Danny, I drank the Kool-Aid!

[gary newport]

Well, what can I say? I just ordered a G38 from TopGlock. I have a G30 and THREE G21s; what do I need a G38 in a non-standard .45 caliber for? Besides, I've never even held a G38, much less fired one!

I've read comments on the G38 here on GT, particularly those posted by DannyR. I've read a little in the gun press. Mostly, I've looked at the pictures. I like Glock compacts, and the G38 is an especially nice looking version, with the beveled nose and all. Who cares if the ammo is expensive and sometimes hard to find; the pistol looks cool!

Now I have to figure out what upgrades are needed. (Just kidding: as with my other Glocks, different sights, a smooth trigger, and a 3.5 connector will be about it--though I might get a couple of G37 mags for it.)

Could this be a slippery slope? A couple of weeks ago, I did hold a G37 at the range (didn't fire it 'cause the owner had no ammo), and it felt strangely...good. Strange, because I knew what the small-frame grip would feel like, and I expected it to be a bit heavier than a G17, so I knew exactly what to expect. Yet, it wasn't exactly what I expected. Well, I may have to sell my two remaining 1911s to make room in my safe.... ;P

[DannyR]

Gary,

Mine is fitted with AmeriGlo black target sights and a factory 3.5# connector, carried in a Blade-Tech OWB, straight drop, speed cut holster. I use G37 magazines in GSSF competition and carry Cor-Bon 165-gr defensive ammo.

It's a beautiful, well balanced Glock. 8+1 rounds of .45 caliber ammo plus a 10-round G37 spare magazine makes for nice carry.

[sgalbra76]

May the virus continue to spread.;f If it continues to spread, you'll see ammo prices go down.;)

[WIG19]

Originally posted by gary newport
...though I might get a couple of G37 mags for it.)

Definitely get at least one. Fits in the standard mag holder, add a 7151 & you'll have 11 spares on your hip. The 7151 definitely makes that G37 mag load easier too. ;f

FWIW, my G38 mags hold 9 without overcrunching the spring so the gun can go 10 rounds, carrying the same capability as one of them $2000 Wilson KZ's. I tried a spoonful of everything Clem chrono'd awhile back; 200gr Gold Dots make this adjustable nut behind the trigger look better than he is; 230gr Ranger-T's are pretty good too. (Different sights & Agrip, otherwise totally stock.)

Great choice - congrats! ^c

[DannyR]

Gary,

Cor-Bon makes Performance match Ammo for the .45GAP. It's 230-gr with a velocity of 750 fps. I just ordered 500 rounds yesterday.;)

www.cor-bon.com

[long shot]

Danny, are you carrying the 165gr. Pow 'R Ball load? If so, how's the recoil, flip, ect. with the G-38? What's it comparable to?

The 165gr. +P .45 ACP is pretty hot at 1225 fps/550 ft.lbs ... but the 165gr. (non +P) 45 GAP comes in at 1075 fps/424 ft.lbs..

[DannyR]

The Cor-Bon is very manageable in the G37 and G38.;)

[long shot]

Danny, I trust ya' ... except for the winking smiley at the end. j/k ;f

Is it the Pow 'R Ball you're using, and is the recoil less than say the average .40 cal defense load?

Thanks.

[DannyR]

I would say that the recoil is less than a G23 shooting Cor-Bon 135-gr JHP's.

[long shot]

Danny, I would hope the recoil is less than the 135gr. Cor-Bon's, as those and the 155gr. Gold Dots are the hottest .40 loads I've shot ... and while not abusive, I don't consider them a pleasure to shoot. In .40, I generally find the 180gr. loads (Ranger, Gold Dot, Golden Sabre) to be the most pleasant to shoot.

Thanks again.

[DannyR]

The 165's are a little snappier than the 200-gr Gold Dots, but that's OK for personal defense.

[gary newport]

On the question of defensive ammo, the final straw (after Danny had heaped on a couple of bales ;) ) in my decision to go GAP was word that Federal will be introducing an HST 230 grain in GAP!

Incidentally, I'll have to wait a while longer to try my G38. Seems the TopGlock order page timed out, so a correct order was never placed (even though they sent a confirming e-mail), so I placed the order again today.

Meanwhile, 400 rounds of WWB hardball and 100 rounds of WWB HP have arrived, so I am in the unusual position of having lots of GAP ammo and no Glock to shoot it with! :(