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Another "what gun to buy" thread

2K views 28 replies 21 participants last post by  Devone6 
#1 ·
my EDC gun is a Glock 27 right now. I like the way it feels, but am not quite happy with the way I shoot it. Last weekend, I used a 15 round magazine with grip extension, and my aim significantly improved. So I am thinking about maybe getting a heavier / larger gun. I am a bit partial to another Glock, but I am eying a Sig (if someone can help me justify the extra price :) ).
I would like to stick to .40 cal, but well... could be talked into downgrading to 9mm by a crafty salesman.
Other requirements: I like to be able to train with .22 for cost reasons, and use my Advantage Arms conversion kit quite heavily.

So here are my choices:
- get a larger Glock (22? or should I go 23? remember I carry IWB concealed)
- get a SIG P239 (is it heavy enough to make a difference? I assume the fact that it is all metal may help?
- get a brass grip plug for my G27?

One reason I am thinking about a SIG is the option of a single stack slimmer design.

heck. do I make sense? Or do I just look for an excuse to buy more toys?
 
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#2 ·
If you like the way the Glock feels but wanted something a bit larger how about a Glock19 with the following mods

- Tungstan recoil spring rod
adds more weight to muzzle end to reduce muzzle flip

- 2 stage re-coil spring
recoil reduction

Glock 19 is somewhere between your 27 and a 17 so may negate the need for a grip extension.

Hell if you wanted even more weight on the muzzle, and could still conceal the slightly larger size, throw a compenstor on the end.
 
#3 ·
Having owned a G27 and 2 different G23's, I would go with the G23. The longer barrel makes for more accurate shooting as well as the slightly longer (and for me more comfortable) grip. You could put grip extensions on the G27 mags, but then they are as long as the G23. I have never owned, but have fired several G22's. My favorite Glock is the 23.
 
#4 ·
The G23 is a great gun, but I don't think your going to see much of a difference in what you've already experienced with your G27. A G19 is a lot easier to shoot, and a G17 is even easier. The G23 is a favorite of mine, but it can be a tough critter to tame. In your shoes, I'd look towards the G19. You got to stop viewing the 9mm as a down grade... its not. Plenty of pros use the 9mm by choice.
The Sigs are in a different class. They are heavier, but they have better craftsmanship all the way around. If you go with the 239, I highly suggest the 9mm version over the 40. Again, if you are having trouble with the G27, the 40 239 is going to do the same thing. The 9mm version is scary accurate and just about anybody can shoot the gun really well.
 
#5 ·
Recommend G23

One reason I am thinking about a SIG is the option of a single stack slimmer design.
I own both a Glock 23 and a Sig P239 (9mm version). Just a week ago I was curious about how they compared in size, so I got out my calipers and ruler and measured them.

Both the G23 and the P239 were identical in slide width (1.0 inches), grip width (1.1 inches), and height from bottom of grip to top of rear sight. The G23 was slightly longer in the slide than the Sig - maybe 1/4 inch or so. And in terms of empty weight, the G23 is 23 ounces while the 9mm Sig is 27.5 ounces. A .40 caliber P239 is 29 ounces empty, as it has a little heavier slide.

So I concluded that the G23 is almost exactly the same dimensions as the Sig P239 and considerably lighter in empty weight. The reason that a single stack P239 can have the same grip width as a double stack G23 is that the Sig has an aluminum frame with bolt on grip panels, which add considerable thickness. The Glock has a thin polymer shell for a grip, completely filled by the magazine, so it is a more efficient use of grip volume than the Sig.

I'd recommend that you go with the G23, since you are already familiar with the similar G27. The G23 will give you a hand filling grip and more weight and sight radius in the gun, which should improve your accuracy and speed of recoil recovery. And finally the G23 gives you 13+1 rounds instead of 7+1 in the .40 caliber P239.
 
#6 ·
Try Glock 36

Packs a punch and thinner/more comfortable to CC. Just spend about 1000 rounds with it and learn everything there is to know about how it shoots, clearing and fast reloads. One of the best CCWs on the market. You won't be disappointed and the 45 acp gives you a certain "level of comfort". I carry mine with one in the chamber and 6 in mag and just throw another mag in my pocket for a "lucky 13" rounds of power.

