Help me chose my next Glock!

[jooos]

Ok, I need some help. I am hoping to get some good feedback from those of you who have one or the other or even both. Here’s my dilemma a little over two years ago I went and got my CCW license. At that time I purchased a Glock 19 as a good starter gun. I’ve really enjoyed shooting the G19 and have logged enough range time to be a very decent shot. I want to upgrade my G19 to a more powerful caliber. I have since shot a G 32, and was seriously considering purchasing one from a friend. While I was checking out prices of ammo, I realized that the sig .357 ammo is quite a bit more, even the plinking ammo. I started to look at the G 30, and G 38. I really like the frame of my G 19, I liked the fact that the G 32 had the same frame, my black hawk holster and conceal holster would fit that gun as well. The G 38 looks to have the same dimensions, and such, but the G 38 takes the GAP ammo, which is more expensive as well. The G 30 has the thicker slide and has a different frame, but much cheaper ammo. I’m very torn as to what is the better way to go, keeping in mind that I put a minimum of 200 rounds through my gun a week. I shoot at both an indoor and outdoor range. What I’d like is to hear from those of you who have one or both; can you give me some numbers as to how much you spend on ammo, and which gun you like the best? Why? And any practical advice such as which is easier to conceal or carry? What’s the best holster for each? Thank’s so much guy’s it will be a big help.

Oh, by the way so far the best price I’ve found locally for each is:
*G 32 $675 ( from a friend, only shot twice, Tru glow nite sites installed, four extra 15 round mags, Glock case, gun lock, paperwork, and 990 rounds of plinking ammo.)
*G 38 $539.98 (Fixed sites)
*G 30 $535 (Fixed sites)

 

[C-grunt]

Have you checked out the G23. The .40 is more powerfull than the 9mm and has the same frame size. Of the three you listed I would choose the 30 then the 32. I wouldnt buy the 38 as I personally believe the GAP isnt going to last. I would get the .45 over the .357 because, as you said, the .357 is expensive and harder to find.

 

[10-Ring]

In my opinion, the G19 is the nicest Glock in the product line...why change? Other calibers have had issues of their own, cost more to shoot & just aren't as nice as the mid size 9.
If you really have to have another Glock...why not a 26 for ccw or a 34 for IDPA?

 

[longeyes]

The first two Glocks I bought were the 26 and the 30. I could have stopped there. (Of course, I didn't.) Both are very superior firearms.

 

[MountainPeak]

I own a G19, 20, 22, & 30. I've shot the 22 the most, but by FAR my favorite is the G20. The 10mm, when loaded with www.doubletapammo.com in load 215gr WFNGC hardcast is a potent "woods" gun. It's rated at 1225fps.. The penetration is amazing. TRULY amazing ! This guy produces some of the best ammo available. If you purchase it, remember it's penetration characteristics. It's not for "apartment/condo" self defense(in my opinion). I've tried several of the 45acp rounds too. GREAT stuff. No, I do not know the owner of Double Tap, or anyone working there. I do know ammo penetration, when I use it. He makes it for many calibers. Check it out. Not the cheapest, but I feel it is the BEST! Look to the left, on his home page, and click ammo. I notice he now is selling 91 different loads, including some in 9mm. You can thank me later! By the way, I reload all calibers on my 550B, but carry Double Tap as my hiking, black bear round. Tell you anything?

 

[MatthewVanitas]

If it were me, I'd go to the opposite direction.

I'd get an Advantage Arms Conversion Kit, which is a .22LR upper which swaps out with the slide on your current Glock.

If you're shooting $40 of 9mm out of your Glock a week, dropping down to 50 rounds of 9mm and 200 rounds of .22 will save you $25/week, and will keep you from developing a flinch. At that rate, the AACK will pay for itself in 10 weeks.

Do you sincerely think that 15 rounds of 9mm will not keep you safe, but 12 rounds of the same bullet moving slightly faster (.357 SIG) will do so? If so, rock on and buy a .40 or .357. But if you just want to buy something cool, have fun and save money with some .22 plinking.

Just my tuppence, -MV

 

[Jack19]

You made an almost perfect choice with your initial purchase of the G19.

While you may call it a "good starter gun," the 19 is a weapon favored by (some very serious) professionals.

I've been carrying the G19 for years.

The urge to try other calibers is natural. By all means, do so. But, decide what it is you're trying to accomplish.

