HANDLING TEST > Glock 19 verus Gap 38!

[Wonder Dog]

SHOOTER'S,
I am considering buying a Gap 38 pistol! I already own a Glock 19 gun!
I know that shot placement is vital in any defensive situation but to me the speed at which you bring your gun to fire is just as important as shot placement! My question is -Has anyone shot both the Gap 38 & Gock 19 pistols --and if you have --- Which gun did you like and why?
Thank-you for any info!
:wavey:


P.S. This gun would be used for Home Defense only!

[GMAN40]

I shot both the G38 and G19 and would choose the G19. The G19 shoots smoother and has more ammo capacity. On the practical side .45 GAP ammo is hard to find and more expensive than 9mm ammo. You also have to consider your carry needs and ballistics. IMHO the .45 GAP hasn't had much street experience. I think alot of police agencies jumped on the .45 GAP band wagon too quickly.

[lcubanito]

SHOOTER'S,
I am considering buying a Gap 38 pistol! I already own a Glock 19 gun!
I know that shot placement is vital in any defensive situation but to me the speed at which you bring your gun to fire is just as important as shot placement! My question is -Has anyone shot both the Gap 38 & Gock 19 pistols --and if you have --- Which gun did you like and why?
Thank-you for any info!
:wavey:


Can't help you much with comparing the 19 vs. the 38. I do own a Glock 19 but have never even handled a Glock 38.

Why are you interested in comparing these two? Are you considering replacing your 19 or adding the 38 to your collection?

Do you intend to use the Glock 38 for carry, home defense, or just at the range?

The Glock 38 gives you 8 rounds of 45 GAP. The Glock 19 gives you 15 rounds of 9mm. Given the cost of ammo nowadays, the 19 will be a bit more economical. Additionally, the 19 offers almost double the firepower (15 vs. 8).

If you are stuck on wanting a .45, the Glock 30 might be a better choice than the Glock 38. The Glock 30 is a .45ACP vs. the Glock 38 being a .45 GAP. You should consider the following:

.45ACP ammo is less costly and more readily available than .45 GAP

There are far more ammo choices in .45ACP than there are in .45 GAP

I will admit, the Glock 30 is a bit chunkier (width) than the Glock 38, but it is a bit more compact.

The standard Glock 30 magazines are 10 rounders, while the standard Glock 38 magazines are 8 rounders.

Good luck with your decision. Hope some of this helps. :dunno:

[engineer151515]

IMHO the .45 GAP hasn't had much street experience.

A 230 grain slug has had plenty of street experience.

Same slug, whether it comes from 45acp or 45gap

[Napa Nick]

I have a G38 and had a G19 but never fired them side my side. I can tell you what I would prefer for home defense, and that would be the G38 in .45 GAP. 9mm JHP ammo relies on high velocity to open and be affective. 9mm hardball is known for its excessive penetration and relative ineffectiveness in the stopping power department. Stray 9mm hollowpoints become hardball very easily in a walled environment .45 on the other hand can be very effective in a hardball configuration without over penetrating in the process. For inside the home, it would seem to be an easy choice to make, especially if you have children or live some where other than rural America.

As far as the guns themselves, the G38 has more recoil, but not enough to slow your shot to shot times excessively. Stay away from the 185 and 200 grain bullets and stick with the 230's and the recoil is fine. Put a 10 round mag in it if you want, now the difference in ammo is only 5 rounds. If you burn up 11 rounds of .45 inside your home and need more, you are FUBAR anyway - you brought a handgun to a shotgun fight.

My G38 is one of the most accurate handguns I have ever owned, and I can shoot it just as fast as my 1911's. I am not a kool-aid drinking Glock guy, but I love the G38.

[BOGE]

I have as well as shoot both the G19 & G38. IMO the two best Glocks existent. I carry 115 gr. +p+ in the G19 & Federal 230 gr. HST in the G38. Depends on my mood and where I'm going to be. Where I live it's mighty cold in the Winter and people wear lots of clothes, hence the 230 gr. HST. No one gun can do everything perfectly. Both mine will shoot ragged holes at 15 yds, if the shooter does his/her part.

[J1Z06]

mrnuke7571 would be the one to talk to. he has both. the .45gap federal hst expands beautifully! the 38 is very accurate, comfortable to fire and not overly flippy. recoil isn't too bad.

