attachment to this ole Chevy for some reason…..the other vehicles in the driveway are all Fords haha
If it’s got four wheels that go around, starts and gets me where I wanna go and back home, I really don’t care what it is. Just don’t make it so damn small I can’t fit a decent load of wood into it and don’t make it diesel ‘cuz the smell makes me puke and I won’t mention the sewing machine sound of a diesel.
After making sure that you have a completely reliable pistol or revolver (or both), it is important to be using the right load and configuration for your caliber. I love my .45ACP pistols, but if I carry a 230 gr. FMJ, I get only a 63% one shot stop effectiveness which is less than if I have my Ruger LCP with a 90 gr. Federal JHP with a one shot stop effectiveness of 69%. As always, bullet placement is all important. I always have my LCP on me to help me get to my Glock or Springfield XD .40 S&W which have a one shot stop effectiveness of 96% when using a Cor-Bon 135 gr JHP.
Chuck Hawks has tables regarding this based on Marshall &Sanow studies as well as others.
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=%20%20chuck%20hawks%20one%20stop%20shot&source=web&cd=1&sqi=2&ved=0CFoQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.chuckhawks.com%2Fhandgun_power_chart.htm&ei=k9KmT9PcMJDnggek-aHZAQ&usg=AFQjCNH7IS4tiurWEQYXKnTb7bdqud4ItA
He also prints an article by “Anonymous” which recommends effective rounds for most handguns and rifles.
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=chuck%20hawks%20self%20defense%20ammo&source=web&cd=1&sqi=2&ved=0CGEQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.chuckhawks.com%2Fammo_by_anonymous.htm&ei=AdqmT7CUJZHQgAe_oYjFAQ&usg=AFQjCNE-N-bBP2GWdFSDYnMH_Xlde7MdgQ
The tables and the article are not completely compatible but seem to support that bigger is not necessarily better. For example, in a .357 magnum, a Cor-Bon 125 gr. JHP cartridges seem to be much more effective than a substantially heavier bullet. The same with 9MM with the 115 gr. being much more effective than 147 gr. Many times the conclusions are counter intuitive but are based on actual experience in the field which is good enough for me since I hope to keep my experience in the field down to zero.
thanks for the websites…
I like Chuck Hawks website as it has a lot of general info that is well organized on firearms and ammunition, particularly for hunting. The info posted there that you are referring to on self-defense ammunition (not Chuck Hawks info; he is posting other people’s information) is seen by many, many people as highly questionable. The outcomes of the M&S work (not really science, they probably cherry-picked or confabulated parts of the work), a bunch of goats supposedly shot in a field in somewhere in Europe (most likely an internet hoax), etc., may or may not be accurate in terms of relative effectiveness of the ammunition. These tables seem to be based on somebody’s subjective point of view and then dressed up as scientific, not anything systematic as presented. Not trying to cause trouble, just reminding people to look at the sites above with “caveat emptor” in mind. There really are no definitive studies on ammunition effectiveness. I think it’s best to ready widely and then one has to figure out how to integrate all the different sources of information. As an another source of information, also consider this site:
http://ammo.ar15.com/project/Self_Defense_Ammo_FAQ/index.htm
I’ve shot the same 1911 all my life. My Dad wrapped my hands around it and helped me fire it after much begging. I was six at the time. One round hooked me for life. That being said, we’ll be getting the wife a 9mm, probably a Glock or an XD, depending on how they feel to her hand. She shoots the .45 but doesn’t like it. She does like the Service Ace .22 adapter. Lol…hopefully I’ll get my PPK/s back once she has her own gun. She took one look at it and said “Mine”. That one she shoots happily.
Me, I’ll shoot anything that goes bang, the bigger the better. I’ll use any gun that’s at hand. But I trust that particular 1911 with my life, I know it works and it always has.
I carry a Glock 27–.40 Cal. in a Galco iwb., it’s the mini-sub-compact. It is nice, really nice. I am comfortable with it. The mag is a nine round of which I carry 3 additional mags. I also carry a Tarus TCP .380 as a back-up. It’s a 6 round then one in the chamber. I have a Ruger SR9. It is a 17 round mag. The 9mm stays loaded with Hornady Critical defense rounds (hollow-point). I am very comfortable with any of the three, but I perfer my Glock 27. I perfer the Glock because it is simple. I believe there are a total of 33 parts to the weapon and the abuse the Glock has been put through is outrageous and continues to fire. Most all the other weapons similar have been based off the Glock framework.
