I'm going to call this the "Official" Glock Appreciation Thread...

LuckyDuck

LuckyDuck

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    • Nov 4, 2020
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    #1
    Alrighty you scallywags-

    I searched through 10 pages to see if this has been a thing here yet and I came up with nothing so let's start it now. The Glock appreciation thread.

    There are two pistols in which I personally gravitate towards, one (obviously is Glock) and the other is 1911's. Those are my 'jam'.
    I suppose when it comes to handguns those two couldn't be anything more than polar opposites, different grip angles, different material of frames, etc etc. But I dig both of them. So for now I want to talk Glock.

    To start off the discussion here's my collection of Glocks in the Lord's caliber...

    1737444083249.png


    From top to bottom... that's a G41 wearing Talon Grips (wanted to try them), a G21.4, a G30.4, a G30S & the much criticized G36 (notice the 'frying pan finish' & lack of rail on that bad boy)...

    -LD
     
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    #2
    So here's a collection of 45's I have (while not all of the generations/configurations ever released) it does represent all of the models Glock offers in the caliber...

    So back to this little guy... the often criticized G36....

    1737444838493.jpeg


    This was the 2nd Glock I acquired and led into a rabbit's hole I'm still digging out off... but this particular pistol led to...
     
    #3
    1737444919526.png


    ...Owning two G20's. One of which is a G20SF (my 1st 10mm) and the 2nd being a G20.4 that I picked up in recent years because I liked the original one so much.

    How the G36 & G20SF are related is a story I've told here once before. However- for this thread we're talking about why we like the Glock pistol.

    It surely isn't because of their appearances nor is it due to the grip angle or factory sights. I'm a bit of an "odd duck" for being an equal fan of both 1911's & Glocks but for me- they just frankly "work" first and foremost.

    I figure the plastic sights that come standard are nothing more than dovetail protectors and replacement sights are part of my decision process. I bought a Glock specific sight pusher over a decade ago and I've more than gotten my money's worth out of it.

    That's another thing, you can't huck a loogie from one gunshop to the next and not find accessories for a Glock. Whether it be sights, magazines, holsters, whatever, any podunk gunshot will have something for you. Doesn't even matter if you're at a gun shop in a town that doesn't even show up on a map (remember those?) they'll have something.

    Also- Glocks are relatively inexpensive- depending on the caliber you're interested in, you're looking at something like $500-$700 minus about $100 if you qualify for their blue label pricing. Their accessories are inexpensive- you want an extra magazine- figure on $25 or so a pop.

    I hate to admit this but I've gotten older (I'm sure that I'm not alone on this realization) but up until 2004 (pretty sure I'm right on the year) there was this law in place, I seem to remember it being the AWB put in place by Clinton) that made standard capacity magazines for pistols 'unobtanium'.

    Seriously- you want a 13 round magazine for your Browning Hi-Power? Better pony up the money because it'll likely cost you over $100 a pop for one magazine. And this is over $100 in the 90's (someone else can do the conversion there) just because they were by all intents and purposes "outlawed". The magazines since then were stamped something like "for government use only" and to get standard capacity magazines, you had to find those made before the ban... (1994?) and the prices they fetched was nothing short of bonkers. What previously sold for... to be oddly specific I want to say $8.99 before then sold for over $100 almost overnight and didn't end for over a decade.

    I know I went off the rails (on my own thread to boot) but surely someone else here remembers this.

    -LD
     
    #4
    It's hard to imagine now in 2025, but I want to say the Glock 17 came out in 1986 and this bad mother had a 17 round magazine to boot! I think I made mention of the Browning Hi-Power, but if I remember correctly it had a 13 round magazine and that was nothing short of incredible (at the time). And now you have a pistol with an extra 5 rounds...!?

    Here's where it gets "interesting", nobody/ at least nobody that would be willing to put their name to paper and whose opinion meant much wanted to support the Glock. There was a large distrust over "plastic guns" and certainly a large distrust over the 9mm cartridge in particular back then. Reference Jeff Cooper's books from that time (as an example).