Shoot straight and be safe,
Squid
 
#11 ·
My vote would also be the Glock-36, the thinner grip is what attracted me to that first Glock, and the .45 is plenty of power.
If you can't defend yourself with 6+1, and an extra mag or two, then you've got to change neighborhoods.:yup:

Stay armed...Glock-36 :You_Rock_Emoticon:...stay safe!
 
#12 ·
From your post, I'd tend to say the 23. I have a 26, 19 and 17 in 9mm. Of these, my #1 choice would be the 19. The 27 is the same dimensions as the 26, and the 23 is the same dimensions as the 19. Since you stated you'd like to stay with .40, I'd say the 23.
 
#15 ·
haha. I am looking to narrow things down, not to expand my choices :). I have never used a 1911 before. They appear to me a bit too complicated (but I may be way off here). Seem like once you decide on a 1911, the choices only start with different options. I don't mind my guns looking ugly. (actually I kind of like the look of Glocks... but I had also lots of disagreements with my art teacher in school).
 
#14 ·
Thanks for the feedback. If I change calibers, it will be 9mm not .45. I rather have 1 or 2 more rounds then the extra stopping power, and .45 ammunition prices are another strike against it (comparing FMJ from similar manufacturers, it looks like 9mm is $200/1000, .40 is $290/1000 and 45 is $325/1000). In the end, ammunition will cost me much more then the gun.

I think I will need to check with the local gun store that rents guns. If I remember right, they had a couple Glocks and Sigs.

too many choices... too many guns to buy :)
 
#16 ·
I had a P239 (.40S&W)... didn't like it... grip was too small for me... it never felt comfortable in my hand... if you are considering it PLEASE shoot it first!!! If you really like SIG, I do, you might consider the P229... I'm considering it for my next purchase... it has very close to the same grip as the P226.

Glock 23... excellent size gun... I love my Glock 23c... some don't like the "c" model, but I really like it.

Glock's and SIG's are both very excellent guns and have great reliability.
 
#17 ·
Never heard anything bad about the Sig 239.
 
#18 ·
I have the P229, P239, P226 and P220 SAS.
I have never had any issues with a Sig, cheap ammo, good ammo, reloads..all go bang. Shoot anything you are thinking about buying, given that option. Really helps on those fine things one may overlook by a cursory glance or feel. Luck.
 
#19 ·
You already have a .40 (G27), so I say stay with this caliber if ammo cost is a consideration (you mentioned it earlier).

The G23 is barely larger than the G27 you already have, I doubt you will see any noticable shooting improvement with the G23 over the G27. The G22 is quite larger though compared to a G27 and should make a big difference as it did according to your first post.

I would get a Sig229 if I went with Sig. Again to get the larger frame grip compared to a G27.

Barrel length isn't much of an issue with IWB carry, but the grip can be. I carry a Sig229 IWB, sometimes in a tuckable holster and it conceals well, but the G22 will too with loose clothing. IMHO, stick with a .40S&W, and go with a Sig229 addition.
 
#29 ·
You already have a .40 (G27), so I say stay with this caliber if ammo cost is a consideration (you mentioned it earlier).

The G23 is barely larger than the G27 you already have, I doubt you will see any noticable shooting improvement with the G23 over the G27. The G22 is quite larger though compared to a G27 and should make a big difference as it did according to your first post.

I would get a Sig229 if I went with Sig. Again to get the larger frame grip compared to a G27.

Barrel length isn't much of an issue with IWB carry, but the grip can be. I carry a Sig229 IWB, sometimes in a tuckable holster and it conceals well, but the G22 will too with loose clothing. IMHO, stick with a .40S&W, and go with a Sig229 addition.
Glad I could help!!! :danceban::danceban:

Just kidding, Glad you got a new addition, can't go wrong with a SIG, I carry my G27 more, but shoot my SIG229 better. I definately recommend night sights, bought and installed will probably run you about $100 + or (maybe a little) -, so another $30 for a factory service and spring replacement sounds like a good deal to me.
 