[mrnuke7571]

Here I am!! :wavey:

I have both of the guns. I used to carry the Glock 19c 9mm as to me it points very naturally, is more than adequately accurate and has minimal recoil.

After shooting the Glock 38 in 45gap, I now carry the Glock 38 daily. :supergrin:
Recoil is like a +P+ 9mm round, accuracy is really amazing vs any other gun I've ever had or fired/

I love the 19c and use it at the range for 'practice' since the 38 has the exact same frame and grip with just a little more recoil.

PS with the 38 I can carry 10 rounds total(9 in the mag if you remove the bottom spring follower, without ANY problems, +1 in the chamber) of 45gap which has the exact same performance as 45acp and can be concealed way easier than the full size 21/21sf. (That's why I'm selling it.)

[DannyR]

My 1996 G19 used to be my everything Glock--competition and carry. Now my wife uses intin GSSF competition and I use the G38 as my everything Glock. It is the most accurate Glock I've ever owned. I do not feel outgunned with 8+1 capacity. I do not feel outgunned when pocket carrying my G39 with 6+1 rounds and a G37 backup magazine. One must simply shoot a G38 to appreciate it's potential.

I've always been able to find practice and defensive ammo online, even though I reload 200-gr FMJ's for practice and competition.

[Thx-1138]

Handling?

Some drivers prefer the handling characteristics of the G38, with the venerable 230g engine, while traditionalists go for the G19 with the optional 117 +P+ engine.

The G19 has better acceleration, but the G38 has more stopping power. Ergonomically, the G19 and G38 treat the driver to all the standard compact Glock characteristics and fit.


Next week on Glock Autos, we'll discuss the relative merits of custom interiors, vanity paint, and other ways to pimp your heater.

[mrnuke7571]

Handling?

Some drivers prefer the handling characteristics of the G38, with the venerable 230g engine, while traditionalists go for the G19 with the optional 117 +P+ engine.

The G19 has better acceleration, but the G38 has more stopping power. Ergonomically, the G19 and G38 treat the driver to all the standard compact Glock characteristics and fit.


Next week on Glock Autos, we'll discuss the relative merits of custom interiors, vanity paint, and other ways to pimp your heater.

:yourock: That right there cracked me up. I love it.. Good job.. :supergrin:

[COM165]

Handling?

Some drivers prefer the handling characteristics of the G38, with the venerable 230g engine, while traditionalists go for the G19 with the optional 117 +P+ engine.

The G19 has better acceleration, but the G38 has more stopping power. Ergonomically, the G19 and G38 treat the driver to all the standard compact Glock characteristics and fit.


Next week on Glock Autos, we'll discuss the relative merits of custom interiors, vanity paint, and other ways to pimp your heater.


LMAO. I have been considering a G38 for awhile now but have held off. Ammo availability and time on the street have made me wait. But I'm hearing more and more good things about this gun. What really has been appealing is that I have heard a lot about how accurate they are.

When the finances allow, maybe she will be my next Glock.

[Wonder Dog]

Can't help you much with comparing the 19 vs. the 38. I do own a Glock 19 but have never even handled a Glock 38.

Why are you interested in comparing these two? Are you considering replacing your 19 or adding the 38 to your collection?

Do you intend to use the Glock 38 for carry, home defense, or just at the range?

The Glock 38 gives you 8 rounds of 45 GAP. The Glock 19 gives you 15 rounds of 9mm. Given the cost of ammo nowadays, the 19 will be a bit more economical. Additionally, the 19 offers almost double the firepower (15 vs. 8).

If you are stuck on wanting a .45, the Glock 30 might be a better choice than the Glock 38. The Glock 30 is a .45ACP vs. the Glock 38 being a .45 GAP. You should consider the following:

.45ACP ammo is less costly and more readily available than .45 GAP

There are far more ammo choices in .45ACP than there are in .45 GAP

I will admit, the Glock 30 is a bit chunkier (width) than the Glock 38, but it is a bit more compact.

The standard Glock 30 magazines are 10 rounders, while the standard Glock 38 magazines are 8 rounders.

Good luck with your decision. Hope some of this helps. :dunno:

I will use the gun for home defense.
:goodpost:

[carbofan21]

if you haven't heard, cdnn was (or is) selling the g38 (new in box, 2 mags) for less than $400 shipped. call them up to see if they still have any at that price. if you really want a .45 caliber glock, that's a heck of a deal. the gap round isn't going to disappear

[jokon]

Who would prefer the G38 over the G23 and why?

