I will be turning 21 soon and will be getting my CCW and also plan to compete in local IDPA matches and must decide on a handgun.  I have narrowed it down to either the Glock 17/19/34 OR the Glock 22/23, as you probably can tell i'm a little bit of a newbie as far as handguns are concerned and didn't too well of a job in narrowing down my selections.  

I'm just really having trouble narrowing down my choices.  I want a handgun that's FUN to shoot, something that I could be competitive with in IDPA matches, and something that I can carry.  Is 9mm or .40 better for IDPA matches?

I know that the 19 is basically just a smaller version of the 17, but what about the 34?  The Glock website says the 34 is a "competition" pistol, could someone please elaborate on this.

Also, what specifically are the differences between the 22 and 23?  Is the 23 just a smaller version of the 22?  

Does it all come down to whether I want 9mm or .40 and then I should just buy whichever Glock in that particular class is most comfortable to me?

Thanks

the 17 (9mm) and 22 (.40) are the fullsize pistols.  The 34 and 35 are the competition pistols, they have longer slides than the fullsize pistols as well as an extended slide stop and mag catches and adjustable sights.  The 19 and 23 (compact) are just smaller versions of the 17 and 22.  The fullsize guns are too big for me to conceal well but the compact (19 and 23) are perfect for me.  Do you have much experience shooting handguns.  I think the 19 is a good all around choice, plus is will be cheaper to practice with.  At least go handle all the guns and shoot them (if possible) before you buy.

I have owned a 23 and a 17 so I can speak from a little experience.

22 full size 40
23 just a little bit smaller (Police can not carry 23 as a duty weapon because of its size)

17 great gun cheaper to shoot holds more rounds but less stopping power (If you want stopping power buy a 1911)  I would recommend the 17.

If you want to get into the competition world I would again say look at getting a springfield or a kimber 1911 and go full frame.

The 34 is a full frame gun similiar to a 1911 gov in length but is a double stack.  It is very expensive and speaking from experience it is not worth the additional cost over a 17.

Don't get me wrong 34 is a great gun and longer than any other glock (except for 35) so accuracy may be heighted to the nth degree but not enough for the price difference.

17-$419
34-$700

Quoted: 34-$700

You are getting hosed at the price man.  More like $550ish

where do you shop for 34-35's the guy i buy from does not carry or order these.

for future reference

Quoted: Quoted: 34-$700 You are getting hosed at the price man.  More like $550ish

Yeah paying over 500 for any glock is BAD. mmkay?


Lots of cops here DO carry the Glock 23.  They have to use Glock 22 mags though.  9mm is a tad cheaper. But aside from what anyone says a .40 caliber hole in someone is better than a .38 caliber hole in them.  You will give up a round or 2 in going to .40

Quoted: where do you shop for 34-35's the guy i buy from does not carry or order these. for future reference

I buy guns from my local dealer because he is competitive with other retailers.  You could find those prices at many suppliers on the internet.  I am sure there are dealers on this board with prices around what I quoted.  I need to check out that guy you mentioned in the other thread if regular glocks are that cheap.

I have always wanted a 1911, but I just don't want to spend $800+ to get a Springfield Loaded which is what i'd get if I did infact buy a 1911.  I've settled on a Glock as my first handgun and down the road I do plan to buy a 1911, but not right now.

If the 34 is in anyway similar to the 1911 then i'm going to stay away from it because I DO intend on buying a 1911 much later on.  

As far as the 17 and 19 go, I guess i'll just have to shoot both and see which one feels better to me.  Both are fine for the IDPA though, right?  Same for the 22 and 23, i'll just have to shoot both and see which one I like, then decide if I ultimately want a 9mm 17/19 or a .40 22/23.

Quoted: I have always wanted a 1911, but I just don't want to spend $800+ to get a Springfield Loaded which is what i'd get if I did infact buy a 1911.  I've settled on a Glock as my first handgun and down the road I do plan to buy a 1911, but not right now. If the 34 is in anyway similar to the 1911 then i'm going to stay away from it because I DO intend on buying a 1911 much later on.   As far as the 17 and 19 go, I guess i'll just have to shoot both and see which one feels better to me.  Both are fine for the IDPA though, right?  Same for the 22 and 23, i'll just have to shoot both and see which one I like, then decide if I ultimately want a 9mm 17/19 or a .40 22/23.

loaded SA 1911s can be gotten for ~$650 online, NIB--i'll try to re-find those llinks i have saved up....

as to the glocks, i would get the G19--perfect for CCW, IDPA usable, and cheap ammo

not like a 1911...  still polymer frame but the length is similiar

1911 is an empty canvas ready to be modified.

