Posted: 9/17/2013 10:38:35 AM EDT
| Looking to purchase my first handgun and would like some advice. The handgun would be primarily a home defense weapon used to get me to safely to my H-308. Although used in a home defense mode, I'd like it to be small and light enough to carry concealed yet in a caliber that will stop and drop bad guys as quickly and efficiently as possible. Any recommendations are appreciated as long as they are backed up with actual experience and not just anecdotal opinion. |
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Glock19gen4.......... nothing else needs to be said, meets and exceeds all your requirements!
Affordable Reliable Concealable (but also an all around excellent firearm) Capacity (ability to accept larger capacity magazines 17/33rnd) Rails (lights/lasers for HD) 9mm is cheap (and generally readily available) 9mm defensive ammo is just as good as any other caliber Practice and training will make you competent and effective with the weapon, far more important than caliber considerations. So what are you waiting for? ~g |
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Glock19gen4.......... nothing else needs to be said, meets and exceeds all your requirements! Affordable Reliable Concealable (but also an all around excellent firearm) Capacity (ability to accept larger capacity magazines 17/33rnd) Rails (lights/lasers for HD) 9mm is cheap (and generally readily available) 9mm defensive ammo is just as good as any other caliber Practice and training will make you competent and effective with the weapon, far more important than caliber considerations. So what are you waiting for? Sage advice regarding competency with a platform rather than caliber. Won't do me any good to have a .40 S&W or .357 Sig if I can't hit shit with it! Thanks for your input! ~g |
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Glock19gen4.......... nothing else needs to be said, meets and exceeds all your requirements! Affordable Reliable Concealable (but also an all around excellent firearm) Capacity (ability to accept larger capacity magazines 17/33rnd) Rails (lights/lasers for HD) 9mm is cheap (and generally readily available) 9mm defensive ammo is just as good as any other caliber Practice and training will make you competent and effective with the weapon, far more important than caliber considerations. So what are you waiting for? Sage advice regarding competency with a platform rather than caliber. Won't do me any good to have a .40 S&W or .357 Sig if I can't hit shit with it! Thanks for your input! ~g |
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Glock19gen4.......... nothing else needs to be said, meets and exceeds all your requirements! Affordable Reliable Concealable (but also an all around excellent firearm) Capacity (ability to accept larger capacity magazines 17/33rnd) Rails (lights/lasers for HD) 9mm is cheap (and generally readily available) 9mm defensive ammo is just as good as any other caliber Practice and training will make you competent and effective with the weapon, far more important than caliber considerations. So what are you waiting for? He nailed it. When comparing guns of similar capacity, The Glock 19 also comes out as one of the lighter guns in its class -- A big plus when you carry. You can't go wrong with a G19. The Gen4 Glocks are the best generation yet IMO. |
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Glock19gen4.......... nothing else needs to be said, meets and exceeds all your requirements! Affordable Reliable Concealable (but also an all around excellent firearm) Capacity (ability to accept larger capacity magazines 17/33rnd) Rails (lights/lasers for HD) 9mm is cheap (and generally readily available) 9mm defensive ammo is just as good as any other caliber Practice and training will make you competent and effective with the weapon, far more important than caliber considerations. So what are you waiting for? ~g /thread |
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I appreciate the input from all. I decided to go with the Gen 4 G19. My local LGS had one in stock so I went over and handled one. You guys were spot on. It's a very nice handgun. I walked out with in less than half an hour. Also got a Fobus GL2 holster. Not sure if I like the holster or not. Maybe just takes a little time to get used to it.
