Buying a Glock 23- recommendations

[mastacox]

I'm saving up for a new (2009-2010) Glock 23 .40cal compact, and will hopefully have enough mid-next month for the gun, an extra mag, and holster. I am interested to hear opinions of holsters for the gun, what do you guys use? This gun will be mainly for carrying in the great outdoors, but I'm planning on taking a CCW course in the future.

Additionally, I was thinking about getting the factory Tritium sights. Any opinions on this? Input is appreciated, I'm glad to finally be able to start participating in the sportsmen's corner!

[Bighead]

How much are you willing to spend for the holster? The CCW holsters/mag pouch for my 1911 and G26 are made by Mitch Rosen (http://www.mitchrosen.com/product_line/product_line.html). A little spendy and the wait for mine was ~3 months but they are excellent holsters. You can also look at Galco for another lower-cost leather option.

For a Kydex CCW holster take a look at Raven Concealment Systems (http://www.ravenconcealment.com/products/holsters.html).

[4x4mike]

I have you shot the compacts? I'd get out and spend some time with them. If you are going to carry I'd get an IWB holster if you really want to be consealed but they aren't all that comfortable. IMO the compact are too small (short grip) and not much fun to shoot. You'll find you probably need a couple guns and holsters. Your hand size, body size and waist are also factors in choosing. I' don't have big hands but the compacts are too small to hold well for me. As a result I have a G21 but I don't carry so it's perfect. My XD9 is smaller and could be carried because it's thinner and lighter. I do like the XD sub compacts but again they are a little short in the handle. The nice thing about those is you can get the mag extension and hold it a lot better. If and when you want to take it along you ditch the extension and it's pretty small. .40 is a good round and compromise for a carry weapon but I'd also look into 9mm and .45.

People love Glocks and they have a big following but I don't think I'd buy another. There are a lot of other options out there and Glock seems a little behind in features for a like pistol. Sure they are super realiable but everything is now a days.

As for holster I like kydex stuff. I've got a couple Uncle Mikes and Galco. Most shops around me carry the models I need so it's easy to try stuff before I buy. It's harder if they have to order in or if you're blindly ordering. I was trying to get involved with a DSC group and they used Blackhawk stuff same with my cop buddies. They use the Serpa models (for Sig .40) and have good things to say about them. I think they have a kydex consealed OWB model.

[mastacox]

I have you shot the compacts? I'd get out and spend some time with them. If you are going to carry I'd get an IWB holster if you really want to be consealed but they aren't all that comfortable. IMO the compact are too small (short grip) and not much fun to shoot. You'll find you probably need a couple guns and holsters. Your hand size, body size and waist are also factors in choosing. I' don't have big hands but the compacts are too small to hold well for me. As a result I have a G21 but I don't carry so it's perfect. My XD9 is smaller and could be carried because it's thinner and lighter. I do like the XD sub compacts but again they are a little short in the handle. The nice thing about those is you can get the mag extension and hold it a lot better. If and when you want to take it along you ditch the extension and it's pretty small. .40 is a good round and compromise for a carry weapon but I'd also look into 9mm and .45.


The decision on the gun has been several years in the making. I've shot pretty much every kind of Glock in 9mm, .40cal, and .45 cal, standard, compact, and subcompact. The subcompacts are definitely too small, but the standards are too big for what I want in a handgun. Compact fits my hand nicely, and is small enough to be somewhat concealable if needed. Choosing .40 over .45 or 9mm because it has the power of a 45 (more than a 9mm), you get more rounds in the mag than a 45, and it's slightly cheaper than 45. Choosing Glock over Sig or Springfield because of simplicity, aftermarket support, and price.



People love Glocks and they have a big following but I don't think I'd buy another. There are a lot of other options out there and Glock seems a little behind in features for a like pistol. Sure they are super realiable but everything is now a days.

They're cheap, relieable, lightweight, and shoot straight. Good enough for me. I've thought about all of the tradeoffs a lot; Glock 23 is the decision.



As for holster I like kydex stuff. I've got a couple Uncle Mikes and Galco. Most shops around me carry the models I need so it's easy to try stuff before I buy. It's harder if they have to order in or if you're blindly ordering. I was trying to get involved with a DSC group and they used Blackhawk stuff same with my cop buddies. They use the Serpa models (for Sig .40) and have good things to say about them. I think they have a kydex consealed OWB model.


Thanks for the recommendations. I'm going to go down to a few gun shops in Albuquerque and try out a couple of different holsters there, I'm just not sure what brands or kinds I should be looking for. For now basically I want one to hold the gun on my hip, and hold the extra mag.