Which do I perfer. I really like the Glock, but the Tarus .380 works too. I believe its is more of what you have in your hand than not, but again you can’t beat placement. I knew a fellow who went deer hunting every year and brought home his buck with a .22 long rifle hollow point. I tried it once with a doe. She went about one hundred feet and dropped. Shot placement.
In a tense situation you have never been in before, to shoot someone else is still going to be difficult to do. Practice will at least give you a leading chance, but it is still a tense situation. So given such a situation it would be nice to have even a .50 pistol if they make them, even an automatic anything might prove to be best overall.
I have had two confrontations in the last 16 months I have had my concealed permit> From my perspective it didn’t make any difference what I had in my hand the situation would probably ended the same way, the threat desisted and retreated. Personally I hope those will be the last I ever have, but just in case I got insurance for an attorney. One source is USCCA.com. If you have to shoot someone have insurance to cover your attorney expenses and others. I say this only because the time to BUG is not here yet, so if you are faced with a shooting I strongly check out insurances. Each state, county and city have their own particular bias about guns and self-defense.
Love my Glock (and my insurance).
All this talk of head shots, eye shots, double-taps, etc. has made me a little woozy. I was taught that head shots against a moving foe are very near impossible, and that one should always try for center-of-mass. That’s what I intend to do, and I would never try for a head shot unless that was the only target I had. The head is usually moving, and it’s difficult to hit because of its size, although there are some that may have a bigger head than I usually encounter.
Glock 19 is a good gun, I own one, but I rarely use it. Frankly, I like my Colt and Kimber 45 acps better. Just a personal preference, nothing at all against the Glocks. And I like the Springfield XDs as much as I like the Glocks. I wouldn’t feel undergunned with any of these that were mentioned.
It doesn’t matter how big the bullet is or how much the pistol cost if you can’t hit what you are aiming at. Practice, practice, practice.
Waterboy, well said
Always carry and ……. and as Waterboy says,
“It doesn’t matter how big the bullet is or how much the pistol cost if you can’t hit what you are aiming at. Practice, practice, practice.”
That, and develop the right mindset so you can see it coming (when possible), instantly assess and act.
Wow! MD…. nice way to start a firefight…… (play of words). Geezo folks, carry what you can control. To many folks carry what their ego tells them to and can neither conceal it or control it. Modern bullet design has negated the size and weight issue years and years ago. The body is a hydraulic system… punch a hole in the hydraulics and when it runs dry…. it dies. Dosen’t matter the size of the round cause the largest artery in the body is distroyed by 9mm or a 45acp …. or a 380…. or a 22mag. … or a bloody ice pick. Damage the bloody ‘pump’ with any…… thing and the ‘system’ stops. Here … is the ‘BUT’ Humans are one tough damn instrument. We … will ‘run’ right up until the moment the system runs dry. I cannot begin to relate the murderous rage you feel… ‘feel’ .. when someone is in fact trying to kill you… When they have done damage to you, you aquire a kind of ‘motivation’ that is understood only by those ‘damaged’ .. shot .. cut .. And what the hell does this have to do with the Glock 19 anyhow.
Fine weapon MD, own 2. Tricked out one and now by ‘baby’ girl uses it ala CCW. Mommasan runs the other and drove nails with it at TDI training. Me! I own 3 45s and 4 9s. I own a custom Kimber and a Dave Bowie G21 …. I carry a G26. Works for me and that….. is all…. I care about.
Pudent, well said
Now I didn’t read all the comments but there’s a few things I think should be pointed out. First while yall are right about the military “not” being able to use hollowpoints, I just want to let yall know that is total bs. We’ve used hollow points deployed. there was a time you could check it out on wiki leaks but I know from working closely with the supply corps. And from using them. Guess what, they still suck when people are high on adrenaline. Its important to note that adrenaline might not fully kick in for people in a quick shootout in a case for concealed carry. But if you have to defend your home adrenaline has more then enough time to fully kick in. Also another problem we’ve run into is people that take drugs and are high while engaged in combat. Those are some hard SOB’s to put down with a 308 let alone a 9mm. Lastly, when is the last time any one here has tried to shoot a target, not even a person while under ALOT of stress. Try hitting those vital areas then. To say its not easy is an understatement. Its damn hard to keep a steady enough hand to aim decently unless you’re swat/combat arms, a person that has a job that makes them send alot of lead down range. For your average cop/soldier/civilian its not the same. All I’ll say in closing is I hope that you guys that use a 9 or smaller cartridge will prove me wrong. But with the experience me and my infantry buddies have with them I just dont think yall are well informed.
