Ready to buy my first Glock, but have questions

[krod47nw]

I have it narrowed down to 2 calibers and 4 models, but can't decide.  The 21 and 22 fit great in my hand , but the 23 and 30 are more concealable.  I want a gun to carry concealed, but want to be able to shoot it often and have it fit my large hand well.

My questions:
do any of you carry the 21 or 22 concealed?
If so what is your carry method?

I might as well ask this, since I am having trouble deciding:  40 S&W, or 45 ACP??

Kevin

[JeffG]

I am the Senior Weapons Instuctor for the police department I work for.  We have 22 model 23's in 40 S&W, and 2 model 22's in the same caliber.  Officers shoot between 1000 and 1500 rounds annually, and are allowed to carry their guns concealed off duty.
  Most of them don't realize the difference between the 22 and the 23 unless it's pointed out.  Most opt for the 23 for portability and concealment even when they can have a 22.  None have ever complained about a lack of shootablity, or target aquisition of the 23 on the range. The 22 turns out to be a big gun on the hip, and is a little more troublesome that a 1911 single stack in an inside the waistband holster. (My preferred carry choice)

If you are 6 foot or better, the 22 should not be a problem.  In my opinion, you want factory tritium night sights. If nothing else, it is much easier to find in a home defense scenario in the dresser drawer in the dark.  All of these are my opinions and observations, for what they are worth; good luck and good shooting. The question if caliber, might be answered by others here, the 40 is a great round, as is the 45.

[Savage]

I like both the .40 and .45. If I were going to carry one of the 4 concealed, it'd be the 23 or 30 for sure. One advantage of the 23 over the 30, is the availability of a 9mm conversion barrel for cheaper shooting when desired. For me, the 22 is right on the edge of being too big for CC, the 21 is over the line. I think the 23/19/30 is the best compromise between shootability and concealability.
Savage

[krod47nw]

Thanks for the input guys.  I went to a gun show today and bought a new model 23.

[Savage]

Good choice! Now order a 9mm conversion barrel from Lone Wolf and a few 9mm magazines from where ever you can find them. While you're at it, order an Advantage Arms .22 conversion as well. You'll be set up to shoot 9mm or .22 rimfire for cheap practice.
Savage

[JeffG]

I went to a gun show today and bought a new model 23.

Congrats on your new gun!

[WNY_Whitetailer]

Good choice...I carry a G22 on duty but there is no need to conceal when wearing a 22 that way...I carry a 23 or 27 off duty.  The 23 is nice with the 13+1 capacity...The 40 will do you great service...

[HAMMERHEAD]

Congrats.

[glanceblamm]

I am the Senior Weapons Instuctor for the police department I work for.  We have 22 model 23's in 40 S&W, and 2 model 22's in the same caliber.  Officers shoot between 1000 and 1500 rounds annually, and are allowed to carry their guns concealed off duty.
  Most of them don't realize the difference between the 22 and the 23 unless it's pointed out.  Most opt for the 23 for portability and concealment even when they can have a 22.  None have ever complained about a lack of shootablity, or target aquisition of the 23 on the range. The 22 turns out to be a big gun on the hip, and is a little more troublesome that a 1911 single stack in an inside the waistband holster. (My preferred carry choice)

If you are 6 foot or better, the 22 should not be a problem.  In my opinion, you want factory tritium night sights. If nothing else, it is much easier to find in a home defense scenario in the dresser drawer in the dark.  All of these are my opinions and observations, for what they are worth; good luck and good shooting. The question if caliber, might be answered by others here, the 40 is a great round, as is the 45.

Good choice! Now order a 9mm conversion barrel from Lone Wolf and a few 9mm magazines from where ever you can find them. While you're at it, order an Advantage Arms .22 conversion as well. You'll be set up to shoot 9mm or .22 rimfire for cheap practice.
Savage

Thanks & Thanks...if one would chose to get that .22 conversion, where does the accuracy fall? Good? Marginal?

[Savage]

Don't have a .22 conversion for my Glocks. The Ceiner I have for my 1911s is accurate and reliable.
Savage

[robert4570]

Just bought my first Glock 22 today . Always wanted at least one , kept passing them up due to buying 1911's .
Cant wait to try it tommorow.

[Jack Magnum]

I am the Senior Weapons Instuctor for the police department I work for.  We have 22 model 23's in 40 S&W, and 2 model 22's in the same caliber.  Officers shoot between 1000 and 1500 rounds annually, and are allowed to carry their guns concealed off duty.
  Most of them don't realize the difference between the 22 and the 23 unless it's pointed out.  Most opt for the 23 for portability and concealment even when they can have a 22.  None have ever complained about a lack of shootablity, or target aquisition of the 23 on the range. The 22 turns out to be a big gun on the hip, and is a little more troublesome that a 1911 single stack in an inside the waistband holster. (My preferred carry choice)

If you are 6 foot or better, the 22 should not be a problem.  In my opinion, you want factory tritium night sights. If nothing else, it is much easier to find in a home defense scenario in the dresser drawer in the dark.  All of these are my opinions and observations, for what they are worth; good luck and good shooting. The question if caliber, might be answered by others here, the 40 is a great round, as is the 45.