    It wasn't until the AWB came into effect that we, as Americans, started warming up to Glocks and even then- one of their greatest attributes, magazine capacity, wasn't realized because we entered a decade's long "dark age" where anything more than 10 round magazines were mostly unavailable unless you had deep pockets.

    -LD
     
    #5
    Speaking of the mid-90's here's another gathering of new Glocks chambered in cartridges of that time...

    1737447001337.png


    357 SIG- oh boy what a "pocket rocket" that is even to today. Notice these are all Gen 4 Glocks... Yes I'm still a HUGE fan of this caliber too.... All of the sizes Glock offers are captured here from full to subcompact....
     
    #6
    Alrighty- I'm throwing a lot out there here- so why talk about 45 ACP, 357 SIG, 10mm, and magazine capacity as well right?

    Whelp- I know this is a side note but there's a reason why the 40 S&W came to be (and back to the intention on this thread to discuss Glocks, how they beat even S&W to chambering pistols in a caliber bearing their own namesake/and how that lead to the cartridge getting a negative reputation today despite the basis of such having long been addressed since the early 90's), why the 357 SIG was "hot" and I do mean "hot" based upon what we knew about terminal ballistics at that time. The 10mm, well if you understand the 40 S&W then you already know the 10mm and what they were trying to achieve.

    And at the time- up until the early 2000's at least, Glock was on top of all these ballistic changes occurring in the market and in many cases out did their competitors. The one thing they may have (in my opinion at least) miscalculated was the 45 GAP. The intention was sound but in the USA- we still absolutely loved our 45ACP cartridge that "won two world wars". The other problem, that I remember at least, was at least at the time, the 45 GAP was always a lighter bullet. By that I mean the standard was 230 gr for a 45 caliber pistol and the 45 GAP was either 185 or 200 gr at it's heaviest (I think they eventually got to 230 grain/regardless of whether they started in 185 or 200 but by that time the window for adoption was... pretty much closed by my summation).

    So fast forward to 2025, and please allow me a brief interruption to the Glock specific part of this discussion. The question (for our younger participants at least) that may be coming up if you accept my recollection of things as being accurate, is why all those other caliber's "failed" right? Well I've got an answer for that too...

    The 9mm was largely distrusted in the 80's and then there was a shootout where mortal wounds were delivered but incapacitation was not realized. That's largely where the 40 cal/10mm came to be (I don't want to delve into the 10mm to 40 S&W history as it's often retold every time this comes up) and with the 357 SIG- the 'odd ball' today, it almost exactly mirrored a 357 Magnum fired out of a 4" barrel (in a time where the vast majority of police officers still carried revolvers (chambered in 357 Magnum but with 38 Special +P cartridges). So to have a 357 SIG was like carrying a, for a lack of better terms, 'nuclear' load.

    For those following along at least, the natural question becomes.... well what changed?

    Whelp- I've got an answer for that too...
     
    #7
    The FBI (ironically the reason we have these "intermediate pistol cartridges" between 9mm & 45ACP) standardized a set criteria in which defensive pistol cartridges "should" operate within. Low and behold- all of the pistol cartridges (9mm, 40 S&W, 357 SIG, 45 ACP, etc) all started to operate within this established 'standard'

    We lowered the bar gents- we lowered the bar and pissed away decades of lessons learned of ballistics to standardize how every cartridge should perform. And now we're at the point where anyone that professionally follows ballistics rightfully says, why wouldn't we use 9mm? They perform close enough and are cheaper. Cost matters and an understanding of Government Procurement processes help- what meets the minimal standard at the lowest price... that's the secret sauce and of course 9mm (being the cheapest option) wins the bids because after all... why not?

    I'll say it now, and I think I've said it here before, a rising tide raises all ships. In my opinion it's a foolish argument to say that 9mm is now "just as good" as any other caliber. That may be true in some instances but completely ignores that all calibers were purposely engineered to perform the same and ignore their potential to exceed the envelope set by the FBI. Also- one quick note- I've argued this before and I'll argue this now- I refuse to believe that the FBI test protocol, which hasn't been updated in decades, reflects the average aggressor faced in the US with either the barrier being layers of denim or the desired/established penetration of 12-18".

