Glock 27 Pics & Recoil Question

[CTGunner]

After shooting my Glock 26 for a few years I decided to pick up my first Glock 27. I stumbled on this one used. I believe that it is a Gen 2 - notice the smooth front strap. I wasn't sure how I would like this at first but it has really grown on me and I think I appreciate it more than the Gen 3s I have. The gun was 99% reliable when I got it. A handful of times the slide was locking back before the mag was empty. I finally figured out what was happening. The gun originally came with an extended slide stop and I was bumping it with my thumb (as I grip the gun high). I switched it out with a standard slide stop and the problem went away. Now the gun is 100% reliable.

The gun was also Cerakoted. While the gun seems to have been shot and carried a fair amount the Cerakote has held up pretty well. I had heard that Cerakoting the frame can cause issues with the Mags dropping freely but this one doesn't have that issue at all. The mags drop right out.

The only thing I don't like about the gun, and this is a big one for me, is the recoil. I have no issues with the recoil on my Glock 26. I can pretty much shoot the 26 all day without issue. And while my 23 is a bit 'snappy', the recoil is relatively easy to handle. The 27 is just too much for me. When I get a nice high grip on the gun, thumbs up on the slide, the recoil digs into the web of my hand and cuts in deep actually drawing blood after about 200 rounds. It's not slide bite (that's what I thought at first) it's just the recoil of the frame on the bone of my thumb near the web of my hand. After about 50 rounds I'm ready to take a break and switch back to the 23...

Does anyone shooting the smaller Glocks have this issue and have you come up with a way to mitigate the recoil? I'm debating whether or not to sell it or shoot it more and see if I can get used to it. Or come up with some other solution that doesn't involve changing my grip.

 

[LiveLife]

I would check the captured recoil spring set and replace if worn.

My wife and I shoot/carry G27 extensively and although the recoil is snappier than G26, it is nowhere to the point of causing physical injury like what you have described. She practiced with Lone Wolf 40-9 conversion barrel using full-power 9mm FMJ loads then transitioned to start-to-high range 40S&W 180 gr jacketed loads until she got comfortable.

For improving/managing snappier recoil of 40S&W, check out this thread to use the hook/push technique - http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?p=7802631#post7802631

Well, if the grip is too high, you run the risk of having your hand sliced by the bottom of the slide (ask me how I know - Ouchy, ouchy! .

This is my grip on G17, same as used for G22/G27 (I use a +1 Pearce Grip extension on G27). Left (support) thumb is resting on the frame and right (shooting) thumb is away from the slide and resting on top of the base of left thumb. Palm cheek of left (support) hand is in full contact with the pistol grip.

Left thumb showing resting on the frame (but away from the slide). If the support hand's palm cheek makes full contact with the pistol grip, it will push the shooting hand's palm "V" to ride higher on the grip. Note my shooting hand's thumb is stacked right on top of support hand's thumb.

 

[CTGunner]

Bds thank you. I hold the gun exactly as you do. I hadn't considered the recoil spring may be worn out as the gun is still cycling reliably. Is there a way to 'test' the recoil spring and determine if it's worn. I will probably replace it for good measure regardless. I take that back. My right thumb rides the slide more than yours.

I just pulled the recoil spring and guide out and compared it to my 26. It has significantly less resistance than the spring in the 26 so i'm assuming it's on its way out.

 

[LiveLife]

Glock 26 and 27 share the same captured recoil spring set. If it is showing significantly less resistance than G26, your recoil springs are worn and they need to be replaced. Factory replacement for $14 - http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/2GLSP02211-1.html

Is there a way to 'test' the recoil spring and determine if it's worn.

You could use a bathroom scale to check but it won't be too accurate (they are designed to roughly measure 200-300 lbs, not 10-20 lbs). For Gen3 G26/27, it should be at 16 lbs and my G27 measured around 15 lbs on my digital bathroom scale - http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?p=7590132#post7590132

Use a short length of PVC pipe for the gun muzzle to stick down into as you push it down on the scale.
Not accurate enough for NASA rocket springs, but close enough for comparison purposes on recoil springs.

I trimmed the locking tabs on an old medicine bottle to clear the recoil guide rod.

 

[GLOOB]

it's just the recoil of the frame on the bone of my thumb near the web of my hand.

Are your hands small? Try rotating your grip a little. My grip is more "square" then BDS's. My wrist is directly behind the gun. Try to get your thumb farther forward, so the recoil goes into the web of your hand, not the bone. You may have to pull the trigger with the tip of your finger if your hands are small.

 

[LiveLife]

My grip is more "square" then BDS's

I was holding my hands with muzzle pointed at the ceiling so my wife could take the picture.

For rapid fire/action pistol shooting that doesn't require utmost accuracy, I use modified isosceles with my elbows slights bent to better absorb the recoil and for faster follow-up shots/double taps.

For slow fire/precision shooting (load testing for accuracy), I use modified weaver with my right arm locked straight with my left elbow bent.

 

[CTGunner]

Thanks BDS. It was very nice of you to post those pictures. I'm almost entirely convinced that my recoil sensitivity is being increased by a failing recoil spring. I don't know why but this thought never crossed my mind, so you have really helped. If I had issues like this with any other gun or wasn't accurate with the gun etc. I would consider modifying my grip, but in my case I think my grip is just fine. I never shot a handgun growing up and my first formal 'lesson' was with a police officer/firearms instructor and he got me going with a good grip (the one you demonstrate) from day 1. So, while I still have much to learn, luckily I haven't had to relearn a proper grip.

 

[voyager4520]

I shoot a G27 and I don't have an issue with it at all. If it's cutting into your skin, apparently it's just not the gun for you.

 

[ET]

I shoot/carry a G27 also. I bought a 40-9 conversion barrel from Storm Lake for range use. If you have no problem with the G26 then the 27 with a 9mm barrel & mags would be the same. I use it because of cost. I can shoot twice the ammo for the same price with the conversion barrel. That way I still get range time with the gun I carry & don't have to deal with the cost or recoil, although I don't have a real problem with it other than the aching I get in my wrist & hand from shooting 200 rounds of 40s&w or 357sig.