Any input on tritium sights? I hear they're around $70 more but worth it in low/no light conditions...

[Good Times]

This holster comes highly recommended by a lot of ccw folks...

http://www.crossbreedholsters.com/

Here's their guarantee info:

Once you receive your holster you have two weeks to try it out, if it doesn't work for you, simply give us a ring and we will buy it back. Even after your two-week-try-it-free period is over, the holster still carries a lifetime warranty and we will repair or replace it as long as you own it if it fails you in any way under normal use.

Check em out.

[Robinhood4x4]

It seems like a lot of people say they have a drawer full of holsters because they buy cheap holsters that end up not working out. I have a crossbreed supertuck and other than holsters that came with my XDSC, it's pretty much my only holster that I have. It's comfortable and holds the gun securely. Keep in mind that an IWB holster requires bigger pants. Mine are all one size too big for me so I have to wear a belt with everything.

I'm not sure what OWB holsters are good, but most people who get custom holsters are very happy with them whether they are IWB or OWB. If you go OWB you should look into getting a good gun belt. They help distribute the weight better, make the gun more comfortable, and above all, make drawing the gun much easier and safer.

As for small grips on the subcompacts, I use pearce extensions which allow me to get a better purchase on the grip but still allows for better concealment than a full size grip. If you go with an IWB holster, the barrel length doesn't matter for concealment.

For a self defense gun, I would recommend some kind of night sights, whether the tritiums or some others. You might also want to think about a tactical light, whether mounted to the light or in your pocket. Afterall, you shouldn't shoot what you can't identify.

www.defensivecarry.com (http://www.defensivecarry.com) is a good place to do research on carry things.

Can't go wrong with glocks.

[oly884]

supertuck

http://www.crossbreedholsters.com/IWB/tabid/56/CategoryID/1/List/0/Level/1/ProductID/1/Default.aspx?SortField=UnitCost+DESC%2CProductName

Get it and you will not be disappointed! Pretty much everyone on Glocktalk.com suggests this holster and I agree.

[Terracoma]

I'm currently pending on my CCW application, but received a Comp-Tac Infidel (http://www.comp-tac.com/product_info.php?products_id=68) IWB kydex holster for my Glock 19 just today... Been cruising it around the house and I like it so far. I ordered with it the belt clip, but would recommend the leather belt loops instead as the clip doesn't seem to get a good purchase on my Wilderness 1.75" belt when worn behind my right hip. The loops are only $3 more and will definitely be more solid when drawing the pistol... No experience, but I've heard lots of good things about Raven Concealment and Blade Tech.

Be advised, though, that most kydex holsters are made-to-order.

I also have a Safariland ALS 6378 (http://www.safariland.com/DutyGear/product.aspx?pid=6378) that I use for OWB open carry and I really prefer it to the Blackhawk SERPA if you're looking for an open carry holster with retention features. I really don't like the SERPAs locking mechanism and the need to use an index finger to release the lock... The 6378 is listed as a 'concealment' holster, but I would beg to differ. If you're not into paddle holsters (as they don't fit all body types and some people can't stand them), the Safariland 6377 is the same holster designed with belt loop attachements.

As for tritium sights, do it and don't look back... The Glock OEM night sights are now made by Meprolight (I think), but Glock, Meprolight, and Trijicon all make solid products and you can't go wrong with any of the three. I myself have a set of green/green Trijicon night sights on my Glock 17 and will be adding the same to my new Glock 19 twins, but perhaps in green/yellow if I can find them.



Since you mentioned Albuquerque for shopping around, I highly recommend Dan Brovont at Precision Arms (http://precisionarmsabqnm.com/Precision_Arms_public_html/Web_Page.html) (small shop, great guy), but Ron Peterson Firearms (http://www.google.com/#hl=en&source=hp&q=ron+peterson+firearms&aq=f&aql=&aqi=g2&oq=&fp=371f8ac0c29333b5) and Calibers Shooting Sports Center (http://www.calibersnm.com/) will have larger selections... Ron Peterson's shop isn't necessarily in the best neighborhood, but he sells more Glocks than anyone else in Albuquerque from what I've heard. Calibers is a very large shop with a good selection, very laid-back staff, indoor shooting range, and rental guns, but their prices seem to be at or above retail on some things.

Just my two cents, as your mileage may vary.

[mastacox]

As for tritium sights, do it and don't look back... The Glock OEM night sights are now made by Meprolight (I think), but Glock, Meprolight, and Trijicon all make solid products and you can't go wrong with any of the three. I myself have a set of green/green Trijicon night sights on my Glock 17 and will be adding the same to my new Glock 19 twins, but perhaps in green/yellow if I can find them.

