Recommendation for a new guy

[canoe]

Hi all, new member here. I thought I might ask you guys for a Glock model recommendation – I would like to buy my first pistol, and am leaning towards a G23. From some online research, the G23 seems to be a well regarded and reliable model. I have a lot of shotgun experience (hunting), but very little with pistols, having only shot my Dad’s .22 and G29 two times. Having limited experience, how important do you think it is to try and rent one to shoot before buying? I’ve read that the G23 can have considerable kick, but don’t know how to interpret this. I *assume* that this would be more an issue for guys that shoot high volumes in one day.

My primary purpose is home defense. I plan to take a training course(s) for the education, and possibly get a CCP, but don’t have any real plans to carry as of right now. Second purpose of the gun is that I’d also like something that I could take camping and/or hiking when in bear country. Do you think a 40 is powerful enough to be a worthwhile defense against a bear?

I’m open to any other thoughts or suggestions you guys might have for a rookie. Thanks for any feedback!

[Sucka]

Welcome!

If you can, shoot anything you're interested in at the range.

I, as well as many, will suggest a Glock 19. Same size as the 23, but cheaper to practice with. From my observation, i would say the Glock 19 is probably the most popular pistol around here, and for good reason! If i could own one Glock, it would be the 19.

[powderkeg45]

+1 on the G19. Couldn't be happier with mine.

I didn't the opportunity to rent a glock before I bought mine, but at least hold one before you make a decision.

As far as defense against bears.... Get a good wheel gun like the s&w 500 Magnum.

[jobes]

A bear. Oh wait:grill: I'm getting ready for this one.

[glide]

Welcome! Buy whatever you are comfortable with shooting. I've shot a G23 and the recoil was snappy but controllable. My poison is the G19 because it is cheap to shoot, I like the size and weight, and I like the 9mm pistol caliber. If you are thinking of having a pistol with you in bear and lion country, I would suggest a 10mm in a semi auto and at least a .357 magnum or better still .44 magnum in a revolver.

[saminksiii]

Rent if possible before you buy then practice, practice, practice. I can't think of a worse situation in "home defense" than not being at all familer with what I have to use for defense. Well, maybe the bear part is worse. Depending on where you camp (and the bear type) I wouldn't plan on using it. PO'd momma brown bears are a load for any gun.

[D-GLOCK17]

Welcome to Glocktalk. I would say that if you comfortable with, and can handle the recoil of your dad's G29, then the G23 will not be a problem. The Glock 19 and 23 will be good defensive weapons. I imagine the G23 would kill bears (of course). But there are much better bear killing tools out there.

[Lone Wolf8634]

Welcome. I've not been around here all that long either. However I have a g17 and a g19 waiting for me to pick it up and for a first gun I think a 9mm would be great. Just for the cost of ammo alone! As far as bears go I really dont think I'd be comfortable shooting a bear with a .40. It might kill him but not in time to do you any good! Like everyone els said, The best thing you can do is go to a range and rent the ones you are interested in and try'em out. The most fun you can have when "researching".

[skiezics]

+1 on the G19. Couldn't be happier with mine.

I didn't the opportunity to rent a glock before I bought mine, but at least hold one before you make a decision.

As far as defense against bears.... Get a good wheel gun like the s&w 500 Magnum.

Yeah, what he said!

[mr .45]

glock 19 or 17. with ammo prices on the raise, it makes practice cheaper. Practice is most important. recoil is very lite, to me at least. 9mm with good jhp ammo will do well for most human situations/problems.

But for a Bear/ 4 leg animals, get a 12 gauge shotgun and some slugs shells. in my city you can buy a maverick 88 shotgun, 18.5 barrel, 5 shot pump for just under $200 bucks.

[DannyR]

I consider 10mm to be the minimum when it comes to bears. People are soft, but bears are tough. Ideal would be a S&W .44 Magnum revolver, using cheaper .44 Special for practice. If you prefer a semi-auto, get a G20 and buy a 6 inch hunting barrel for added velocity.