I have a glock 17 and only have about 200 rounds thru it in many years so I can't attest to the durability. I was thinking of trading in on a model 23 but a friend of mine says Glocks are junk compared to say a sig and I wouldn't be happy with the durability of it.Since you have alot of experience with the glocks what's your take on these guns.

[Savage]

Jack,
Anyone who says Glocks are not durable has been under a rock somewhere for the last 30 yrs. The Sig is a great gun, I really like mine, I have carried both as duty weapons. If I could only have one fighting pistol for the rest of my days, it'd be a Glock!
Savage

[Jack Magnum]

Jack,
Anyone who says Glocks are not durable has been under a rock somewhere for the last 30 yrs. The Sig is a great gun, I really like mine, I have carried both as duty weapons. If I could only have one fighting pistol for the rest of my days, it'd be a Glock!
Savage

Well, I guess that statement says it all. Thanks savage
                                                                                   Jack

[glockman55]

I carry a Glock 23, It groups very well for me. Nice size for conceal carry.

[Ak.Hiker]

I would not trade off the 17 for a 23. The Glock 17 is the most reliable gun that Glock makes. With the right ammo the 9mm will take care of the same SD situatuions that the 23 can and it holds more ammo. Dont get me wrong I think that the 23 is one of the handiest guns that Glock makes but I would hang on to the 17.

[Old Griz]

I've carried a 21 concealed for the last 14 years. Those that say you can't do it, probably haven't tried.

[Tonk]

I will only concure with what JEFFG stated about those Glock 23's & 22 models! I have a model 27 (.40 cal) which I used to carry concealed but it has given way to my Glock model 29 (10mm) and model 21-SF (45acp)

I do carry the Glock model 22 sometimes in my back jeans pocket,  around our mini-farm, it is handy for me that way in hot weather and grip sticks up above the pocket for easy access.

[Tonk]

Kevin 90% of most encounters having to use a pistol for self-defense happen at closer than 10 ft in distance! Most shots fired in a altercation on the street are less than 3 according to the FBI reports. The proper fit for your hand on that pistol is more important than weather it is easyier to conceal, at least in my humble opinion. I don't have any problem finding a way to conceal my Kimber model 1911 or my Glocks with 4.6 inch barrels.

I personally believe the 45acp is the best caliber for this kind of duty, an UP CLOSE  "Stopper Caliber" compared to the 40S&W cal. There is just something about that big 230 grain weight bullet making a big hole in what it hits, while stopping forward progress of the "perp". However, do test fire both calibers before you purchase OK. You want the make, model & caliber, YOU can shoot the most accurate and fills the best in your hand period.

You can call it smackdown power, knockdown power, kinetic energy or whatever......this caliber has one heck of a track record dating back to very early 1900's. Two World Wars and numerous other conflicts by our troops in battle have given it a thumbs up in close range battle. The Glock 21-SF with 14 round total is a good choice for me, since this pistol fits my hand to a Tee. I have run tests on most all those pistol calibers used in small revolvers and semi-autos from the .22LR up to the .44mag in wet newspaper and plywood boxes. Also used the "self-defense" loads in most of these calibers. The 40 cal or the 45 is an excellent choice for a CCW weapon or tool on the streets.

We own Colts, Kimbers, Springfield, Smith & Wesson and Sig Sauer pistols, but our CCW (carry self-defense weapons) weapons are indeed GLOCKS!!!

[Oldshooter]

I've carried a 21 concealed for the last 14 years. Those that say you can't do it, probably haven't tried.

+1 on the 21. I went to a 21 after i sold my 17. nothing wrong with a 17 just wanted to throw "bigger rocks"!

As i said in another thread, it is always at my side!

[Dee]

I too have a Glock 21, but only because I am neck deep in 45acp due to years of being in love with the 1911. I have carried the Glock 23, and 21, both concealed, and on duty as a police officer (retired) and can say that in my opinion, the 23 is one of the BEST, in every day carry both open, and concealed, and to me one of the best POINTING pistols I have ever carried bar none, and that includes the 1911s.
Were I to be starting from scratch on ammo, and equipment, it would have been the 23 hands down for me.
When enough police shooting data finally is processed thur the FBI, I believe that the 40 S&W caliber with the 180 grain jacketed hollow point, may approach the legendary 125 grains JHP 357 magnum Revolver in one shot stops for police.