    Fight me on this- go to Walmart, tell me that the average customer is... "built" the same way that pictures from the 80's portray or how they're dressed for that matter.
     
    #8
    Stepping off of my soap box now and going back to Glocks-

    Glock used to be (and still offers) these cartridges I've been referencing and that number has significantly dwindled over the decades. I hope Glock continues to produce the 45's, 357's, 40's, etc. The pendulum will swing and as of now, Glock is one of the few companies equipped to respond to when the market shifts away from 9mm...

    And I promise you that'll happen sooner than later.
     
    #12
    LuckyDuck said:
    The FBI (ironically the reason we have these "intermediate pistol cartridges" between 9mm & 45ACP) standardized a set criteria in which defensive pistol cartridges "should" operate within. Low and behold- all of the pistol cartridges (9mm, 40 S&W, 357 SIG, 45 ACP, etc) all started to operate within this established 'standard'

    We lowered the bar gents- we lowered the bar and pissed away decades of lessons learned of ballistics to standardize how every cartridge should perform. And now we're at the point where anyone that professionally follows ballistics rightfully says, why wouldn't we use 9mm? They perform close enough and are cheaper. Cost matters and an understanding of Government Procurement processes help- what meets the minimal standard at the lowest price... that's the secret sauce and of course 9mm (being the cheapest option) wins the bids because after all... why not?

    I'll say it now, and I think I've said it here before, a rising tide raises all ships. In my opinion it's a foolish argument to say that 9mm is now "just as good" as any other caliber. That may be true in some instances but completely ignores that all calibers were purposely engineered to perform the same and ignore their potential to exceed the envelope set by the FBI. Also- one quick note- I've argued this before and I'll argue this now- I refuse to believe that the FBI test protocol, which hasn't been updated in decades, reflects the average aggressor faced in the US with either the barrier being layers of denim or the desired/established penetration of 12-18".

    Fight me on this- go to Walmart, tell me that the average customer is... "built" the same way that pictures from the 80's portray or how they're dressed for that matter.
    Click to expand...
    Oh boy another 45acp idiot

    Seeing as you're a gun and holster accumulator I bet you can't shoot either.
     
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    #15
    LuckyDuck said:
    Stepping off of my soap box now and going back to Glocks-

    Glock used to be (and still offers) these cartridges I've been referencing and that number has significantly dwindled over the decades. I hope Glock continues to produce the 45's, 357's, 40's, etc. The pendulum will swing and as of now, Glock is one of the few companies equipped to respond to when the market shifts away from 9mm...

    And I promise you that'll happen sooner than later.
    Click to expand...
    Lol no. When 9 came out, it was great. After over a century of others coming and going, 9 is the king for the foreseeable future for many reasons.

    However, the king is a fag, I carry a 10.
     
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    #17
    Ive never had a 9mm till just 2 years ago. My dad bought my brother and I 40 cal Sigmas back in 97. Just always stayed with .40's. also have a 1911 45, and also a Beretta 96 inox, I like the steel guns, and always thought they were cooler, they still look cooler. First Glock I got was a G27 figured stick with 40 cal... absolutely hated the short grip, and too fat to carry concealed.. Fired a friends 43x and instantly went and bought one. Its my current favorite and CCW. Then Global Ordnance had a sale on gen 4 G17's for 375. and bought one... but they ran out of gen 4s so they gave me a gen 5 in place w/ no extra cost so that worked out well.
    I upgraded the sights on both, Ameriglo FBI "Agent" sights. I kinda like the 9mm. I dont live in bear or big cat country so its suffice.

    G1743b.jpg


    G1743a.jpg
     
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    #27
    308pirate said:
    Oh boy another 45acp idiot

    Seeing as you're a gun and holster accumulator I bet you can't shoot either.
    Click to expand...
    What's your deal man?