[dugge]

A G23 will do just fine. Of course it's 'snappy,' it's a gun. I would take something a little bigger for a bear though.

[mickdundie]

For HD and a first hand gun I would recommend a full size model over the compact. Handles recoil better, longer barrel might make it a bit more accurate for you to learn with, my vote would be for the G17. 9mm range ammo is less expensive than other calibers, and you can get really good, hot, HD ammo for it too.
As far as shooting a bear w/a hand gun...don't know. Sounds kinda spooky. Guess it's better than running, yelling, or throwing rocks at it. But it's better to have some real serious firepower if you expect to drop a bear!
When I was a kid in the 70s my family would go to Yellow Stone and we would camp in a (tint style) pop up camper. My dad only had a Ruger .22LR pistol. I'm glad we never had any bear trouble...Thats for sure.
Happy Glock shopping and let us know what you decide on!

Mick

[Texan29]

The 9mm crew must be out in full force today. I guess I was wrong and a 9mm CAN take down a bear... What next 9mm can stop a runaway train? Kill Vampires/Zombies/Warewolves?

Get a 10mm if its a backup hunting gun you want, either the G20 if you would like a full size or 29 if you want a subcompact.

[Crusher47]

I'd say go for the G19 as others have mentioned. Very easy to shoot.

I wouldn't try to take down a bear with anything less than a .44 magnum....even then, I'd try to run/hide first if possible

[villa1gr]

i never knew ammo prices were a big concern! wow! i will suggest the g19 as for me, the g23's recoil was a concern for me at the range. i shoot a .40 beretta cougar and was looking into either a g19 or a g23. i believe the biggest deciding factor was how many/how fast i can put holes into a bad guy.

ammo prices, at least for me, are not a big concern whatsoever- especially if your life depended on it.

but as everyone will tell you, it is only up to your preference and your operator skills and mindset alone and what you can handle proficiently.

[drod]

Hi all, new member here. I thought I might ask you guys for a Glock model recommendation – I would like to buy my first pistol, and am leaning towards a G23. From some online research, the G23 seems to be a well regarded and reliable model. I have a lot of shotgun experience (hunting), but very little with pistols, having only shot my Dad’s .22 and G29 two times. Having limited experience, how important do you think it is to try and rent one to shoot before buying? I’ve read that the G23 can have considerable kick, but don’t know how to interpret this. I *assume* that this would be more an issue for guys that shoot high volumes in one day.

My primary purpose is home defense. I plan to take a training course(s) for the education, and possibly get a CCP, but don’t have any real plans to carry as of right now. Second purpose of the gun is that I’d also like something that I could take camping and/or hiking when in bear country. Do you think a 40 is powerful enough to be a worthwhile defense against a bear?

I’m open to any other thoughts or suggestions you guys might have for a rookie. Thanks for any feedback!

First, stay away from the bears. Your best option is to be smart enough to keep yourself out of any situation where you are forced to defend yourself against a bear. No. A .40 caliber is not enough to defend yourself against a bear. You will need to drop the bear quickly. While a head shot with a .40 might eventually kill the bear, he will not die before he takes your head off. Do some research about bear attacks. No handgun short of a S&W 500 or a .44 mag is going to do you much good. You will probably need to be able to pull off a head shot with one of these.

As to your primary purpose, either the G19 or G23 will be very good pistols. For a first handgun, I will have to agree with several other posters. The G19 is probably the best option (it will be useless against a bear). It is easily concealed. It is very reliable and accurate. Ammo is cheaper than other calibers. For home defense, get a tac light to go with the G19, and you have a very good combination. Renting and trying out different guns is very important in your decision. Everybody is different. While I really like the G19, you might not like it as well. Try several different options. I also recommend the G30, but some people find it to be too fat.

[akapennypincher]

+1 on the G19. Couldn't be happier with mine.




Ditto.:faint:

[Bren]

canoe - go to a range and rent or borrow a few, like a Glock 19 and 23. It's hard to give you advice on something like recoil because, while I think the .40, .45, etc. have very little recoil, some people cry about the kick of a 9mm. It's about what it feels like to you, so go try it.