Luke
“Those are some hard SOB’s to put down with a 308 let alone a 9mm.”
Or a .45 ACP…
you’re absolutely right MD. however I guess the point of my comment is that when it comes to weapons there’s theory, experience, and fact. Theory is that newer 9mm rounds are just as good as 45. Experience let me know that that’s bull shit. I’ve been in 3 units in my military career the first carried m&p45s I saw alot better results with that then with the 9mm’s that we had in my 2nd unit.
Look if yall dont want to take the opinion of most military guys that’s fine. Yall can take advice from cops or just gun enthusiasts but its kinda like asking the highschool Jr varsity team what they’re gonna do to take on a collegeteam. I know that sounds mean but military combat arms guys are aren’t just trained to kill. Most of us rehearse in our sleep because its ingrained into us so much.
Luke,
I personally know several “military guys” and more than a few cops that know little about firearms in general… Just because someone is or has been in the military or worked for the police department does not mean that they are a firearms and ballistics expert.
You need to remember that we are talking about a general use handgun that will most likely be carried concealed, if concealment were not an issue than a handgun, (any handgun) would not be my first choice. A handgun is what you use to defend yourself when nothing else is available…
M.D. you are 100% correct. I served in the infantry, attended many schools conducted by USMC, USN and US Army. I worked as a jailer for a Sheriffs Dept and most of my friends are LE.
That said your average warrior in the military and average cop may not know more than what they carry. I’ve seen LE accidentally discharge a weapon submitted into evidence because they didn’t know how to clear the weapon.
I purchased an AK, SKS, FAL and hi power and shot friends HK 91, Mossan Nagant etc. so I could become familiar with what I may end up on the receiving end if my weapon failed.
I always felt grateful to grow up around warriors and LE with experience and knowledge.
Thank the Lord I’m ex-combat arms and LEO so I might make the team. lol. As an old ex-grunt, I love the proven knock down power of the .45. But in my law enforcement experience and as a civilian I love the 16 rounds of +P 9mm in my easily concealable, very reliable, easy to service Glock 19.
As to the efficacy of any handgun round, I once witnessed a fellow get shot 3 times with a .45 and he still managed to run another 15 feet and throw a grenade. So all handgun rounds have their limitations. I believe the purpose of a handgun to a warrior is to be used to fight their way to a long gun?
Or….to conceal….for portability…to always have some firearm on one’s person.
As to what is the best caliber and make of a handgun?…….it’s the one you choose to carry. I like my Glock 19 in my ancient palsied hands but a .45 is a good choice too and makes big holes even with round ball.
How’s about a Springfield 1911 A1 GI 45 with a Glock 19 back-up? ;)
SD, I was a PMI on the rifle and pistol range and rule of thumb was in combat if you are down to a pistol you’re screwed lol.
MD very nice review sir. You really can’t go wrong with the Glock 19 or 17. They are both easy to shoot well and carry alot of rounds. All Glocks from the orginal through gen 4s will always shoot.
We have G19′s at our house.
I put Tritium/Fiber Optic sights on ours so they really light up day and night (the glow helps me find it in the dark).
I added the extended slide lock lever (Lone Wolf) as that 3mm makes takedown a LOT easier.
I added a grip extension (Glock World) as the web of my hand “balls up” and catches on the underside of slide if my had gets too high. (Same reason I have an extended beavertail safety on my 1911′s.)
I have found the KMI (Korean) mags to be good, low cost extra mags, but I have a 5 mag carrier for each Glock (TUFF brand) as my primary reloads and they are Glock Factory Drop Free mags.
I use Blackhawk Serpa holsters for them. I also carry a Blackhawk single mag carrier with one Glock Mag in it as a ready replacement (the 5 pack has a flap).
My personal choice for ammo is Cor-Bon 9mm +P 115 gr DPX (a solid copper hollow point), designed for penetration.
I have purchased an Advantage Arms 22 LR conversion kit. This allows cheap practice with the same trigger, same weight, and simulated recoil. Uses the same holster, mag carriers, etc. Great for building muscle memory.
I do not feel underarmed with a G19. My wife is the most precious person on this planet to me and I would not arm her with something that won’t get the job done.
I own and shoot several guns in 9mm, 357 SiG, and 45 ACP. You will usually find me carrying a Glock. A gun with only 36 parts (including the magazine parts) has really defined simplicity.
Draw, Aim, Squeeze, Bang….. can’t get any simpler.
