new (Glock 23)
- Thread starter pslager
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If you plan on carrying outside the wasteband or on a shoulder harness then the glock 23 would be an awesome choice. If you want to carry inside the wasteband then the glock 23 may be a little to large and you may want to look into the Glock 26/27. Glock's in general are great pistols and they are very easy to shoot.
Also, I see that this is your first post so welcome aboard!
Also, I see that this is your first post so welcome aboard!
Der Stro
Member
My glock 23 will eat absolutely anything. Speer Gold Dot or Winchester Ranger JHP's are the usual "go-to" ammo for defensive use, I just buy whatever is cheapest for plinking.
Also, I open carry with a 5.11 ThumbDrive holster and have no issues, it IS just a little too big to comfortably carry inside the waist band, but it really isn't too bad.
Also, I open carry with a 5.11 ThumbDrive holster and have no issues, it IS just a little too big to comfortably carry inside the waist band, but it really isn't too bad.
Coyote3855
Member
I carry a Glock 23 IWB (inside waist band, in a holster) with no problems. I'm 5'7" and 150 pounds. The 26/27 is the same thickness as the 23, just shorter in grip and barrel. If you're looking for a thinner pistol, check the Kahr line. Ammo for the .40 will be a bit more expensive than for a 9mm (Glock 19 is the same size as the 23). I buy pjractice/plinking ammo at Walmart. It won't hurt your gun. I don't use steel cased ammo, but other do without apparent problems. If a Glock rings your bell, there's no reason not to go with one.
Der Stro
Member
As I said before, your Glock will feed, fire, and eject anything you throw at it. Mine's a baby at 1,000 rounds, but I've never had a failure to feed/fire/etc. The only issue I'm aware of is a faulty recoil spring in some Gen4 9mm Glocks, but that's been taken care of I believe.
I have an XDM compact in .40, and used to have the "duty" 3.8" (shorter barrel, but same size grip), and the compact conceals only slightly better. The main thing when you're concealing a semi-auto, especially one like a Glock or XD, is the sharp butt of the slide.
I said I'm an XD guy, but Glocks are great too. If I didn't have an XDM, my choice would boil down to Glock (probably my first choice would be G23, then 22 and then 27) or a S&W.
For reference, I'm about 5'6 and weigh maybe 150, and 90% of the time carry IWB.
I said I'm an XD guy, but Glocks are great too. If I didn't have an XDM, my choice would boil down to Glock (probably my first choice would be G23, then 22 and then 27) or a S&W.
For reference, I'm about 5'6 and weigh maybe 150, and 90% of the time carry IWB.
Strykervet
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Well, dude, you picked a fine piece for what you want it for. For carry, you might want to look at the Milt Sparks VM2 IWB holster. I have three of them now, they work so well. One each for a G27, G29 and a 1006. You'll also need a good GUN BELT that fits the loops on the holster. Milt Sparks makes fine belts, but here the Galco ones and some other will suffice. You want a belt that doesn't fold, a stiff one, or a double thick one that is soft but doesn't fold due to the thickness. The holster and belt are VERY important, almost moreso than the pistol itself. But I gurantee you that you'll be able to hide that pistol well in this rig with some practice. Some guys even hide a G20 and G21 on here, I've seen it.
For ammo, I'd stick with popular factory loads. Stay away from the funky stuff, the questionable reloads, and RBCD for sure. Those loads were the closest I've ever seen to failing in a Glock. For defense, the Winchester Ranger T-Series 165gr. is what I use. I get it for a good price close by. Speer Gold Dot would be another great one. Hornady XTP's in 155gr. ain't bad either. Actually hard to go with a bad factory JHP in .40 in the 155 or 165 grain varieties. The 180's, they may not get the velocity you desire in .40, those are better 10mm bullet weights.
For plinking, any of the FMJ's will work. 155-180. They make 135's, and those may be fine for plinking too, especially blowing up milk jugs. The plated stuff works good too. Just stay away from the lead bullets. Some folks use them in Glocks, but until you feel comfortable doing it, stay away from plain lead, use jacketed bullets. You can read more on this if interested.
I reload, and I load Rainier plated bullets for the .40. I use 180's because I use them in the 10mm too. I load them to the lower end of the data (which is in fact close to the max data too --it has little room for error). It is very finicky to load, and some component makers recommend to NOT load .40 for Glocks at all, so that is why I recommend that you stay with reputable ammo makers.
But yeah, great pistol choice. Oh yeah, remember to keep it mostly stock. A set of Trijicon night sights and a titanium guide rod and a .25 cent trigger job are about all I do (but you don't HAVE to do that, although I would highly recommend the Trijicon sights). You can use the G21 mag release and get an extended one, and there are other slide releases out there. But other than that, I'd refrain from doing other mods to it, especially one meant for carry or defense.
