Finally Shot Em!!

[w1mnk]

Well, I finally made it to the range (first time in over a year, and first time since buying Glock's). My wife brought her 33, and I brought my 21C and 22C. All I can say is WOW!! After 35 years of revolver shooting, these weapons are awesome!! I didn't shoot the 33 (this time).

The 22C had a "sharper" recoil than the 21C (using 180gr FMJ in 40S&W and 230gr FMJ in 45ACP), but neither was unpleasant in any way. I fact at 10 yards, I could keep all the shots within the first 3 circles on the target (something that I had trouble with my 50+ ounce S&W revolvers).

One of the range directors was shooting is 17 with an aftermarket barrel (I'm not sure which brand). I recall seeing at the last Tampa gun show a guy selling Fire Dragon barrels (with the compensator ports outside of the frame.

Whats the real story on aftermarket barrels. What is the best way to go? Fire Dragon, EFK 416 Stainless (on TopGlock)or KKM Precision Stainless (on Glockmeister)? Preferences and opinions greatly appreciated.

PS Speaking as a former revolver only shooter, I can see why Glock's are so popular. I'm a happy convert!! Next up: The 23 and 30.

[lunde]

So, how did your wife do with her G33?

[w1mnk]

Lunde, she is a very new shooter (the first time she fired a gun was 2 weeks ago at a FL concealed weapons class). She was firing the 33 and a S&W 360SC (using 38 spl 158 RNL). The revolver was actually harder on her hands (she has had carpal tunnel twice on each hand). She did get a minor cut from the slide on the 33, but that was no big deal. She's ready to go again!!

[MrMurphy]

Why do you feel the need for either a compensated barrel, or an aftermarket one? I've shot for years just fine with factory-stock uncompensated barrels. Accuracy is excellent.

[w1mnk]

MrMurphy, I don't know enough about the aftermarket barrels to know whether I need one or not. I'm trying to learn if they are worth the extra $$. The rangemaster mentioned that the aftermarkets make for less wear on the front sight of compensated models. I'm looking for personal experiences and comments on stuff like that.

[Dave T]

w1mnk,

The most common reason/explination/justification for after market barrels in Glocks are:

1. Much more suitable (some say required) for shooting lead alloy bullets. The Glock rifling, which was designed for jacketed bullets, does not like lead.
2. To get a tighter and some say more fully supported chamber. Glock's chambers are generally loose to help functional reliability. This is important if you are a reloader as it saves considerable wear and strain on brass.
3. Some claim increased accuracy with after market barrels. If the barrel is of very good quality (Bar-Sto, KKM, etc) and is fitted by the barrel maker I would expect some noticable accuracy imporvement. Drop in barrels (which seem to be what most people want) are much less likely to give a noticable increase in accuracy.

I have Bar-Sto barrels in my 45 caliber Glocks and KKM barrrels in my 40 caliber Glocks. All my practice is with my own reloaded ammunition.

If you get an after market barrel (without ports or vents) it will function (ballistically) exactly like a standard barrel in your "C" model Glocks. Hope this is of some help.

[w1mnk]

Dave T, thank you for your comments. I've checked out what appear to be the 4 major brands (Bar-Sto. KKM, EFK and Fire Dragon). Now for the pro and cons of each one? Any comments greatly appreciated.

[Duck of Death]

I didn't like the smilie cases I got with full power loads (I reload) so I installed a KKM barrel in my G23. It was a true drop in fit. No more bulged cases and a fired, unsized case will drop in a Midway 40 S&W case gage. I have no experience with the other barrels, other than a bar-so I put in my Para Ord. P 14 Limited, and that was not a drop fit but an otherwise excellent barrel, I would buy another KKM barrel with no reservations.

[w1mnk]

Duck, thank you for the comments on the KKM barrels. I've been maxed out with work, so I haven't had a chance to get to the range. I plan on going out there this weekend. Probably take the 19 and 23 and maybe the 30 this time. There is a gun show here in Tampa the first weekend in June. I will check out the barrels offered there.