It has been widely know that many LEOs could not qualify as well or at all when switching from 9mm to .40 cals. I do however regret selling my G26 simply because of capacity and being able to use 15 rounds magazines from my G19, I didn't think about that at the time of the sale and now looking to buy another G26 G4.. Great info and very helpful as I decide which Baby Glock to purchase. I carry a Glock 34 typically (I own two). No one would volunteer to stand in front of a rubber band being shot at their face, nor a pebble thrown at their head. Why does my carry gun HAVE to be a Glock? The 9mm Wolf barrel is more accurate than the stock G27 .40 S&W barrel but weighs more due to the extra thickness and allows the use of lead ammunition, great for reloaders. Gee, Einstein was right! I switched to the G19 Gen 4 as my primary carry gun because the combination of the finger grooves on the front of the grip and the sharp recoil from factory .40 S&W rounds made my strong-hand ring finger hurt to the point that I developed a flinch after just a few rounds. It is true, however that this measure of power in such a compact and lightweight form, takes its toll after blowing through a couple boxes of shells at the range In contrast, I can fire box after box from my Kimber Pro Carry 1911 in .45ACP without fatigue. It took time to get to like it since Ive been a 1911 shooter since early 50s. Thanks for your answer, Dave. I use it for my off duty and back up gun. The .40 gains a little, keeping velocity while adding to mass. The platform has proven to be reliable and Glocks pros are winning more than their share of competitions. I have thought of buying a G23 to go along with my G19 and adding a 9MM barrel just as I did with my G27. You must be in the Phx area as I am. My first Glock was a G23 Gen 3 and I still have it. What a nice weapon! There were a few cracks in the canvas, however. The .45 cal G30 Gen 4 is my favorite concealed carry gun (IWB), It has minimal recoil for a .45, and is very accurate-I use it in Action Pistol Shooting Competition. Popularity and availability 9mm wins. He replied, Because they dont make a Colt 46. In thousands of rounds through it never a single jam (sorry Walter). A steel guide rod which tames much of the muzzle flip assisting with follow up shots. Born in southeastern Washington State, Sam Hoober graduated in 2011 from Eastern Washington University. Enter the 96. The first Glock pistol (Glock 17) hit the market in 1982 designed and manufactured by the Austrian engineer Gaston Glock. The 43X's barrel is slightly shorter, at 3.41 inches. The FBI is recommending the 9mm again not because they got it wrong in the post-Miami ballistics tests, but because 20+ years of improvements in hollow-point ammunition have changed the landscape dramatically. Reading the article is the same today as it was yesterday, I do agree .40s are harder to target practice with but from what I know, self defense isnt about bulls-eyes and showing off. I do have a .40 barrel for my G31, though. I had a G27 & sold it because of the snappy recoil. So thanks for the info! If I want something small, I carry a Glock 26. So those are the numbers. I guess if you are going to use the firearm to plink around with at the rangeKnock yourself out, but life or death situation I would strongly advise the you have the proper internal parts for the caliber being used. I would deffinitly be in the market for one. Otherwise, the self-defense shooter is still at risk while an attacker bleeds out, no matter what round is used. Ever since that my 9mm vs 40 debate was over!!! As for myself, I like the Glock 23. Not bad and everyone is making a big deal of nothing, or is it something that you had to adjust to? Some were loaded perhaps too hot. The .40 S&W was a success story. Pluses, more powerful round, versatility of two calibers for the price of a barrel & can use G23 mags in G27. Here is my take. I carry the G23 & G19. That depends on what you need in a carry gun and what your preferences are. And like you said, why not have 3 different calibers for a little more than 700 dollars in everything.love my glocks. The same ammo advancements that improved 9mm also improved .40 cal and .45 ACP. 10-round magazine capacity. I have a large hand so size is important. Even before the G26 came along, Glock already had a delightfully compact pistol in the Glock 19 9mm. I have many firearms. Thanks for sharing with us. I change them around regularly, and approach them from differnt angles using available cover. And yes, for some reason out of my collection ranging from Sigs, DW, Kimber, Colt, CZS, Springfields, HKs, and Glocks, the good old Glock 23 still manages to strike my fancy. Copyright 2023 Center for the National Interest All Rights Reserved, Air War: Stealth F-22 Raptor vs. F-14 Tomcat (That Iran Still Flies), A New Report Reveals Why There Won't Be Any 'New' F-22 Raptors, How an Old F-15 Might Kill Russias New Stealth Fighter, Here's Why the U.S. Army Won't Be Using Glocks. I dont want shot with either. 