Glock 33 Review

[justben]

Hey all--

Got my Glock 33 a few weeks ago -- my first and only gun (so far).

Right now I'm using it as a primary weapon - have the 13 round mags with mag sleeves and 2 of the stock 9 round magazines as well.

I knew after shooting numerous kinds of guns - a few sigs, Walthers, a couple of revolvers, and numerous different glocks, that I would have a glock for my first weapon mainly for the ease of operation, cost/reliability/reputation aspect, etc.

After having narrowed it down to a mini-glock, I went to the range with a more experienced friend and we shot a 26, 27, and 30. Surprisingly, the 30 was the easiest for me to shoot. This was the exact opposite of what I was expecting because I'm a little guy (5'7") with little guy hands. I fully expected to not like the feel of the bigger, more powerful glock and the bigger grip and to revert to the smaller caliber gun because it would be easier to control. Not the case.

I shot more accurately with the larger caliber pistol and felt like I had a better grip on the somewhat more bulky .45.

I was set on a Glock 30SF, and started looking to buy one, but then the instructor of my CCW class told me not to overlook the G33. He said that it had less overall recoil than the .45 and that the 357 SIG is a more reliable feeding shape, has a more accurate trajectory, performs better from shorter barrels,
performs better through barriers and yet is less prone to over-penetration in soft tissue. I did some research online and talked to a few more experienced shooters.

Even though I have heard some negative about it (lack of ammo availability, ridiculous recoil, not a good first gun to own, no better or more accurate than a 9mm +p+, etc, etc) I went ahead and purchased one anyway, and I have been very happy with it in the short period of time I have owned it.

I really don't see where all of the negative criticism comes from. I wouldn't call myself a novice, more of a newbie if you will, and after 500 rounds, I have had 0 trouble with the gun so far. Ammo is plentiful (have purchased from local Cabelas, online, etc, both JHP and FMJ ammo without any problems whatsoever), and easily concealed as well.

The thing is as easy to control as any other mini glock, and to be honest, even without the pinky grip, it's still a fun gun to shoot and may be even more comfortable without an extension.

I hear people complain about their hand/wrist hurts after putting a couple hundred rounds through it, but I have no clue what these folks are talking about. Even when really laying down rapid fire, I have no problem hitting my target with each shot I take. Double tapping is also no problem whatsoever.

All in all, I have been very happy with my purchase and look forward to expanding my horizons as far as caliber, size, and brand go, but I could not be more pleased with the purchase of my Glock 33.

Cheers!

-Ben

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[Spec]

Good the main thing is that you are happy with your gun... I found did a review on a Glock 26 vs. the S&W M&P 9 compact.. both really great HG's (handguns)... My carry gun is an S&W M&P 40... what i like about this gun.. besides the 15+1 clips... is I can swap a .357sig barrel in for my .40 barrel and i have two different rounds i get to choose from... check out all the different models S&W has in there 357sig line-up and you can have a .40cal gun too.

here is the link if your interested in a different brand like you mentioned above..YouTube - Baby Glock vs. M&P 9c

[RoadRunner71]

I really don't see where all of the negative criticism comes from. I wouldn't call myself a novice, more of a newbie if you will, and after 500 rounds, I have had 0 trouble with the gun so far. Ammo is plentiful (have purchased from local Cabelas, online, etc, both JHP and FMJ ammo without any problems whatsoever), and easily concealed as well.

Every one has their own opinions. Every one is different in their likes and dislikes. The trick is finding a caliber/platform that works for YOU.

Never take someones opinion or several peoples opinions and base your decision on that alone. Do exactly what you did. Research and make up your own mind.

I am glad you found what works for you.

Good luck!

[Ram Rod]

Congratulations on your new Glock 33! Glad things are going your way. I have yet to shoot any of the Glocks in 357sig, but most Glocks work for me.

[gottabkiddin]

I'm a little guy (5'7") with little guy hands.

, The Burger King commercial popped into my head when I read that.

Personally I think any Glock is a fine first pistol. Glad you're enjoying your new Glock, and the .357 is one hell of a defense round, it'll serve you well.

[Wasabi]

Congrats on your new Glock and thanks for the review. I have a G33 myself and like it a lot.

[frankmako]

yes that is the way glocks are. 500 rounds with no problems right out of the box. pound for pound it is hard to beat a gun that will shoot right out of the box with no problems. all my new glocks did the same and my used glocks did also.

[Danimal]

You can also get a .40 cal barrel for your 33 and shoot a bit cheaper. You can also get a 9mm barrel too, but I wouldnt carry in this config unless you get 9mm mags and switch out the extractor and ejector.

I like your avatar picture..."I'm Kenny Powers!!!"

[retsupt99]

Congrats!
You'll never regret your Glock purchase...I'm sure it will be the first of several others.

[OldVet]

The .357 Sig is the caliber the air marshalls are carrying. I kind of wonder about the penetration of that round, not so much about punching a hole in the aircraft skin (not a problem) but about any innocent passengers in line.

I plan on getting the Glock 22 .40 next, then I can get the conversion barrels and go up to .357 Sig or down to the 9mm.

[Stevew]

Glad you did your research and found a handgun you are happy with.

[Divebum47]

To quote Art Garfunkle, "A man hears what he wants to hear and disregards the rest." What it boils down to is you have to be happy with the gun you buy, carry and decide to use to protect your life and the lives of your family and loved ones. The rest is details.

[justben]

Thanks for the input and responses!

Put another hundred rounds through it today. Shot with another guy on the board who has a 27 and it was interesting to feel the recoil of the different models back to back. It's taken me a little time to figure out the correct amount of pressure to hold it with, but every time I shoot it, it feels better and better. It's kind of comparable to holding a hockey stick -- there's a saying about how "gripping the stick too tight" keeps guys from scoring. I have started using that logic with handling the pocket rocket as well and of course, my last 20 or so rounds were the most accurate when I was using this logic with the 33.

Oh and thanks silo for the pocket holster -- comfy!

[Biomortis]

Right there with you Justben. I wasn't consistent with my G27 until I realized I was holding it too tight and my posture was too rigid. Gratz on finding what works for you.

[chiboxer]

The .357 Sig is the caliber the air marshalls are carrying. I kind of wonder about the penetration of that round, not so much about punching a hole in the aircraft skin (not a problem) but about any innocent passengers in line.

I plan on getting the Glock 22 .40 next, then I can get the conversion barrels and go up to .357 Sig or down to the 9mm.

I think the overpenetration issue with handguns is somewhat overblown. Is it possible? Sure. Probable? Doubtful at best. Handgun rounds are not rifle rounds that do all sorts of damage to the human body with power left over to continue destruction once exiting the body. Aside from penetration what about the rounds that just don't hit the badguy?
I believe the air marshalls chose the .357 Sig because it has been shown to be one of the best rounds for passing through intermediate barriers such as: auto glass, auto doors, wooden framed doors, etc.