Beating the Reaper!, Vol. 1: Trauma Medicine for the CCW Operator is directed toward the “Average Joe” who may have never taken a first-aid class, and certainly doesn’t consider himself to be a medically trained special operator. Instead, he is someone who realizes that, just as with his shooting skills, he needs to have skill to help save someone’s life, perhaps his own, in the aftermath of shooting or other traumatic event. He’s the “CCW Operator” who doesn’t have a team medic nearby. He must show the same self-reliance that got him through the initial incident.

If card shooters, sporting-clays shooters, skeep and trap shooters, hunters and shotgun owners in general all agree on the benefits of the screw-in choke, and millions of guns have been made with fixed chokes, how big do you suppose the need for screw-in choke installation is? It is enormous! You should learn to install screw-in chokes.

Gun Tests Contributing Editor Roger Eckstine shoots the Chiappa Rhino revolver and remarks on the unusual recoil sensation.

Gun Tests Contributing Editor Roger Eckstine takes a quick look at the Thompson 1927A-1 Deluxe Pistol TA5100D.

Glock G19 9mm, $646

Courtesy Gun Tests

The G19 proved to be a trim, fast-handling high-capacity package that was a lot of fun to shoot.

GunReports.com -- Recently, the Gun Tests staff received a letter urging them to test more deep-concealment guns, claiming that they are the most popular gun of the day. Checking with one of the larger distributors (www.camfour.com), confirmed that it is the subcompact and micro guns that are currently driving the market. In this test Gun Tests did not evaluate pocket guns, but they did shoot four compact pistols that in are just one step larger than the smallest model available from each manufacturer. One test gun the staff chose was the $646 Glock G19, the smaller brother of the G17, found on the hip of law enforcement worldwide. The Glock 19 gets little press, but remains popular.

The staff can remember when the Glock pistols were shipped in a kind of Tupperware box. The model lineup was short, but one of the first variations in size was the Model 19. Today, Glock pistols arrive in handsome and distinctively styled hard-side cases. There are as many as six different models chambered for 9mm, including the G18 and G18C select-fire machine pistols. Glock’s www.teamglock.com website boasts of the G19, "The compact version of the G17, this is the preferred pistol of NYPD’s 40,000 officers and the standard weapon of the United Nations Security personnel." Designed and built in Austria, but assembled and tested at the Glock facility about 25 miles from Atlanta, specifications of the G19 list more easily in metric. For example, the 102mm barrel was 4.02 inches long. Height was an even 5.0 inches, but width is listed as 1.18 inches, and the G19 measures 6.85 inches, or 174mm long. The frame included an accessory rail along the dust cover, but the tip of the gun was noticeably tapered, so the rail was integrated without adding bulk. The frame was constructed of polymer.

The appeal of the G19, in the view of testers, was its simplicity and the directness in which the design takes on the smaller chores that make up the operation and maintenance of a handgun. Takedown begins with removing the magazine and clearing the chamber. If the trigger is cocked, it must be pulled to release tension. The slide was retracted about one-quarter inch. There was an audible click and a sense of disengagement. Two sliding levers located on each side of the frame just above the trigger were pulled downward. The staff then released the slide against the tension of the recoil spring and continued moving it forward off the frame. Actually, Gun Testers found the slide was eager to leave the frame, so shooters had to be careful to catch it. One aspect of the Glock that is unique and somewhat fascinating is reassembly. You just slide the top end on to the frame and it clicks into place.

Lubrication as recommended by the owner’s manual was sparse. Surfaces such as the outside of the barrel, barrel hood, and inside the top of the slide were to be lubricated by passing over them with an oiled patch of cloth. The slide rails themselves required only a single drop of oil spread over each slide rail cut. We’ve heard of people oiling the firing pin channel, but this is expressly prohibited on page 38 of the multilingual manual. Only one component of the action assembly is to be oiled. That was the point at which the rearward end of the trigger bar touches the connector at the right rear corner of the frame. The staff said that Glock pistols are

Courtesy, Gun Tests

Holding the Glock 19 in your strong hand immediately makes you aware of a rakish angle to the grip and the sense of palm swell jutting into your hand. From here the pad of the index finger compresses the firing pin safety located on the face of the trigger. The square profile of the slide was topped with a rear sight blade that was tapered on each side, bringing the eye to the rear notch that was surrounded by a bold white "U" shaped outline. The front sight shows a single white dot.