Ok, another NOOB question - I have an RMR mounted atop an ACOG on my .308 variant, but it's not very practical in that position and I am considering mounting the RMR to my Glock. Do I have to have the slide milled to install it, or are there any aftermarket mounts available that don't require milling? Also, would I need to switch out any internals due to the additional weight of the RMR on the slide? Any info much appreciated! |
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Quoted: I appreciate the input from all. I decided to go with the Gen 4 G19. My local LGS had one in stock so I went over and handled one. You guys were spot on. It's a very nice handgun. I walked out with in less than half an hour. Also got a Fobus GL2 holster. Not sure if I like the holster or not. Maybe just takes a little time to get used to it. Ok, another NOOB question - I have an RMR mounted atop an ACOG on my .308 variant, but it's not very practical in that position and I am considering mounting the RMR to my Glock. Do I have to have the slide milled to install it, or are there any aftermarket mounts available that don't require milling? Also, would I need to switch out any internals due to the additional weight of the RMR on the slide? Any info much appreciated! As for the rmr you can buy and attachment from Larue that replaces your rear sight, but not sure it works with rmr. I" ll check. ETA: Looks like the LArue mount only works with an Aimpoint micro. Sorry, but there should be one for an RMR as well. ETA2: Found one for the RMR which is made by Trijicon. The mount will raise the red dot a lil higher vs milling your slide, but people seem to be okay with that. I would probably get the slide milled so you can keep your rear sight. |
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I appreciate the input from all. I decided to go with the Gen 4 G19. My local LGS had one in stock so I went over and handled one. You guys were spot on. It's a very nice handgun. I walked out with in less than half an hour. Also got a Fobus GL2 holster. Not sure if I like the holster or not. Maybe just takes a little time to get used to it. Ok, another NOOB question - I have an RMR mounted atop an ACOG on my .308 variant, but it's not very practical in that position and I am considering mounting the RMR to my Glock. Do I have to have the slide milled to install it, or are there any aftermarket mounts available that don't require milling? Also, would I need to switch out any internals due to the additional weight of the RMR on the slide? Any info much appreciated! Good choice of gun... Unbiased G19 Gen 3 owner.. |
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Nice. Just leave the factory lube on the gun till it goes away by itself, and have fun shooting it. As for the rmr you can buy and attachment from Larue that replaces your rear sight, but not sure it works with rmr. I" ll check. ETA: Looks like the LArue mount only works with an Aimpoint micro. Sorry, but there should be one for an RMR as well. ETA2: Found one for the RMR which is made by Trijicon. http://www.trijicon.com/na_en/products/product3.php?pid=RM44 The mount will raise the red dot a lil higher vs milling your slide, but people seem to be okay with that. I would probably get the slide milled so you can keep your rear sight. Quoted:
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I appreciate the input from all. I decided to go with the Gen 4 G19. My local LGS had one in stock so I went over and handled one. You guys were spot on. It's a very nice handgun. I walked out with in less than half an hour. Also got a Fobus GL2 holster. Not sure if I like the holster or not. Maybe just takes a little time to get used to it. Ok, another NOOB question - I have an RMR mounted atop an ACOG on my .308 variant, but it's not very practical in that position and I am considering mounting the RMR to my Glock. Do I have to have the slide milled to install it, or are there any aftermarket mounts available that don't require milling? Also, would I need to switch out any internals due to the additional weight of the RMR on the slide? Any info much appreciated! As for the rmr you can buy and attachment from Larue that replaces your rear sight, but not sure it works with rmr. I" ll check. ETA: Looks like the LArue mount only works with an Aimpoint micro. Sorry, but there should be one for an RMR as well. ETA2: Found one for the RMR which is made by Trijicon. http://www.trijicon.com/na_en/products/product3.php?pid=RM44 The mount will raise the red dot a lil higher vs milling your slide, but people seem to be okay with that. I would probably get the slide milled so you can keep your rear sight. Thanks for the link jukeboxx13! Yeah, it looks like you have to remove the rear sight with the Trijicon mount and I'd rather keep them in case the batteries or the RMR take a dump at an inopportune time. I did find a local place that will mill it for $250. They are called One Source Tactical in Prescott, AZ. Anyone eles use these guys before and/or does the price sound right? |
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Quoted: Thanks for the link jukeboxx13! Yeah, it looks like you have to remove the rear sight with the Trijicon mount and I'd rather keep them in case the batteries or the RMR take a dump at an inopportune time. I did find a local place that will mill it for $250. They are called One Source Tactical in Prescott, AZ. Anyone eles use these guys before and/or does the price sound right? Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: I appreciate the input from all. I decided to go with the Gen 4 G19. My local LGS had one in stock so I went over and handled one. You guys were spot on. It's a very nice handgun. I walked out with in less than half an hour. Also got a Fobus GL2 holster. Not sure if I like the holster or not. Maybe just takes a little time to get used to it. Ok, another NOOB question - I have an RMR mounted atop an ACOG on my .308 variant, but it's not very practical in that position and I am considering mounting the RMR to my Glock. Do I have to have the slide milled to install it, or are there any aftermarket mounts available that don't require milling? Also, would I need to switch out any internals due to the additional weight of the RMR on the slide? Any info much appreciated! As for the rmr you can buy and attachment from Larue that replaces your rear sight, but not sure it works with rmr. I" ll check. ETA: Looks like the LArue mount only works with an Aimpoint micro. Sorry, but there should be one for an RMR as well. ETA2: Found one for the RMR which is made by Trijicon. http://www.trijicon.com/na_en/products/product3.php?pid=RM44 The mount will raise the red dot a lil higher vs milling your slide, but people seem to be okay with that. I would probably get the slide milled so you can keep your rear sight. Thanks for the link jukeboxx13! Yeah, it looks like you have to remove the rear sight with the Trijicon mount and I'd rather keep them in case the batteries or the RMR take a dump at an inopportune time. I did find a local place that will mill it for $250. They are called One Source Tactical in Prescott, AZ. Anyone eles use these guys before and/or does the price sound right? Sounds a lil high on the price so you could shop around and find something cheaper possibly. Here you go for 160$, and it looks like Costa uses them if that means anything to you. I would just go with One source since it is a complete package. ETA: Looks like One Source comes with suppressor sights which is why it cost more, and for ATEI you have to pay extra for suppressor sights. |
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Never herd of them sorry. Sounds a lil high on the price so you could shop around and find something cheaper possibly. Here you go for 160$, and it looks like Costa uses them if that means anything to you. I would just go with One source since it is a complete package. http://ateiguns.com/order/ ETA: Looks like One Source comes with suppressor sights which is why it cost more, and for ATEI you have to pay extra for suppressor sights. Quoted:
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I appreciate the input from all. I decided to go with the Gen 4 G19. My local LGS had one in stock so I went over and handled one. You guys were spot on. It's a very nice handgun. I walked out with in less than half an hour. Also got a Fobus GL2 holster. Not sure if I like the holster or not. Maybe just takes a little time to get used to it. Ok, another NOOB question - I have an RMR mounted atop an ACOG on my .308 variant, but it's not very practical in that position and I am considering mounting the RMR to my Glock. Do I have to have the slide milled to install it, or are there any aftermarket mounts available that don't require milling? Also, would I need to switch out any internals due to the additional weight of the RMR on the slide? Any info much appreciated! As for the rmr you can buy and attachment from Larue that replaces your rear sight, but not sure it works with rmr. I" ll check. ETA: Looks like the LArue mount only works with an Aimpoint micro. Sorry, but there should be one for an RMR as well. ETA2: Found one for the RMR which is made by Trijicon. http://www.trijicon.com/na_en/products/product3.php?pid=RM44 The mount will raise the red dot a lil higher vs milling your slide, but people seem to be okay with that. I would probably get the slide milled so you can keep your rear sight. Thanks for the link jukeboxx13! Yeah, it looks like you have to remove the rear sight with the Trijicon mount and I'd rather keep them in case the batteries or the RMR take a dump at an inopportune time. I did find a local place that will mill it for $250. They are called One Source Tactical in Prescott, AZ. Anyone eles use these guys before and/or does the price sound right? Sounds a lil high on the price so you could shop around and find something cheaper possibly. Here you go for 160$, and it looks like Costa uses them if that means anything to you. I would just go with One source since it is a complete package. http://ateiguns.com/order/ ETA: Looks like One Source comes with suppressor sights which is why it cost more, and for ATEI you have to pay extra for suppressor sights. Looks like a trip to One Source is next on the list. Thanks again for the info! |
| Just to throw this out there, I've heard reports of guys that have slide mounted optics saying it has slowed down their short range shooting and has only helped ~25 yards and out. I don't know anything other than that, no personal experience at all. Just something for you to ask around about. |
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Glock19gen4.......... nothing else needs to be said, meets and exceeds all your requirements! Affordable Reliable Concealable (but also an all around excellent firearm) Capacity (ability to accept larger capacity magazines 17/33rnd) Rails (lights/lasers for HD) 9mm is cheap (and generally readily available) 9mm defensive ammo is just as good as any other caliber Practice and training will make you competent and effective with the weapon, far more important than caliber considerations. So what are you waiting for? ~g I miss DanTSX's analysis of the G19, he would agree with your statement |
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Quoted: Just to throw this out there, I've heard reports of guys that have slide mounted optics saying it has slowed down their short range shooting and has only helped ~25 yards and out. I don't know anything other than that, no personal experience at all. Just something for you to ask around about. |
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Just to throw this out there, I've heard reports of guys that have slide mounted optics saying it has slowed down their short range shooting and has only helped ~25 yards and out. I don't know anything other than that, no personal experience at all. Just something for you to ask around about. The people who say that also say it's a training issue and with time you should be able to overcome it. When you draw, look for the iron sights like you normally would, and the dot should land right on top of them. I've been reading up on these setups a lot. Once I sell my motorcycle I think a RMR'ed G17 will be on the way to ease my suffering from selling the bike. 