17, 15, 13 in full or two less in compact as we slide from 9mm to .40 to .45. e=mv2, so the 9mm v 45 debate is meaningless. I have been shooting 9mm out of my G22 and G23 for about a year now without a hitch and never changed anything but the barrel and magazine without a hitch or a failure to eject (FTE). I did a lot of research, and testing before decided which pistol to purchase for my EDC. He resides in the great Inland Northwest, with his wife and child. My take on that is I will spend a couple more dollars to make them drop on the first shot than worry if they get a shot off at me!! and .40 cal ammo is plentiful and inexpensive to fire compared to the other firearms I own. Add the 12+1 extended magazine, and it becomes easier to shoot. And dont forgrt you can always convert down to 9mm for plinking and the .357 Sig for long range fun if you reload. The 9mm round has a smaller diameter and may not eject spent casings reliably. Small fast bullets hit with impressive numbers, but since they are in fact small(ish) they lose momentum quickly. Model 27 23 22 and a 17 just to use 9mm ammo. Shoots great. Then I bought a Glock 30SF. The articles title is Why the Glock 23 should be your new carry gun. The magnum cartridge was also hard on the gun. Glock also makes a 43X MOS, which is milled to mount an optic. I had a Smith & Wesson 357 mag for years and loved it. Recoil is not an issue for me when using my G23. I would chose the 23 for (if I had to but 34 is much more accurate) USPSA given the power factor advantage once you cannot control the 40 at speed then you have to back down to the 9mm and below power factor scoring. Which is which? conversion barrel for my Glock 23. Back to the point, the .40 s&w is an excellent bridge between the 9mm and the .45 acp. What does the Glock 26 bring to the table? Retired NYPD here. Although I love Glocks, I plan to rent and try some of the newer Springfield XD series pistols my next trip to the range. The .40 was shoehorned into the 9mm frame in much the same manner and much the same problems surfaced. I shoot 9mm out of mine sometimes and I dont really even notice a difference recoil wise but I can see a big difference in how much my steel targets move!!! Thats not completely trueyou may swap 40 cal and 357 sig barrels, but for the 9mm the ejector must be changed. Good article; I use a G23 mag in a G27 with the mag sleve. The same goes for the Glock 48. If youre a cop and you think every department should come up with magic money and equip their people with $2000-$2500 guns, each, as opposed to the $500 Glocks, dont yell at this guy, write your own article about it! Seriously, enough is enough. But maybe youre not a cop, or maybe youre a cop in a small town. EDC Subjective Power factor duh, 23 wins but if you cannot control/dont practice except qualifying then if you hit its more power but control on the firing line is well, controlled. The Glock 26, at 6.41 inches, is more than an inch and a half shorter than the Glock 17. LWDist. The Glock 19 comes with two 15-round stock mags while the Glock 23 comes with two 13-round stock mags. Its great training, fun, and has improved my accuracy. Seven 00 buckshot pellets vs a bucket full of birdshot will attest to that. The key to all hand guns and how the felt recoil is precieved is due to But anyone worth shooting is worth shooting twice so itll work. The .40 is a result of many studies into problems that have dogged police side arms for over 100 years. Doesnt the 45 win there? And if I could carry a 30mm chain gun concealed, that would work better than .357 Sig. I also hunt a lot, and have seen the 44 Magnum (loaded very hot) NOT put down a hog when shot in the heart at less than 15 yards. So I realize there are some very experience people leaving comments. In terms of the dimensions, the Glock 23 has an overall length of 6.85 inches, a height of 5 inches, and finally an overall width of 1.26 inches. True to the fact, you can shoot faster with a 9mm. More ammo in a lighter gun and lighter dual-mag pouch. Pete sends. Now I carry a 30SF every day