First firearm recommendation.

Lance23

Lance23

Joined
Jul 24, 2014
Messages
807
First off here's my deal, my wife and I are splitting the extra money from our taxes.
My half is going to my first handgun, I've shot a few modern handguns but nothing as nice as the Gen 4 Glock 19 I put fifty rounds through at my local range. After that experience, I'm hooked. I know I want a G19, and I have at least three different options in town. All three would be the same price, ~500.

Here's the kicker, my LCS has a Vickers Tactical G19 rtf2..... For a minimal amount more than the others.
After doing some research I can't help but to think this is the gun for me. The FDE matches the color of the sheaths on my favorite knives (trivial I know), the Tango Down hardware and Ghost trigger make it superior to a stock G19 obviously, IMO.

My question is if you were me but knew what you do today, which would you pick?
I'm not interested in anything other than a Gen 3 G19 so recommending something else doesn't help me much. I apologize if that seems rude but I don't want to waste your time.
Thanks in advance.
 
As far as I can see the main difference between the standard glock and the VT is that the VT has a tritium front sight. The rest of the features only come into play during reloads so depending on your usage they might actually work against you. The extended mag release for example could be easier to accidentally bump when under stress.

[video=youtube;RR_JRlgzLAo]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RR_JRlgzLAo&feature=player_detailpage#t=89[/video]

Dunno... It wouldn't make that much difference to me either way. Both will go bang when you pull the trigger and will outperform the shooter. I'd probably get the cheaper one and spend the difference on ammo as it is a first firearm... but hey, it's your gun and if you just dig the VT go for it. Nothing wrong with going for the cool factor.
 
Do you really want to put $ in LV's pocket?
I would buy the regular G19 just cause it DOESN'T have his name on it.:o
 
Bludgeon said:
Do you really want to put $ in LV's pocket?
I would buy the regular G19 just cause it DOESN'T have his name on it.:o
Click to expand...

Honestly, Im not sure if ever heard his name before seeing this gun.

I appreciate the honest responses.

The idea about saving the money to buy ammo was one I had too, I hadn't thought about the extended pieces making a negative impact. Worst case scenario i'd remove the extended pieces and run it with the stock buttons.
They both will definitely outperform me so I can't go wrong with reliability.

Getting a stock G19 and maybe upgrading the sights and grabbing a mag or two will put me in a happy place. Cosmetics are really nominal to me anyway.
More money for more goodies sounds nice.

I'll head to the LCS tomorrow and compare them along with some accesories.
 
Not sure if you are putting the light on it but if you want to trick it out with the Laser/light on it go for the G17. Longer barrel bigger grip etc. Easier to dial in for the X ring!

Now if you want a smaller gun to pack on a daily basis then do the G17 of one or the other and practice with her.
 
I know this may seem trivial at first, but really think about this question before you chuckle and shrug it off...

What are you going to use it for?

What is it's sole purpose going to be? Is this going to be a carry gun, a range gun, or a home defense gun?

At the end of the day the people at the gun store are there to sell guns. It is there job. Don't get caught up in what people tell you either. What works for one person may or may not work for another. If the VT is what will make you feel most comfortable in your use or just flat out makes you happier... buy it. If not, then just get a straight up Gen3. You can always add a ghost trigger, flashlight, laser, tritium sights, or whatever later. You can also have it cerakoted whatever color you like.

For what its worth.... My 2 cents is to get a straight up stock Gen 3 G19 and shoot the ever loving snot out of it. Spend that extra money on ammo and really learn how to use your firearm. All the bells and whistles in the world won't make you a better shooter. Just like jumping in a race car doesn't make you a racer and putting on a doctor's coat doesn't make you a doctor.
 
I put several of the VT type features on a Glock 23. One by one, they eventually all came off. Glocks are pretty much right, right out of the box. All that "extension" crap gets in the way. But, mine are set up for carry and I want them as smooth and flat as possible. If you're not going to carry you might like it.
 
If this gun is for carry, you may want to consider this.

If I remember correctly, the RTF2 has the sharper texture to it. While a lot of people like this while shooting, it tended to wear/snag on shirts during concealed carry. And if holster doesn't have a sweat guard, it would wear on your skin too.
 
I have a G19 as well as a few other handguns. Yes, it's a good gun. It's reliable, goes bang each time. Personally I don't like the ergonomics of it. The grip just never seemed natural to me.

I'd say go down to your local range and handle about a dozen or so guns, but you seemed to have made up your mind. So to answer the question, you've already answered yourself, yes get the G19.
 
