I would like a little Glock help.

[DalesCarpentry]

I am thinking of buying a Glock because of all the great things I hear about them here. It seems you can't hardly wear them out and at 43 years of age I figure it will be the last pistol I will need to buy. I am a contractor and work in very bad neighborhoods at times. I am going to get carry permit next week sometime. It could be the week after but it will be very soon. I want a 9MM and I hear you can not hardly wear them out in the 17 model. I really will not be carrying it on my person. It will be a truck gun that I keep in the center console. I hear there are kits that you can convert it very easy to a 22 LR. I like the idea of that because of the cost of ammo. I have not owned a hand gun in 20 years and want to do a lot of pratice shooting. The gun club I belong to has an indoor range and I can shoot all winter even if it is cold outside. So please tell me do they make that 22 converision for the model 17? Where is the best place to buy it if they do? Is there any other reason for me to pick another model other than the 17 model and why? Thanks Dale

[Savage]

The 17 is a fine gun. For carry I would prefer the 19. The shorter grip just carries a little better. Although you visualize this as a truck gun, I would think if you get a carry license, you will at some point carry it on your person. The 19 shoots as well for me as the 17, and only gives up two rounds in the mag.
Both Ceiner and Advantage Arms, make a .22 conversion for the Glocks. The AA is back ordered everywhere I've seen. The Ceiner is available in stock I believe at this time.
As you are not a pistol person, I would suggest a block of training, or at least a good safety course at your earliest convenience.
Good Luck!
Savage

[m1key]

Ditto what Savage said. The G19 is the most popular Glock model for a reason. But, you can't go wrong with either choice, IMO. Good luck...

[GRIMJIM]

I've been trying to figure out the same thing. I went with the 34. I'm not gonna carry it and only use it for target so I went with the target version. Longer barrel, lighter trigger.

I think the 17 is a fine choice though.

[Rustyinfla]

  Dale you'll be OK with either a 17 or a 19 but the 19 is a bit smaller as was stated. As for the .22 conversation, I'd take the wait and get the Advantage Arms. I've never heard anything bad about them and the one I used on a Glock 21 worked fine. The other company  has has had a lot of complaints about their customer service being sub standard when one of their units has a jaming problem and with their units it does seem to happen. I think rimfire central has a few posts on this subject.

[DalesCarpentry]

Thanks for the info guys. Dale

[mcwoodduck]

Dale,
I like the idea of a Glock but when I went ot shoot the first 17's I had problems.
1) the gun grip angle is wrong for me.  The way I hold the gun that feels comfortable for me has me aiming about a foot above the target.
2) the first 17's were lighter and recoil on the last three rounds was on par with my 44.
But they have changed things up a little.
The 19 fits me and I can shoot it.
What I do is pick some place behind the counter at the gun shop.
Put the gun in my hands at the low ready.  Close my eyes and raise the gun to the spot I picked.
When I think I am close I open my eyes.  With most guns I am looking right down the sights.  With the Glock and Luger P08 I am looking at the top of the slide.  My thinking is if I need it instinct will take over and I will shoot by reflex and I want my body to auto put that gun on target. 
The S&W Sigma guns are similar to the glock, enough that Glock sued and won.  I call my Sigma my smith and Glock.  About 80% the cost of the Glock.  But go to the shop see what they have and play with what is in your price range to see that it fits you.
Also in your budget add ammo and range time.

[federali]

Advantage Arms .22 Conversion units are generally considered the best around. Don't settle for any other.

Frankly, I have a problem with leaving guns in cars, particularly as you describe having to enter "bad" neighborhoods. All of us law abiding gun owners must do what we can to prevent lawfully owned guns from getting into the hands of criminals. Unless you have hands the size of catchers' mitts, perhaps a G26 carried on your person would be more effective and safer than a gun stored in the vehicle. Just my opinion.

If you plan to disregard my advice, then do this: mount a gun safe or sturdy lock box in the vehicle. I believe there are some made specifically for handguns. Second, by electronic and mechanical means, make it exceedingly difficult for someone to steal your vehicle. A firearms instructor in my division but in another state lost six gov't issue Remington 870s, six SIG 226s and several cases of ammo for both when the he stopped for breakfast on his way to the range to conduct firearms training. The gov't. vehicle was stolen from the diner parking lot.

[DalesCarpentry]

Advantage Arms .22 Conversion units are generally considered the best around. Don't settle for any other.

Frankly, I have a problem with leaving guns in cars, particularly as you describe having to enter "bad" neighborhoods. All of us law abiding gun owners must do what we can to prevent lawfully owned guns from getting into the hands of criminals. Unless you have hands the size of catchers' mitts, perhaps a G26 carried on your person would be more effective and safer than a gun stored in the vehicle. Just my opinion.

If you plan to disregard my advice, then do this: mount a gun safe or sturdy lock box in the vehicle. I believe there are some made specifically for handguns. Second, by electronic and mechanical means, make it exceedingly difficult for someone to steal your vehicle. A firearms instructor in my division but in another state lost six gov't issue Remington 870s, six SIG 226s and several cases of ammo for both when the he stopped for breakfast on his way to the range to conduct firearms training. The gov't. vehicle was stolen from the diner parking lot.

I have to say that you have made a very good point I never even thought of. I will give this some good thought. Thanks Dale

[Tonk]

Dale, the Glock pistols are a great weapon, especially for CCW carry. The wife and I both carry Glocks for our personal protection. They are a pistol you can bet your life on and it will go BANG everytime you pull that trigger.

Now I also own Colts in revolver and semi-auto, Smith & Wesson revolvers and Kimber model 1911's in both target and carry guns. The wife and I own 4 Sig Sauers as well and they too, are great well made pistols. However, we carry Glocks for a reason: NO Safety's to worry about, NO de-cocker's to take off prior to holstering the pistol. Also the reliability of the GLOCK is 2nd to none!

If I had to visit bad area's, I would jump up caliber to the .40cal or better yet the .45acp! Now before you say the recoil is to heavy, I will tell you NOT in a GLOCK! My wife shoots a .40 cal Smith & Wesson in the Glock 22 or the Glock 27 which is a sub-compact. Your correct, you will not wear one out until your hit 55 maybe.