Glock as first?

[Gman]

The 17L isn't much different than the 34, it's slightly longer bbl @ 6ish"  compared to 5.3" of the G34, but it also has the same 4.5# trigger that the 34 has, and the same adjustable sights.  The first generations of the 17L (I have 2) came with a lighter trigger disconnect, they were 3.5# back then, as were some of the original 34/35 triggers, and as Mav said, there are dozens of aftermarket trigger options that are easy peasy to install.  The current stock 34 triggers are pretty decent at 4.5 though, so far as decent goes with a striker fired pistol that has a safety mech incorporated into its trigger. 

The OP has said in previous thread's that he's tried out other pistols, and in this one he's asking specifically about the Glocks.  Yes, there are many other options, but deciding on a Glock is never a poor choice, or the wrong one, millions of shooters use them, including all kinds of specialty units and competition shooters.  I'm not sure why everyone is still offering opinions on other stuff - PPK for example, isn't even a 9mm pistol, it's s .380, and due to that plus very limited capacity, plus cost, makes it more of a backup CCW pistol or specialty item, then what the OP is looking for.

[ROC]

I'm not sure why everyone is still offering opinions on other stuff

It's called a conversation.  It's not always going to follow the rules you expect it to follow.

[nrshida]

I'm not sure why everyone is still offering opinions on other stuff

I'm just joking around brah. You know I carry a Webley–Fosbery 380 in full automatic.

[Gman]

It's called a conversation.  It's not always going to follow the rules you expect it to follow.

My point is that he's coming to a focused decision on what he wants, obviously, since he's stated it, and is asking specific questions about one make and a couple of models within that manufacturer.  The previous thread he started recently was where all the discussion of other options already happened - why repeat that when he's obviously closed in on a decision, and wants specific advice on a specific firearm?  If that's what Cav was looking for, wouldn't his thread title be "still not decided on which handgun to buy", and then go on to explain which he had it down to in his first post? 

On the other hand, you're right Roc, others including yourself were asking about other options, and I missed that before I posted, and it's obviously not just the OP or anyone's thread, it should be for everyone.

If you're looking to get a Beretta, I would strongly recommend checking out the Wilson Combat models.  They incorporate a decocker instead of the standard safety, which is awful, and very easily goes on to "safe" when you manipulate the slide on a standard 92/96.  A lot of other mods too, they are about $1000 USD, but if you want the best Beretta 92/96 model out there, that will last, they are the one to get IMO.  IIRC the stopped making one of the models, but still have the 92G, which has the decocker/etc.  It also is made of a lot better materials, the regular Beretta 92F/etc typically failed due to the locking lugs shearing off, the barrel/slide is much, much better on the Wilson models.

A bit more $ than a standard 92/96/etc, but when you see how much they put into it, when you can find these for $1000 looking around, they look like a bargain.  There was a new one on Gunbroker for $900 a couple days ago.
https://www.wilsoncombat.com/berettawilson-92g-brigadier-tactical/

[Ramesis]

I have a Glock 19 that I have shot only a few times as it stays
in a safe hopefully to only come out it in extreme emergency.
In the Navy I carried a .45 when on watch and went through
qualification with it
I prefer the Glock !

[ROC]

I understand your point completely Gman, regarding his making a decision and not straying from the subject.
However...

After having handled many 9mm's at the store, I think the Glock 17 and 34 are contenders.  The 19 just doesn't feel right in my hands, but luckily the 17/34 frame works for wife.

Only a $50 price difference between the two so that's not a factor.  I'm wondering if the increase length of the 34 will show any appreciable difference to a beginner in recoil and accuracy?  Any concerns with the cutout of the 34 slide introducing FOD?

Would you recommend one over the other and why?  How about something different?

When I read the two models were contenders, that suggested they were in the running as an option, not the only two options.  That, backed up by the last line "how about something different?" opened up everyone else offering up their suggestions on..well..something different 

[Phast12]

That's really the best advice. Everyone has their favorites. You'll find yours.

Ditto and Kanth's advice is spot on. Take it for a test drive before you decide.

[-ammo-]

I'm a .45 fan, too.  But it isn't a good first gun, and it isn't (generally) a good gun for the fairer sex.  It almost guarantees you'll develop a flinching problem (especially with the < 5" barrel models) and you won't really want to practice as much as you should.

While I make fun of 9mms as girls' guns - well hey, one of you is a girl!  They provide adequate protection with modern ammunition, and they're much easier to shoot well.  Tell the wife it's what the Army uses.  Don't tell her why.

BTW, don't pass up on an opportunity to buy an inexpensive .22 revolver or pistol for learning how to shoot.  Best if it has an adjustable rear sight, but your budget will govern.  It is not a good home defense weapon, but it helps you develop good habits.

- oldman

Good advice right there

[mbailey]

Hey Gman you still at Sig Sauer?

Great write up and he's got some great advice Cav

[Gman]

I'm still on file as an adjunct instructor @ the Sig Academy, they keep a list of everyone certified in their system so long as you keep up with the rules so far as re-qualification goes, but I'm not actively working or instructing right now. 