The trigger was simple and repeatable, with a consistent 5.5 pounds of resistance for each shot. In our action test we concentrated on moving the trigger quickly and evenly. But it was at the bench where we utilized a slow, controlled press. It is in this mode that any grit or creep will come to light, but we found no such imperfection.

Our best accuracy was achieved when firing the Remington UMC 115-grain JHP rounds and the Federal American Eagle 124-grain FMJ ammunition. Each round produced an Average Group Radius (AGR) between 0.75 inches and 0.79 inches. The Black Hills 115-grain FMJ rounds were not far behind with an AGR of 0.85 inches. The remanufactured Black Hills 124-grain rounds were not as accurate but still more than acceptable at 1.27 inches. We think the most important conclusion we could draw from this data is that the Glock 19 was versatile and did not necessarily favor one weight bullet over another.

In our action tests, our first run lasted 2.09 seconds. The fastest of our ten runs clocked 1.84 seconds, and the first six consecutive runs printed shots perfectly inside the lower and upper A-zones. We ended with four shots outside the lower A-zone and two shots outside the upper A-zone. Average elapsed time was 1.99 seconds. We found that the quality of our follow-up shots was closely linked to how smoothly we let the trigger reset. In terms of speed, almost anyone can move his trigger finger faster than he can pick up the sights. We probably would have been able to shoot faster and more accurately if the G19 was fit with higher definition sights. But may we suggest that taller sights would probably be less impact resistant and more prone to dragging out of a holster. When we talk about scoring zones, we’re referring to a theoretical game. In harsh reality, every one of our hits were effectively placed to provide a stopping blow.

Our Team Said: The Gun Tests staff thinks the G19, with its trim, fast handling, may be the most versatile Glock of all. The 19 dared testers to shoot faster, but adding higher-visibility sights would be the ticket to better accuracy at speed. In this matchup, where each gun is worth buying, Gun Tests shooters pick the Glock first if ease of maintenance is high on your list of wants.

Reader Comments

I agree! Used to hate the darn things until I shot one - now I have three and the G19 is my favorite to shoot, carry, and clean. My 1911's sit in the safe now-a-days.

Comment by: chuckr | December 2, 2010

This is a great report and very helpful. I am in the market for a Glock, but deciding on a .9mm or a .40SW and a full size, compact or a subcompact. After reading this report, I am leaning toward a compact .9mm.

Comment by: sw9mm | December 2, 2010

While I am not a fan of Glock pistols, I do respect them for their simplicity, reliability, and durability. I have owned three Glocks, those being a G21 .45 ACP, G19 9mm, and G32 .357 SIG. All of them were flawless performers, however I have never been able to acclimate to the grip angle of any Glock. Perhaps the 4th Generation models might work, with the interchangeable back straps. I may yet get one that I really like.

Comment by: canovack | December 2, 2010

The Glock is a conscript's weapon at best. It is simple and reliable, a good pistol for someone who has never had experience with a weapon or those who have no desire to learn. But it is ludicrous to compare it to the Hk or even the 1911. The quality is just not there with the Glock.

Unfortunately, too many people see the popularity of the Glock with law enforcement agencies as validation and not the fact that Glock was merely the lowest bidder by subsidizing their LEO prices with their private sales prices.

Comment by: KENNETH D | December 2, 2010

Validation is in the fact that each time you pull the trigger,it fires.Is more validation needed????

Comment by: mariano | December 2, 2010

After 23 years in the U.S. militery, being trained on the 1911A1, S&W 38 and the Beretta 9mm. I've carried a few duty handguns and shot many more. I hunt and sport shoot as well. I currently include a Glock 33 ( 357sig) and a Glock 30 (45acp) as my concealed carry weapons of choice. Glocks fit, finish and function are unquestioned in the professional community. The Glock reliability in operation and longterm durability are the standard for those who depend on a defensive handgun daily. My Glock 30 is only slightly alrger than my brothres Glock 19 and both are excellent Concealed carry handguns. Excellent Report and Kudos to Glock for getting it right.

Comment by: Morgandewolfe | December 2, 2010

My wife and I liked the GLOCK GEN3 Line-up! But we fell in love with the new GEN4 Series. Take the new GEN4 + Extended Slide Release + High Definition Sights + Tactical Mag Release [pending]= "A-Must-Have" CC Firearm! We have now signed up to for the GLOCK Armorer Program. She has G19 GEN4, I have G22/G23 GEN4. Bob & Jolyn [AKA RONIN2].

