I really want a glock 19 but...

[Kali]

I am in the market for a new handgun, which will be my first autoloading pistol. It must be 9mm, as the only pistol I have at the moment is a SW 686 6 inch revolver and .357 and even .38 special rounds are too expensive to shoot a lot on my college budget. Thus I would like something with more affordable ammunition so I can shoot more frequently.

I have looked at CZ's, Berretta's, Sigs(too much $), and Glocks primarily. I settled on the Glock but it was a tight race and I am still interested in any of them to be honest.

Out of the 9mm glocks though, I liked the feel of the 19 over the 17. It just points more naturally for me. My gf felt the same way, and since she lives with me it would be nice to have something she is comfortable with. The problem though is I have really big hands. I rented the 19 and when I was shooting a lot of the shots went consistently left. This might be due to the fact that my trigger finger squeezes the trigger from that middle flat spot (like past the first joint). I think the way I have to pull the trigger might be pushing my shots left. I dont have this problem with the 686 as it is much bigger.

So I have a couple of questions.. Do guys with big hands still use compact weapons? Is the trigger thing something I can get used to and learn to be more accurate?

I know the solution might be to look at full sized pistols, but I really like the Glock 19 and other than my left shooting problem I found it extremely accurate..even when my shots went left they were consistently left. If a full sized pistol is the solution, does this mean im never going to be a compact pistol guy?

Gun will be used for range/desert shooting, camping trips, and loaded for HD for my gf, but I would probably still go for the .357 in a SHTF situation at home. Oh and I will use it for concealed carry after the chicago ruling on incorporation and CA eventually gets on board. (wishful thinking, I know)

thanks for reading

 

[Enachos]

Your accuracy problems are probably just attributed to your grip on the gun. The glock is an excellent tool/weapon. With practice I'm 100% positive that you can bring those shots towards the center of your target. When I bought my first glock I was also shooting Low and Left. But after learning that I was squeezing the grip too hard while pulling the trigger (called "milking the grip), I adjusted my grip and what do ya know??? Dead on accuracy!

Go get yourself a Glock! You'll love it!

 

[Kali]

So if I understand properly, you're saying that which part of the finger that touches the trigger is less important than overall grip in terms of accuracy?

 

[NOLAEMT]

I know its not the right section, but have you thought about reloading? 38/357 is perfect for learning to reload. you can make 357 reloads much cheaper than the cheapest 9mm range ammo, and 38 is even cheaper.

A full reloading setup would also be cheaper than a new glock.

 

[zhyla]

So if I understand properly, you're saying that which part of the finger that touches the trigger is less important than overall grip in terms of accuracy?

To paraphrase Enachos, you're doing it wrong. Unless you're 7 feet tall you should be able to shoot well with the Glock 19 after some practice. But you may find something larger (like the Beretta) is more comfortable to begin with.

 

[Guillermo]

when shooting it is important to remember that most of the recoil control, 70%, should come from the "weak" hand

Once the trigger finger and his buddies are doing less work the groups begin to tighten

 

[GLOOB]

When the trigger reach is too short, one of the preferred techniques is to make the trigger finger curve outward so it's not touching the side of the gun. Then concentrate on pulling straight back. Alternatively, you can try putting the trigger in the first joint of your finger, rather than the middle of the pad. Lastly, you can try putting a grip sleeve on it to increase the trigger reach.

 

[Kali]

I know its not the right section, but have you thought about reloading? 38/357 is perfect for learning to reload. you can make 357 reloads much cheaper than the cheapest 9mm range ammo, and 38 is even cheaper.

A full reloading setup would also be cheaper than a new glock.

This is something I have thought about too. After reading the costs of reloading, I thought a good reloading setup would run me closer to 1000$. That plus the fact that a year from now I wont be able to order supplies online deterred me from it. But I will give it more thought since you are saying it can be done cheaper.

And thanks for the grip advice guys I will take it to heart.

 

[apollo18]

"...I wont be able to order supplies online."

