G20 purchase questions, please help!

[Trekker]

I need help finding a pistol. Can anyone help?

I am looking for a semi-automatic pistol to carry for personal protection and to carry for hiking purposes to protect my family against the rare chance that a black bear or other animal might attack.

The gun needs to be small enough to comfortably carry in an urban environment (not a .44 mag), yet powerful enough to at least slow down a bear in the woods. Yes, I realize that the odds of a bear attacking is slim, but it only takes once and it has happened in the area I live at least twice in the last few years with resultant deaths for the individuals involved.

I have narrowed my decision down to a Glock G20 10mm. I have done this because it seems to be the most powerful load in a semi-auto against the four-legged variety, and that I can use less powerful loads against the two-legged variety. In addition, having 15+ rounds versus 5-6 in a revolver just makes more sense to me. I have not considered the G29 because it is somewhat less accurate due to size.

However, my concern is (before my purchase) the future availability of the 10mm in both parts and ammunition. I have noticed that many of the major manufacturers no longer make the 10mm and I know that the ammo can be somewhat difficult to find and also expensive.

My fear is that after a several hundred-dollar investment in the G20 that the 10mm will all but disappear leaving me with a rather useless paperweight. I also know that many recommend reloading, but I am new to the sport and do not have the skill or the time to load my own rounds at this time. Therefore, availability becomes a great concern.

Can anyone advise? I would love to hear the opinion who knows more about this than I do. Is the G20 a good choice? Will ammo be available in the future? Thanks for your help!

[Reyn]

I wouldnt worry about the 10 fading out. Yes,ammo is scarce as far as local stores generally but theres plenty of sources online. I wouldnt worry about the g29 being less accurate. My baby glocks are all very accurate and using it in a close defense situation isnt going to make a difference. As far as ammo look at Double taps heavy loads.

[Akita]

I think the reason to choose the G20 over the G29 is the extra oomph with the longer bbl and not the supposed accuracy loss of the shorter bbl(which I havent seen at handgun distances).

When I attended Glock Armorer School last year, the Glock rep stated that they have sold more 10mm's each year than the preceeding year and laughed at the thought that it would be discontinued. And its a Glock! The few parts that might actually break are cheap to purchase now, and you should do so if you need the peace of mind.
Ammo? The 10 is a reloader's dream. If you dont reload, the only company I know of that has decreased production of 10mm is Lancer, and I am yet to be convinced that they are more than a Smoke & Mirrors outfit anyway(at least when it comes to 10mm). And even then, think of how many obsolete, weird cartridges that still have ammo made for them.

Buy your G20(and later the G29 that you'll want for CCW). All is well.

[Trekker]

Thanks to all for the advice! It sounds like you have all affirmed what I already knew to be true. Just a couple of closing questions though.

-Does anyone know a gun range, etc. in East Tennessee where I might be able to get a loaner G20 to try out?

-Anybody have a suggestion of where to find the best deal? I've noticed that TopGlock.com has one for $495.43 is this a good deal? Has anybody had experience with this company?

-Any ideas on where to get inexpensive ammo for target practice?

Thanks again, I appreciate all the advice.

[G20man32904]

Trekker,
Don't overlook reloading, especially when considering a 10mm.
I happen to have for sale a Dillon Square Deal B reloader in .40S&W and 10mm that I can sell you bare bones for $225 + shipping. With it
your cost to shoot drops off immensely.
I pay $20 for 250 bullets
about $4 for primers and
roughly $5-8 for powder.

Brass is reuseable many times as long as you don't try and make it a .44mag so I dont even count them as a cost.

The G20 is a fantastic gun, you will love it!;)

[Akita]

Trekker,
If you're near Knoxville, Coal Creek Armory off the Lovell Rd exit has a large selection of rental guns. You can call or email them and ask if they have a rental G20. The owner is a big 10mm fan, so I'd bet that they do.

Most folks buy Georgia Arms reloads for plinking and Double Tap(DT is available at CCA) for real world use.

I'd like to add to what G20man32904 said and state that if you use an aftermarket barrel, you can cast your own lead bullets and reduce your per round reloading costs even further. Or you can buy a 40S&W conversion bbl and shoot cheaper 40 in your G20 for practice.

[Alan Antopol]

Originally posted by Trekker

-Anybody have a suggestion of where to find the best deal? I've noticed that TopGlock.com has one for $495.43 is this a good deal? Has anybody had experience with this company?



Trekker,


Would look in the For Sale forum here at Glocktalk. Have seen G20's being sold by good folks at reasonable prices there.

Enjoy! Alan

[DavidinSA]

Don't worry about the purchase.
I just bought my G20 and just love it.
Just got in a 1000 rd order from Double Tap and can't wait to get to the range.
As far as cost for ammo goes, my opinion is that even DT ammo is cheap.
People will spend $50 to $100 a month on cable TV but will not spend that on ammo?
Give me the ammo/range time and drop the crappy TV.
Buy a Storm Lake barrel for it and put the Hot loads through it without worry.

Just my 2 cents.
David

[Reyn]

For plinking ammo try Georgia arms. Im in Alabama and ordered 300rds Thursday morning and received it Friday afternoon. I figure Tennessee would be about the same. The 180gr at 1100fps is 12.50 a box. If you want some hotter plinking rounds go with DTs 180gr. at 1250fps.

[Ak.Hiker]

After you buy the new Glock make sure to carry it in the woods with loads designed for animal protection. In your area I would look at the 200 grain XTP load or a full power 200 grain hard cast or FMJ.