Quoted: Quoted: I have always wanted a 1911, but I just don't want to spend $800+ to get a Springfield Loaded which is what i'd get if I did infact buy a 1911.  I've settled on a Glock as my first handgun and down the road I do plan to buy a 1911, but not right now. If the 34 is in anyway similar to the 1911 then i'm going to stay away from it because I DO intend on buying a 1911 much later on.   As far as the 17 and 19 go, I guess i'll just have to shoot both and see which one feels better to me.  Both are fine for the IDPA though, right?  Same for the 22 and 23, i'll just have to shoot both and see which one I like, then decide if I ultimately want a 9mm 17/19 or a .40 22/23. loaded SA 1911s can be gotten for ~$650 online, NIB--i'll try to re-find those llinks i have saved up.... as to the glocks, i would get the G19--perfect for CCW, IDPA usable, and cheap ammo

Thanks, I would honestly have to say that my hands are on the small side, so I think the smaller 19 would be more suitable for me.  Is the 17 too large to CCW?

What do you think about the Beretta M9 (not 92) for both CCW and IDPA?

With my brand new Bushmaster, I really am leaning towards 9mm because of the cheap ammo, i'd rather spend my ammo funds on quality ammo for my AR rather than .45 rounds for a 1911, at least for the time being.  

I think you are writing off a 1911 to quickly. If you are serious about IDPA and want to shoot alot one day you may take up reloading. Most competition shooters do. Research "Glock Kaboom" on the internet before you run our and buy a Glock .40. To reduce the kaboom risk in your Glock you can put in an after market national match barrel but that is another $200.00+. If you don't think you will ever relaod buy the Glock, they're nice pistols.

I don't think i'll ever reload, i'm just going to be entering local competitions for fun.  

9mm is better for IDPA because recoil is lower and ammo is cheaper. .40 is better for personal protection due to bigger hole and increased energy.

Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: I have always wanted a 1911, but I just don't want to spend $800+ to get a Springfield Loaded which is what i'd get if I did infact buy a 1911.  I've settled on a Glock as my first handgun and down the road I do plan to buy a 1911, but not right now. If the 34 is in anyway similar to the 1911 then i'm going to stay away from it because I DO intend on buying a 1911 much later on.   As far as the 17 and 19 go, I guess i'll just have to shoot both and see which one feels better to me.  Both are fine for the IDPA though, right?  Same for the 22 and 23, i'll just have to shoot both and see which one I like, then decide if I ultimately want a 9mm 17/19 or a .40 22/23. loaded SA 1911s can be gotten for ~$650 online, NIB--i'll try to re-find those llinks i have saved up.... as to the glocks, i would get the G19--perfect for CCW, IDPA usable, and cheap ammo Thanks, I would honestly have to say that my hands are on the small side, so I think the smaller 19 would be more suitable for me.  Is the 17 too large to CCW? What do you think about the Beretta M9 (not 92) for both CCW and IDPA? With my brand new Bushmaster, I really am leaning towards 9mm because of the cheap ammo, i'd rather spend my ammo funds on quality ammo for my AR rather than .45 rounds for a 1911, at least for the time being.

links for 1911s for good prices online (with great reputations/service):
www.ordnanceoutsellers.com/page8.htm
www.aimsurplus.com
as to glocks:
CDNN investments

the 17 to CCW (for me at least) provides no benefits over the G19; and my 17 prints a little more on the butt

Beretta for CCW--a nice and heavy biatch; trigger pull is heavy in DA, but its a nice gun to hold in the hand.....
not worth it over the lighter, glock to CCW imo

Just get the 19 and be done with it.

Shoot the living dog shit out of the thing and become proficient with it. It won't take long.

Forget the .40 Short & Weak.

9mm can be found everywhere and Glocks eat Winchester White Box 100 round value packs ($11 per 100) like Scooby Doo after smoking a fat doobie doo.

HS1