On a prepper’s point, there are literally thousands of Glocks out there. In a trade restricted situation, a VERY common firearm, with simple construction, easy of maintenance, and vast quantities of magazines in circulation would be, in my opinion, a very desirable item.
Having said all that….use what you have confidence in, that’s on hand, and works for you!
I also like the G19.
When my tritium sights were dimming I replaced them with non-tritium hi-viz sights. Red up front and green in the rear.
My reasoning was that I never fired using the tritium sights in the dark as I had needed to absolutely identify my target and was usually illuminating with a Surefire. If it was pitch dark then I was responding to muzzle flashes. With my old eyes the hi-viz sights pop right out at me.
But to each their own….. Both enhanced sight systems are a plus.
“….use what you have confidence in, that’s on hand, and works for you!”
Great point JP.
Just noticed JP that you had the tritium/fiber optic combo! Best of both worlds. I replaced my old plain tritium with Hi-viz f/o for the reasons stated. But had I chosen the combo…….couldn’t have hurt, I suppose. Having and not needing is better than needing and not having.
I put a set on a XD (later sold it), have them on or for all my Glocks, but the Kimber ones didn’t fit the front dove tail. Sure wish they would, I really like them, day or night.
What timing! I just put a set of TFO (Tritium/Fiber Optic) on my Glock 19, replacing a set of older Trijicon that had reached the point where my vintage eyes were having to search too much for comfort. What a difference! For those of you who are in the market, or just haven’t seen the TFO sights, check them out. They are much more visible – day and night – than any other out there, and I have used them all. If you search carefully, you can find them for as low as $70 onine.
I went shooting with my son this morning.We burned through 100 rounds of 230 grn roundnose in his 45. The trigger is real nice but the sights were not as good outside as they were sighting at my living room wall.My eyes are not as good at 51 then they were at 21.He is glad that he bought a 45 and not a crunnchintinker as Jeff Cooper called the 9mm.That is a personal matter and nothing to get worked up over.Like last night a Harley rider was speaking badly of my Yamaha.I kept up with him on the freeway though and I am very happy with my bike.That pissed him off.I almost had to call a waahmbulance for him.
No argument from me, I too believe the best weapon is one you have on you when it happens. I do like the 1911 mainly because its what I started with and the grip angle is perfect for me. That’s my only gripe about the Glock, just don’t like the grip angle. They sure cost less than a good 1911. If I did not have so much .45 stuff on hand already I might would consider switching to 9mm as it costs less to practice and practice/training is probably more important than the size of the projectile. I had the chance to shoot some today and judging by my performance I really need to shoot a lot more than I have lately.
Anybody have any experience with a Sig 1911?
I too love old slab sides. But when working for the DOD in the early 70s I carried whatever weapons were provided for our ‘missionary’ work. My favorite carry handguns were a pair of cheap worn Rhoem Gehring 38 special revolvers. Kinda crappy looking but they were tuned up by a talented Guatemalan gunsmith and did the job without any hiccups. I also treasured an old Stevens side-by-side 12 gauge. Ugly. Heavy. And effective close up.
The best weapon is the one you have at hand…indeed, RI. And carrying the same weapons for years (and practicing frequently) gives you an edge. Beware the man with only one well worn gun….. he likely will know how to use it.
SD, a friend of the family I told you about briefly was doing the same missionary work and for all the bragging people talk of custom bolt action rifles, custom pistols, custom combat rifles it was the locals dropping their enemies with bolt action WW I and WW II era Mausers at 500 plus yards with military production ammo.
I’ve hit targets at 500 with Mossan Nagants and Mausers and out to 400 with my scoped SKS and dropped pigs and coyotes out to 200 yards with it. It’s all about training. I’ve seen SEALs carry Ruger Mk II silenced pistols for sentry/k9 work and they never complained that it didn’t have the stopping power of a 45.
That’s ‘cuz those devil Seals can practically point shoot you in the ear without spilling their java. Show off squids!
Lol.
Jarhead, you have inspired me to acquire a Mauser. I’ve been talking about getting a bolt action. Might as well be vintage…..and proven. I’m thinking J&Gs in Prescott.
Oops op-sec! I didn’t say when I’d go there nor what race or which sex I’d be disguised as that day. I change it up daily….can’t be too careful.
SD, understood but if you make your way to AZ let me know and maybe I could make an extended road trip. Most of the Mausers sold here are Turkish Mausers.
