Glock: The name itself is not slang for handguns, but it is a firearm cult classic. Gun lover or not, most people have minimally heard of Glock if not been made familiar. It’s a common first handgun, as well as one of the most used handguns among police and other special forces.
But why has Glock received so much attention? Is the brand really worth it, or is it overhyped? This can be a heated topic, with little to no fence-sitters. You’re more likely to hear one extreme or the other. Of course, when it comes time to pick out the right handgun, you are the best judge.
Believe it or not, certain guns are better for certain body types, so if possible, see if you can get your hands on one before you solidify any opinion. Regardless, observing the two sides of the debate can give great insight to see if it may be worth the investment.
Glock: Plastic Fantastic or Tupperware?
The frame is incredibly reliable. Polymer can’t rust, unlike metal options, extending its lifetime under heavy use and adverse weather conditions. Recoil is absorbed differently as well, with polymer’s flexibility reducing recoil while metal handguns don’t have the ability to flex.
Some see the polymer frame as the least appealing feature. Upon initial release, the gun world recoiled in shock questioning a ‘plastic gun’ hitting the market. It was assumed that polymer is less durable than metal, or that it somehow makes it lesser than. Though that isn’t the case, some aren’t open to changing their mind especially if they coincidentally had a bad experience, or maybe a ‘friend of a friend’ did.
Many gun owners also prefer a heavier handgun for several reasons. The main reason is that a heavier handgun helps control recoil by absorbing the shock and reducing muzzle rise. The weight can also offer a completely different shooting experience depending on the user, so it can easily come down to personal preference.
Handling: From Discomfort to Game-Changer
Most Glock handguns actually have an angled grip. Although it may not be visible to the eye, there is a 22° difference from the average handgun with a near-perfect right angle. The trigger guard shape has also been noted to be uncomfortable for some users at times creating friction. In this category, it truly depends on your anatomy. Some wrists ache and struggle with an angled grip, while others experience revolutionized comfort.
The only true way to see what’s best for you is to handle the firearm yourself. Most gun stores allow customers to handle unloaded firearms at the counter. This is a perfect opportunity to see if you’d prefer one style over the other and go from there, without having to rely on a friend or loved one who has several handguns that they’re willing to let you handle. But, if that is an available resource, I’d highly recommend seeing if you can test a few guns with a trusted gun owner.
Where’s the safety switch on this thing?
The trigger safety works with a lever within the trigger that, when deliberately pulled, allows the gun to fire. But if the trigger lever is simply pumped or nudged, the trigger itself won’t move at all. This protects users in the incident of a fall or accident.
When the trigger is pulled, the firing pin is adjusted to function properly. When not in use, the firing pin is restricted from moving to the ready position. The third function is the drop safety based on the trigger bar, further manipulating the firing pin when the trigger is properly pulled or not.
Now, for those already aware of the safety but still don’t like Glocks, it boils down to technique and a learning curve. Changing from traditional safeties to Glock’s trigger safety can confuse new users unless it’s further explained. It can also be based on the reassurance of a visible ‘on/off’ switch on the gun, declaring the safety’s status. Others only worry about comfort, as some just shoot better with a traditional safety instead of an unfamiliar trigger style.
It’s All About Looks
Others believe that Glocks look bulky, blocky, and cheap. For them, nothing beats the shine of a freshly polished steel barrel shining in the light. The glossy, and at times luxurious, appearance of many metal pistols is eye-catching.
Repair, Troubleshooting, and Aftermarket Upgrades
The minimalist style of these pistols makes troubleshooting problems a big deal, especially with the ability to strip down to the four parts easily anywhere you want due to the lack of tools needed. The parts making up Glock pistols are comparable by only being about half of the total parts of other handguns on the market.
Modifications within the brand are available as well, with Glock declaring that most pistol components can be interchanged between several of their pistols. This makes repair, customization, and modification significantly easier for a beginner or experienced hobbyist.
Skeptics see new shooters buying Glocks and focusing on new upgrades much too soon. Too much focus on diverse parts makes for a sloppy learning process. Many express concern that new users neglect learning the basics, which in turn can be unsafe for themselves and those around them. With proper guidance, many new gun owners can be redirected if this happens, but it takes an experienced, responsible gun owner to notice and address it.
Getting Your Money’s Worth
Glock fans claim that their pistols are affordable to new and experienced users, with an average Glock 19 typically retailing for just under $500. Polymer really is cheaper to manufacture, so there is no doubt that the firearm is cheaper — while maintaining high quality. On the opposing side, users see Glock pistols as an expensive customizable base frame that isn’t worth the money (especially with the intention to modify) in comparison to making your own.
On the other hand, ever since the initial release of the Glock 17 in 1982, several copycats have surfaced — some cheaper than the Glock, and some more expensive. Obviously, some gun owners simply can’t afford Glock’s pricing, leading them to seek cheaper versions if they seek that specific style. Some claim the extra money on a ‘high-end’ copycat is worth the money due to its assumed quality, but overall this seems subjective to the user.
Conclusion