I've been a way for a while, but is soemthing changing in CA that I won't be able to order powder, primers, etc? I had heard you couldn't mail order bullets anymore but as for the components I thought I was good still...

As far as the Glocks go, I believe the Glock 19 is the greatest handgun ever made But then I have small hands. The trigger pull on the Glocks takes some getting used too and pratice to learn to shoot them well. That holds true even for the Glock 17. Grip is key as well as a smooth tigger pull (you should be pleasantly suprised when it fires), and stable wrists (don't break at the wrists).

 

[Kali]

"...I wont be able to order supplies online."

I've been a way for a while, but is soemthing changing in CA that I won't be able to order powder, primers, etc? I had heard you couldn't mail order bullets anymore but as for the components I thought I was good still...

As far as the Glocks go, I believe the Glock 19 is the greatest handgun ever made But then I have small hands. The trigger pull on the Glocks takes some getting used too and pratice to learn to shoot them well. That holds true even for the Glock 17. Grip is key as well as a smooth tigger pull (you should be pleasantly suprised when it fires), and stable wrists (don't break at the wrists).

you know, I thought that was the case, but after your post I have searched and am unable to find any information on it. so since its not being talked about you are probably correct in that we can still buy powder online. my mistake.

 

[the-ghost]

the gen 4 glock 19 will have changeable back straps. problem is it isn't out yet, only the 17 and 22 are on the market. might want to wait it out if you can. least that way you can go from a slim grip for the lady, to a big grip for yourself.

 

[David E]

my trigger finger squeezes the trigger from that middle flat spot (like past the first joint). I think the way I have to pull the trigger might be pushing my shots left.

For the Glock and single action autos, don't go past the first finger joint. Ideally, the center of the pad of the finger tip.

While the follwoing does not apply to Glocks, DA shooting puts the trigger centered on the first joint, but no farther.

 

[9mmepiphany]

the face of the trigger should contact your finger between the tip and the first joint. you should press the trigger straight back from start to finish without pausing or snapping the trigger rearward.

the trigger finger should move independent of the other fingers of your strong hand. the fingers should not tighten as your trigger finger moves. do not squeeze/press with your thumb against the frame as you press the trigger

assuming that your shoot your M-686 in DA, you should be pressing the trigger on the G19 exactly the same way. if you normally shoot your M-686 in SA, you're jerking the trigger

 

[Old Shooter]

$1,000 for a re-loading set up??

A simple single stage RCBS/Lee or whatever kit shouldn't cost a quarter of that. Add in the cost of bullets, prmers, powder and your once-fired cases and you're still a mile away from $1K.

You're going to buy the bullets anyway, right?

If you don't want to bother reloading, WWB is about the cheapest, decent quality ammo you can get so just buy the 19 and go forward from there.

 

[Enachos]

Proper grip along with proper sight alignment are key. But i suppose you can also throw in "proper trigger squeeze." If you squeeze the grip too hard when pulling the trigger it can cause you to direct your shots left and low. I'm not saying, however, that of those three things one is more important than the other. They're all equally important IMO. Try pulling the trigger using the pad of your finger and make sure you're not squeezing (Milking) on the grip with your trigger hand as you pull the trigger.

 

[NOLAEMT]

I'm in college too, and I just recently started reloading. I have an RCBS single stage press, and load for 45acp and 380acp. it cost me less than the price of a new glock for the whole set up, and components to load 1000 rounds. ( I didn't have to buy brass though, ive been saving it) I can load about 50-100 rounds an hour depending on how motivated I am. and they are way more accurate than the range ammo i buy at the store.

so it can be done for pretty cheap. and revolvers are great to load for as you don't have to worry about loosing your brass.

I

 

[group17]

Find a range that rents Glocks.
You and your lady try the different size Glocks. I really like my 27 which is the smallest. Your girlfriend will think it fits better in her smaller hand and if you think its to small they make pinkie extenders and mag extenders that will increase the grip size to that of a 19 for your bigger hand. I think you would both be happy. You should also check out used and save $100+.