Comment by: Bob&Jolyn | December 2, 2010

Most Glocks are accurate,reliable and affordable---HOWEVER---beware the GLOCK Gen 4 ! It is acknowledged by the Glock representatives to have problems ! The major problem is too strong a recoil spring causing several problems such as ftf,fte as well as shell casings,that do eject, hitting the shooter on the forehead ! Older Glocks work quite well !

Comment by: oiybharftd | December 2, 2010

To state that it is "ludicrous to compare it to the Hk or even the 1911. The quality is just not there with the Glock" clearly demonstrates how new firearm enthusiasts still cling to form over function. To make the above quoted comment clearly demonstrates a lack of knowledge and experience. I've collected firearms and have been an avid shooter for well over 30 years. At first I too wouldn't even pick up a "Block". However, after shooting one, my perception changed greatly. I own over 50 H&K pistols and probably close to 70 1911 style pistols. I assure you, none are of any better quality than a Glock, period.

Comment by: Dargo | December 2, 2010

Glocks are the Remington 870's of the pistol world. They go bang every time you pull the trigger and they're as accuarate as the operator is trained.

Comment by: Jim W | December 2, 2010

I'd like to see a review on the Glock 36, .45 ACP. I like mine and would like to know what other owner's opinions are.

Comment by: Jim W | December 2, 2010

Nice write up, but I think I'll stick with my Sigs. Carried the 1911 over 30 years but fell in love with the Sig 220. The only Glock that I enjoyed shooting was the G20 with full power 10mm loads. Just my $.02

Comment by: Sur5er | December 2, 2010

I believe the recoil spring on oiybharftd's ENTER key is too strong... ;O) Gaston's original love child in 9x19 is THE finest all-around service pistol on the planet. However(IMHO)I have not been at all impressed by the marketing dictated adaptation to larger calibers.

Comment by: Dragonchow | December 2, 2010

Glock = simple design, simple operation, simple tear down, simple maintenance, works every time, accurate enough, extremely durable. If function rules, what is not to like?

Comment by: JonSE | December 2, 2010

I own a Glock 34 in 9mm with a Barsto barrel and it is a tack driver, comparable to my Sig P210 and 239, HK P7M8 AND P9S, Walther P88 and P5 Compact, 1911's and Browning High Powers. I really like the 33 round 9mm magazines and have loaded ones stratigically located throughout the house and my car. I have also owned the Glock 36 in 45ACP and Glock 27 in 40 Cal. they are great guns!

Comment by: PH/CIB | December 2, 2010

I own several Glocks, one of them a G19. I got it for two reasons; Massad Ayoob mentioned it in one of his LFI presentations and... well... I found a used one at a great price at my dealer. :)

I also have a G23 in .40 and the G30 in .45 ACP. Except for the latter, they fit in the same holsters. Every one of them has its own "personality." The 23 is the easiest for me to control making it more consistently accurate. The 30 is the smoothest, with less felt recoil than the others, no doubt due to the oversized recoil spring. When I got the G19, it was the hardest one to control at first. I can't explain why, but it made me focus on trigger control and I have my G19 to thank for making me a better shooter. I installed a laser sight and now shoot it more than the others. It won't win any beauty contests, but I can hit my target each and every time!

Comment by: DJStuCrew | December 2, 2010

Simple, accurate and reliable the Glock 19 is my carry gun of choice. It goes bang everytime the trigger is pulled.

What is not to love?

Comment by: VAN P | December 2, 2010

Hey oiybharftd did you pass out on your keyboard or what? Hadn't heard the negative stuff about the Gen 4 Glocks but it's good to know in case I was tempted to buy one. My Gen 3 G19 is a true champ, closest thing that I know of to a foolproof pistol.

Comment by: CHARLES S | December 2, 2010

Just purchased a Glock 19 and am looking forward to getting to the range to check it out. Also I am planning to take it to the "Frontsite" Training course soon for a thorough workout.

Comment by: Chuck G | December 2, 2010

I own a G19 Gen 3 and quite like it; it is my CCW. However, I have always found it instinctively points high compared to traditional Browning pistols or even the XDs. I thought it was the different grip angle. However, I just got a new G20 SF which fits my small hands nicely and doesn't seem to point high. Same grip angle.