#20 ·
I have a SIG 228 that has never bobbled in thousands of rounds and is easy to pack and way more accurate than me. Very good friend recently bought a 239 SAS. Once I got a feel for the trigger I liked it but not enough to fork out the big bucks for it. HIGHLY recommend the 228. Try one out and I think you'll like it.

Personally like a SA. Carried a Springer for 18 years till I swapped over to my Browning Hi Power. Shoot it better than my .45, ammo's cheaper and very easy to conceal. Just need to practice taking that safety off on the draw till it's second nature. Another point is if your weapon is ever grabbed by some punk that safety could be a lifesaver as most gang bangers I've came into contact wouldn't know what a thumb safety was. Might give you the extra time to retain your weapon or take him out using other methods. JMO.
 
#21 ·
Paul: I have a 19 (same size as 23) and a Sig p-239m in .40 cal. Given what I now know, I would have selected the 23 over the Sig. Here's my reasons: While the Sig is a fantastic gun, flawless in over 600 rounds, it is heavy for a gun only carrying 6 rounds. Additionally, the Glock has a more durable finish. I only carried the Sig for about a month, and it started to show holster wear. Add to that the cost of a Sig being anywhere from $150 on up over the price of the Glock, really makes the Glock the better buy. the only advantage the Sig has, as I see it, is a thinner grip at the cost of round count.

So, I would say go with the 23!
 
#22 ·
I think most of you guys got lost when the OP stated he wanted a larger/heavier gun because he doesn't shoot his G27 well. While the 23 is a fantastic pistol, I don't think (OK, I know) he is not going to see a major difference between the two, especially considering he already tried a grip extension.
I really think the answer would be a G19 if you wanted to stay with a Glock, or if you want to stay with a 40, a heavier metal framed gun like a Sig would suit you fine.

I was in your very position a few years ago. That is how I discovered the G19. I've never shot a 40 as well as I do a 9mm or 45, so that's what I stick with now.
 
#23 ·
If the G27 just won't work for you, the way you would like, then quite possibly it's time to call a time out. I conceal a G19 just as well as the G27, so a G23 shouldn't be out of the question. Since I got away from Glocks in the 45 caliber for good reasons, I know where you're coming from in a way. SIG was the answer for me there albeit full size. Alloy, or aluminum frame...stainless slide.....not as heavy as they would appear to be. Single stack is no drawback for me, and one of these days, I'll be back into a 1911 model of some sort. Know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em. Other than that, I don't know what to tell you. I like the 40 S&W in a small package. "Downgrading" to a G26 (9mm) could be a good option as well. You'll find it soon enough. Good luck.
 
#26 ·
As a little thank you for all the help, here a bit "gun porn". Went out today and with the wives "blessing" got myself a used Sig 229 at a local gun store. Yesterday, I went to a gun show, but prices where much worse then at local stores, and I like to buy at local stores anyway (in particular used). It came with 4 magazines, a Sig359 and .40 barrel, two spare recoil springs and night sights. The store had it labeled as "excellent condition" (had scuff marks, but nothing I would consider "damage". And it looks black and uggly like a good gun is supposed to look like (they also had a nice shiny SAS... but it was a bit more expensive and didn't have the extras). So tomorrow it is off to the range for some "getting used to".

The gun show was a good opportunity however to hold a lot of different guns to see what feels best. The Sig won over the Glock.

The Sig 239 was a bit small and I am able to conceal the Sig 229 even with just a t-shirt and a basic kydex IWB holster. Need to get a MTAC like I got for my Glock later.

Now more questions :)... I did see that Sig offers a "service plan" for $130 which includes replacing all the springs and new nightsights. Is it worth it? The gun store includes a "life time" warranty (and I trust the store... which is part of why I got it there), but of course they will only replace parts after they break.
 

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#27 ·
Nice choice.
If you don't/can't work on your own gun, then the warranty may make sense.
Night sights on CDNN for Sig sometimes around $50, but you have to have a sight pusher to put them on.
I have carried my P229 for 5 years now, quite a few rounds down the tube..never an issue to date.
Enjoy your purchase...Happy New Year.
 
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