By the way, the escaped tiger at the San Francisco zoo was recently killed with .40 pistols. I imagine it would at least make a bear run away.

[K218]

I agree with the ones above who have said: go to the range and rent a few different models that interest you, for minimal firearms experience: I would reccommend a 9mm and probably in fullsize for easier recoil management and second shot aquisition.. If you have to have the most ft. lbs. exerted on a target and are Stuck on GLOCK then step up to a 10mm or a .45acp and the .357Sig caliber is in there somewhere also with good penetration and ft. lbs. A 9mm +p+ will be fine for self defense.. I'll say it again, Get what fits your hand the best, rent a few and find out, unless your going to be a gun collector, then just buy em all... Remember Practice, Practice, Practice and then some!!!! J.....

[QNman]

Canoe:

First off, WELCOME!! I've enjoyed it here, and I'm certain you will too!

As to which gun to get, here's my advice...

First, go to a range and shoot them both; then you'll KNOW what some mean my "snappy". If you haven't shot many handguns, you may think it's a lot more snappy than someone who has shot a lot. If you don't have a range near you that rents gun, find someone who owns one or the other and invite them to the range - buy them a box of ammo or something.

Second, I'll agree with many here... the 19 is a best bet on a first handgun. +P will provide you adequate home defense, and you may shoot it better and/or more often due to less recoil.

Additionally, I own both - a G19 and a G23. I just got the 19, and when I went to the range yesterday, the 23 barely got warm. The 19 is more fun to shoot, holds more rounds, and is less expensive to shoot.

I had a G22 (full framed one) for many years. I sold it to buy the 23. I like the 23 frame better (I don't have really big hands). Some will suggest the larger frames are better... I'd suggest that it depends on your hands and your shooting.

Bottom line? Only you can answer your question. Worse case scenario is you buy one of them, hate it, and end up either selling it to buy the other or adding a second one to the stable. Glock's hold their value pretty well, so if you buy used, you may not take a hit on selling it if you change your mind.

PS - fill in your profile information - it will help us figure out more about you (like where you are). If you are near St. Louis, I'll take you to a range and you can try both the 19 and the 23.

[linh811]

ditto everyone else's comment about the g19

[canoe]

Thanks for the replies! I do have a range near me that rents a few different models, and I hope to get over there next weekend. I'll definitely try the G19, or another 9mm model if they don't have that one. I think they had a G22 as well, so I could compare both.

The bear thought was just more me thinking out loud of other times when I might want to carry. Sounds like the 23 wouldn't be much help. Good to know, although as some mentioned, I plan to use avoidance as my best defense.

Thanks again.

[K218]

although as some mentioned, I plan to use avoidance as my best defense.

Thanks again.

The best gunfighter is a better negotiator!!!

[R0CKETMAN]

I agree and have also owned a 23. Nothing wrong with it, but based on your criteria, my thoughts would be to go with the 19.

Welcome!

If you can, shoot anything you're interested in at the range.

I, as well as many, will suggest a Glock 19. Same size as the 23, but cheaper to practice with. From my observation, i would say the Glock 19 is probably the most popular pistol around here, and for good reason! If i could own one Glock, it would be the 19.

[Landor]

I agree with other about the 19. It is the best all around carry gun. I own both but my 19 is my carry piece. The 23 is snappy for sure. The 19 is cheaper to shoot.

Can't go wrong either way..

[glocks&1911s]

I haven't bothered to read everyone elses reply to your questions, I carry a 23 when on duty, it is a good self defense weapon. I do not think any handgun is suitable for bear or lion, but any handgun is better then just your hands and feet! I would recommend you get a 17 or 19 in 9mm. Ammo is cheaper and very plentiful, which leads to more practice, which never hurts! There are many good personal defense hollowpoints available to you in this caliber at decent prices and will do the job you require very easily.
Also you'll have more bullets to pump into that bear before he hugs you!