A little more ergo is the S&W MP.. I shot the snot out of Glocks for yrs.. At 1 point owned 12 of them.. I find the S&W MP slimmer and more ergo for carry.. I edc a Compact .40.. JMO!! John :thumbup:
 
G19 and G23 are my favorites (middle size). As far as the LV version, that's your call. I have no need for lights.
 
I knew I would get up to some more great responses!

It will be my carry gun, so the lower profile of the stock Glock are definitely better suited to conceal ability.
And whoever mentioned the fact that they never had a problem with the stock setup reminds me, neither have I?

I will get a stock G19 and shoot the snot out of it.
Once Ive put about 500 rounds through I will know better how the upgraded buttons will affect my carry and use.

The other recommendations are still appreciated, I've shot other handguns in the same price and range of quality, the glock ergonomics and philosophy win out every time.
 
This is just one thing to consider, have you looked at glock23's same size as the 19 only in .40. You would be able to shoot 40 and for another 109 bucks add a 9mm conversion barrel. So 2 calibers in one to make it easier to find ammo. You could also grab a 357 sig barrel as well so 3 guns in one. All you need to do is buy some extra mags in 9mm for the conversion, 40 and 357sig use the same mags. As for the extended controls, some people love them some don't. I usually change out the slide stop, sights and trigger and leave it at that. The extended mag release is good its just not really all that needed. Good tritium sights though are one of the best things to come along.
 
Thanks cricket, I hadn't thought of getting a larger caliber conversion barrel, but I had thought about getting a 22lr conversion kit. Saving money while learning will be my main goal for the time being, proper practice will improve my skills and habits over time. Shooting the .40 was definirly a blast and having that capability would be awesome.

The more I hear the more I'm thinking stock Glock with extra funds allocated to things that improve my actual experience, not only do so in theory.
Depending on the sights I have available I'll most likely stick to the Glock ones until I find something I can't pass up. I'm off to the range to see about some accesories for now.
 
Good choice. The stock glock is no slouch. :thumbup:

That 22 conversion sounds like a winner if it'll get you more range time.
 
Just remember you can always go down in caliber with conversion kits not up. So 45 down to 10, 40 down to 357sig and 9mm. The 22 conversion kits are a lot of fun too and give you practice with trigger control. The Ghost trigger is a definite upgrade to the stock trigger. So is just cleaning up the parts inside the gun. There are tutorials online for how to smooth out your trigger with minimal hand tools, well worth doing. The Xs big dot sights are some of the best take a look at those. Especially in a carry gun you want the low light abilities of tritium sights. Sucks to need to shoot and not be able to find the sights without a flashlight which shows exactly where you are.

2 guns 5 calibers
IMG_0695_zpsbaa24ff8.jpg
 
Last edited:
Yeah that VT has a lighter trigger, I missed that.

That'll be nice at the range... Dunno about lightened triggers on carry guns. Seems a bit too light.

Here is a post I found on reddit with links to Ayoob talking light triggers and a case where a light trigger caused problems.
http://www.reddit.com/r/CCW/comments/2amrfo/why_are_people_worried_about_trigger_jobs_on/ciwxi3q

Tritium is good in low light. If you can try them side by side in a dark room that might help you make your choice.
 
Congrats! A stock G19 is a really nice first gun choice.

The next thing to consider is a quality holster and a quality gun-belt (if your carrying on a belt). These are must haves for a carry gun. Buying the good stuff might be spendy, but it pays back tenfold with everyday it is used.
 
Stock is a very good call. A lot of people get hung up on trigger quality (I was, at one point), but as someone who has worked in the business and fired a very wide variety of pistols, I believe strongly that the best path is to improve trigger control on the user end, not with hardware. I've owned more than a few pistols at this point, and have cut back down to two firearms: twin Glock 19 Gen 4s, with only night sights for modification. I simply don't care to run 50 rounds each through 4-5 firearms per range trip anymore. I find it a lot more satisfying to work on my ability with my carry pistol.

Regarding trigger: I've fired all of the "best" types-- 1911s, PPQ, VP9, Caracal... I shoot my Glocks just as well. Doing dry fire or fondling, those triggers make me smile. In live fire, they're more similar to me than they are different.

Enjoy, sir. You've made a great choice.
 
Thanks I'm excited now that I have the decision narrowed down.
I'm planning on getting a White Hat Holster, I've read great reviews and they're made in Texas!
They also hand craft their iwn bridle leatger gun belts that I'll be picking up as well.
A nice gun, and a comfy way to carry it, all I need.
I believe ill have both before too long.


I will update this thread with pics and info when I purchase it!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top