glock 26 review

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Caliber - 9x19mm
Capacity - 10+1
Action - Glock's proprietary "Safe Action" system
Barrel - 3.5 inches
Weight - 20 oz. with empty magazine

Update
Background
The Glock 26 was introduced in the fall of 1995 as a response to two evolving patterns within the country and the shooting community. On one hand, a new round of right-to-carry reforms had passed in several states. This wave brought to 30 the number of states in which citizens could exercise their right to carry firearms for personal defense. This growing trend meant thousands of potential gun carriers were looking for concealable yet powerful pistols suited for this mission. On the other hand, 1994 saw the passage of Bill Clinton's "Crime Bill," which limited the capacity of all newly manufactured firearm magazines to 10 or fewer rounds. Suddenly, the massive "Wondernines" built around high-capacity magazines seemed less efficient as 10-round guns. Smaller pistols, designed around a 10-round magazine and ideal for concealed carry, became the dominant trend for many handgun manufacturers by the mid-1990s.

I took the plunge and picked up a Glock 26 "pocket rocket" at a gun show in October of 1996. I paid $419 for it, which was less even than the wholesale price I'd been quoted by my buddy the FFL-holder. Prices at that show for the 26 ranged from $419 to $500+!

Fit and Finish
It's pure Glock. "Strictly functional," I've heard it called, and I agree, even though some of the two-tone models look pretty spiffy. Parts fit was clean and tight, and all controls worked as advertised.

The Trigger
Surprisingly enough, I like it! Letting off just enough to let the striker reset leaves you with a sort of "mini-DA/SA" effect that allows for faster follow-ups, but full-stroking each shot is by no means uncomfortable. And there was none of the trigger-finger soreness I remember from shooting a friend's G17 many years ago. The bottom line - trigger feels a little stiff, but it's so SHORT... ;-) A lot of folks criticize the Glock for "not having any safety." While the Glock in fact has THREE safeties, they are all passive - designed to prevent the gun from accidentally going off without the trigger being depressed. The Glock and similar guns do require extra care and training - if you pull the trigger and there's a round in the chamber, the gun WILL fire. Period. Because the trigger pull is shorter and lighter than most, reasonable precautions (such as training, and a holster that covers the trigger guard) should be taken.

The Bottom Line
I've found an almost ideal carry gun. Light-kicking, reliable and easy to conceal, and it packs 10+1 or more of a respectable caliber and is more accurate than I am! Try before you buy, if you can, but I would not hesitate to recommend the G26 to anyone looking for a compact carry piece. Or if you're not a 9mm fan, the Glock 27 is an identical gun chambered in .40S&W...


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Glock 17 Review

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Caliber - 9x19mm
Capacity - 17+1
Action - Glock's proprietary "Safe Action" system
Barrel - 4.49 inches
Weight - 24.79 oz. with empty magazine

Background

The G17 was Gaston Glock's 17th patent (hence the name) and the first polymer-frame handgun to be a real commercial success in the US. Acceptance was slow at first, but now it is estimated that some 60 percent of law enforcement agencies nationwide issue Glock pistols. And the 17 was the one that started it all!

The G17 is chambered in 9x19mm, and is built on Glock's "full size" frame. Magazines for this gun hold 17 rounds, and will fit in other Glock 9mms. I typically carry my subcompact G26 with a 10-round magazine in place, and one of the 17-rounders as a backup. External features are typical of the Glock line, including diamond-hard Tenifer finish and "Safe Action" operation with three passive safeties.

In 1998, Glock redesigned the frames of its full-size and compact pistols, to include new features found on the "Tactical Longslide" G34 and 35. Changes included molded-in thumb-rests and finger grooves on the grip, as well as Weaver-compatible accessory rails on the dust cover (forward of the trigger guard). These enhancements have resulted in a slightly shorter trigger reach and added tactical versatility. Glock designates these 3rd Generation frames as "FG&R" (Finger Grooves & Rails).

Fit and finish
I paid $379 for my FG&R G17 at a local shop in February 2000. It was a used gun, but probably had fewer than 100 rounds fired through it. Rifling was clean and bright, the barrel exterior exhibited very little wear, and the factory copper lube was still present on the underside of the slide. The gun came with all the factory accessories one would find with a new gun, including two magazines.

Range testing
Ho-hum. The FG&R G17 proved to be a solid performer out of the box, as expected. The pistol's polymer sights weren't precisely adjusted for my eyes, and it tended to shoot slightly right. Sights are easily adjusted, however, and function was perfect with factory ammo and reloads alike.

Modifications
Since this G17 was to be used for home and vehicle defense, I made a few additions to optimize it for this role. All work was performed by a Certified Glock Armorer.

• Trilux night sights. Trilux is an OEM night sight manufacturer for Sigarms and others; their sights are comparable to the Meprolight and Trijicon units installed as a Glock factory option.
• Carry Trigger. A 3.5# competition connector and NY1 spring yield a consistent trigger pull of about 6lbs. The reset is shortened, and the pull lacks the "dead space" encountered at the beginning of the stock trigger pull.
• Extended slide stop. This factory part, which comes stock on the G34/35, allows the slide to be released with one hand in an emergency situation.
• Extended mag release. Actually just the stock mag release from the G20/21, this part protrudes an extra 1/8" in the G17, for an easier reach and more positive actuation under stress.
• Jentra plug. This plastic plug seals the backstrap cavity and prevents debris from entering the action. A good idea for Glocks that spend long periods of time in dirty or dusty environments, or are carried constantly.

• Insight Technologies M3 Tac Light. This is a lithium-powered flashlight that attaches to the accessory rails and allows tactical illumination without sacrificing one's free hand to use it. A must-have accessory for a home-defense pistol; it leaves the off-hand free for tasks such as opening doors, using a telephone, or fending off an attack.

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