[jadedragon]

Rent first to check out the gun. I'd recommed the Glock 17 as a first handgun. Manageable recoil and cheaper to shoot 9mm vs. .40 if you aren't going to reload. If you can afford to shoot more you'll become more proficient and comfortable with the firearm. For home defense the 9mm is effective with any of the newer hollowpoint defense ammo now available. For backpacking and protection against bears I wouldn't depend on any handgun. If you're really worried about bears carry a heavy caliber rifle or a short barreled shotgun loaded with slugs.

[skunkworks]

I'd say go for the G19 as others have mentioned. Very easy to shoot.

I wouldn't try to take down a bear with anything less than a .44 magnum....even then, I'd try to run/hide first if possible

Uhhh, running is not such a good idea.

How to survive a bear encounter
http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/bears/ :exercise:

[drod]

Uhhh, running is not such a good idea.

How to survive a bear encounter
http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/bears/ :exercise:

Never, ever run. This triggers the animal's chase response. You cannot outrun the bear.

[myg30]

Both great pistols 19 and 23, Get either, then borrow your dads 29 for the camping trips !:cool:

[tb1358]

possible option - buy the G23 & a 9mm conversion barrel, along with a couple 9mm mags - range practice with the 9mm - carry with the G23 outfitted as a 40. Just a possiblity to consider.

You can do the whole conversion thing for about $130. and essentially you have two guns.

[packingaglock23]

I currently own a G23, but now I wish I would of went with a G19. My main reason is that I'm thinking about getting a Cx4 and the 9mm version is the only one with hicap mags available. I'm happy with the G23, although I agree that it is "snappy", but still fun to shoot. The G19 would probably be more fun without the "snappy" recoil of the G23.

One thing I find hard to believe is ammo pricing for both. I find ammo prices to be about the same for both 9mm and .40. I mainly shoot Blazer 180gr FMJ when I'm just practicing, and 50 rounds go for about $8 or $9. I don't think 9mm would be that much cheaper.

[Rebel_James]

What? You haven't bought a G19 yet??

[Sucka]

Thanks for the replies! I do have a range near me that rents a few different models, and I hope to get over there next weekend. I'll definitely try the G19, or another 9mm model if they don't have that one. I think they had a G22 as well, so I could compare both.

The bear thought was just more me thinking out loud of other times when I might want to carry. Sounds like the 23 wouldn't be much help. Good to know, although as some mentioned, I plan to use avoidance as my best defense.

Thanks again.

I see you're in Denver. I own a G19 and G23. You're more than welcome to shoot mine, provided you buy your own ammo :tongueout:

I'm in Westminster if you want to hold/shoot either one.

[Jdog]

Thanks for the replies! I do have a range near me that rents a few different models, and I hope to get over there next weekend. I'll definitely try the G19, or another 9mm model if they don't have that one. I think they had a G22 as well, so I could compare both.

The bear thought was just more me thinking out loud of other times when I might want to carry. Sounds like the 23 wouldn't be much help. Good to know, although as some mentioned, I plan to use avoidance as my best defense.

Thanks again.

I was in your same shoes a few months ago. I settled on the Glock 20 10mm. Though i doubt your local range has one to rent. It's the only glock that will handle black bears and bad guys at the same time. I'm supprised more people havent mentioned it. In wilderness carry (backpacking) I carry the Double Tap brand 200grain 1300fps beartooth round. For bad guys any old HP round from the G20 is fine.

[Jdog]

hijack alert:

since we were talking about bears, I was tube surfing the other day and found these:

GRIZZLY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMbnmLLnsfw
view this at about minute 2:00.... I actually think the guy crapped his pants and missed his only shot ...and was very lucky to scare it away with the report.

BLACK BEAR
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6yjJRqm4h5Y
the very last second of this video

[setiseeker]

HI There,

You wont go wrong with a glock.

I personally use a g19. For carry and SD it is a good choice. Compact enough for comfort, large enough to handle well and a good capacity mag.

But for bear, I am of the opinion that most of the standard auto pistols are not sufficient.