Since you mentioned Albuquerque for shopping around, I highly recommend Dan Brovont at Precision Arms (http://precisionarmsabqnm.com/Precision_Arms_public_html/Web_Page.html) (small shop, great guy)

So I'm buying my new handgun through Dan at Precision Arms. A Gen III Glock 23 (Only the Glock 21 is available in Gen IV right now), tritium sights. I'm going down tomorrow to talk with him some, get the ball rolling, and check out holsters/accessories. Dan said there are two finishes available for the Glock, and he wanted me to go down and feel them both in person before I decided.

I'm also buying these extra items:

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41MddsObF9L._SL500_AA280_.jpg
Barska Biometric Safe (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002AQ0PFW/ref=s9_simh_gw_p200_t1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=1VZB2Z9Y5BYJ7M4CECY2&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938631&pf_rd_i=507846)
I've known that I wanted a safe for safe storage of any handguns I might be buying, and this is a nice low-cost biometric solution that has good reviews. Planning on bolting the thing down good, and keeping the gun in there away from little curious hands.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31Q9-nsafvL._SL500_AA280_.jpg
Peltor 97079 Combat Arms Earplugs (http://www.amazon.com/Peltor-97079-Combat-Arms-Earplugs/dp/B000W2CPCC/ref=pd_sim_sg_2)
I need some earplugs, and these seem like they're worth a try. What the heck.

[xonetruthcrewx]

I carry IWB and use a CompTac Infidel holster. Been using it for a year and a half now. Carry in the small of my back. I drive with it there, everything. Its completely comfortable for me. And I carry a Sig P220 Carry. Pretty much a full size gun, just .8" shorter. And one handed re-holstering ftw.

As for the night sights, I have always had them on all my handguns. Wouldnt have a handgun without. Get the factory ones for get a set of aftermarket Trijicon or Meopta.

[CJM]

Get the gen III, dont trust the new ones as they arent proven yet (they changed the internals slightly) and IDK about some-but I find the new grips crappy.

My friend has 20k rds thru a gen III with no rebuilds besides a new brrel every 10k.

[Robinhood4x4]

I hope they've improved things with the biometric stuff in the time that I bought mine. The small file safe I got from costco a few years back has it and was never reliable. In fact, now it doesn't even work, I have to use the keypad to get in.

[mastacox]

I hope they've improved things with the biometric stuff in the time that I bought mine. The small file safe I got from costco a few years back has it and was never reliable. In fact, now it doesn't even work, I have to use the keypad to get in.


I chose this one based on the reviews at Amazon. We'll see how it holds up, but this safe appears to have a more reliable biometric mechanism out of several options out there. Some of them you have to scan your finger 3-4 times to get it to open. Still, as long as I and my wife can open it and my daughter and her friends can't, that's good enough for me.

[mastacox]

The gun has been ordered and I've gone through the background check. I pick it up next weekend :lol:

[CJM]

I dont like those biometric safes, friend has one and it failed after like 3 months. I like safes with combos, not as quick to open if you need it tho (whats it doing inside the safe anyways?? Should be at your side except when your sleeping or not carrying it).

[Terracoma]

The gun has been ordered and I've gone through the background check. I pick it up next weekend.

Very nice!

Did you go with a 3rd-generation or a 4th-generation model?

[mastacox]

Very nice!

Did you go with a 3rd-generation or a 4th-generation model?


It's a 3rd gen Glock 23 (.40 cal compact). The only 4th gen out right now is the 22 (full size .40 cal) and I wanted the compact size.

[mastacox]

I got the safe today, it's pretty slick. The finger scanner works well, and I can open the safe the first time every time from the testing I have done. I bolted it down very securely in an undisclosed location :flipoff:

I get the gun this weekend! I went with the "standard" finish instead of the RTF-II. The RTF-II just didn't feel very good, although it was very grippy. I looked at some holsters there, and Dan recommended the Fobus paddle holsters. I liked them alright, haven't decided yet though. I was kind of looking for a holster that held the gun and an extra mag, but Dan had some good arguments for a separate mag holster (for your off hand).

We will see...

[CJM]

If you want more grip you can always get a soldering iron out and poke small holes into the grips. I like it alot, works well.

[Robinhood4x4]

I agree on having a separate mag pouch. This is the one I use for CCW.
http://www.opticsplanet.net/eagle-industries-m9-single-mag-pouch-molle.html

To the casual observer it looks like a knife or leatherman pouch so it doesn't draw any attention if my shirt comes up.