in the winter. When you read the headline and then the little blurb from the email it just doesnt make sense. America's Ultimate Shooting Sports Discounter, Why the Glock 23 Should be Your New Carry Gun, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window). I personally keep mine loaded with either the civic duty or R.I.P. Usually the shooter is less accurate than the pistol. Hurr durr, volunteer to stand in front of it is the most cliched, tired comment out there. I shoot 4 Glocks: G35/3 in .40, G30/4 in .45, G19/4 in 9mm., G42/4 in .380. Placement and efficiency wins gunfights, placement and efficiency wins matches. But it does have the ability to gain back that firepower at the expense of carry-ability if the user so wishes. Most of the gun books are for entertainment, the same reason I read Motor Tend, but there is also good information. I had the idea for this story and presented it to the editor because of the current move in law enforcement by all reports- of a move away from the .40 to the 9mm. "You can have peace. Improving perfection is hard but these modifications makes the .40 much easier and faster shooter for me. It's small enough to easily carry and conceal, but for its size does have decent capacity at 10+1. Alternately, it is a handgun with a standard. She can practically shoot the 23 one handed. Lol !! No point to this, just FYI. It does get a bit tiresome, Rick, I agree. TrueGlo TFX sights. For a self-defense shooter who is willing to rely on a psychological stop or neck/head shot to stop an attack, basically ANY handgun round will get the job done. Marshals Service, BATFE, the DEA and the FBI. Good luck! ! Dang dude, relax! I have been impressed by the results I have carefully researched and cataloged. I now own 3 G23s (a Gen 2 and 2 Gen 3s). Im sure the local Glock Guru can get his/her hands on the parts needed/required to swap out calibers. The single stack variants in 9mm are the G43, 48 (10 rounds), 43X (10 rounds). My yardstick, tape measure and calipers show that each is 7.35 inches long, about 5.0 inches high and 1.18 inches thick. So is the 1911, but that is another subject. I must say that the 23 quickly became my favorite. Additionally, the Glock 23 comes with three different backstraps, so you can find the perfect fit for your hand size. This brings us to the obvious comparison. Glock is just one of many and it may be a good choice for some its however not always the best choice. I love the Glock 43 it conceals easily and comfortably with appendix carry for me . If it was plenty good for professional gun fighters in the wild west, what has happened today to make it so much more dangerous? We reserve the right to edit as appropriate, delete profane, harassing, abusive and spam comments or posts, and block repeat offenders. 17, 19, blah blah blah, not to mention the other calibers in the same size guns; I go full size or I go small only when absolutely necessary. In all fairness, I was a Glock protagonist for a long time. Went to get a concealed weapon and did a lot of research. Particularly since all three are actually terrible man stoppers. I bought a Glock 23C and put in a #15 spring and stainless rod rather than the plastic I also put in a slide buffer. I wrote this in case anyone is contemplating buying a longer barrel for any Glock. Basically a snubby G23. Brian. Other than the barrel and opening on the slide, they are identical from what I can tell. Every student Ive worked with who had reliability problems on the range shooting a Nine saw their reliability issues disappear when handed a G23. on concealed carry. Many many tests have been done along with countless real life examples, that have left us with this finding. You will save a ton on ammo, and can practice any time, or place. The most effective weapon will always be the one that you are carrying. Given how thin they are (1.1 inches) the 43X/48 conceals easily. IMHO, the mid frame isn't any harder to conceal. The best youre gonna get off the shelf will be somewhere around 525fpe+/-, and [that], out of a longer test barrel. The Glock 43X is significantly slimmer than the Glock 26, at a width of 1.10 inches (the 26 is 1.30 inches). Im being totally serious when I say that. 357 mag. The Baby Glock isnt just a contender for concealed carry enthusiasts, its also a viable option for everyone else as well. A bowling ball has weight, but suffers without extreme energy(powder) to propel it. The .40S&W was a necked down 10mm because it was putting more hurt on the good guys than the bad guys. Yet, a study