Comment by: JOHN R | December 2, 2010

I carry a Glock 19 every day. On duty it's a Glock 21. They're ugly and unglamorous and I don't care. To put it simply, a Glock is a tool, meant to do a job in a dangerous environment, and to do that job all day, every day. I can't ask for anything more.

Comment by: exdetsgt | December 2, 2010

Bought my first Glock 19 in 1993 and still have it. It the #1 gun on my CCW permit. I now own another 19, a 20 and a 23. Had a 31 but my brother talked me out of it and it is now his favorite gun. What's not to like? Tough as hell, fires every time, drag it through all the C@#p you want and it still functions, try that with a custom 1911. I love my 1911's, but the Glock's are a horse in the hand gun community. The popularity via cost is a stupid argument. The reliability and function are legendary. What more do you need if the gun goes BANG every time??? If it saves your life, who the hell cares what it looks like???

Comment by: MasterGuide | December 2, 2010

Another Glock lover here. Was shy of them due to the "no safety" thinking, but after getting my first G19, I now have 2 of them, carry one each day, and sold my 1911. 15 rounds of 9MM+P vs 8rounds of .45ACP, light vs heavy, 33 rnd 9MM stick mag backup vs another 8 round .45 mag... why would I keep the 1911? Loved the 1911 while I had it, but Glock meets all the needs, and then some. I hardly know it's there when I'm wearing it.

Comment by: jamraqui | December 2, 2010

Never purchase any new gun until it has been out on the market for at least 2 years. Manufactures never test there guns for safety or reliability in there rush to market to make money. The original 1 st generation Glock 19's did not work as well as the current marketed 4Th generation. Ditto for the latest Ruger plasticky pistols. They too have been recalled including both the .380 and 9mm model. The 9mm would fire when dropped.

There is and always has been many accidental discharges and deaths with Gock's "unsafe action". The NYPD had so many it resulted in Glocks's "New York Trigger". It was made heavier but due to the guns single action nature it was not the panacea that was hoped for. The Glock needs a manual safety period. Why should a gun like the 1911 that was made 100 years ago be more safe than the modern glock. It makes no sense.

Comment by: wild romanian | December 3, 2010

I disagree; the reason why NYC cops kept shooting themselves wasn't the gun, it was their INABILITY TO KEEP THEIR DAMNED FINGERS OUT OF THE TRIGGER GUARD! Their old revolvers had a heavy trigger pull, so they could do stupid things with 'em, like twirl them "cowboy style." The holsters for the revolvers were different, too. With the Glocks, they kept putting their fingers on the trigger while re-holstering... with the expected results. Seriously, if a guy is attacking you and trying to kill you, do you really want to be fumbling with a safety? The REAL safety is your BRAIN. Use it.

Comment by: DJStuCrew | December 3, 2010

I have had a Glock 17 since the early 1990s, after I shot one at a Phoenix Citizen Police Academy. My wife and 5 of my kids learned to shoot well on the Glock. I discovered it is the same weight as my .380 Walther PPK. I and 2 of my kids moved on to the Sig 229 in .40 cal, but it is much heavier and sometimes I revert to the Glock. I love my Glock's plastic police holster which guards the trigger and follows the form of the gun with an effective snap closure. I never could find as satisfying a holster for any other of my handguns.

Comment by: Robert V | December 3, 2010

I have had 3 Glock 9mm pistols, G26, a G19 and G17L. The 19 was my first and I put over 4,000 rounds through it of all type. It never failed to fire, feed or eject.bMy brother borrowed my it and used it to qualify as a part-time Sheriff's deputy position. He liked it so much, he talked me into trading it to him. I still have the 26 and 17L but if I could only have 1 Glock, the 19 would be the choice.

