The Lone Libertarian

The Memphis-area gun blogger meet-up went quite well on Saturday.  Bonnie, Brandon, Gracie (Brandon’s daughter), Paul, Tracie, Rusty, and I all met at the East End Grill on Hwy 64.  The venue was a definitely a good choice.   The food was pretty darn good, and the service wasn’t half bad either.  I’m still stretching my wings when it comes to the blogosphere, so I sat silent for much of the conversation.  With time, I imagine I will recognize and learn who’s who.  Everyone was really nice, and I look forward to blogging in such good company.

It’s probably good that I didn’t pipe up too much.  I seem pretty proper and decent in blog form, but in real life I have a pretty foul mouth.  Heh.

Anyhow, for the substance of the post.  The range outing after lunch gave me the opportunity to fire my brand-spanking-new Glock G17 9mm.  I’m not going to pretend that the following commentary is a review proper, however I have a few impressions to share (based on my Browning BDM experience).

I grew up on revolvers and shotguns, so semi-automatic pistols are still kind of new to me.  Last year, my father gave me a Browning BDM 9mm, and I fell in love with it.  The BDM is a discontinued weapon (RIP 1998, we hardly knew ye).  The history of  the BDM is quite interesting, as it was intended to be an FBI weapon.

Anyhow, the BDM had only been fired at a range one time.  It was virtually a new weapon out of the box.  Since receiving it I used it in my carry permit qualification and carry it on my person.  All told it is a good weapon, however it has some hang-ups.   I noticed some months back that the slide has the tendency to not return fully sometimes after firing, thus giving the illusion of a misfire when I hear the gun go “click” and nothing happens.  I have also had the slide “jam” on the first round out of the magazine when hitting the slide release after reloading (I’ve also had this happen when I manually yank the slide back to load).

Could this be the side effect of a “fairly new” gun with only about 650 rounds pumped through it?  Maybe, I’m not sure.  I clean it and oil it religiously after each use, so surely its not error in that regard (or at least I hope).

Considering the malfunctions, and how unpleasant they would be to happen when I need the weapon to work, I decided that I needed a more reliable weapon (that parts are still available for, and not highway robbery).  I enjoy a 9mm pistol, and during my level 1 class at Range USA, I had a good experience with a Glock.

Bass Pro Shops was running a Glock sale, and I had a $50 gift card burning a hole in my pocket, so I took the plunge.  Visually the G17 is a beauty.  Compared to the BDM, the G17 is a lighter gun, but not by much.

I really like how the G17 feels in my hand.  The default grip with the finger notches is really nice.  When firing, I feel like I have more control over the shot.  The sights are nice, especially when using against a black target (a half white square on the rear and a white dot in the front).

The weapon fires great.  Recoil is about the same as what I perceived with the BDM.  In alternating between the BDM and the G17, I noticed I was a better shot with the G17.  (Possibly due to a sight issue I had with the BDM since day one.)  I should also just go ahead and own up to the fact that I am not a great shot at all, and I am way out of practice.

Getting the Glock open for cleaning is a cinch.

I also definitely appreciate getting a post-Clinton era weapon with a magazine that holds more than 10 bullets (like the BDM).  The two magazines that came with the weapon hold 17 each, which is sweet.

Placing the weapon in a generic holster I had laying around, it is going to feel much better as a carry weapon than the BDM.  The lighter weight coupled with the shorter barrel will make it a little less awkward to fuss with.

Here comes the gripes.  I don’t like how hard you have to press the magazine release to eject the magazine.  I know it’s probably a “safety feature” but  every time I smash that little plastic button in, I feel like I’m going to break it to get the magazine out.

I also don’t like the slide lock.  It is too flush with the side of the weapon.  I have to turn the weapon to my side to simultaneously  pull the slide back and get enough leverage with my thumb to flick it up.  If I wasn’t a responsible gun owner, this could cause me to unintentionally turn the weapon and point it at someone trying to open it.  I figured out the hand gymnastics necessary to open the slide without turning the weapon, but for a novice, I can see it as a problem.

All that said, I think I’m going to be really happy with my new “traveling companion.”  All I need now is a proper holster.  The generic Uncle Mike’s I bought for the BDM aren’t going to cut it anymore.