    Is it that 9mm is the only caliber worth talking about? If that's the case- at least we'll have something to talk about.

    I have some thoughts (of course) with pistol calibers but I'm not sure where you're coming from here?
     
    #30
    LuckyDuck said:
    What's your deal man?

    Is it that 9mm is the only caliber worth talking about? If that's the case- at least we'll have something to talk about.

    I have some thoughts (of course) with pistol calibers but I'm not sure where you're coming from here?
    Click to expand...
    Yeah- quoting myself, I get it. You're a competition guy (I used to be one too) is it that 9mm (major) is your jam? It's fine with me if that's your thing and won't hurt my feelings just thought I'd ask before commenting further is all.
     
    #35
    LuckyDuck said:
    Yeah- quoting myself, I get it. You're a competition guy (I used to be one too) is it that 9mm (major) is your jam? It's fine with me if that's your thing and won't hurt my feelings just thought I'd ask before commenting further is all.
    Click to expand...
    If one looks at 9mm through the lens of "If I buy the best ammunition available, 9mm can expand and do what I need it to do," then 9mm is fine.

    If one looks at handgun calibers through the lens of "What is the capability of the absolutely cheapest, nastiest, low-quality ammunition I can buy in a caliber as there might be an ammo shortage like there was during COVID19 making the best ammo unavailable," then someone might lean towards a different caliber.

    Or, shorter, if only one was available, would you choose crappy 115 grain 9mm ball or crappy 230 grain 45 ball?

    Or, snarkier, "A 9mm might expand but a 45 won't shrink."

    :)

    -Stan

    P.S. Yeah, yeah, blah blah, Greg Ellifritz findings, blah blah etc.

    P.P.S. Yeah, yeah, blah blah, "I reload so I am not beholden to supply chains," etc. Good for you human with a basement or spare room.
     
    #37
    Skunk said:
    FWIW, cost has absolutely nothing to do with why the FBI moved back to 9mm.

    Terminal performance, shootability, and capacity win.
    Click to expand...
    I know that's what's often reiterated but I respectfully disagree-

    9mm is the entire reason why we have caliber debates... Here's what actually happened. A standard was set in the late 80's on how many layers of denim needed to be passed and how many inches needed to be passed afterwards. It's (in my mind at least) that simple and by no means is this meant as a personal argument with you @Skunk

    So what transpired was a 'government solution' to establish said standards and over the following decade surprisingly every single caliber started performing exactly the same & exactly to the standard set by the FBI. In my opinion that's precisely what occurs when an artificial ceiling is set, we don't rise to the top, we rise to the standard.

    This might be "just a me thing" but I firmly and fully believe that a rising tide raises all ships. I find it nothing more than absolutely ridiculous that "better technology" only benefited the 9mm cartridge.

    Bullshit there- the R&D went to bringing the 9mm cartridge up to the other ones in the market and the same advancements weren't carried over to other ones despite their potential because that's not where the money was.
     
    #40
    LuckyDuck said:
    I know that's what's often reiterated but I respectfully disagree-

    9mm is the entire reason why we have caliber debates... Here's what actually happened. A standard was set in the late 80's on how many layers of denim needed to be passed and how many inches needed to be passed afterwards. It's (in my mind at least) that simple and by no means is this meant as a personal argument with you @Skunk

    So what transpired was a 'government solution' to establish said standards and over the following decade surprisingly every single caliber started performing exactly the same & exactly to the standard set by the FBI. In my opinion that's precisely what occurs when an artificial ceiling is set, we don't rise to the top, we rise to the standard.

    This might be "just a me thing" but I firmly and fully believe that a rising tide raises all ships. I find it nothing more than absolutely ridiculous that "better technology" only benefited the 9mm cartridge.

    Bullshit there- the R&D went to bringing the 9mm cartridge up to the other ones in the market and the same advancements weren't carried over to other ones despite their potential because that's not where the money was.
    Click to expand...
    No offense taken.

    I understand what you’re saying. However, I have access to the fbi ballistic data and can see the terminal performance information. I know and talk to the guys at Ballistic Research. Cost is a distant afterthought.