SD, Cosmo may know a distributor for 1903 Springfields. Thinking 30-06 would be readily available than the 8mm
Survivor Dan,J&G is great! Bought my first gun there on my 18th B-Day,S&W Model 19 357.Still have ‘er today.My family spent 5+ years in the area,Prescott,then Chino Valley.Brings back memories.Enjoy your Mauser!Be Safe my friend.
Am within 105mm M101A1 range of the Superstition Mountains as I type this………….shhhhhhh.
Got a point about the ammo availability, Jarhead.
How much do the Springfields cost? Doesn’t have to be pretty.
SD, not sure, if Cosmo sees this he may know. He could also recommend ammo what to use and what not to use. Thinking post shtf 30-06 may be more accecable than 8 mm or 7.62x54r.
auto ordnance 1911a1, extended round 10 shot mag. I am a good shot.
never had to be a good shot on the run.
and if things get to the point(shtf, teotwawki) that we need to gun people down? I would be happy to pick up whatever they no longer need.
hopefully not the other way around….
just sayin
stay safe all pack members,lurkers and to all those starting to wake up
For a CC hider , glock 26 , ruger LC 9 for new gun owners or women because of the additional safety features if they are going to keep it in their purse . Both are popular , both are 9mm . Point is that I think we can all agree on is …………….. be armed with a chance vs. be a victim unarmed .
Amen to that T.R.
There is one more factor to be considered. If we had TEOTWAWKI, it is likely that most of the 9mm ammo stored by the military would be FMJ, and less effective than JHP. Just something to think about long term, and more reason to store plenty of JHP for the 9mm.
excellent point!
Valid point, but you also have to consider that if it’s there and you need it, are you going to turn your nose up and leave it because it isn’t what you prefer?
No, what I’m saying is that you will have a less effective round when you have the FMJ, and you had better plan accordingly. I can’t see anywhere in my comment where I suggested leaving anything. Heck, I wouldn’t leave pellets, or BBs for that matter.
Excellent weapon choice M.D. From 2001 until late 2011 (now retired) I carried the Glock 19 as my service weapon for the local sheriff’s department and as my off duty weapon of choice.
As you mentioned, it is not my weapon of choice for the wilderness. I just got back from a week in bear country and carried a Ruger Blackhawk in 45 LC and occasioanlly an 1895 guide gun in 45-70 (Hey! Bears make me nervous) .
For duty and everyday carry, I almost switched to the 23 (40 cal – fits all the same holsters) but preferred my better accuracy with rapid fire using the Glock 19. Shot placement is indeed my first priority.
The only problem I ever had with the G19 was when I changed out the recoil spring assembly for an after market one with a steel guide rod.
Jammed up. Got yelled at by my gunsmith buddy. He also says the plug defeats the designer’s purpose of letting grunge and such fall out there. Seems to me that would take a lot of shooting to gunk up the works so maybe that’s inaccurate. Never had a stove pipe or Class III malfunction (double feed).
Took a 3 hr Glock armorers course to learn how to diagnose and service the weapon from top to bottom. Worth the effort. It’s such a simple design. Easy to work on.
Like the choice of the Corbon load. But, I still have the department’s approved 124 gr Gold Speer rounds as it is more defensible in court for me in the event of a serious social encounter terminated by gunfire.
The ‘lowly’ 9mm has a bad rep. Most modern rounds make the old FBI ballistic study – old news. The myriad of hot loads available coupled with the will to use deadly force (when unavoidable) and accurate shot placement make the 9mm a formidable ‘social’ round.
Hi SurvivorDan,
Don’t talk to me about bears!
Awhile back at the range I was sighting in my new Ruger Mini-14 and lo and behold a 400 + lbs Mama bear and her cub came waltzing out of the bush straight towards me.
I like bears and don’t want to hurt them but I also know that cubs can make mama bears pretty dangerous. Adrenaline kicked in at 20yrds. I learned a very important lesson that day as I tried to load my empty magazine.
It’s just amazing how quickly fear will screw up your eye-hand co-ordination. She was now only 15 yrds and closing and out of ten rounds only four found their way into the mag. Six were lying in the dirt covered in my sweat. That was fine enough for me to G.O.O.D.
I Kept walking backwards to towards my far off car never taking my eyes off her just in case she decided to charge. She had closed to within 10 yrds of me when I decided that the car was too far away. I had to stand my ground and I lifted my rifle to shoulder, took aim and held my breath.
She stopped, stood up and sniffed the air with a grunt. I guess she decided that I didn’t smell all that good from all the sweat, then turned around with her cub and returned to the bush.
A happy ending for all.