[bamachem]

Nice! How much of a wait do you have? We're spoiled here. Go to the courthouse, fill out a one-page form and wait for the Sheriff's Deputy to enter it into the computer. 20-seconds later you write your $30 check and they print your CCW on the spot. If you pass a BG check to buy the firearm, then you pass the CCW request. Gotta love the south! :D

[mastacox]

Nice! How much of a wait do you have? We're spoiled here. Go to the courthouse, fill out a one-page form and wait for the Sheriff's Deputy to enter it into the computer. 20-seconds later you write your $30 check and they print your CCW on the spot. If you pass a BG check to buy the firearm, then you pass the CCW request. Gotta love the south! :D


I'm jealous :P Here in NM you take a firearm safety course, then a CCW course with a range test. The permit is good for 4 years, but you have to re-qualify on a range every 2. I think it takes 45-90 days to get the actual permit once you put in the application.

[mastacox]

It looks like I'll be going with a bare-bones 23, the factory night sight ones are rare (and just tru-glo's from what I hear). I'll probably buy some trijicon's off the interweb and have them installed at the store later on.

[bamachem]

I have Trijicon's on my P2K-SK and they're great.

[Terracoma]

... I think it takes 45-90 days to get the actual permit once you put in the application.


That's what I've heard as well.

However, I took my application up to DPS in Albuquerque last month and the gal at the front desk quoted me 90-120 days turnaround time... But I dropped everything off on January 12th or 13th and got my license in the mail the first week of February.

:D

[mastacox]

So, I got the new gun yesterday! :clap:

I went and shot 50 rounds through it at Caliber's in Albuquerque too (I obviously need some practice, but at least most of the rounds hit the target :hillbill:) I went ahead and got an extra mag (giving me a total of 3), and some .40cal snap caps for practicing my trigger pulls. This thing is sweet!

The gun:
http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l70/mastacox/New%20Glock/NewGlock1of7.jpg
http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l70/mastacox/New%20Glock/NewGlock2of7.jpg
http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l70/mastacox/New%20Glock/NewGlock3of7.jpg

In the Fobus holsters:
http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l70/mastacox/New%20Glock/NewGlock4of7.jpg

Some artsy shots because I couldn't help myself:
http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l70/mastacox/New%20Glock/NewGlock5of7.jpg
http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l70/mastacox/New%20Glock/NewGlock6of7.jpg

The dead target (I'm sad they didn't have Zombie Bob). This was at about 7 yards I think:
http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l70/mastacox/New%20Glock/NewGlock7of7.jpg

[Robinhood4x4]

Very nice. Did you try the ear plugs?

[mastacox]

Very nice. Did you try the ear plugs?


I haven't gotten the "cool" ones in the mail yet, so I just had regular ones. I'll report on how the other ones work when I get them.

[Piett]

Were the 2-side ear plugs ever tried?

[mastacox]

I did try them out, and they seem to work well (but not as well as a pair of electronic ear muffs). For the price, I think they work fine and I was able to hear conversations at the range well.

[Crinale]

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l70/mastacox/New%20Glock/NewGlock5of7.jpg


love this picture! :D

[mastacox]

:D

[Crinale]

what kinda camera do u use Brian?

[jrallan26]

.40 is a great caliber. Great stopping power.

[mastacox]

what kinda camera do u use Brian?


It's a Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi. Photography is one of my (too many?) hobbies...

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l70/mastacox/4Runner%20in%20the%20Mountains/4Runner5Finished.jpg
http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l70/mastacox/New%20Tires%20Rims/4RunnerHDR1a.jpg
http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l70/mastacox/Calendar%20Submissions/4RunneronPajarito.jpg
http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l70/mastacox/Sunsets/SanClementeVacation112.jpg
http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l70/mastacox/Pidgeon.jpg

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l70/mastacox/ThornsFramed-1.jpg
http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l70/mastacox/YellowFlowerFramed-1.jpg
http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l70/mastacox/RedFlowerFramed-1.jpg
http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l70/mastacox/BloomFramed-1.jpg

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l70/mastacox/NoTrespassing.jpg
http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l70/mastacox/Clyde.jpg
http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l70/mastacox/Intuition.jpg
http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l70/mastacox/PoolLightResized.jpg

[Crinale]

nice, my gf uses a Rebel XS. and im getting into photography, currently using a Minolta Dimage A1 (amazing in daytime, but not so great in low light)... my camera is 7 years old, but got better pictures of some kite boarders at the beach the other day than her Rebel :-D