Comment by: John O | December 4, 2010

I started teaching OHIO CCW in 2003. Never met a glock until 2004 when my assistant instructor dropped his on concrete and it skidded 20 feet. I retrieved it from the floor and found NO damage to the 19. One small white dot of concrete dust on the slide, wiped off with my finger. The next week bought my first 19. Now own 2-22,1-38,1-30,1-27,and a 21SF, and of course my 19. Teaching with a GLOCK is simple for beginners, and satisfying results are quickly seen. Being a handgun owner for 53 plus years means I have owned and continue to shoot many thousand rounds of ammo. Never, never miss the wonderful world of Glock. You are only kidding yourself. Warrior222

Comment by: docwilcoxNRA | December 5, 2010

It never fails to amaze me that, when comments are made in regards to Glock pistols, many reviewers become fanatical either in their support of, or loathing of the brand. Statements usually follow "the best pistol ever made" or the "biggest piece of junk" ever concieved. Quite frankly, if the shooter can get reliable, repeatable, shots on target without failure then the tool is a good choice for that shooter. If the gun doesn't fit the hand, or failures occur, then choose another tool. Die hard fans of other brands are apparently blind to the Glock's good points and focus only on the negatives. I've owned and successfully defended myself the Glocks, Sigs, S$W, and Kimber. I'm still here, so in my humble opinion, all of those weapons were great guns.

Comment by: Calico 6 | December 5, 2010

Bought one of the first G19's imported. Carried it many years off-duty & never been sorry. It's now my 'house-gun' with a light and laser mounted because of its reliability and accuracy. Also have 3 1911's, a P35 HP, revolvers from 4 different companies, a Walther, several S&W semi-autos but if you can shoot, it doesn't really matter what brand or action type or caliber. They ALL have their place. I may have to get the .45ACP or .45GAP version now!

Comment by: Tower gunner | December 11, 2010

Tower Gunner, it sounds like you and I are the same sort of firearms enthusiasts. I have several handguns of many brands and action types in my collection of some 150 pieces of rifles, shotguns, revolvers, and semi-auto pistols. I enjoy them all due to their diversity of format and operating systems. While some folks would advise the everyday carry of only one or two types, in order to maintain top proficiency, I enjoy alternating between any and all of my handguns for the pure joy of their uniqueness. And.....I do maintain proficiency in all of them.

Comment by: canovack | December 12, 2010

SW9, you can get a Glock 23, same size as 19 and buy a Barsto 9mm conversion barrel or even a 357 Sig barrel and shoot all calibers from one gun. I'm an FFL and sell both Glocks & Barsto's jerry@ordnanceoutsellers.com

Comment by: ordnance outsellers | January 19, 2012

Interesting article. I had an FFL back in the eighties when the Glock first came out and I absolutely hated the design and refused to sell them. What a cheap piece of plastic junk ... I thought.

Later, in the early nineties, a friend wanted me to order him a Gen. II model 20 10mm. After shooting that gun I fell in love with it. Still never purchasing a Glock until he approached me about 3 years ago wanting to sell that old model 20, I bought it, shot it, now I'm hooked again!

Since then I've bought three more Glock's; a Gen III model 23 and my two conceal carry guns - a model 36 and a 29SF.

I have had no problems whatsoever with any of the Glock's. I've retired my former favorite shooter, a Sig 220. Hopefully one of these days I'll have time to shoot a GSSF match with the 23.

If your thinking about a Glock jump right in there! The prices are right. They are very reliable, safe, and just plain fun to shoot. And if you decide you don't like it - I'll take it off your hands!

Comment by: Larry J | January 19, 2012

I owned a Glock 19. Then Glock had a recall were the slide assembly would come off the frame after firing. I called Glock and request to have it checked. Glock has not call me back todate. How can you have a firearm that you have to second guess that it may injure or kill youand a company the is more interested in profit then it customers?

Comment by: Silver Dollar | January 19, 2012

If you go back to the main report this article is based on: http://www.gun-tests.com/issues/22_8/features/Compact-Pistols5816-1.html?s=gunreports, the summary states "But we must single out the $697 Springfield Armory XDM 3.8 as the best." Amen to that...

Comment by: Chaskunz | January 19, 2012

In reading the article section about accuracy I can find no mention of distance that the 19 shot less than 1". 15yds, 25yds what? group size without distance is meaningless.