The .40 does have more mass / stopping power than a 9mm:wavey:. but even then i think u might be under gunned.

Good glocking

http://glocktalk.com/forums/images/smilies/wavey%5B1%5D.gif
:wavey:

[canoe]

Hey guys,

I purchased a new G23 yesterday. I was able to shoot both the 19 and 23, compliments of a GTer, and ultimately went with my first choice. Thanks for all of the input and opinions!

:wavey:

[loose cannon]

if you have a g19 or a g23 when you encounter a bear dont give up.those will work if you use the whole mag.

if you carry one of them in bear country i suggest you load a round that will penetrate as much as possible in the g19 id recomend european subgun ammo.in the g23 a 155-180 grain fmj loaded to max velocitys.

dont let em get too close and shoot to slidelock and you'll probably make it.

of course avoidence is the best policy.

[Oreo]

I'm surprised no one has mentioned a G35 yet.

1. Home defense, so size isn't an issue
2. Easier recoil then G23 due to larger frame & slide. (Quite a nice feel I might add.)
3. Sure a 44mag might be more desirable for bears, but considering this is your first gun, if we can assume that you intend to upgrade your bear protection gun at a later date, perhaps a 357sig drop-in barrel would get the job done till you can get something better.

I just recently bought my first firearm- a G23. I absolutely love it. It should do everything you want it to do with the exception of large animals.

[Halojumper]

Hi all, new member here. I thought I might ask you guys for a Glock model recommendation – I would like to buy my first pistol, and am leaning towards a G23. From some online research, the G23 seems to be a well regarded and reliable model. I have a lot of shotgun experience (hunting), but very little with pistols, having only shot my Dad’s .22 and G29 two times. Having limited experience, how important do you think it is to try and rent one to shoot before buying? I’ve read that the G23 can have considerable kick, but don’t know how to interpret this. I *assume* that this would be more an issue for guys that shoot high volumes in one day.

My primary purpose is home defense. I plan to take a training course(s) for the education, and possibly get a CCP, but don’t have any real plans to carry as of right now. Second purpose of the gun is that I’d also like something that I could take camping and/or hiking when in bear country. Do you think a 40 is powerful enough to be a worthwhile defense against a bear?

I’m open to any other thoughts or suggestions you guys might have for a rookie. Thanks for any feedback!


I see you're in the Denver. You're welcome to come shooting with me sometime and try out a variety. I have a 23, 26, 27 and 35 and conversion barrels for the 40's so you can practice with cheaper ammo without having to carry a girl's gun! :)

[Jdog]

double post

[TxGun]

G19..best overall as a first pistol.

[Sucka]

I see you're in the Denver. You're welcome to come shooting with me sometime and try out a variety. I have a 23, 26, 27 and 35 and conversion barrels for the 40's so you can practice with cheaper ammo without having to carry a girl's gun! :)

I took him to shoot my G19 and G23. But i would love to shoot that 26 and 27 of yours. Where do you shoot at, and when are you going next? You can PM me if that offer stands.

And congrats on the 23 Dan. When are we going shooting again :poke:

[K218]

Just go get a G-20!!!! That way you can get a .40 and .357sig barrel.. That's next on my list.. I still want to get a G-19 and a G-31.. I should have all of the above in the next few months.. Maybe a P220ST also!!!

[SCC]

read this a .40 will stop a grizzly bear and he used a 10 round mag hell i would take on a bear with my glock 19 with a 33 round mag:whistling:

[SCC]

Where Did They Go :supergrin:

[Jdog]

i would take on a bear with my glock 19 with a 33 round mag:whistling:

good luck w/that ! ... LOL

(I'll tell him to hold still untill you get to the 33rd round ok?)

[fatboy97]

Definitely recommend renting any gun first before you buy. Some guns you just have to shoot first to know if it works for you. I have not had one issue with a Glock yet, but I've shoot a Glock 23c, 19 and today I shoot the 26. I will probably be adding a 26 in the very near future... :banana: :banana: :banana:

[electrikhelfire]

Just bought my first Glock today.... G19