I have decided to get my first Glock.  I don't like the feel, but figure nothing is going to beat the reliability, maitenance free, drop-in parts of the Glock for a general SHTF pistol.

I normally carry commander size 1911.  How much less concealable do you find your Glocks than a good 1911?  I know it is only a quarter inch wider or so, but seems much more boxy and right angles tend to profile more than a dehorned 1911 I would imagine (I have no probs concealing the 1911, but wonder about the Glock - that said, I am a CCW noob and still learning the ropes, having grown up in Canada, spending 8 yrs in PRK, before getting to a "shall issue" state). Are any holsters particularly good for concealed carry (NOT open carry)?  Is IWB substantially more uncomfortable with the Glock?

Finally, I am looking at either a 19 or a 23.  Any thoughts on these versus other Glock models?  Yes, I am still looking at the 30, but figure if I am staying .45 I might as well stay 1911 (I know someone will kill me for that last part).

Thanks,

Scrum

I can tell you that I hated the feel until I shot one.  Standing in the gun store holding them and shooting them are two different animals.  Once I started shooting my G19 I was amazed at how good it felt.  Go firgure.  I use a Comp-Tac IWB holster and I think it's comfortable, even for my small frame (5'5", 135lbs).  Either the 19 or 23 will serve you well.  Try and shoot both before you buy.

I also know skinny guys that conceal 1911s quite well so maybe it's just your holster setup and an issue of clothing?

MY FIRST HANDGUN WAS A COLT COMMANDER, IN THE SERVICE I ARMORED SMALL ARMS AND THE 1911 WAS MY  SPECIALIST. WHEN I GOT OVER THE GLOCK'S UGLY SHAPE AND FINISH AND SHOT A EARLY M-19 I FOUND THE GUN A GREAT AND RELIABLE FIREARM. THE GREATEST MODEL THEY CAME OUT WITH IS THE MODEL 36. AN EXTREAMLY ACCURATE AND HIGHLY RELIABLE. I WORK IN A GUN SHOP IN CENTRAL FL AND WILL ATTEND MY 4TH AROMER'S SCHOOL FOR GLOCK.

scrum, you'll definitely want to shoot before you buy.  If you can, rent a 19, 23, 29, 30, 36...heh, I'd better stop spending your money, but you get the idea.

The 23 is great as a carry gun and probably one of the best all-around practical pistols on the planet.  It's small enough to conceal and large enough to handle easily.  It's identical to the 19 except that it has ~20% more horsepower and two rounds less capacity.  I've had two and they were both great.  The 19 is worth considering, too, as it's easier to handle and cheaper to feed.

The 29, 30, and 36 are also worth a look if you want something a little more substantial.  I'm getting pretty partial to my 29.  It's the tupperware equivalent of 11 surprisingly controllable rounds of .41 magnum and that works for me.

As for holsters, I keep an IWB that either snaps or clips on and a OWB paddle for my carry guns.  That covers pretty much everything except for swim trunks and a tank top.  Galco's my brand, but there are a LOT of good names out there these days.  Buy from the shop that will let you try on a rig to see how it feels.  You'll save yourself a box full of expensive leather that way.

Have fun shopping and let us know what you go with.

I really like my glock 27. It is much smaller for the smaller framed person. I like it because it offers the ability to use 23 mags to give you the longer grip/frame but have a shorter slide. Whatever you do I would go with the .40 if you can hit stuff with it. If you have a 1911 that you can carry stay with that. .45 ACP rules in self defense.