Comment by: paxv1 | January 19, 2012

Great report and love my Gen 3 G19, but would appreciate advice from you guys who carry one CCW. I just can't find a comfortable way, with a 15 round clip the weight seems too much. I've tried Tshirt but they sag, and IWB just pull my shorts down [I'm mostly a T shirt/shorts guy]. PLEASE email me what works for you...I've regrettably gone to a lightweight pocket pistol but would love to carry me G19 eyesinpines@yahoo.com

Comment by: Sniper43 | January 19, 2012

I too have owned a variety of handguns both revolvers and autos. I resisted the Glock at first. Once I was trained and carried a Glock in the line of duty, I realized that for what it is, there can be no more reliable or more weather resistant pistol. My favorite pistols to shoot are Sig P226, Sig P220 and the 1911. The Glock however is the only auto I'd pick up and KNOW it will fire and keep firing. I used to consider the revolver the only pistol capable of that kind of reliability. My latest go-to pistol for personal defense is my Glock 32 in .357 Sig. I don't have to worry about corrosion and I've never had a FTF or FTE. The only time I’ve seen a Glock jam is when an officer loaded her magazine with 9mm instead of the .40 caliber cartridges it was designed for. Interestingly enough, it did strip, chamber and fire the 9mm but jammed on the eject function. I'm not sure why all the whining about having a safety. I don't recall the last revolver I saw with a safety or for that matter a Sig P226 DA/SA. It is obvious the amount of training or level of expertise someone has when they gripe about the Glock not having a safety. If you don't feel safe using a Glock, buy something else (not a revolver either). Lastly, the grip design never has agreed with my hand but for the price, function and reliability I can live with it.

Comment by: RiverManPaul | January 19, 2012

Lot of names this time that I've never seen. Welcome guys.

Comment by: david b | January 19, 2012

Folks, I'm buing the Glock 19 Gen 4 for concealed carry. I'm new to self-protection and am now aware that "guns" are like picking your marriage partner!

Comment by: newpaths | January 19, 2012

I second the welcome to all of the new folks who have posted here. Some of us old guys have been in this forum for several years, and we really enjoy our discussions. It's nice, however, to have some new opinions and experiences thrown into the mix.

Comment by: canovack | January 19, 2012

newpaths - I sure hope I do a better job of picking guns than wives. I think I do - at least so far none of my guns have tried to kill me. Well, there was that .357 my first ex grabbed up from the dresser - but that wasn't the gun's fault. Other than that, my track record with guns is superlative compared to my history with women.

Comment by: david b | January 19, 2012

Right off the top I will say that I do not like the Glock line of firearms, That is not to say I would not carry one (G20 or G30) if I had too. To me, the Glock is a service pistol. It has to be point and shoot if you don't plan on spending the time and money on training and safety. Once it was standardized as the sidearm for Austria, the tooling and manufacturing was already in place. Glock has made a very heavy investment with as many LE agencies as they could. They made them VERY SMART "deals they couldn't refuse"........fiscally! What bean counter wouldn't jump on a one for one swap of brand new G17's with plentyful 9mm ammo for your old S&W Mod 10's or 686's? Or swapping out all your 9mm G17's (with their 3 non-LE hi cap mags) for a new batch of their .40S&W's? Don't forget, Glock broke the ground with polymer 9mm guns at a time when most cops felt (and rightly so) that they were far outgunned, not out calibered. Who really recognized a 9mm is just a .38+P?

Do I like the trigger, NO? Do I like the grip, NO? Does it work, Hell yeah! I carried the M1911/A1 for over 33 years and it still has a very special place, but now I carry a Sig220. Jump back to my comment on training a sec: My muscle memory transition from all those years carrying the M1911 to Sig was a sight to behold. At my first IDPA shoot with the Sig I felt like a monkey having a real good time with a football trying to figure out why the decocker on the Sig wouldn't make the slide go forward on a cbt reload! It took me the better part of 90 days to unlearn my M1911 training. Why the Sig? I can pull the trigger a second time IF the ammo malfunctions before I resort to the tap-rack-bang routine. I am not restricted to FMJ (no lead in the Glocks)so I reload 5-7k rds a year. My Sig will eat anything except aluminium cased Blazer ammo. Bottom line, I like my P220 as much as it likes me, and that's all that counts. So, if the Glock is your favorite, God bless ya!

Comment by: Sur5er | January 19, 2012

There's no way to comment about a too good an artifact.Glock is one of those things. you can either hate it or love it. But everything else will not change.It's an ugly pistol, but beauty in a gun doesn't make it a winner. When analyzing a Glock three things come to my mind: Browning Auto 5, Remington 870 and a claw hammer. If you want the best there is, go buy Glock, even if it's uglyness scares you, but at the moment of truth it will make a difference. There are a lot other guns that can do the job, but remember that a Glock is a Glock and you can't compare it to anything else.

