Guns and Aesthetics
I almost made it through the day without blogging guns. Some folks don’t like Glocks apparently.
First, my general opinion on guns is based on function not appearance. I own only three guns: an AR15, a Sigarms P229 in 9mm, and a Glock 30. Despite talking about gun rights all the time, my collection is limited. I buy guns for function and fun. I don’t hunt and only shoot at the range. I have an AR15 because they are fun and cheap to shoot. I have the two handguns for concealed carry. I have two for those instances in which I leave the house and the Mrs. stays home. That way, I have mine and she has one at the house.
Since I don’t collect, I want something that is functional, reliable, and comfortable. All three guns fit that description. I don’t like guns with wooden stocks (easy to scratch and heavy), that are chrome colored (the shine interferes with site picture), or that I can’t just toss into the back of a car. I like plastic, aluminum and blued steel. I don’t care what they look like. They feel good and I’m not concerned if I scratch one. If I forked out the bling bling for a Kimber, I’d be afraid to shoot it.
Why a Sig? The most reliable and functional handgun ever. Can take abuse and is the finest feeling handgun I have ever held.
Why an AR15? Reliable, feel good, and parts are cheap & plentiful.
Why a Glock? Simple, reliable, functional and I don’t care if I scratch it. And they are tough as nails.
In fact, my advice to anyone who has never purchased a gun and wants to is that they should buy a Glock. Here’s why:
Cheaper than Sigs
Simple design (they only have 34 parts)
They are tough. Glock has frozen them in ice; dipped them in sea water, mud and sand; driven trucks over them; dropped them from helicopters; chemically degreased them; not cleaned them for 10,000 round tests; and the list goes on. And the Glocks have always functioned.
They have a firing pin block, safe action, and trigger safety. Like the Sig, there is no manual, user operated safety. If you don’t want it to fire, don’t pull the trigger.
The trigger pull is manageable for almost anyone (5 pounds I believe) and the wife can operate it.
There are millions of accessories for Glocks, such as lasers, rails, lights, holsters, and mag extensions.
Replacement parts are cheap.
The Glock comes with two magazines, a magazine loader, a cleaning brush, a cleaning rod, child safety lock and other niftiness. When you buy a Glock, the only other purchase you need to make is ammunition, eye and ear protection, and gun oil. Nothing else. It’s included. Some guns only come with one magazine, hence I won’t buy one. This is why I did not buy the Taurus PT145.
They are simple to operate: insert magazine, rack slide, pull trigger. That’s it. No decockers, thumb safety, or other gizmos to learn. Great for a beginner.
People who don’t like Glocks typically don’t like them because they feel awkward. They are boxy. Or because they are partially plastic. Or they don’t like not having manual safeties. Proper firearms safety eliminates the need for a manual safety.
I dig ‘em.
October 22nd, 2003 at 1:19 pm
Really depends on what you are looking for with a pistol. I have a blend of autos and revolvers, from .357 and .44 to a .45, 10mm, and a 9mm upper for my AR-15(which uncle you should look into)
Aesthetics to me are pleasing, but functionality and reliability are the biggest thing to look for imo.
October 22nd, 2003 at 2:13 pm
I’ve heard complaints that glocks jam, and that’s why I was staying away from them. My wife’s gun is a simple Browning .22, and it’s the only gun we own so far.
October 22nd, 2003 at 2:16 pm
My personal experience is that i’ve never had a glock jam (i’ve only shot friends’ and this is my first owned glock). I’ve owned three sigs and put about 12,000 rounds total through them and only one jam when i used an after market magazine. If you wish to avoid jamming altogether, a revolver is the thing.
October 22nd, 2003 at 10:52 pm
I think revolvers are the best as far as simplicity and reliabilty. Want to know if it’s loaded? Look for brass on either end of the cylinder. Like you say, revolvers can’t jam. If they misfire, just pull the trigger again.
I’ve shot a lot of Glocks and I don’t recall a jam, either. I have seen one piece misfire four times on one 50-round box of ammo. You have to clean the firing pin every couple thousand rounds (which means you have to clean it more often than that to be sure).
October 23rd, 2003 at 8:38 am
Les, revolvers can jam, it’s just far less likely. For example, fire a squib load in one one time, leaving the projectile lodged in the barrel. Or have a primer back out hard and jam the cylinder. Or have a spring break. However, when you have a problem with a revolver, it’s probably not of the “tap, rack, bang” variety – that sucker won’t be working until you get a chance to take it apart.
And Uncle? You can shoot a Kimber. Just ’cause it’s pretty doesn’t mean it doesn’t work.
October 23rd, 2003 at 11:56 pm
And Uncle? You can shoot a Kimber. Just ’cause it’s pretty doesn’t mean it doesn’t work.
Heh! Nicely said, Kevin!
And Uncle, I never really said I don’t like Glocks, I wuz just yankin’ your chain a little. I carry Kimber, but my most fun gun is a Glock .40 with a ported barrel. A real pleasure to shoot.
I am interested in everyone’s opinion of a Tarus .38 ultra light revolver. The Mrs. might end up with one (which is why I can’t ask on my own blog – she occasionally reads that one).
October 24th, 2003 at 2:54 pm
I’m not a big glock fan. It’s not the appearance thing, or the safety on the trigger gimmick. It’s the KBooms that have a habit of happening. Also the glock unsupported chamber (which may have a part in the aforementioned KBooms) & the polygonal rifling (which eliminates the possibility of using lead bullets – as in non jacketed lead bullets) makes the glock an unwise choice for those who reload.
http://publicola.blogspot.com/2003_07_13_publicola_archive.html#105841216372248683
There are some links in the last half of that post which discuss the glock’s less than sterling reputation in avoiding explosive dissassemblies.
December 16th, 2004 at 1:21 pm
[…] ng for opinions on a first handgun purchase. I recommend a Glock in any .4X caliber for a variety of reasons. Go give your opinion.
| Link | | Category: Guns | […]