The important lesson learned is that under stress, adrenaline can quickly mess up what you thought you could perform easily in the calm.
Good job Watchdog. You got a few rounds in and retreated. Your restraint and strategic retreat saved mama bear. Proud of you. Sometimes fear gets the better of folks and they shoot the bear or the person when it wasn’t necessary. Good for you.
Now……. when I am not on a cold range (unsupervised range or just out in the bush shooting) I always keep a 12 gauge fairly handy and my Ruger BlackHawk very handy (on my person in a holster). I’ll bet you do too since that experience!
Had an ugly experience with some punks when shooting in the bush with my then girlfriend back in 1980. Always had a loaded safety gun at hand. Lucky thing. Point being that you are more likely to run into idiot people than a bear. Be ready for either.
Good review MD. One thing’s for certain, the topic was sure to generate a few comments.
I’ve had a 19 for many years and love the gun. Easiest weapon to field strip and clean I’ve ever owned short of a single barrel 12 ga. Only complaints I have is that it’s a little bulky to carry concealed, and the lack of a safety (I know…I know…) makes me a little hesitant to shove it down my shorts sometimes. I’ve recently purchased a Ruger LC9 for that purpose, but would never give up my Glock. By the way, I highly recommend the Hornady Critical Defense rounds for self defense.
Be particular.. R
No doubt the debate about caliber goes on, ad nasium. I work in the business and can tell you it’s all about what you can effectively hit with quickly (recovery time), save one idea. The 9mm thru .45 will all do the job, and I’m not willing to let you shoot me with either. Ammo is generally available for both in bulk. Just a thought…. your wife, husband, child, grandmother…. may need to use the weapon in your stead so don’t be quick to dismiss the smaller rounds. I am a die-hard 1911 guy but my young son can hit much better with my Glock 9mm, so can my wife. It’s really much more about practice than power. IMHO
Very good point , you cant be everywhere at the same time .
Good Job MD. It’s a tough business writing about your favorite gun. I have been blessed to have every gun mentioned here and some others and everybody is right. They are all good. Well that Taurus 66 I got new in 93 had a lot of splatter but I traded it for a S&W 586 and no more problems. I carry on duty a Springfield 1911 A1, my back up is a Walther PPS in 40 also my favorite for CCW. My never leave home with out it all around is my Glock 17. Buffalo Bore JHPs in it. Spare mags are cheep and hold 17 and I have some that hold 33. I love my Ruger P89 and P90′s but they are big as bricks. Yet they are never fail guns. When wearing a shoulder holster I like my Glock 30. So yes we are all right but you have given us a great endorsement of the Glock 19 and I say thank you.
Caoimhin, you are right about the Ruger P series, I own a P 90 and though about selling it but have held off for now. It served as exposed carry and concealed carry under a loose fitting jacket as well as countless hiking trips in bear country. My primary is now the Glock 21
Nothing wrong with Glocks or 9mm, if that’s your bag. I sure as hell wouldn’t want to get shot with one. And if it isn’t, then find something else. I lean towards wheelguns and M1911s, but if a Glock came may way at a good price, I’d probably snap it up. At worst, it’s another reliable self-defense tool in the collection.
I agree that the glock 19 is an excellent choice for most in a SHTF situation. I have a few, never a failure, light, balanced, easy to point and shoot, ammo is plentiful and low recoil. I also have a 17 and 26, the larger cap mags also work in the others, the 17 mags work in the 19 and 26 and so forth. Lets not forget that the 33 rounder will work in any of the 3 too. You can even get a keltec sub 2000 that takes the same mags. Not many other makes offer that much flexibility if any at all. This is why its my platform for a SHTF situation.
T
I like Glocks, they are very reliable. Ugly but reliable. I wouldn’t trade my G21 (45acp) for anything else on market, it eats up any ammunition I feed it.
Been thinking on a Glock 9mm though – thanks for the review.
My wife and I started gathering Glocks for their commonality. When I first got into shooting I liked variety. After coming to the realization that our way of life might not continue unimpeded as it has, we decided since my wife and I both shot her Glock well, and since there is commonality between magazines, that we’d trade in a few of the extraneous pistols and replace them with Glocks – Now have 2 19s and a 26 and lots of extra mags that will fit in any of them. Love all three of them – they just always function well, even our gen 4 G19 that many have had problems with.
The topics that will always start an argument:
Religion, politics, and what is the best round in a handgun!