Comment by: Firemouth | January 19, 2012

Every person I have ever met so far (except the police) that carries a Glock on them, never has a round chambered. I think most are too scared with that light trigger and no safety that they resort to carrying an expensive hammer. On the other hand, my Kel-Tec PF-9 always is ready to go and no worries with its long 10lb trigger. It slips right into my pants pocket with no holster needed. Can't even see it. Its the greatest ccw pistol around right now especially considering the price of around $300.

Greg

Comment by: MYLES S | January 19, 2012

Sniper43, try the Blackhawk CQC SERPA holster with paddle mount. Holds the weapon securely, easy out, trigger is covered, and can be worn without a belt. IWB doesn't work for me with G19.

Comment by: JOHN R | January 19, 2012

I've never carried a Glock WITHOUT a round in the chamber ... whats the point? Do you carry a double action revolver without a round in the chamber? Of course not. Glocks are designed to be carried fully loaded.

Comment by: Larry J | January 19, 2012

I have a Glock 19, [my brother-in-law, has the Glock17, and taught Sniper School, and was an instructor, with the 101st Airborne Rangers]. 4 years ago, i purchased, a Springfield XD .45. I took both to the range to shoot;[shooting 230 grain, out of the .45, Springfield, and 124 grain, out of the Glock 19.[I shot 500 rounds, between the 2 Guns]. Both Guns, performed well, and Accurately. With only the slighest difference, in recoil!...[too nominal, to make a difference!]. Hymmmn,thinking: I don't really care to shoot another, but, in Self-Defense; i'd much rather have the stopping power, of the .45, than the 9mm!...

Comment by: muffdiver | January 20, 2012

I guess the way I’m going to have to look at it is that not all people that buy a Glock should have one. I’ve always recommended a revolver for the average housewife and the non-shootist. Unfortunately the mass media is mostly responsible for a lot of what people purchase when they go shopping for a handgun. In some ways I’m glad that some people refer to the movie industry for their gun toting/shooting technique. All the while when the bad guy is holding his handgun sideways while he does his shooting, the good guy is relying on gun control, sight picture and muscle memory to end the bad situation. Handguns mostly, and guns in general, aren’t unlike a lot of other things that have the ability to hurt or kill. I assure you that if I go out to buy a motorcycle to commute to work, you don’t need the one that will hit 90 mph in second gear. What you really need is the one that might not get to 90 in sixth gear since you only need the motorcycle to get to work. Does it look as sexy as the bad$#% crotch rocket…no but it is less likely to put you into a tree as you are showing off. Whether you are a police officer or a dad/mom who has stopped at a gas station for gas, if you don’t have one in the chamber, you might as well not have a gun on you at all. I can tell you from experience that if you don’t practice, you won’t develop muscle memory. You need your brain for getting your butt out of trouble and without muscle memory; you’ll tie up valuable brain processing. If you have to fumble for your gun and then chamber a round, you’re more than likely screwed. A person who is twelve feet from you can close the gap faster than the average trained officer can draw a loaded pistol from his holster. These arguments about the Glock not having a safety are about as valid as telling someone they shouldn’t own a Cessna because it doesn’t come with airbags.

Comment by: RiverManPaul | January 20, 2012

I gotta agree with RiverManPaul. The best and most reliable safety available is the grey matter between our ears. Most are aware that I am not a big fan of the Glock pistol. That said, however, I have owned and carried them, always with a round in the chamber, with no problems. I cannot conceive of carrying any handgun, whether it's a revolver or a pistol, with an empty chamber. It just takes too much time to rack the slide to chamber a round.

Comment by: canovack | January 20, 2012

Saw the 19 at a show. Shopped around and found a used one in excellent shape for $400 (in the early 2000s)plus an extra magazine. As requal for CCW was imminent, I took it in instead of my previous qualifier pistol. Of a 360 point possible, I scored a 351, on a course where magazine changes and 12 shots had to be fired in 45 seconds at ranges of 7 feet, 21 feet, and 45 feet. Except for the nine 9 point hits, all others made a hole a man could barely put his hand through. I offered to pull the target and patch it, but the scorer refused, saying that he could tell I was hitting in the 10X. Most accurate and easy to control pistol I have ever fired.

Comment by: tanker | January 24, 2012