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The people who say that also say it's a training issue and with time you should be able to overcome it. When you draw, look for the iron sights like you normally would, and the dot should land right on top of them. I've been reading up on these setups a lot. Once I sell my motorcycle I think a RMR'ed G17 will be on the way to ease my suffering from selling the bike. Quoted:
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Just to throw this out there, I've heard reports of guys that have slide mounted optics saying it has slowed down their short range shooting and has only helped ~25 yards and out. I don't know anything other than that, no personal experience at all. Just something for you to ask around about. The people who say that also say it's a training issue and with time you should be able to overcome it. When you draw, look for the iron sights like you normally would, and the dot should land right on top of them. I've been reading up on these setups a lot. Once I sell my motorcycle I think a RMR'ed G17 will be on the way to ease my suffering from selling the bike. I'm interested to find out why some shooters are slower with red dots at shorter ranges. It was my understanding the big benefit to red dots, rather than iron sights for carbines or handguns was that you didn't need to line up the front and rear sights - you just have to find the dot. In any event, I am getting my new G19 milled so I can retain sights in the event the RMR takes a dump. Any recommendations on a home defense light I can mount underneath and an IWB holster? I really don't like the OWB Fobus I picked up. I've heard some really good things about the clipless Remora. Would the Remora fit a G19 with a decent light and an RMR? |
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I'm interested to find out why some shooters are slower with red dots at shorter ranges. It was my understanding the big benefit to red dots, rather than iron sights for carbines or handguns was that you didn't need to line up the front and rear sights - you just have to find the dot. In any event, I am getting my new G19 milled so I can retain sights in the event the RMR takes a dump. Any recommendations on a home defense light I can mount underneath and an IWB holster? I really don't like the OWB Fobus I picked up. I've heard some really good things about the clipless Remora. Would the Remora fit a G19 with a decent light and an RMR? It's harder to find the dot than it is to find the sights. On a carbine you have your shoulder, cheek, and hands all touching the rifle to help align it with your eye. With the handgun, you have to press it forward with everything lined up almost perfectly in order for the dot to be where it is supposed to be. A lot of people say they use the RMR as a "ghost ring" from 7 yards in - not the most precise, but supposedly good enough for solid COM hits. |
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It's harder to find the dot than it is to find the sights. On a carbine you have your shoulder, cheek, and hands all touching the rifle to help align it with your eye. With the handgun, you have to press it forward with everything lined up almost perfectly in order for the dot to be where it is supposed to be. A lot of people say they use the RMR as a "ghost ring" from 7 yards in - not the most precise, but supposedly good enough for solid COM hits. Quoted:
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I'm interested to find out why some shooters are slower with red dots at shorter ranges. It was my understanding the big benefit to red dots, rather than iron sights for carbines or handguns was that you didn't need to line up the front and rear sights - you just have to find the dot. In any event, I am getting my new G19 milled so I can retain sights in the event the RMR takes a dump. Any recommendations on a home defense light I can mount underneath and an IWB holster? I really don't like the OWB Fobus I picked up. I've heard some really good things about the clipless Remora. Would the Remora fit a G19 with a decent light and an RMR? It's harder to find the dot than it is to find the sights. On a carbine you have your shoulder, cheek, and hands all touching the rifle to help align it with your eye. With the handgun, you have to press it forward with everything lined up almost perfectly in order for the dot to be where it is supposed to be. A lot of people say they use the RMR as a "ghost ring" from 7 yards in - not the most precise, but supposedly good enough for solid COM hits. Interesting observation and comports with my experience using the RMR piggybacked on top of an ACOG mounted to an AR .308 variant. Without a proper cheek weld, I find it diffuclut to locate the dot. Maybe I will just hold off on milling the slide and re-mount the RMR on my AR using a 45 offset. At least that way I can maintain most of the cheek weld. Anythoughts on a HD light? Streamlight? IWB holster? Remora? I've done a little research, but like to hear what other people have to say and their experience with particular products. |
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I miss DanTSX's analysis of the G19, he would agree with your statement Quoted:
