Well, winter is here but that does not mean we are not shooting, at least here in TX. I have been thinking the last few months about my competition guns and what I like and don't like about them. After looking at them I decided that I would try a Glock. Now I will say that I think they are great guns but I am not a fan. They are like grabbing a 2x4 and have no aesthetic value at all, but they do work and work pretty well.
What lead me to this was a couple of things that I think the Glock brings to the table with it's design. First, you can get a higher grip on a Glock and closer to the bore line with a Glock than just about any other handgun. Even with my small (but fat) hands I can pretty much engulf the gun with my grip, this is huge in controlling recoil. The second aspect is the grip angle. This is the part that most that don't like GLocks really don't like, the grip angle is such a departure from every other platform that it feels odd. What makes this work for competition shooting is in the way it helps the shooter roll the wrist forward to keep the sights on target thus putting the right amount of tension in the wrist. This tension also transfers into the forearm and shoulders which really aids in recoil control. THe last part is the trigger. Being a constant pull and after some minor parts and polish a very short and light constant pull makes it ideal for the shooting sports.
I decided to go with the 17, I know just about every shooter and their brother says the 34 is better, but for me the 17 just balances better. Sight radius is not an issue since the sight radius is the same on the 17 as every 1911 I have. Extended controls was not a concern either (will talk about that in a minute). I have had the gun for a few weeks and I think I finally have it where I want it. I changed the sights (black rear FO front), new connector, put in a LW adjustable trigger housing, lighter springs, and added some grip tape. I am still running the stock mag and slide release but I may try out the extended parts. I am little weary on the extended parts because I have seen too many shooters kick the mag out on table starts or ride the slide release during shooting. But I know enough people that run Glocks that I can borrow some parts to try.
After all the parts and playing I took it out to shoot some matches and drills. SO far so good, I am a little slow with some parts since I am getting used to it. As far as shooting, well I can shoot it faster with tighter groups then any of my other guns, once I got used to the grip it points and controls very well. Splits, Transitions, and points down have all improved. Mozambique's for instance, with the 1911 9mm I was around 1.8, CZ 1.75 range, and with the Glock I am at 1.5. Draw speed is pretty much on par with the CZ and around 1.15 from cover. Seven yard hammer drills dropped a touch also with a much, much tighter group. The only part that is slower at the moment is the reloads. I am just having issues with the getting the gun back into battery because I am fumbling with the slide release. It just seems to be in an awkward spot for me but with some more practice I think I will be quicker than with the other guns.
I can't say that I will stick with the Glock for good but I want to give it a true test. For around $700 all in with extra mags, holster, and parts I added you really can't go wrong.
Here is a video of the first monthly match I have shot with the Glock.