[Bladerunner747]

I am in a state with the 10 round mag capacity limit. I think the G-38 then is an easy choice, over the G-23. Otherwise kind of tough call, I'd go for the G-30SF.

[sigcalcatrant]

Handling?

Some drivers prefer the handling characteristics of the G38, with the venerable 230g engine, while traditionalists go for the G19 with the optional 117 +P+ engine.

The G19 has better acceleration, but the G38 has more stopping power. Ergonomically, the G19 and G38 treat the driver to all the standard compact Glock characteristics and fit.


Next week on Glock Autos, we'll discuss the relative merits of custom interiors, vanity paint, and other ways to pimp your heater.http://bestsmileys.com/lol/22.gif That was good...except for the part about stopping power, which is a myth. There is no such thing.

[Kahuna Cowboy]

I would take the 19 personally. Nothing against the 38 but I feel an increase of double the capacity plus the standard Glock slide which makes holster and accessories shopping easier, plus the added benefit of cheaper and much more plentiful ammo outweighs any benefit the 38 brings to the table.

The 19 is a notoriously accurate pistol, I have not shot the GAP enough to really comment on a versus thread but I did not think it was the heaven sent bullet some here seem to regard it as.

[david3000]

if you haven't heard, cdnn was (or is) selling the g38 (new in box, 2 mags) for less than $400 shipped. call them up to see if they still have any at that price. if you really want a .45 caliber glock, that's a heck of a deal. the gap round isn't going to disappear

Phone number?

[Quiet]

Who would prefer the G38 over the G23 and why?

For me, the .45GAP has less felt recoil (less snap, more push) than the .40S&W and I am more accurate with the .45GAP than the .40S&W (accuracy testing was done with Glock 27 & 39).

[DannyR]

http://www.cdnninvestments.com/

[dday27]

The G38 is far more accurate than my G19, Maybe just me but I like and carry the G38 daily, Go out and shoot one, You'll see the diference....

[lphil]

No doubt about, the G38 is the gun to get. I sold my G19 earlier this year to a friend, it was a good shooter, but the G38 totally out shoots it in every way. Not only does it out shoot it but, feels better in my hands.

[GRR]

I carry the G38 every day. I've got a G19 and 2 G23's. I like the handling of the G38 better. The heavier slide balances better for me. Recoil on the G38 is a little less snappy than the G23.

[gary newport]

Who would prefer the G38 over the G23 and why?

:rofl:

I owned a G23 and a G22. I tried to like them. I couldn't. I sold them. My G38 is not for sale! Why do I prefer the G38 to the G23? Recoil characteristics and bigger bullets!

[PAGunner]

Who would prefer the G38 over the G23 and why?

Is that a serious question?

[sf3pox1]

SHOOTER'S,
I am considering buying a Gap 38 pistol! I already own a Glock 19 gun!
I know that shot placement is vital in any defensive situation but to me the speed at which you bring your gun to fire is just as important as shot placement! My question is -Has anyone shot both the Gap 38 & Gock 19 pistols --and if you have --- Which gun did you like and why?
Thank-you for any info!
:wavey:


P.S. This gun would be used for Home Defense only!


I know the GAP size frames are same as the 9mm/40 cal counterparts, but are the Slides EXACTLY the same size?

Like is the Glock 38 slide the EXACT same size, like WIDTH as the Glock 19's slide?

I know on the glock website it lists both guns as being 1.18 inches wide, but some people on GT said the GAP slides were slightly wider (not the like 21/30) but still wider than the 19/23 models..??

[PAGunner]

I know the GAP size frames are same as the 9mm/40 cal counterparts, but are the Slides EXACTLY the same size?

Like is the Glock 38 slide the EXACT same size, like WIDTH as the Glock 19's slide?

I know on the glock website it lists both guns as being 1.18 inches wide, but some people on GT said the GAP slides were slightly wider (not the like 21/30) but still wider than the 19/23 models..??

GAP slides are the same size (width and height) as the .45ACP and 10mm slides. The fames are the same size as the .40/9mm. So no, the G38 slide is bulkier than the 9mm. If you were to buy a Glock holster for the 38, it would be the .45/10mm you would buy, not the 9mm/.40.

[cranejc]

same size, but the 38 slide is heavier and feels beefier

[J1Z06]

The 38 feels a bit heavier than the 19, but it's balanced. Pointing is as natural as the 19 points. I might not have been used to the extra snap of the .45 g.a.p. before I sold it...but when I was ON with it, the son of a gun was accurate!

