Glock for IDPA??? Thinking about a new purchase.

ScubaSigGuy · Post by **ScubaSigGuy** » Sat Jun 16, 2007 7:37 pm

OK, I have never been a Glock fan, but since I have decided to take part in IDPA events (as long as Elm Fork has them on Wednesdays) I am considering a new purchase. Since the majority of my handguns are either Sigs or 1911's all chambered in .40 or .45 I have started to consider buying a new 9mm. With 9mm being more controllable and less expensive to shoot it seems like a no-brainer. I want to stay in the SSP category until I have a great deal more experience. I looked at the Beretta PX4 and it doesn't feel all that comfortable in my hand. I know that it can be adjusted, but the store that visited wouldn't change the back straps out for me. That brings me to the Glock 17 and 19 models. The 19 feels good (for a Glock) and the 17 feels a bit large at the grip. I would prefer the longer barrel afforded by the 17 since this won't be a CCW, but the grip on the 19 just feels much better. Does anybody here have an opinion or use either of these models in IDPA? I'm definitely open to suggestions.

edited for typos

SRVA · Post by **SRVA** » Sat Jun 16, 2007 7:44 pm

A lot of people use Glocks in IDPA. They seem to do pretty well. I have been using my Smith and Wesson M&P for 18 months in IDPA and it is working out fantastic. It is worth a serious look. There are a lot of them being used in IDPA and they are doing very well. I like the ergonomics of the M&P much better than the Glock.

Steve

HighVelocity · Post by **HighVelocity** » Sat Jun 16, 2007 9:06 pm

You could always get a 1911 chambered in 9mm and shoot ESP. You probably already have a holster and mag holders for it too.

AggieMM · Post by **AggieMM** » Sat Jun 16, 2007 10:18 pm

I started with a Glock 17, shot it for 2.5 yrs, then recently moved up to a Glock 34. The 17 was perfect for me. If you're thinking between a 19 or 17, and it is just for competition (not CCW), then I'd go with the longer barrel (ie 17).

However, I have recently read a lot about the M&Ps, but have not shot one. Might be worth checking out.

Just my $0.02.

Ryan

ScubaSigGuy · Post by **ScubaSigGuy** » Sat Jun 16, 2007 11:58 pm

HighVelocity wrote:You could always get a 1911 chambered in 9mm and shoot ESP. You probably already have a holster and mag holders for it too.

I have an EMP and intended to use it, but I think that it may not be legal for IDPA due to the bushingless bull barell. It's the short barrell that concerned me the most. I think that you were at the first match that I attended 2 weeks ago. We didn't meet however. I would love to use the actual gun that I will carry fairly often, if it's legal. And you are correct I have everything that I need for the 1911's. I would probably switch to OWB kydex however.

ScubaSigGuy · Post by **ScubaSigGuy** » Sun Jun 17, 2007 12:28 am

C. Heavy and/or cone style barrels without a barrel bushing.

I read this under:

1. Non-IDPA-Legal Modifications for ALL Divisions

But missed:

10. Factory installed cone style barrels on pistols with a barrel
length of 4.2â€? or less.

Under the ESP category.

So, I guess the EMP is legal after all. Hmmm.

age_ranger · Post by **age_ranger** » Sun Jun 17, 2007 12:29 am

M&P is definitely worth a look. I've used my PX4 for the past year and its been flawless right out of the box. Glocks are just as good as the Smith's, Sigs, HK's and Berettas. Biggest thing is choosing one that fits you the best and that you shoot it well. A top end 1911 is great, but if you can't shoot it, it's worthless (at least to me.....) I'll be happy to let you put my PX4 through some paces to help you decide. I should also have the XD back ftom Canyon Creek Custom in a few weeks.

Wildscar · Post by **Wildscar** » Sun Jun 17, 2007 12:31 am

ScubaSigGuy wrote:So, I guess the EMP is legal after all. Hmmm.

Yeap... Hes got all the signs.... He's and IDPA addict

ScubaSigGuy · Post by **ScubaSigGuy** » Sun Jun 17, 2007 12:38 am

Wildscar wrote:
ScubaSigGuy wrote:So, I guess the EMP is legal after all. Hmmm.
Yeap... Hes got all the signs.... He's and IDPA addict

It was a blast! I can't stop running through the COF's in my head to see how I could have done differently. Much, much slower of course.

Wildscar · Post by **Wildscar** » Sun Jun 17, 2007 1:12 am

age_ranger wrote:M&P is definitely worth a look. I've used my PX4 for the past year and its been flawless right out of the box. Glocks are just as good as the Smith's, Sigs, HK's and Berettas. Biggest thing is choosing one that fits you the best and that you shoot it well. A top end 1911 is great, but if you can't shoot it, it's worthless (at least to me.....) I'll be happy to let you put my PX4 through some paces to help you decide. I should also have the XD back ftom Canyon Creek Custom in a few weeks.

What the hell I'll even let you shoot a few though my 92FS. That is if you are interested...

jbirds1210 · Post by **jbirds1210** » Sun Jun 17, 2007 7:14 am

I shot a Glock 17 all of last year and had a blast with it. The 34 is really not for me, but it is a nice gun.

IMO, the 17 is a tough all around handgun choice. It is about as reliable as any (they all malfunction....don't fall for that hype! Practice the malfunction drills) and parts are cheap and easy to get. Magazines are reasonable and you will really have to neglect the gun for it to rust.

FWIW I also carry a 17 concealed about half of the time......it is not too big for that purpose.

Best of luck and if you are ever in my neck of the woods I have a couple of 17's set up in different ways that you are welcome to try out.
Jason

Post by **Skiprr** » Sun Jun 17, 2007 1:14 pm

jbirds1210 wrote:I shot a Glock 17 all of last year and had a blast with it. The 34 is really not for me, but it is a nice gun.

What was it about the 34 that steered you away from it?

jbirds1210 · Post by **jbirds1210** » Sun Jun 17, 2007 4:41 pm

Skiprr wrote:
jbirds1210 wrote:I shot a Glock 17 all of last year and had a blast with it. The 34 is really not for me, but it is a nice gun.
What was it about the 34 that steered you away from it?

I carry my Glock 17 about 1/2 of the time and just can't stand the crud that would build up on the barrel through the ports with the 34. That and the additional length would make IWB carry more difficult. I also don't need the extra length when shooting around a barricade. I actually owned a 35 for a while and just didn't care for the overall balance of the gun. While there is little difference....there is enough for me to keep choosing the 17. I like my 17 so much....I bought it a twin brother

I know there is a purpose for the G34 in competition and I see some amazing shooters using them...I tried it out and it just didn't feel right. I know that is not a very informative answer....sorry.

Post by **Skiprr** » Sun Jun 17, 2007 5:03 pm

jbirds1210 wrote:I know that is not a very informative answer...

No; very informative. And hopefully germane to ScubaSigGuy's search. Thanks!

jbirds1210 wrote:...the crud that would build up on the barrel through the ports with the 34.

Is the stock 34 ported? I didn't think it was...

HighVelocity · Post by **HighVelocity** » Sun Jun 17, 2007 5:08 pm

I have no problem carrying my G34 IWB. It's all about having the right holster.

Here's my 34 along with a Full size 1911 in the same model holster for comparison.