Glock 20 as all purpose handgun

S

Stiletto Raggio

Joined
Jan 29, 2000
Messages
546
I know the 10mm is not very popular, but, dammit, it should be. With proper loads, it can damn near reash 41 mag performance and has a capacity advantage over the 45. It also has a huge variety of bullet weights that can be loaded into it.

I was thinking of a single handgun to provide defense against critters and people, open and concealed carry, and the Glock 20 seems to be my best choice. Another option is the beloved Taurus Tracker, but it holds a mere 5 rounds in .41 mag configuration, and I don't completely trust a .357 against all critters. The 20 holds a minimum of 11, 16 or 18 with standard capacity mags (for us military types) and is about as user friendly as guns get.

Thoughts? Critiques? Condemnations?
 
I shoot a buddy's Glock 20 from time to time, and I like it as well as I like any Glock;). I don't know why some folks complain about recoil, as it is very manageable.

The biggest problem I have with the Glock 20 is the size of the grip. I have small hands, and it just isn't a good fit for me.

For sure, it is a fine piece for those who like the feel.

I like a .41 magnum for an all purpose gun, a model 57 Smith to be exact. I know it "only" holds six rounds, but that ought to be enough in most cases.
 
I like the 10mm Auto, as well, and started handloading that calibre for the now defunct Dornaus & Dixon Bren Ten. Later, I loaded it for my Colt Delta Elite.

The standard load from Norma at that time was way too hot, and even Harlene at Dornaus recommended that we cut back on our reloads. Bullets for the 38-40 were available, but a lot of us went with the 200 grain cast bullet from Hensley & Gibbs. I still have and use that mold for my .40 SW in the newer brass.

While I don't care for Glocks, I once heard the arguement that if you could only have one handgun, to use for combat or food, in swamps and in the arctic, the Glock 20 would be the best choice.

I would rather shoot 1911's, but in that scenario, I would ask for the Glock 20 myself.
 
I use a 1911 for my EDC and favorite shooter. However, the Glock is also close at hand in my house, and if I were to have to take only one it would probably be my Glock 21.

The Glock gets my vote, but since I am a .45 shooter, you need someone elses info on the potent 10mm.

Where the hell is Glockman to testify about the Glock 10mm?? I believe he carries and shoots one daily, but I will let him tell you about that.
 
The Glock is lighter than the S&W 57 and about the same unloaded weight as the Titanium Tracker. It is also flatter, for easier concealment. Because I am 6'4 and 235, recoil and grip size problems don't occur, and concealment will be easier for me than for most people.

Also, althoguh 6 rounds will be enough in most situations, if I can only have one pistol, it is going to be what I want in ALL situations.

The only real problem is the relative scarcity of factory loads, althoguh premium ammo for the 10mm isn't any more expensive than other major handgun rounds.

Now, should it be ported or not? And what kind of sights?
 
Now, should it be ported or not? And what kind of sights?


In my opinion, NO! I just sold my Glock 22C .40S&W that blinded me at night. I really didn't like that flash, and wouldn't recommend it for the purposes that you mentioned. The sights that I like are Trijicon Night Sights, and I believe Heinie makes a great sight for the Glock.
 
I'd heard that porting is great for recreational guns, but for serious work it only adds unnecessarily to muzzle blast. Glad to have that confirmed.

Has anyone tried the ghostrign sights that are available for handguns? I know that JP (www.jpar15.com) makes doublering sights, and another maker makes tritium ghost rings for a number of pistols. Any thoughts on these? And holster options?
 
For a game gun, ghost ring sights. For a defensive firearm, something along the lines of Trijicons, IWI "dot in a bucket" ala Glock, Heinie Straight 8's, etc.

I personally like the Glock "dot in a bucket" sight pattern for speed and ease of use with acceptable accuracy in a speed situation. With practice, they are as accurate as anything on the market. It all depends on how much you train (not primer testing, real training! ;) ).

Ported Glock for defensive use - No @#%(~! Way! Muzzle blast galore. Granted, carefully selecting your loads will minimize this but, I also shoot 9mm from a G17 that produces muzzle flash from a non-ported pistol in broad daylight. Load selection is the key here. If you need the G20C to handle recoil, you need training to master your technique. If there is any doubt left, just look at Glock's own advertising for the "C" pistols!

I am approximately 5'4" and weigh ~160 (which is 20lbs too heavy for me but, I am currently trapped behind a desk with a bad cafeteria and too many vending machines). I carried a Glock 20 with my Texas Concealed Carry Permit. Yes it has square edges which make it harder to conceal but, proper holster selection makes this a non-issue. A 1911 or Browning Hi-Power with their more rounded shapes will not outline as easily but, proper holster selection negates this minor advantage.

A G20 is a very flexible firearm. People have been known to buy properly fitted barrels for it so it can shoot 9mm, 40S&W and, 357Sig. With 10mm alone, you go from 40S&W weak loads to hot near 41Mag levels.

Buy a G20 like you buy a hammer. It is a tool. It isn't pretty. It isn't something to brag about to your friends. It is extremely reliable. Is is extremely easy to maintain. I shot a G17 for 18months about 500 rounds a month average and stored it in a bank safety deposit box for six months while I was in West Germany without cleaning it, ever - not even a dunk in a water bucket! When I came back and picked it up, it fired the same as it did when new, no rust, no corrosion of any kind I could find. I stopped counting rounds with this G17 at around 30K. This pistol has been used long and hard and has held up extremely well. How many other pistols will take this sort of abuse without problems?

I prefer the clean single action trigger break of a tuned 1911 or Hi-Power. The single stack mags and slim Hi-Power mag are easy for untrained people to grasp. If the @#^! hits the fan, I will grab a Glock every time. Yea, 15 round mags are expensive these days but, if my life is on the line, I won't really care if the mag cost $10 or $100.
 
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