Why Glock?
While Salty is our gun expert, I occasionally write gun related posts. Because of living in different parts of the country, personal preferences, etc. we sometimes have contrasting views. My favorite firearms for Armageddon are ARs and Glocks. I’ve written about ARs in several posts, including my build your own experience with an AR-10, a post on why AR-15s are controversial, and why a stripped lower should be the official Blue State rifle.
Today I am going to discuss why I like Glocks as a TEOTWAWKI handgun.
Availability
Glocks are the most common handguns sold today. They are popular with law enforcement and with the civilian market. As a result, finding a Glock is a challenge when we experience one of our periodic buying panics, but otherwise they are readily available. Since most police departments periodically replace their pistols, there are plenty of used “police trade in” Glocks available as well. Parts, whether standard replacement parts, or custom upgrade parts, are very easy to find. As a result, if you want to acquire half a dozen of the same Glock model, it should not be a problem. Finally, magazines are readily available, and generally work fine in any generation Glock.
A Glock fires every time
Glocks have a well-deserved reputation for firing reliably. While semi-automatic pistols are inherently more complex than revolvers, Glock has managed to achieve revolver level consistency in firing. The common semi-automatic issues of failure to feed, failure to fire, etc. just don’t happen often enough with Glocks to be an issue.
I suspect the reason Glock has never produced a .22 is that the ammunition is so light powered and so variable, that a .22 Glock would risk the overall Glock reputation for firing reliability. There are plenty of online videos of Glock torture tests that make the point as well. I’ve seen videos of people burying Glocks, running over them with vehicles, freezing them in blocks of ice, etc. and the Glocks just keep on firing.
Interchangeability of Parts/Aftermarket parts
There are differences in parts across models and between generations of Glock models, but the differences are less than you might expect, and the amount of “gunsmithing” required to maintain a Glock is minimal. Basically, if you break a part you just replace it. There is no fitting or adjustment required. This extreme consistency makes it easy for aftermarket parts suppliers to make parts that fit as well. Accessory makers also have an easy time with Glock. For instance, each holster will generally fit multiple models, minimizing the complexity for the holster manufacturer.
Cleaning
Ease of cleaning is where the Glock really shines. There are other models that are similar to Glock in their ease of disassembly, cleaning, and reassembly, but I don’t think you’ll find any other model of handgun that is significantly easier to clean than a Glock. You can field strip Glocks in about 15 seconds. If you want to take apart the slide and detail strip the entire lower part of the firearm, you’ll need a punch and about another minute. The process is the same regardless of model. If you can disassemble one Glock you can disassemble all Glock models. Cleaner and a few swipes down the barrel will remove the crud quickly.
Since the firearm is polymer, it needs relatively little lubrication. A needle oiler applied where you have metal to metal contact is all you need.
Consistency of design
Glocks come in a variety of calibers and in Full, Compact, and sub-Compact frame sizes, but the same basic design is used for all Glock models. If you can field strip one Glock, you can field strip every model Glock makes.
Value
With the volume of Glocks on the market, Glocks are not likely to become collector guns in my lifetime, . . . or my grandchildren’s lifetimes. 😊 They are to semi-automatic pistols what Mosins are to bolt action rifles, i.e. ubiquitous. On the other hand, thanks to the durability of firearms generally, and all of the advantages of Glocks described above, a well-cared for used Glock will probably hold its value over time. There is enough of a market that it is not hard to determine fair pricing, so you can make a fair deal whether you are a buyer or seller.
Complaints
There are two basic complaints you will hear about Glocks. While there are multiple safeties, there is no manual safety like you would find on many other modern pistols, or even antiques like the 1911. (Oops, I think I just crossed the no politics line!) 😊 On the other hand, revolvers don’t have safeties, and the world got along without them until the modern semi-automatic pistol came along. As a result, you may, or may not, feel comfortable with the lack of a manual safety. If you do not have good indexing discipline, a Glock may not be the right choice for you.
The other complaint is the grip, which some do not care for, particularly 1911 fans. I believe the key issue here is single stack vs. double stack magazines. If you want the capacity that comes with a double stack magazine, then you should expect a slightly fatter grip. How a handgun grip feels in your hand is a personal preference and your preference may be for something other than Glocks.
As a prepper, I think these complaints do not overcome the advantages discussed above, but you can make your own choice.
Summary
If you are purchasing a handgun for a reason other than prepping, you may want to consider a different manufacturer, or style of handgun, than Glock. However, for a standard handgun for your MAG, Glocks are a compelling choice, just as Glocks have been a favorite choice for police forces and militaries around the world for decades.
Glocks are also available in pink! 😊
Salty’s Pink Glock
There are generally only two camps, Glock fans and Glock haters. I’ve got a 10mm and it has served me well. I switched over from a 1911 for the double stack mags.
In my book I’d rather have 15 rounds of 10mm than 8 rounds of .45 ACP.
I agree, and if you are making a purely personal choice, you should use what you like. However, if you are choosing a standard handgun for a group, then you are into price, ease of cleaning and maintenance and similar factors in making your decision.
I always like to say that the Glock is “The AK-47 of handguns.” Cheap to manufacture, simple to operate and maintain, durable and reliable under adverse conditions. It most likely is the best semi-auto handgun for SHTF.
I own 3 handguns. A Colt Hunstman .22 LR, and Colt M1911A1 .45 ACP, and a Springfield Armory XD9 9MM. I considered getting a Glock, but liked the feel of the XD9. I live in The Peoples Republic of California and am limited to the “safe” handguns and to 10 round magazines.
Awkward pistol grip angle, trigger slap, poor sights. They became popular because they are cheap to buy, not because they are really all that. The first thing fan-boys do is modify “perfection”. It is not a good first pistol. The “safety is between your ears” is hogwash. I see only benefits from a safety. Few are the individuals that need only the “trigger safety”.
I will eventually buy one for my knowledge base and functional usage. Plus, they are just ugly.