The statement of “What would you rather be shot with,. a 9mm or a .45″/,… hands down the most stupid statement I ever someone make! For me,. that answer is simple! Neither one Dumbass!! I wouldn’t get in line to take a shot from a .177 I own calibers from .22 to 12 gauge with a wide variety in between. I train! I train in all. My family trains in all. If my wife goes up against a .45 in the hands of a person with minimal or no training, and she has .22,.. I’ll put money on her every time. If you have not been trained in defense and offense,. you will be putting your life in the lap of luck. Combat ( no Luke,.. not the military version you know ) in the sense of survival is is exactly that. It requires the ability to adapt, identify the threat and then engage the threat. After the threat is engaged, the threat MUST be put away. It is already a very tense, uncertain and a rapidly evolving situation. Luck will always favor those prepared and ready to act.
When the S has HTF,.. if you stand next to me with a .22 and I have whatever,,.. brother / sister,.. we’re fighting side by side! If I have the .22 or the 9mm and you want to pontificate to me how poorly equipped I am compared to your massive high grain ( extension of your pecker ) round,… I may now see you has a possible bully and thus might be a threat to me later as you obviously see me as a weaker opponent. One quick pull of my insignificant, underpowered, inconsequential pea-shooter and I now have equipped myself much better! The moral of the story is,.. shut your cake hole.
Duster well said! I’ve always said talking guns is as touchy as religion and politics.
When people knock the 22lr I ask them if I can shoot them at 100 yards and so far no takers. Like you said with the .177/.22 pelet haven’t meant anyone that want to be shot by my RWS or my slingshot for that matter.
Makes perfectly good sense to me. :-)
When I sit down to eat, I want gravy on my potatoes and meat as well. I drink my coffee black and hot but my brother says it’s too strong for him so put in some cream and sugar. When it’s raining, I don’t mind getting wet if it’s warm, but like a rainsuit if it’s cold, and my hat sheds water ‘cuz it’s waxed. Really, wood heat is better for you and heats you three times at least even before you burn it, but my mother says she likes gas heat and one of my brother-in-laws prefers electric with wood backup. I’ll drive anything but my Honey says it’d better be marked Toyota if I expect her to drive it.
Get the idea? One person’s GLock is another man’s Colt, or something silly like that. When Glock came out with their first plastic gun, I said I’d never own one. I still don’t: I own an SA/XD instead. But if I’d been thinkin’ at the time, I might’a bought a Glock: they don’t have that damn grip safety. But, nooo, I hadda have that ‘cuz it’s what the Colt has and… dead is dead and no one dead has ever complained ‘cuz they were shot with a wimpy round.
Great article and if I go back to the 9mm it will most certainly be a Glock 17 or 19. All the knocking of the 9mm if left to that or an empty hand, no one would turn it away. I’ve put down targets with a 9mm and didn’t count shots. It know it put them down (sorry I didn’t keep track of number of rounds) and remember while people say the 308 over the 223 it as this way with 30-06 over 308. Through history there is evedence of warriors being hit multiple times by the older heavier rounds and not dropping, nothing new. I seen friends in school days killed by a 22 or 25 while I survived a large caliber hit in the knee and friends survive 7.62 rounds and others killed by a graze to a vital area. There are many factors besides ballistics as we know it.
I’m a 45 man but would feel 100% comfortable with a G19. I carried a Smith and Wesson 908 single stack 8 shot 9mm and never felt outgunned or under armed on details. Like someone mentioned their wife with a 22 versus someone with a 45, I agree. If all I had was my Ruger Mk II I would feel just as comfortable knowing I could shoot tighter groups in half of the time a 9mm or 45.
May I add one more thing?,… All this chatter about the effect of a small caliber “round” not dong the job,… I certainly hope that everyone here who is taking all that MD is collectively offering is doing their best to train in firearms proficiency. In that,.. you should have the understanding that you never fire just one round. You shooting distance with a long gun?? sure,. One shot!! But in combat handgun,… if you are shooting less than two at a time,… you are not using the that weapon to its,. and your ability!
You should be training to get 3 shots out “riki-ticki” On target,. center mass if you can, or two center and one pumpkin is the situation allows.
In closing,.. train, train, train. There is no substitute for round down range. If you have no time and finances for rounds is an issue,.. ( most of us it is ) invest in snap caps for your caliber an dry fire train! Dry fire training is invaluable in trigger control,.. sight picture and motor skill / muscle memory. I feel a guest post application coming on!! coming on
Just a quick note on your use of a slug plug.
The hole in the back of the grip allows you to grab and rip out the mag during certain types of failures that is much harder if not impossible to do with a plug in place.