Finally, you should be advised to get a 3rd generation G23, not a 4th generation. They are having problems with their new designs, but the 3rd gens are all great. Problems with 4th gen range from the ambi mag release not working to the recoil system not working right, to the ejector or extractor --it has been everything but an all out recall. Save yourself the headache, get a 3rd gen, you won't be missing anything, trust me. I have six Glocks, early 2nd to late 3rd gen, and all are great. The only problem I had was a ambi mag release G20SF frame I had to return for a regular mag release SF frame --no problems now.
Glocks are notorious for eating anything, but you need to make sure of this with your particular pistol. Fire lots of your carry ammo, get used to it (some on here recommend 200rds. to start) then fire it on ocassion and restock. Your plinking and practice ammo won't be so crucial, just use what works best for you. It does help to use a practice ammo of the same weight as your carry ammo though, but if you carry 165's practicing with 155's is fine too. The 165gr. bullet was designed as the optimum .40 bullet weight by the way.
For ammo, I'd stick with popular factory loads. Stay away from the funky stuff, the questionable reloads, and RBCD for sure. Those loads were the closest I've ever seen to failing in a Glock. For defense, the Winchester Ranger T-Series 165gr. is what I use. I get it for a good price close by. Speer Gold Dot would be another great one. Hornady XTP's in 155gr. ain't bad either. Actually hard to go with a bad factory JHP in .40 in the 155 or 165 grain varieties. The 180's, they may not get the velocity you desire in .40, those are better 10mm bullet weights.
For plinking, any of the FMJ's will work. 155-180. They make 135's, and those may be fine for plinking too, especially blowing up milk jugs. The plated stuff works good too. Just stay away from the lead bullets. Some folks use them in Glocks, but until you feel comfortable doing it, stay away from plain lead, use jacketed bullets. You can read more on this if interested.
I reload, and I load Rainier plated bullets for the .40. I use 180's because I use them in the 10mm too. I load them to the lower end of the data (which is in fact close to the max data too --it has little room for error). It is very finicky to load, and some component makers recommend to NOT load .40 for Glocks at all, so that is why I recommend that you stay with reputable ammo makers.
But yeah, great pistol choice. Oh yeah, remember to keep it mostly stock. A set of Trijicon night sights and a titanium guide rod and a .25 cent trigger job are about all I do (but you don't HAVE to do that, although I would highly recommend the Trijicon sights). You can use the G21 mag release and get an extended one, and there are other slide releases out there. But other than that, I'd refrain from doing other mods to it, especially one meant for carry or defense.
Finally, you should be advised to get a 3rd generation G23, not a 4th generation. They are having problems with their new designs, but the 3rd gens are all great. Problems with 4th gen range from the ambi mag release not working to the recoil system not working right, to the ejector or extractor --it has been everything but an all out recall. Save yourself the headache, get a 3rd gen, you won't be missing anything, trust me. I have six Glocks, early 2nd to late 3rd gen, and all are great. The only problem I had was a ambi mag release G20SF frame I had to return for a regular mag release SF frame --no problems now.
Glocks are notorious for eating anything, but you need to make sure of this with your particular pistol. Fire lots of your carry ammo, get used to it (some on here recommend 200rds. to start) then fire it on ocassion and restock. Your plinking and practice ammo won't be so crucial, just use what works best for you. It does help to use a practice ammo of the same weight as your carry ammo though, but if you carry 165's practicing with 155's is fine too. The 165gr. bullet was designed as the optimum .40 bullet weight by the way.
TheReiver
Member
The 23 was my first Glock and I loved it except for the recoil. I've broken my right hand twice, and I would hurt literally for a day after putting more than three mags through it at a time. I traded it in for a 19 (same exact size but chambered in 9x19) and absolutely love it. If you don't have a similar sensitivity to recoil then I'd say you'll love the 23. Safe shooting!!
REAPER4206969
Member
The Glock 23 is the best general purpose auto-loading pistol in history.
rcmodel
Member in memoriam
A .40 S&W will fray your nerves if you are not already an experienced pistol shooter.
Muzzle blast & recoil will wake you right up and have you flinching, jerking the trigger, and missing a lot in no time flat!
Both my sons would rather shoot my .45 ACP 1911's all day then go a mag full with my Glock 23.
I'd really suggest the Model 19 9mm if it is your first handgun experience.
Practice ammo is cheaper too.
rc
Muzzle blast & recoil will wake you right up and have you flinching, jerking the trigger, and missing a lot in no time flat!
Both my sons would rather shoot my .45 ACP 1911's all day then go a mag full with my Glock 23.
I'd really suggest the Model 19 9mm if it is your first handgun experience.