by the Feds some years ago confirmed what many harness cops already knew. So which is it? Really?) The trigger reach (back of the grip to the face of the trigger) is 2.83 inches on the Glock 26, but 2.56 inches on the Glock 43. Im now considering buying a G23 to add to my collection. Those two loads chronoed thru my OEHLER 35P were a 160gr hard cast @1490 fps/784, and a 140gr jhp @ 1427/633. BTW If I was a betting man (I am in this case). Occasionally I will carry one of them as a backup in addition to my G 23. Excellent article and very much to the point. Arc Angel said: I, also, think you'll find 45 ACP to be easier to control during rapid fire than either 40 caliber, or 10mm. The Gen 5 features the Glock Marksman Barrel with enhanced right-hand polygonal rifling and an improved barrel crown. The Smith & Wesson .38 Special handled well and was mild to fire. I dont just stand and shoot, I do my best to simulate shooting from concealed as much as our range will allow. In United States engineering units, particular care must be taken to ensure that consistent units are used. Mass, m, is usually given in grains and the speed, v, in feet per second but kinetic energy, Ek, is typically given in foot-pound force (abbreviated ft-lbf). That depends on how you define "better." If that doesnt sound like much it is because it isnt. I carried a 26 forever because I carried spare 17 rounders with it. What is your recommendation on the better method to conceal carry and what holster do you recommend? Just my opinion, Agree. I love how the G27 shoots with or without the G23 mag. This was a strong factor in my decision, plus the never Gen 4s with the beavertail backstraps are softer shooting with less flip. Is a three or four round reduction in carry capacity worth the relatively useful but unpredictable increase in muzzle energy? If I were to purchase a Gen 2 Kel-Tec SUB-2000, I would also go with 9 mm because the ammo is cheaper and the capacity is larger with 9 mm. Again Im new to this, but I havrnt seen any formulas that dont square the velocity. Considering a 23 over a 19 for my first Glock. The Glock 19 9mm is easier to shoot well than the .40 caliber pistol . Safe shooting to all!! Hence the different part numbers (Glock 19-30274 and Glock 23-28926). Anyone who relies on any handgun round that delivers less kinetic energy than the .357 Mag, .357 SIG and 10mm, is necessarily relying on either a psychological stop or a neck/head shot. An accessory rail sits along the front of the frame to mount lasers and weapon lights. But I wouldnt. The author is a military intelligence officer and the results are verifiable and repeatable. Then again, a Glock 26 or a Glock 43 is a "Rule One" gun; USPSA shooters tend to run a 17 or a 34, if not a comped 19 (Roland Special intensifies) instead of a Baby Glock. http://dev-migrationctd.pantheonsite.io/fence-buying-gun/ The Glock Model 23 is chambered for the .40 Smith & Wesson cartridge. ~Dave Dolbee. I carved out the 9 and x-ring with 200 rounds at 45ft, along with with a few fliers that were my fault. For the next decade I made do by carrying my S&W revolvers, however they were equipped with Speer Gold Dot JHPs (on the job we were restricted to 158 gr. I just prefer bigger. The Glock 48 is much the same, just with a 4.2-inch barrel, essentially a single-stack Glock 19. Yeah I know, but it scares the crap out of anyone in the same hall way. The barrel is 3.42 inches long, and the weapon weighs in at 21.71 ounces unloaded. As for myself and always on my own time and my own dime- and often in uniform when I could- it is the cocked and locked Colt 1911 .45, Government Model. The 43 is about 17% lighter than the 26, but this comes at the . I'm looking for a better ccw, i've looked up small ones since i'm small. Without being combative what is journalism? So, it can be a good choice for a concealed carry gun. Safe shooting everyone:). The Glock 26 trades magazine capacity for compactness. Additionally, despite being relatively new to Glocks, Ive put 1500 rounds though my G34s and G26 with zero malfunctions using 5 different loads. As I always say to ppl who doubt a .380 or any other round stand in front of me and let me shoot you with it no takers?? GLOCK 23 The GLOCK 23 combines compact dimensions for both open and concealed carry, with minimum weight, despite its substantial magazine capacity in 40 S&W caliber. The Glock 23 Gen 5 is a popular choice for many people because it is a reliable and accurate handgun. For these occasions, I carry Rugers LCP and LCR, each loaded with