Yea the Glock does not fail very often and I think that the stars where aligned just so when the 19 was designed, just make sure you are not fighting against some of it’s good design features with your additions!
SD
:)
Nice One M.D., this is truly a good site. Very good review, If i may add my few cents please just share my mindset. I own a G26 now and I am saving for a G19. Why a G19?
1. its the “smallest” Glock that can fit in the Roni Kit, yes, I want to “carbinize” it so that I can have a mean main carry weapon in SHTF scenario, it gives me better control and fits my hands well (am small), if not making your Glock mean-looking yet can be dismantled and be back to a pistol;
2. It shares mag and ammo with my G26 (will be my back-up) so I will not worry about carrying another ammo caliber, so are mags, simplicity i heard, can save lives;
3. 9mm ammo is inexpensive here and I can have choices of FMJ and wad cutters. I add a few rounds each payday and now have a decent stock. I use my ammo to practice shoot in a FIFO basis.
4. I wasn’t into guns early on and having tried other fiends FA before finds them complicated and “scary”. It was the simplicity of Glock (no external safety switch, condition one carry that is sure not to go off, lightweight, non “macho” -intimidating look, low maintenance need, etc.) made me like it (should I say LOVE it?, ha ha).
5. There is an option (but illegal in our country now) to put a full auto switch at the rear of a Glock. We know its being used by some here (seen one LE person try it in a gun range and claims it worked well), and in a SHTF scenario, this is one option one may want to have. Since Glock is the only one that I know can be converted to full auto, I guess investing in a G19 is a good forward looking investment..well, so is the Roni Kit.
6. 9mm can get you a license for two FAs in my country, and a permit to carry firearm. High caliber FA like a 45 need some sort of a Sporting Gun Club membership…and always treated with suspect..
7. Its not really pricey here and I was amazed on my G26 out of the box reliability. I haven’t experienced any misfire or jam in my G26, after ten years plus use, on a bi-monthly basis in a firing range. Am sure the G19 will do the same.
I’ve shot a 1911 45s, have a relative in the military and had access in the range, I simply cannot handle its kick. If I will be focusing in this while shooting it out with the bad guys, am dead! So its 9mm for me and will have to practice (which I do) coz in a real SHTF, I will be depending my (and my family’s) life in it. MFCW. thanks M.D.! you’re great!
Noticed you like the Trijicon Night Sites, which are definitely cool. Are you for or against laser sights? Some gun owners don’t like them for various reasons, which I completely understand, but was just wondering what your opinion was on them. Good or bad for target shooting – for helping your aim? Love the website!
Can I throw my $.02 on this?? Lasers have a great impact on rounds on target. I know very few that will argue the function of Lasers under stress. In low light, or dark they are a definite advantage. But I am not a fan. I own no lasers and never will! The greatest bad side affect of lasers (IMHO) is the loss of basic sighting and target acquisition. Like some many other things, if you have something that allows to bypass a basic skill ( subconscious level ),. that basic skill deteriorates. If you are “extremely” proficient with its use (meaning the discipline in using lasers ) and combat employment, you can get on target fast! That being said,…. In a scenario of home invasion, if you are excited, ramped up and you touch off the laser in the dark house without knowing exactly where your opponent is,… the laser can quickly alert the perp that 1. you are up and aware that someone is in the house, 2,. you’re armed,..3. he now knows exactly where you are!! (Remember that red dot leads directly back to you! ) Most untrained combatants with lasers will hold the gun in front as they move. Tripping it off early?? Where is the switch that sends the laser???? In the grip! What happens when you are pumping with adrenaline?? You muscles tighten! Oops!! You are alerting the opponent exactly where to shoot. You would be surprised how much airborne lint, dust, whatever is floating in your house at anytime. So for me,. I have no desire to have a laser. To me,. they are the tool of the “tacti-cool” mall ninja tribes! But that is not to say that they do not have a purpose. To someone that is “handicapped” with either sight, or physical abilities that prevent constant training with low light shooting with open sights and “point and shoot” technique. It may be required. But if you are capable,.. I would advise everyone to train in your home,. at night, lights out to get accustomed to the areas that you can see and how to address your sights in such conditions! Training in your home should be a huge part of you prepping! Basic sight training is crucial! Another Oops,.. last time you put it in the drawer, lacker, cabinet,. the button or switch got activated, battery is dead! No what,. you must revert to basic skills! If you have become dependent on the laser,.. it could be life or death in your ability to adapt.