In the early ‘80s, Austrian Gaston Glock developed a new and revolutionary semi-auto handgun. While the barrel and slide were made of steel, the frame was made of polymer (plastic). With a simple safe trigger system and near perfect reliability, Glock pistols have become the standard for polymer framed pistols used by law enforcement and civilians all over the world.
Recently, I had the opportunity to try a couple of new Glocks, a model 30SF and a Gen 4 Model 17. The 30SF is a compact 45 ACP semi-auto pistol. It is basically a double stack version of the Model 36. The 30 has a 10 round magazine, with the option of a 13 round mag, and it has a 3.8 inch barrel. It is a tick short of 7 inches long and 5 inches high, and weighs about 20.3 ounces empty and 34 ounces loaded. For a compact, this gun felt like a big gun with a short barrel. It handled ok, but seem a bit blocky to me; a feeling I’ve had with other Glocks. Personally, I prefer the Springfield XDs or the S&W M&P compact in 45.
As I said, I have never been overly impressed with Glock pistols; I have struggled with the grip angle and never really felt comfortable with the early versions. However, they are incredibly reliable; GLOCKS WORK. This is an important attribute for any defensive pistol. I had not shot one of the new Gen 4 pistols until I tried a new Gen 4 Model 17. This is a 22 ounce (empty), 4 ½ inch barrel duty gun. The standard magazine holds 17 rounds, with optional 19 to 33 round mags available.
The new adjustable grip of the Gen 4 completely changed my attitude about Glocks. I really like this gun and the first time I shot it, it was if I had run 10,000 rounds through it. I fired a very tight group at about 12 yards. The “safe action” trigger was very smooth and light, making double taps seem like a single shot on target. The gun pointed naturally and recoil with the 9mm ammunition seemed practically nonexistent. This gun made me a Glock believer. For those of you looking for a defensive gun, give the Gen 4 Glock a try, maybe like me, you won’t miss (lol).
On another note, the upland bird season is in full swing and my anecdotal experience so far shows there are many mountain grouse this year. On opening day, Grandma Smoothbore shot her first dusky grouse (blue grouse for us old guys) with her new 22 revolver. One shot, yummy.
Be safe and good shooting.
Colonel Smoothbore
www.guncoach.net