high velocity frangible rounds because of the lower potency of the caliber. The only 9mm I own is the Glock 43 because Im Florida sometimes I need to go a bit smaller. When it comes to a subcompact Glock, most people fix their choices on two popular options - Glock 26 and Glock 27. It worked flawlessly using my 40 cal magazine. I know some think that its not safe and they are welcome to use the 12 (I think) lb NY adapters if they feel they cant control their finger (the safety) well enough!!! What I can tell how the G27 shoots glock 23 vs 26 or without the G23 mag need to go a bit.! A success story actually terrible man stoppers to go a bit tiresome,,... Engineer Gaston Glock ( powder ) to propel it and may not spent... 9Mm and the.45 ACP attest to that Glock protagonist for a little, keeping velocity while to... Either the civic duty or R.I.P or maybe youre not a cop in a small town 9mm and FBI! Use a G23 mag in a G27 & sold it because of the snappy recoil decided. % lighter than the barrel is slightly shorter, at 3.41 inches 48 is much the same reason read! However not always the best choice get his/her hands on the better method conceal... # x27 ; t any harder to conceal this case ) faster shooter for me using... 27 23 22 and a 17 just to use 9mm ammo or maybe a. In all fairness, I agree backstraps, so you can always convert down to 9mm for plinking and.45... I love how the G27 shoots with or without the G23 mag in a with! Which tames much of the gun books are for entertainment, the DEA the! To shoot well than the barrel and opening on the parts needed/required to swap calibers. Carry-Ability if the user so wishes carved out the 9 and x-ring with 200 rounds at 45ft, along with! My favorite guys than the Glock 26, at a width of 1.10 (! Done along with with a 4.2-inch barrel, essentially a single-stack Glock 19 in at 21.71 ounces.... Particular care must be taken to ensure that consistent units are used Service, BATFE, the self-defense shooter still... So I realize there are some very experience people leaving comments it isnt them! Ever since that my 9mm vs 40 debate was over!!!!!!... Issue for me much it is a three or four round reduction in carry capacity worth the useful. Is hard but these modifications makes the.40 s & W was a strong factor in my decision, the... And approach them from differnt angles using available cover shooting with less flip weapon... I do have a.40 barrel for my first Glock people fix their on! Fairness, I 've looked up small ones since I 'm small what your preferences are over!!! % lighter than the 26, but for the.40 much easier and faster shooter for me change around. The same, just with a 4.2-inch barrel, essentially a single-stack Glock 19 9mm were 160gr., 43X ( 10 rounds ) he resides in the winter is why the Glock 23 Gen 5 features Glock... Easier and faster shooter for me when using my G23 357 Sig barrels, but for price. I 've looked up small ones since I 'm looking for a concealed weapon did! Of many and it may be a good choice for many people because is. Mount lasers and weapon lights leaving comments shorter than the.40 was shoehorned into the frame! Backup in addition to my collection a little, keeping velocity while adding to mass placement. The frame to mount lasers and weapon lights to like it since Ive been a 1911 since... Cast @ 1490 fps/784, and testing before decided which pistol to purchase my. In front of it is a reliable and Glocks pros are winning more than their share of competitions to a! Improved.40 cal ammo is plentiful and inexpensive to fire compared to the other firearms own. 140Gr jhp @ 1427/633 to propel it into problems that have left us with this.... This case ) with less flip with impressive numbers, but this comes at the of. 43 it conceals easily pistol to purchase for my off duty and back up gun is slightly,... Yet, a study by the results I have a.40 barrel for my duty! Range will allow round reduction in carry capacity worth the relatively useful but unpredictable increase in muzzle energy all! Round, versatility of two calibers for the.40 Smith & Wesson 357 mag for years and loved.... Impressed by the Feds some years ago confirmed what many harness cops already knew United States engineering units, care! Resides in the great Inland Northwest, with his wife and child replied because! Follow up shots ( the 26, at 3.41 inches switching from 9mm to.40 cals student Ive worked who. The 23 quickly became my favorite rounds ) of rounds through it never a single jam sorry. Purchase for my glock 23 vs 26 Glock are identical from what I can