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Dale
Starting Member
USA
5 Posts |
 Posted - 07/10/2010 : 21:27:32
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I’m new to this forum, so first let me say hello! After much deliberation I finally decided on a carry pistol this week and went with a Glock 23 w/stock night sights. I’ve had a slew of handguns over the past 30+ years, but was predominantly a revolver guy up until the last few years. Started with a Sig P226 in .40 caliber. Liked the caliber, but just didn’t care for the gun. Went to a large frame XD .45, which I really liked; however, it’s just too big to carry. So, I spent countless hours on-line, at local gun stores, speaking with fellow gun enthusiasts, a few law enforcement folks, and my nephew who was an MP in the Marine Corp.
When it was all said and done, my two “finalists” were the S&W M&P Compact .40 and the Glock 23; but after spending some time with each of these and doing still more research, the Glock won out. First let me say that it had nothing to do with money, as both these guns are comparably priced. I don’t have deep pockets, but I was prepared to spend considerably more if need be to find the right carry gun FOR ME. I’d also like to say that these are both sweet pieces and I don’t think one could go wrong with either.
I think it’s important to define what you’re looking for in a gun before you buy one. No one gun “does it all”, so there is always a compromise that needs to be made if you don’t have a defined purpose for the weapon you choose. That said, what I wanted was a .40 caliber gun (which is my preference as a defense round) in a compact frame for carry and range shooting. That’s it...no competition, no hunting, no show gun.
What I preferred about the Glock 23:
a) Although slightly longer (.150”) and considerably higher (.700”), it is slimmer and lighter by .74 ounces (empty). The longer length equates to a longer sight line (by .270”), which is a plus. The thinner profile I felt would provide for a more comfortable carry, and the additional height translated to a more comfortable—almost large frame like grip.
b) Mag capacity with the standard magazine...13+1 vs. 10+1. You hope you never need it, but if you do it’s there.
c) 1# less trigger pull. The Smith had a decent feel to the trigger too, but the Glock’s was noticeably lighter.
d) Both guns pointed quite naturally for me, but the Glock more than the Smith. Not sure if it’s the grip angle, longer sight line, or a combination; but, the Glock felt like more of an extension of my own arm, which I like.
e) Sights: The Glock 23 I found had factory night sights; while the Smith had standard stock sights. I know this is an easy alteration, but having it equipped the way I wanted it from the factory was a plus.
f) Grip: as noted above, it was more comfortable for me due to a slightly larger feel. I also like the finger swells (3rd generation).
g) It’s proven itself through years of use by various law enforcement agencies and the FBI as their official service pistol. That speaks volumes to me.
h) Price: although it didn’t weigh heavily in my decision, the Glock is an amazing value...possibly the best value available in its class.
Took it to the range and ran (100) 165 grain Winchester flat nose FMJ and (100) 180 grain American Eagle flat nose FMJ through it. As with any new gun, there was an acclimation period where the gun and shooter have to work it out, but once that was accomplished I was very pleased with the initial results. I shot from 7 & 14 meters, and had 5-shot groups in the 1-2” range at 7-meters and up to 3 1/2” at 14-meters with both bullet sizes. This will undoubtedly improve as I get more familiar with the gun, but what surprised me a bit was that it shot a little low with the 165 grain ammo, which I expected to worsen some with the 180 grain, but it didn’t. The sights are nearly dead on with the heavier bullet. Recoil is not much different at all, so I will probably stay with 180 grain ammo. It’s what this caliber was developed for, and in my area it is much more obtainable. Also fyi...I know it was only 200 rounds, but there were zero malfunctions or jams.
When I decided on the 23, I was contemplating a compensated barrel. But, because I was primarily interested in this as a carry gun and not a competition piece, I decided against them. I’m glad I did, as the recoil is very manageable—especially for a gun this size. The compensated barrel may have helped slightly with target acquisition on follow-up shots, but I think only minimally. Bottom line...I like this gun VERY much and I’m pleased with my decision. I have a Kramer horsehide belt scabbard coming in a month or so and I’m looking forward to wearing this pistol and developing a great relationship with it. I think it’s super important to know and appreciate the gun you carry. If you don’t like what you’re carrying...get a different one. You’ll never be happy or develop into the shooter you can be if you aren’t crazy about your carry arm. That’s why I searched for a new gun, and right now it looks like I may have found my match! Thanks for letting me ramble... |
‘Cause the flag still stands for freedom,
and they can't take that away. |
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lazyh
Super-Duper Member!
654 Posts |
Posted - 07/10/2010 : 21:30:10
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| Nice review! |
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Lowrider
New Member
USA
91 Posts |
Posted - 07/11/2010 : 04:53:18
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| Very good first post, now stop by the new members area and formally introduce yourself. Welcome to the forums and enjoy. You'll see there are alot of nice folks here that are willing to lend an opinion on just about anything. |
"You never see a motorcycle outside a therapist's office." Indian Larry |
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scrike83
Puts the cool in Coolhand
USA
2475 Posts |
Posted - 07/11/2010 : 11:03:50
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Yes we all know what a G23 looks like, but we still wanna see YOURS!!! |
Molôn Labe!!!
“All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”
~Edmund Burke~
Support Our Troops, Until They All Come Home... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-L2vpiwvPYI
01/20/2013 "The end of an Error"
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Dale
Starting Member
USA
5 Posts |
Posted - 07/11/2010 : 14:33:26
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Here you go...
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‘Cause the flag still stands for freedom,
and they can't take that away. |
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Bulldog Gun Leather
Starting Member
USA
21 Posts |
Posted - 07/11/2010 : 22:00:53
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| Congrats on getting your new Glock 23. The model 23 has been my LEO duty pistol since 1997. If I had to grab one pistol and head for the hills, it would be my model 23. |
Randy Cooley
Bulldog Custom Gun Leather
Proud Member
NRA
USPSA
NROI |
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808Shogun
Senior Member
USA
1181 Posts |
Posted - 07/13/2010 : 23:58:03
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| Congrats! |
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Goat
Starting Member
17 Posts |
Posted - 07/14/2010 : 12:11:07
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| good choice, review, and thought process |
"You may all go to hell...I am going to Texas." |
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JDJ
Senior Member
USA
1455 Posts |
Posted - 07/15/2010 : 21:41:13
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| Well Done on your new Glock. Glad to hear the good review. |
NRA Life Member
Glock 27,23OD,22RTF2,31
Ruger Super Redhawk .44
 
Suck it up princess!
Silence is golden, duct tape is silver. |
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dsims
Senior Member
USA
1175 Posts |
Posted - 07/17/2010 : 20:05:41
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Nice review. I love my G23!
Mine has the factory night sights and has been worked on by my gunsmith. Out of curiousity how far back do you have to pull your slide to reset the trigger? On mine it's less than 1/2". |
It's better to have a gun on you and not need one, than to need one and not have one on you! |
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Dale
Starting Member
USA
5 Posts |
Posted - 07/18/2010 : 19:44:17
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| Mine's about the same, as best I can tell... |
‘Cause the flag still stands for freedom,
and they can't take that away. |
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pseudo review - Glock 23
