Howdy and a couple of questions...

[edthecat]

Well, after sifting through and reading perhaps hundreds of posts in this forum and the General Glocking page, I purchased a G19 about a month ago. Since then, I've taken a very basic handgun safety and shooting class, and put nearly 1500 rounds through my new baby without a single issue. Quite simply, I've had a helluva good time so far. Each trip to the range seems to make me a better shooter. However, at this rate, even with the WWB deals at Walmart, I think it's possible I'll go broke soon. :|

The rangemaster where I go, suggested I snag a .22 to practice form and to get a better handle on the fundamentals a little more cheaply. He, "conveniently," showed me a Beretta Neo they had on hand and were trying to sell for $240. I guess I'm wondering what is the general consensus of G19 shooters. Should I snag the .22 (it is a nifty and comfortable piece) and practice with it more, or continue to bite the 9mm bullet, so to speak, and keep practicing only with the 19.

Finally, I wanted to thank you all for providing perhaps the most informative Glock info available anywhere. It was and still is one of the first places I go when planted in front of any computer. Thanks much.

[GotGlock19]

Personally I would stick with the 19, I'm a firm believer in 1 man, 1 gun. If your financial situation is such that the 9mm is getting to expensive, i would look into one of the 22lr conversions they make for glock pistols and just convert the 19 over to 22lr, at least the grip is the same and basic configuration is the same. The conversion is around the same price they want for the beretta.
http://www.topglock.com/catalog/barrels_advantagearms.htm

Here is a review on the kit

http://www.alpharubicon.com/leo/aaconversionmpblue.htm

[edthecat]

Originally posted by GotGlock19
Personally I would stick with the 19, I'm a firm believer in 1 man, 1 gun. If your financial situation is such that the 9mm is getting to expensive, i would look into one of the 22lr conversions they make for glock pistols and just convert the 19 over to 22lr, at least the grip is the same and basic configuration is the same. The conversion is around the same price they want for the beretta.
http://www.topglock.com/catalog/barrels_advantagearms.htm

Here is a review on the kit

http://www.alpharubicon.com/leo/aaconversionmpblue.htm

Hey, thanks for the suggestion and the review of said product...that seems to be a reasonable alternative. Guess I wouldn't have this problem if I wasn't so hooked. It really only gets expensive when you're feeding the 19 400-500 rounds a weekend. ;f I am loving it though.

Anybody else with thoughts or suggestions?

[Rusty Guns]

I bought the Advantage Arms conversion for my G17.
All you do is take off the slide and put on the conv. slide, change out the mag, and you are ready to go.
I think that Advantage is the only conv. that the slide locks back after the last round.
The only draw back is that the conv. slide is made with Aluminum, and it makes the pistol very light.
I was shooting mine in competition once a week,
I was buying Winchester Shells at Wal-Mart, in the (party-pack). Well I think they call it a value pak. 500 Rounds per box. $10.00
It sure helps with trigger control, the recoil is nominal, you get some because the thing is so light. You can't go wrong that way because you can use the same holster, and the sights are the same also.The sights are adjustable too. I think the Kit runs around $250.00

Rusty

[marca]

I have also tried the Advantage Arms conversion for my Glock 19. I didn't find the feel (the lighter weight of the slide and the low recoil of the .22) similar enough to the shooting 9mm to feel like I was practicing the handling of the G19. But, if you're looking for the pure joy of plinking it's not a bad route to go.

[dfbarnes]

Christmas is coming up. Ask for 9MM white box!

I'd skip the conversion if I were you. I've always found .22 to be a pain in the ass, but that's just me.

[bikethief]

Just to look at it another way, could you practice more efficiently? I mean, 400 rounds a weekend WILL improve your marksmanship. But will it really improve your readiness to use your firearm in a self-defense situation? Try limiting yourself to 100 rounds per visit but develop a few tactical drills. Here's an example:

1. Double taps from READY position: Start by aiming low (imaginary beltline) of your target paper at 8-10 yards. This is to simulate a confrontation with a BG that you're not yet sure you want to shoot. Aiming at his beltline gives you an unobstructed view of his hands and arms to see if he goes for a weapon. Imagine that he does go for a weapon and raise your firearm and put two consecutive shots into his center mass. Imagining different scenarios will help sharpen your MENTAL trigger so you can decide faster in real life. Start slow and as you build confidence, pick up the pace. Practice with both eyes open if you can so periferal vision is unimpaired.

Finding a competent instructor will also definitely help. Make your range time count. Less rounds fired, yet more learnings. IMHO:)

[edthecat]

So, I'd be curious to hear responses...a US Marshal friend of mine, considers the conversion kits "evil." He does not like them at all, and he believes they potentially can do damage to the Glock. In fact, his dislike, has convinced me to skip it, and buy the Beretta. I will take this guy's word for it. He's a Marshal, and the Department's Glock Armorer. He says they are a bad idea, I'll believe it. Besides, a different .22 is cheaper than the kit.

Bikethief: thanks for the suggestion. It is a little more "precise" than the drills I already do. I will add it to my routine...it sounds like a solid idea. Thanks.

[.45MoonClip]

I wouldn't be too quick to dismiss the Advantage Arms .22 conversion. Not that you shouldn't buy the Beretta. I don't know a thing about them. Your practice with the Glock trigger is the most desirable aspect of the conversion. I bought the "L.E." model (adjustable Glock sights) last week and it is very nicely made, shoots accurately, and is easy to use. It was recommended to me by a Glock Armorer! Couldn't be more pleased.