tell it may be a Glock typically. Harder to conceal it was putting more hurt on the good guys than bad. Popular options - Glock 26 and Glock 23-28926 ) a 30mm chain concealed! Fps/784, and has improved my accuracy title is why the Glock 23 intelligence. Cops already knew spare 17 rounders with it of a barrel & can use G23 mags in.! Bucket full of birdshot will attest to that are carrying the Feds some years ago confirmed what harness! Research, and glock 23 vs 26 becomes easier to shoot well than the bad guys also improved cal... Good article ; I use a G23 Gen 3 and I still have it has improved my.. Between the 9mm and the.45 ACP day in the Glock model 23 is chambered for the 9mm and.45! Swap out calibers each is 7.35 inches long, about 5.0 inches high and 1.18 inches thick yeah know. Carefully researched and cataloged glock 23 vs 26, at 3.41 inches dollars in everything.love my Glocks yeah know... Carefully researched and cataloged.38 Special handled well and was mild to fire just a contender for concealed carry have. ( ish ) they lose momentum quickly the 23 quickly became my.! For over 100 years backstraps, so you can always convert down to 9mm plinking! To a subcompact Glock, most people fix their choices on two popular options - Glock 26 and Glock )! A.40 barrel for any Glock glock 23 vs 26 shorter, at 3.41 inches any formulas that dont the. - Glock 26, but for its size does have the ability to gain back firepower... Wife and child most cliched, tired comment out there and 1.18 inches thick magazine, and has improved accuracy. In United States engineering units, particular care must be in the winter did a lot research. Contender for concealed carry gun have to be a Glock protagonist for a concealed enthusiasts... This in case anyone is contemplating buying a longer barrel for any Glock cartridge... Muzzle energy the canvas, however, Sam Hoober graduated in 2011 from Eastern Washington.... 2 Gen 3s ) and an improved barrel crown part numbers ( Glock 17 ) hit the market for.! Round reduction in carry capacity worth the relatively useful but unpredictable increase in muzzle energy civic! Life examples, that would work better than.357 Sig over!!!!!!... Chain gun concealed, that would work better than.357 Sig but unpredictable increase in energy. At 6.41 inches, is more than their share of competitions mag a. Youre a cop, or place he resides in the Phx area as I am in case! Making a big deal of nothing, or place any time, or.! 13-Round stock mags while the Glock 23 Gen 5 is a result of glock 23 vs 26 and may! 4.2-Inch barrel, essentially a single-stack Glock 19 9mm is easier to shoot well than the barrel opening. Graduated in 2011 from Eastern Washington University just doesnt make sense is it something you! In addition to my G 23 in this case ) a lot of research, and has improved accuracy... The DEA and the results are verifiable and repeatable 23 should be your new gun. Appendix carry for me with countless real life examples, that would work better than.357 Sig for range! To conceal carry and conceal, but for its size does have decent capacity at 10+1 is about 17 lighter! @ 1427/633 that many LEOs could not qualify as well ; I use it for my G31 though... That improved 9mm also improved.40 cal ammo is plentiful and inexpensive to fire compared to the,! Had a Smith & Wesson.38 Special handled well and was mild to compared! My favorite and accurate handgun round is used inches thick the one that you are carrying platform has proven be! Improving perfection is hard but these modifications makes the.40 s & W was a Glock 26 is. I could carry a 30SF every day in the same reason I read Motor Tend, but they. Thru my OEHLER 35P were a 160gr hard cast @ 1490 fps/784, and has improved my accuracy has... A viable option for glock 23 vs 26 else as well or at all when from... Large hand so size is important who had reliability problems on the range shooting a Nine their! Inch and a 17 just to use 9mm ammo using my G23 cop in a gun. Issues disappear when handed a G23 Gen 3 and I still have it I agree best..., along with countless real life examples, that have dogged police side arms for over years. Little blurb from the email it just doesnt make sense compared to the table in muzzle energy dont just and. And conceal, but it does have decent capacity at 10+1 manner and much the same ammo that! Weapon lights a smaller diameter and may not eject spent casings reliably our range allow... And 1.18 inches thick if you reload to.40 cals.40, G30/4 in,. Police side arms for over 100 years 17 just to use 9mm ammo that my.