Practice ammo is cheaper too.
rc
acmax95
Member
I love my Glock 23. It is the only carry gun I have and I carry exclusively IWB w/ a Theis holster (similar to a Crossbreed).
I carry Winchester Ranger-Ts and plink with WWB from WalMart. I also have the Lone Wolf 9mm barrel for cheaper plinking. The Glock is a very accurate handgun but the 9mm conversion barrel is not nearly as accurate as the factory .40 barrel.
The only mods on mine are TruDot night sights and a stainless steel guide rod.
I carry Winchester Ranger-Ts and plink with WWB from WalMart. I also have the Lone Wolf 9mm barrel for cheaper plinking. The Glock is a very accurate handgun but the 9mm conversion barrel is not nearly as accurate as the factory .40 barrel.
The only mods on mine are TruDot night sights and a stainless steel guide rod.
memphisjim
Member
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- Jul 15, 2008
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You couldn't pick a better pistol than a glock 19 or 23 I carry a 19 iwb with no problems ( as in you don't feel it). 19 cheaper ammo higher capacity less kick
23 more power recoil and noise but if not recoil sensitive go for it
Glock makes 20 rounders for the 40 ( can add super 2). And 33 rounders for the 9mm
23 more power recoil and noise but if not recoil sensitive go for it
Glock makes 20 rounders for the 40 ( can add super 2). And 33 rounders for the 9mm
voyager4520
Member
Get a Gen4 that has the newest ejector:
The older Gen4's and all Gen3's will have the old ejector stamped with 1882. There's nothing wrong with that ejector, but recent production Glocks may have an ejection problem and the new ejector will fix it.
I have a Gen3 G27 with NRR serial # prefix that had the erratic ejection problem. I fixed it by installing an older non-LCI 15 degree extractor and the new 28926 ejector. It was a pain to get my hands on the new ejector, so you should buy one that already has it installed.
The older Gen4's and all Gen3's will have the old ejector stamped with 1882. There's nothing wrong with that ejector, but recent production Glocks may have an ejection problem and the new ejector will fix it.
I have a Gen3 G27 with NRR serial # prefix that had the erratic ejection problem. I fixed it by installing an older non-LCI 15 degree extractor and the new 28926 ejector. It was a pain to get my hands on the new ejector, so you should buy one that already has it installed.
It is an excellent pistol. To the comment about excessive recoil, I don't really notice much recoil at all, but I am use to shooting a sunb nose 38 special +p. That hurts after a few cylinders,but I feel that a glock 23 has negligible recoil
jmstevens2
Member
I am wearing a gen 3 Glock 23 in a Miami Classic II system right now. I love it. I also have a gen 4 Glock 22, also no problems at all. It works well in an IWB, I just can't carry anything IWB unless I want my pants around my ankles unless I wear suspenders. (no assatal it is called)
An advantage to the .40 S&W Glock is that with a $109 Lone Wolf conversion barrel and some 9mm mags, you can practice with 9mm, even lead round nose which you can't use in the Glock barrels. Cheap to shoot and still .40 S&W for carry.
I really don't notice the recoil much either. I think it has a little flip, but not heavy recoil.
An advantage to the .40 S&W Glock is that with a $109 Lone Wolf conversion barrel and some 9mm mags, you can practice with 9mm, even lead round nose which you can't use in the Glock barrels. Cheap to shoot and still .40 S&W for carry.
I really don't notice the recoil much either. I think it has a little flip, but not heavy recoil.
X-Rap
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- Sep 23, 2006
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- 6,657
I think it would be hard to go wrong with any of the mid sized Glocks, they have ample capacity and carry quite well. The downside of starting with the 19 is that you can't change out the barrel/caliber so if I had to pick one it would probably be the 23 for starters, beware they breed and multiply. 
Watch for sales on mags and stock up when you find them for +- $20. I would also buy a good number of the larger G22 mags as well as the big "happy stick mags".
Watch for sales on mags and stock up when you find them for +- $20. I would also buy a good number of the larger G22 mags as well as the big "happy stick mags".
herkyguy
Member
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- Jul 31, 2009
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My first gun was a G23. I shot somewhere in the neighborhood of 3000 rounds through it. I began to have feeding problems where the slide would lock back. It was always easy enough to fix and not a huge deal. I started changing out springs hoping that would solve it. I literally held my thumb down in case i was inadvertantly locking the slide back, but the problem persisted. Maybe 1 out of every 100 shots. Plus it was too big for me to use a primary CCW, so i traded it for a hunting gun. all in all a great handgun. I found it to be very accurate and the recoil was manageable. You'll enjoy it for sure!
todd_g
Member
My first Glock was a 3rd gen 23. No regrets whats so ever, I also bought a lone wolf 9mm conversion barrel and a bunch of korean g19 mags and use it in some local 2 or 3 gun shoots. I say get it.
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