If you still want a Sig the polymer sigs can be found for less than the Glock if you look around. Good luck.

 

[ny32182]

I have big hands as well. The G19 just fills up my hand and is the smallest pistol I've tried that does so.

Regardless, it sounds like you are probably not pulling correctly. The first pad on your finger (ahead of the first joint) should always be doing the trigger pull; not the second. Pull straight back without disturbing the sights. You can see if you are doing that with some dry fire practice.

As far as the Glock trigger pull goes, it doesn't feel good when sitting on a static range, slow firing, trying specifically for the tightest possible group. That is not what it was designed for... it is designed to be run rapidly in dynamic shooting situations, and it does that very well.

 

[Texas Gun Person]

Buying a new gun because ammo is expensive is like buying a new car because gas costs too much.

You won't save money.

However, I can totally understand wanting a new gun.


Trigger pulling is something that takes a little practice to get right. Work on pulling the trigger straight back, instead of just... pulling it. If you get what I mean.

 

[Zerodefect]

Glock 19 and 23 are the best overall pistols ever made IMO.

Just learn the proper Combat grip, then get used to the trigger. The extra stiff Glock trigger is easy to fix.

 

[dwhite]

Discover reloading. I'll bet you can get started for less than $200 including powder, primers, good manual(s), and bullets. Lead bullets and Bullseye powder make for some very inexpensive yet accurate loads in 38 Special. You can teach yourself or there has to be someone close to you to help get you started.

Lastly (triple insulated flame suit on) go take a look at a Smith and Wesson Sigma SW9VE. Actually rent one and fire a box of good ammo through it. The trigger is a little heavy but if you've shot that 686 double action much it won't be a big difference. It's just a little bigger than the G19. The grip angle on my SW40VE suits me a lot better than the Glock. With the money you'll save buying it over the Glock you'll be able to buy your reloading equipment and supplies.

All the Best,
D. White

 

[apollo18]

Zerodefect...I was with you until you said Glock 23.

I'm in the process of selling mine, because I don't like it at all. I have small hands and thought I'd love the 23, but after owning it for several years I've only put maybe a thousand rounds through it, compared with the several thousand rounds I'd put through my 19.

The real pisser of its, I don't know why I don't like it. I should. I just can't stand the way it shoots, hate the recoil, and loath even how it sounds when it fires. But eh, each to what they enjoy right?

As far as reloading goes, I'm going to start (and might even be in Kali's AO) given the cost of .45 ammo (though I did find 50 round boxes at WM today for $14 and some change). To that end I've started reading Lyman Reloading Handbook (49th Edition). The process doesn't seem to be too different from reloading shotgun, but the little differences are going to keep me on my toes. I'm looking at a Dillon Square Deal B, which looks to be around $300-350 depending on where I get it, shipping, taxes, and discounts.

 

[Kali]

thanks for all the helpful responses. I am reading up on reloading at the moment.

 

[Zerodefect]

Apollo: Your not near NE Ohio are you? I could use another 23.

Kali: I reread your top post, you have to keep the end of your trigger fingr on the trigger. Using the second, middle part to pull the trigger will make a Glock and many other pistols shoot crazy.You have to crane your finger out some.

From the top it actually looks like your finger is going out before it bends onto the trigger. The combat grip is great for recoil control and accuracy, but its really uncomfortable.

 

[CajunBass]

After reading the costs of reloading, I thought a good reloading setup would run me closer to 1000$.

I've got less than $200.00 tied up in this kit, including bullets, power, and a couple hundred primers.



Lee hand press, 9mm T/C dies, scale, powder measure, case trimmer and lock stud, chamfer tool, primer pocket cleaner, Lee Auto-Prime.

It's not the "best" reloading kit in the world, but the tools are good enough to get you started, and they pack up in a cardboard box out of the way when not being used. Not especially fast, but works just fine. You can add or upgrade as needed.