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Glock19gen4.......... nothing else needs to be said, meets and exceeds all your requirements! Affordable Reliable Concealable (but also an all around excellent firearm) Capacity (ability to accept larger capacity magazines 17/33rnd) Rails (lights/lasers for HD) 9mm is cheap (and generally readily available) 9mm defensive ammo is just as good as any other caliber Practice and training will make you competent and effective with the weapon, far more important than caliber considerations. So what are you waiting for? ~g I miss DanTSX's analysis of the G19, he would agree with your statement Why thank you sir! DanTSX has been spending time on a local CT forum that I (along with others from arf.com) moderate. Still pushing buttons and representing Glocks as if he was on the payroll! ~g |
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Interesting observation and comports with my experience using the RMR piggybacked on top of an ACOG mounted to an AR .308 variant. Without a proper cheek weld, I find it diffuclut to locate the dot. Maybe I will just hold off on milling the slide and re-mount the RMR on my AR using a 45 offset. At least that way I can maintain most of the cheek weld. Anythoughts on a HD light? Streamlight? IWB holster? Remora? I've done a little research, but like to hear what other people have to say and their experience with particular products. I use a TLR-1, but I'm intrigued by the Inforce APL. Smaller and thinner should be nice for concealed carry, and I like the switch on it, too. Lately I carry my G19 mostly in the appendix position using a G Code INCOG (no light). I also use a Comp Tac MTAC from time to time (also with no light). I carry a J frame in a Remora a little, and I would prefer something more rigid for a G19, especially with a light mounted (I'm not even sure Remora makes a holster for use with a light?). Comp Tac CTAC or a Raven Phantom with IWB loops would be my choice for carrying with a light. Cory from "Range Time" (cory07ink on youtube) carries his in the appendix position with a light, and I think he uses a Bravo Concealment holster. |
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The people who say that also say it's a training issue and with time you should be able to overcome it. When you draw, look for the iron sights like you normally would, and the dot should land right on top of them. I've been reading up on these setups a lot. Once I sell my motorcycle I think a RMR'ed G17 will be on the way to ease my suffering from selling the bike. Quoted:
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Just to throw this out there, I've heard reports of guys that have slide mounted optics saying it has slowed down their short range shooting and has only helped ~25 yards and out. I don't know anything other than that, no personal experience at all. Just something for you to ask around about. The people who say that also say it's a training issue and with time you should be able to overcome it. When you draw, look for the iron sights like you normally would, and the dot should land right on top of them. I've been reading up on these setups a lot. Once I sell my motorcycle I think a RMR'ed G17 will be on the way to ease my suffering from selling the bike. The most in-depth article I read was from a guy that had several thousand rounds down range using a RMR'd Glock. He said his times were getting closer to being the same but that he was still slightly faster with irons up close. Outside 25 yards he said the RMR was still outstanding. First shot times were all I was really evaluating so it may speed once you have the dot acquired. Quoted:
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I'm interested to find out why some shooters are slower with red dots at shorter ranges. It was my understanding the big benefit to red dots, rather than iron sights for carbines or handguns was that you didn't need to line up the front and rear sights - you just have to find the dot. In any event, I am getting my new G19 milled so I can retain sights in the event the RMR takes a dump. Any recommendations on a home defense light I can mount underneath and an IWB holster? I really don't like the OWB Fobus I picked up. I've heard some really good things about the clipless Remora. Would the Remora fit a G19 with a decent light and an RMR? It's harder to find the dot than it is to find the sights. On a carbine you have your shoulder, cheek, and hands all touching the rifle to help align it with your eye. With the handgun, you have to press it forward with everything lined up almost perfectly in order for the dot to be where it is supposed to be. A lot of people say they use the RMR as a "ghost ring" from 7 yards in - not the most precise, but supposedly good enough for solid COM hits. This is exactly what the author said and it makes sense to me. My H-1 is slightly annoying when I shoot my AR from really weird positions as it takes just a split second to get set when I don't have any anchor points that I'm used to. I can see how that would translate to a similar situation for a handgun, much less when the optic is mounted so far away from your eye. I can't help you on the IWB holster as I only use OWB right now. I have a Raven Phantom LC that I use with an X300 and really like it. I've looked at getting an IWB holster but my Phantom with pancake wings (not on the LC holster, they made stick out so bad it printed terribly on me. Standard loops on the LC) sits so close I'm not sure how much it could help. I really don't see it making any difference other than hiding the bottom of the holster. |