The Glock "c" models are "compensated" with a ported barrel and slide. This allows some of the gas from the cartridge to escape up out of the ports, thus pushing down on the front of the firearm and "compensating" for the muzzle flip inherent with all defensive-caliber handguns. This is supposed to help with accuracy and speed of follow up shots.
I've never personally shot one, but the caveat to these has always been explained to me that the escaping gases can burn you if you're somehow directly over them when gun fires (like in a struggle with a bad guy). Most "professionals" don't recommend these guns for concealed carry/defensive purposes for this reason. I've also read that ported barrels can put off extra "flash" at night, which can "night blind" the shooter, hindering ability for follow up shots and/or multiple target acquisition.
Glocks in .40-caliber can easily be converted to .357 Sig by switching the barrel. The same mags can even be used (though be sure you remember which caliber you have in the mags). I think most guns can be made to do this relatively easily because a .357 Sig cartridge is "simply" a necked down .40 cartridge with a .357 bullet. So the general size of the cartridges is similar enough to work equally well in a gun designed for .40 or .357. Only the barrel needs to be different because of the smaller diameter of the .357 bullet.
There are a number of good options in different sizes and calibers for a BUG. Ask 10 people and you're likely to get 10 different answers. Glock 27 is a fine pistol. Not extremely smaller than a 23, but definitely smaller where it counts (shorter barrel, shorter grip) to make for easier concealment. However, it is exactly the same thickness as other .40-cal Glocks. The 27 is considerably smaller when compared to a Glock 22.
Good BUGs in no particular order (off top of my head):
* small revolver, 5-shot - S&W, Taurus, Ruger
* Kahr MK and PM series, also K and CW series (slightly larger)
* Walther PPK .380 or similar sized Bersa Thunder .380
* Sig P238 .380 (new gun, duplicate of discontinued Colt Mustang .380)
* Kel Tec
* Ruger LCP
This site has a great chart showing relative size of "mouse guns" or "pocket guns" compared to a full-size Colt 1911. Puts all of this in great perspective. http://www.mouseguns.com/PocketAutoComparison.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Also this link from same site shows the Glock 27 relative to some other smaller guns (width being the big difference). http://www.mouseguns.com/pocksize.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Just remember, the smaller the gun, the more severe the felt recoil with the same cartridge
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Return to “Best .40 S&W to carry”
- Wed Sep 02, 2009 2:58 pm
- Forum: General Gun, Shooting & Equipment Discussion
- Topic: Best .40 S&W to carry
- Replies: 35
- Views: 5862
- Tue Sep 01, 2009 9:34 pm
- Forum: General Gun, Shooting & Equipment Discussion
- Topic: Best .40 S&W to carry
- Replies: 35
- Views: 5862
Re: Best .40 S&W to carry
Keith's response above was superb. Great advice.
I've owned/carried a Glock 23 for 11 years now. Just recently did a bunch of updates to it - new springs, new night sights, new connector, etc. But none of this was NECESSARY. I could've kept right on shooting and carrying that same ol' Glock. All I do is shoot it, clean it, put 5 drops of oil on it, and carry it. You cannot go wrong with a Glock, unless it doesn't fit YOUR HANDS or doesn't feel right to you.
Sig? Same thing, from what I've heard. Never owned one. Fired a rented P239 once and was impressed (though still prefer Glock trigger).
Point is, you can't go wrong with either a Glock or a Sig. And your police friends know what they're talking about. These are two of the most prevalent "cop guns" in existence.
Just pick which one fits you best and go for it.
Also, like Tesla mentioned above, think seriously of having a smaller backup handgun too. Not necessarily that you will carry as a second gun/BUG (though, you certainly could and many do), but have a secondary smaller gun that you can carry when situation doesn't allow you to carry your larger main weapon. I've owned a Kahr PM40 too (basically had Tesla's same two-gun set up about two years ago). I had problems with mine and am thus not a fan (won't go into details, as they've been documented on this site before). But don't let that sway you. I know plenty of people who swear by their Kahrs. All I'll say is to consider a small 5-shot .38 or .357 revolver as a secondary gun - S&W, Taurus, Ruger are all good choices.
I've owned/carried a Glock 23 for 11 years now. Just recently did a bunch of updates to it - new springs, new night sights, new connector, etc. But none of this was NECESSARY. I could've kept right on shooting and carrying that same ol' Glock. All I do is shoot it, clean it, put 5 drops of oil on it, and carry it. You cannot go wrong with a Glock, unless it doesn't fit YOUR HANDS or doesn't feel right to you.
Sig? Same thing, from what I've heard. Never owned one. Fired a rented P239 once and was impressed (though still prefer Glock trigger).
Point is, you can't go wrong with either a Glock or a Sig. And your police friends know what they're talking about. These are two of the most prevalent "cop guns" in existence.
Just pick which one fits you best and go for it.
Also, like Tesla mentioned above, think seriously of having a smaller backup handgun too. Not necessarily that you will carry as a second gun/BUG (though, you certainly could and many do), but have a secondary smaller gun that you can carry when situation doesn't allow you to carry your larger main weapon. I've owned a Kahr PM40 too (basically had Tesla's same two-gun set up about two years ago). I had problems with mine and am thus not a fan (won't go into details, as they've been documented on this site before). But don't let that sway you. I know plenty of people who swear by their Kahrs. All I'll say is to consider a small 5-shot .38 or .357 revolver as a secondary gun - S&W, Taurus, Ruger are all good choices.