I've owned dozens of handguns from every imaginable maker; in all of the common, and faddish, calibers. You will have to decide for yourself what fits, and works, for you.

As you started at, very nearly, the top (the FN/Browning P35/Hi-Power is the only other 9mm I prefer,) you should have a long an merry ride through your experimentation with other calibers and weapons.

Best of luck; but unless I miss my guess, you'll return to the G19.

Have a great trip.

 

[possum]

I have to agree that the 19 is way more than a "good starter gun". Most people aren't that lucky to get a glock as a first gun. so congrats on that.

I think if i was you and i had to have another glock i would get something in a more common caliber. a .40 or .45 so the glock 30 is in that catagory. Have you ever shot one of the sub compact glocks? especially in .45? if not you might want to test fire one first. though the glock 32 you mentioned isn't one of the more common calibers and therfore not one of the cheaper ones to shoot, I think i would still go with it if you were set on one of the three. It is a little more and will cost you more to shoot but with all that extra you are getting with it, i think that might be the way to go. If i were in the market and didn't have the options you have i would get a glock 22 or 23. but i love .40 so what else do you expect me to say right? what ever you decide, please let us know, and let us know how it works out for you.

 

[Slvr Surfr]

I personally see why youve made the mental jump from a G19 to the 38. I have both. I love mid size glocks, and the appeal of the GAP is that it allows you to retain the midsize gun in a .45 cal. I personally dont think the GAP is going away. Prices seem to be dropping every time I go to the local gunshop. A box of 50 FMJ (Federal Ammo) can be had for the same price as .45 ACP. Glock doesnt make a midsize .45 ACP so the next logical step is the G38.
I have owned a G23 in the past and found it to be too snappy for my tastes. I also had the opportunity to shoot the G32 and found it even worse. The G38 shoots great. It has the .45 push as opposed to the snap. You can carry 9+1 of that lovely .45 ammo. The slide is a bit wider than the 19 so It may not fit into your old holser. If you have the opportunity to try a G38 I say give it a shot.

If you can keep your G19 for the range to keep sharp on your skills it would be cheaper.

 

[denfoote]

I'd get an Advantage Arms Conversion Kit, which is a .22LR upper which swaps out with the slide on your current Glock.

I think you just found my next firearms purchase!!

 

[Run&Shoot]

G23 gives you lots of options

+1 on the G23 in .40 S&W. Same perfect size as the G19. Plus, yuou can put in a .357 SIG barrel, or drop in a 9mm conversion barrel. And of course a .22LR conversion fits either the G19 or G23.

The .40 is plenty powerful enough for anything but bear. In an urban environament I would question why you would need a .45 when it puts you into a much bulkier grip. If you have large hands then maybe the G21 or G30 would be OK, but try extensively before you by.

The .357 would be OK since you could get a drop in .40 barrel for volume shooting practice at lower cost. I would get either the mid size .40 or .357 with a drop in .40 barrel.

 

[boomstik45]

I'd try for a chance to shoot the other calibers if you can. I love the G30 (love .45 acp). I don't think so much of the .45 GAP. Could be wrong, but I don't think it has much of a future and ammo is still not as plentiful as the others by far. However, the G32 is a good one and you can get a .40 barrel for it (as has already been suggested) and kinda have two guns in one. Also as others have said, the G19 is a great gun in a very common caliber. Definitely a keeper.

 

[MadMercS55]

I feel the G19 is one heck of a package if it fits\works for you. 15+1rnds of 9mm in a small package like that, conceals well and generally works flawlessly every time. The G23 is a good option, but ammo is a little more expensive and to some, recoil is rather sharp. The G30 is another one that I feel is a really nice option as well, with 10+1rnds of .45 in a reasonably sized package as well.

 

[Onmilo]

When it comes to .357 Sig and 10mm I have a general rule that a longer barrel is better.

The best 9mm ammunition makes the caliber just as viable, if not more so, as all the wonder calibers and the .45 too.

 

[longeyes]

You will have trouble coming up with a better handgun package than a G19 with 16 rounds of Ranger T 124g +P+. As others have said, the G19 is way more than a "starter gun," and many firearms aficionados would put it among the very best handguns available. I would agree with that, and no way would I sell mine.

That said I also think the Glock 30 is a terrific small .45, and I keep mine (with factory night sights) as my primary house gun. Guess which gun I prefer as its back-up?