There are always options, but IMO for a new shooter and a first time semi auto 9/40/45/357Sig type buyer, there are a whole lot of good options, so many that making a "bad" choice is actually difficult.  There are 5 major factors in hand shape so far as how it fits a handgun, and most will find a size/angle/etc that just "fits", but there are many factors other than comfort which go into how well x y or z will shoot for you.  Again, for a newer shooter, just getting any of the "majors" and starting out is better than spending months agonizing over minutiae and small details.  Glock, Sig, Smith, even Cannik now, etc etc - find one you and your wife/etc if they're involved both like, and start training and shooting it.  Indoor dry fire tools are excellent now too as before. 

[1stpar3]

Lots of great tips! I figured alot of us might share in other experiences besides Aces High. Its pretty cool to know this about you guys! I really fell in love with the Glocks. I remember what the gun store guy, where i first browsed a carry fire arm. He showed me a Glock that he was selling for a guy. I was looking hard at the Beretta...He said "Now she aint gonna win no beauty contests, Son. What she offers is comfort that she will be there when you need her. Besides, if you ever do need her, looks are irrelevant. No bad guy is gonna say "Oh,**** thats a pretty gun". They will be saying" Holy crap, thats a gun!!" If they do notice the model, they can give up now, as she will come through with flying colors." In my experience, they are like the AK-47 of handguns, you can pretty much put them trough any think out there, and they still perform.

[saggs]

I'll just reiterate what others have said.

Don't buy a gun based on what other people like or use, buy a gun that fits and works for you.  Everyone out there has different hand shapes, finger lengths, skinny or fat palms etc...  What works fantastic for your buddy you may struggle with, and the thing is you might not even know it, if that's the only thing you've tried.

You may pick up a Glock, and check out how it feels and how ergonomic the controls are for you, and say "Yea, this works."  and it would work.  But later you might pick up something else and go, "Wow, this is so much better I didn't know what I was missing."  So try as many different guns as you can before you decide, or be like some of us and just buy them all.

My personal example goes like this.  I can shoot Glocks OK, but never liked the ergonomics and grip angle.  For years I carried a XDm, and much preferred it to Glocks.  Then one day I had a chance to shoot a CZ SP-01 and fell in love with it, so now I carry a CZ, except for when I carry a 1911.  Because of course the 1911 as bestowed upon us by his great prophet John Moses Browning is the firearms gods most holy of holy creations.  The only reason I don't carry a 1911 more often is magazine capacity.

[saggs]

Lots of great tips! I figured alot of us might share in other experiences besides Aces High. Its pretty cool to know this about you guys! I really fell in love with the Glocks. I remember what the gun store guy, where i first browsed a carry fire arm. He showed me a Glock that he was selling for a guy. I was looking hard at the Beretta...He said "Now she aint gonna win no beauty contests, Son. What she offers is comfort that she will be there when you need her. Besides, if you ever do need her, looks are irrelevant. No bad guy is gonna say "Oh,**** thats a pretty gun". They will be saying" Holy crap, thats a gun!!" If they do notice the model, they can give up now, as she will come through with flying colors." In my experience, they are like the AK-47 of handguns, you can pretty much put them trough any think out there, and they still perform.

The whole Glock reliability thing is really over-hyped, especially in today's market.  There are at least a dozen manufacturers of handguns today who can claim as good or better reliability as Glock.

Glocks are great, but don't discount another handgun that you like because it's "not a Glock, and will fail" that's just dumb.  From what I've read about the NATO testing that the CZ P-01 I carry went through, I have no doubt of it's reliability and durability. Same could be said for the Army testing that they put their new Sig P320 through. (though they have some drop safe issues that have come to light now.)  Heck if you want the ultimate durability and reliability, I think it'd be hard to top a good old double action revolver.

The only real handgun lemons when it comes to reliability and durability that I've heard of in the last decade is the Remington R51, and RP9... so yea, I'd stay away from striker fired Remingtons, almost everything else I can think of have been good.

[1stpar3]

The whole Glock reliability thing is really over-hyped, especially in today's market.  There are at least a dozen manufacturers of handguns today who can claim as good or better reliability as Glock.

Glocks are great, but don't discount another handgun that you like because it's "not a Glock, and will fail" that's just dumb.  From what I've read about the NATO testing that the CZ P-01 I carry went through, I have no doubt of it's reliability and durability. Same could be said for the Army testing that they put their new Sig P320 through. (though they have some drop safe issues that have come to light now.)  Heck if you want the ultimate durability and reliability, I think it'd be hard to top a good old double action revolver.

The only real handgun lemons when it comes to reliability and durability that I've heard of in the last decade is the Remington R51, and RP9... so yea, I'd stay away from striker fired Remingtons, almost everything else I can think of have been good.

Absolutely! My Glock experience I was talking about was in 1988,when they were really just starting to get recognition. I had never heard of them at the time,and was the only one in that gun store. I stayed with Glock references, for the sake of the OPs inquiry. I own CZ,Taurus, Beretta,Ruger, Smith and Wesson, Sig Sauer and a 1860 Remington New Army .44 cap and ball-replica of coarse The gun safe said 62 capacity,not much wasted space but it will hold more than 62 I dont believe I have ever held a gun I DIDNT fall in love with. Just for information purposes....if you like Lever Actions, DO NOT-EVER pick up a Henry(especially if you have you checkbook with you) Trust me on that one Come to think about it, the only guns I ever sold was a Ruger Super Blackhawk .44mag, and A Thompson Contender 30-06. Just wasnt a JOY in pulling the trigger

[YUCCA]

I got a Sig .45.  I was rather surprised how low the recoil was on it.  Very enjoyable to shoot.