    There probably are other calibers that will perform the same, terminally. But, that’s not all the fbi looks at. As mentioned above, weapon capacity and shootability are big pieces. There are 13k agents in the fbi that need to be outfitted with a weapon they can use effectively.

    10mm and 45ACP are challenging for 100lb females, etc.
     
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    #41
    Skunk said:
    No offense taken.

    I understand what you’re saying. However, I have access to the fbi ballistic data and can see the terminal performance information. I know and talk to the guys at Ballistic Research. Cost is a distant afterthought.

    There probably are other calibers that will perform the same, terminally. But, that’s not all the fbi looks at. As mentioned above, weapon capacity and shootability are big pieces. There are 13k agents in the fbi that need to be outfitted with a weapon they can use effectively.

    10mm and 45ACP are challenging for 100lb females, etc.
    Click to expand...
    Nothing you said I can argue against- nor will I try to. Your point is respectfully taken.

    -LD
     
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    #42
    stanley_white said:
    If one looks at 9mm through the lens of "If I buy the best ammunition available, 9mm can expand and do what I need it to do," then 9mm is fine.

    If one looks at handgun calibers through the lens of "What is the capability of the absolutely cheapest, nastiest, low-quality ammunition I can buy in a caliber as there might be an ammo shortage like there was during COVID19 making the best ammo unavailable," then someone might lean towards a different caliber.

    Or, shorter, if only one was available, would you choose crappy 115 grain 9mm ball or crappy 230 grain 45 ball?

    Or, snarkier, "A 9mm might expand but a 45 won't shrink."

    :)

    -Stan

    P.S. Yeah, yeah, blah blah, Greg Ellifritz findings, blah blah etc.

    P.P.S. Yeah, yeah, blah blah, "I reload so I am not beholden to supply chains," etc. Good for you human with a basement or spare room.
    Click to expand...
    I can (personally) respect your opinion. I have strong opinions myself but we're both likely 95%+ in agreement with everything.

    So an honest 'cheers to you' we're all on the same team mate.

    -LD
     
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    #43
    LuckyDuck said:
    I can (personally) respect your opinion. I have strong opinions myself but we're both likely 95%+ in agreement with everything.

    So an honest 'cheers to you' we're all on the same team mate.

    -LD
    Click to expand...
    For the record, my "P.S." and "P.P.S." weren't directed at you, but rather the rest of the unwashed around here.

    :)

    -Stan
     
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    #47
    LuckyDuck said:
    Glocks- you either love 'em or hate 'em but as for the "small hands" remark... figure that was addressed over a decade ago with the G4's and the adjustable backstops. But to each their own as well.
    Click to expand...
    I want to amend the statement. The Glock 19 is a fine pistol that works for most people. I however have the hands of a gorilla and my pinky does not make contact with the grip so I use the Glock full frame models.
     
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    #48
    ut755ln said:
    I want to amend the statement. The Glock 19 is a fine pistol that works for most people. I however have the hands of a gorilla and my pinky does not make contact with the grip so I use the Glock full frame models.
    Click to expand...
    I see your point.
    my pinky is only about half on the grip.

    Didnt consider my hands small. I wear xl gloves and could palm a basketball.
     
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    #49
    Makinchips208 said:
    I see your point.
    my pinky is only about half on the grip.

    Didnt consider my hands small. I wear xl gloves and could palm a basketball.
    Click to expand...
    Have you come across the Gee Plate for Glocks by chance?


    Reason I ask is on another forum they're held in high regard for folks with big hands but was looking for opinions from alternative sources.

    -LD
     
    #50
    LuckyDuck said:
    Have you come across the Gee Plate for Glocks by chance?


    Reason I ask is on another forum they're held in high regard for folks with big hands but was looking for opinions from alternative sources.

    -LD
    Click to expand...
    Glock 45.jpg


    My bottom finger is a little off the edge of a full size frame. I like the idea of what you linked but I think in my case it would hit in between my bottom two fingers.
     
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