[GhillieGlock]

The Glock 38 has the same exact dimentions as the 19 (don't) believe me look on Glock's websight) but it holds 8 rounds of .45 ammo rather than 15 rounds of 9mm. I would prefer the 38 for HD, but if you plan on shooting it on a regular basis then go with the 19.

[DannyR]

For carry, one should purchase a dedicated G38 holster, such as those mated by Blade-Tech.

Glock's posted width dimensions are measured at the widest part of the pistol--the frame.

[lastevolution]

Who would prefer the G38 over the G23 and why?

I would just on my opinion that .40 is overrated.

[Glock_XXXVII]

:rofl:

I owned a G23 and a G22. I tried to like them. I couldn't. I sold them. My G38 is not for sale! Why do I prefer the G38 to the G23? Recoil characteristics and bigger bullets!
well put. :cool:

[mikegun]

i have a g26 and a g38 and hands down i pack the g38, more accurate and better recoil, double taps are easy with the g38 and it conceals easy, not to mention it makes a huge 45 cal hole.....let me add this, i have been packing a gat for over 35yrs, mostly as a leo and i will say this my glock 38 is the best shooting gun ive ever owned taking into consideration, accuracy, recoil and comfyness, i say this having carried many many other guns...ill never pack anything else....i have only shot one gun i thought was better and that was a g37 but its a little to big for ccw...imho

[BOGE]

Everyone's opinion varies. That's why Glock has a plethora of guns for varying tastes. However, I will add this: every person I've let shoot my G38 & G39 remarked on how accurate they were as well as a lack of perceived recoil. I cannot say the same happened when I owned a G27 eleven years ago. :whistling: I have no beef with the .40 S&W. I just don't see it doing anything that a Glock 9mm can't do with the RIGHT defensive load.

[Glock_XXXVII]

My G37 has less recoil than the G38 I just found this out last night while having alittle fun with propane tanks.
It's not that much less but, any experienced shooter can tell a difference right away.

[GRR]

The Glock 38 has the same exact dimentions as the 19 (don't) believe me look on Glock's websight) but it holds 8 rounds of .45 ammo rather than 15 rounds of 9mm. I would prefer the 38 for HD, but if you plan on shooting it on a regular basis then go with the 19.

The G38 slide has the same cross-section as the G21 slide and is heavier than the G19 slide. The widest part of both is in the frame, not the slide, so the width dimensions shown on the Glock site are the same.

[glock2740]

Can't help you much with comparing the 19 vs. the 38. I do own a Glock 19 but have never even handled a Glock 38.

Why are you interested in comparing these two? Are you considering replacing your 19 or adding the 38 to your collection?

Do you intend to use the Glock 38 for carry, home defense, or just at the range?

The Glock 38 gives you 8 rounds of 45 GAP. The Glock 19 gives you 15 rounds of 9mm. Given the cost of ammo nowadays, the 19 will be a bit more economical. Additionally, the 19 offers almost double the firepower (15 vs. 8).

If you are stuck on wanting a .45, the Glock 30 might be a better choice than the Glock 38. The Glock 30 is a .45ACP vs. the Glock 38 being a .45 GAP. You should consider the following:

.45ACP ammo is less costly and more readily available than .45 GAP

There are far more ammo choices in .45ACP than there are in .45 GAP

I will admit, the Glock 30 is a bit chunkier (width) than the Glock 38, but it is a bit more compact.

The standard Glock 30 magazines are 10 rounders, while the standard Glock 38 magazines are 8 rounders.

Good luck with your decision. Hope some of this helps. :dunno:
+1 on the above statement. Very well put.

[engineer151515]

Who would prefer the G38 over the G23 and why?

I personally find the .40SW to be a "snappy" round.

Never been a fan.

I don't feel a noticeable difference between 45acp and 45 gap

YMMV

[DannyR]

The author of this thread wanted a comparison opinion because he already owns and likes the feel of a G19. His hands are like mine and the fit of a G38 is perfect for both of us. When he follows through on his plan, his wife will continue to shoot the G19 and he will shoot the G38, as my wife and I do.

He was not interested in other calibers or other frames. 8+1 rounds of .45 caliber plus 8 more rounds in a spare magazine satisfies his requirements in a home defense pistol. His only concern was the felt recoil as compared to his G19.