Buying Glock 26

[av8_r22]

I currently conceal carry an XD45 Service. I love it, but it's a rather large firearm. I recently spent a LOT of time researching compact and subcompact handguns, trying to find something that will be a little more concealable but still a decent shooting gun (not looking for a mouse gun). After much deliberation I decided on the Glock 26. I'm very excited to purchase this gun. I'm going to have buy it online, so it's waiting for me at home when I get back for R&R.

At the moment, I don't own any Glocks and only know about them what I've learned in the last few weeks of virtual window shopping. I visited the Glock website, but there is very little information there about the G26 and it's options. I have a lot of questions.

• I know that the G26 is available from the factory with different types of sights? Opinions on which I should get? Should I skimp on the factory-installed ones and get aftermarket ones? This gun is primarily for concealed carry, but I intend to do a lot of shooting with it. I hope to take some defensive shooting classes with this gun.
• The only factory option I've seen are the sights. Are there any other factory options I should know about?
• Any good place to buy a Glock online? I've seen them on budsgunshop.com for $494 (with "fixed sights"). I'm definitely willing to buy a used one in good condition. This thing will spend a lot of time in a holster, so it will quickly earn it's share of bumps and scuffs. I just need to get it shipped soon, as I'd like it to be at my house in the next couple of weeks.
• What modifications should I be preparing to make on this gun to make it a better shooter or more suited for concealed carry? Any parts I should be ordering?
• I need the whole carry setup, including a holster. I use a Supertuck for my XD45. It's a pretty good holster for that size of gun, but I'm willing to look at other options for my Glock. Recommendations? Any particular things I should be considering? I'm interested in a Smart Carry, but I don't know much about them. I'm considering a laser as well. I don't have one on my XD as I used to think they were mostly for fun/show, but I've recently read a lot of things in favor of lasers, if used correctly.
• My understanding is that the standard G26 package comes with two 10 round magazines. I intend to order GAP baseplates for those two. I'd also like some higher cap magazines with a good grip extension. Any advice on that? I'd like to stay away from the mag extensions that modify the factory magazines to increase capacity.
• Any cautionary advice? Anything I should be on the lookout for?
• Is there anything else I should be thinking about? I'm new to Glocks, and I'm relatively new to handguns in general.

I'm excited, but I need help!

Thanks!

[A-R]

I currently conceal carry an XD45 Service. I love it, but it's a rather large firearm. I recently spent a LOT of time researching compact and subcompact handguns, trying to find something that will be a little more concealable but still a decent shooting gun (not looking for a mouse gun). After much deliberation I decided on the Glock 26. I'm very excited to purchase this gun. I'm going to have buy it online (hopefully), so it's waiting for me at home when I get back for R&R.

At the moment, I don't own any Glocks and only know about them what I've learned in the last few weeks of virtual window shopping. I visited the Glock website, but there is very little information there about the G26 and it's options. I have a lot of questions.

• I know that the G26 is available from the factory with different types of sights? Opinions on which I should get? Should I skimp on the factory-installed ones and get aftermarket ones? This gun is primarily for concealed carry, but I intend to do a lot of shooting with it. I hope to take some defensive shooting classes, and intend to use this gun.

I'm not a fan of the factory night sights. The finish on the metal is too shiny and reflects in sunlight. Go with aftermarket - I like Meprolight green front/orange rear; trijicon and ameriglo are also good and offer green front/yellow rear. also TruGlo TFO are a hot new item - tritium AND fiber optic, so they are bright green (or yellow or whatever color you pick) day and night. Also heard good things about XS Big Dots, Heinie straight 8s .... in a nutshell, huge and better selection aftermarket

[*]Any good place to buy a Glock online? I've seen them on budsgunshop.com for $494 (with "fixed sights"). I'm definitely willing to buy a used one in good condition. This thing will spend a lot of time in a holster, so it will quickly earn it's share of bumps and scuffs. I just need to get it shipped soon, as I'd like it to be at my house in the next couple of weeks.

You say R&R, can I assume you're in the military? If so, buy from GT Distributors in Austin http://www.gtdist.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; . With LEO/military discount, brand new G26 is less than $400 pretax. Otherwise, just about anyone will have new Glocks ranging from high $400s to about $525 (Academy price).

[*]What modifications should I be preparing to make on this gun to make it a better shooter or more suited for concealed carry? Any parts I should be ordering?

You don't NEED anything else at all. They're great shooting guns as is. They are "Perfection" after all

But I like to replace the serrated factory "target trigger" with the smooth trigger that comes with the full-size duty gun G17/G22. Also replacing the factory 5lb connector with an OEM 3.5lb or "-" connector will lighten the trigger pull from about 5.5 lbs to about 4.5 lbs. Other connectors available aftermarket from Ghost Inc, Lone Wolf Distributors etc. that can increase or decrease the trigger pull weight and smooth out the slack a bit.

[*]I need the whole carry setup, including a holster. I use a Supertuck for my XD45. It's a pretty good holster for that size of gun, but I'm willing to look at other options for my Glock. Recommendations? Any particular things I should be considering? I'm interested in a Smart Carry, but I don't know much about them. I'm considering a laser as well. I don't have one on my XD. I used to think they were mostly for fun/show, but I've recently read a lot of things in favor of lasers, if used correctly.

Supertuck or any other similar holster is perfect for a G26 (I carry my G27 in one). Whatever you get, make sure it's open at bottom so any other size of 9mm/.40/.357 Glock will also fit ... I carry all three Glock frame sizes in my one Supertuck.

Pocket carry is possible with a G26 (though a bit bulky and heavy full loaded to 10 rounds). Strongly recommed Mika's Pocket holsters http://www.frontiernet.net/~akim/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[*]My understanding is that the standard G26 package comes with two 10 round magazines. I intend to order GAP baseplates for those two. I'd also like some higher cap magazines with a good grip extension. Any advice on that? I'd like to stay away from the mag extensions that modify the factory magazines to increase capacity.

I actually prefer the Pearce mag extensions on my G27. Don't like the factory extension at all. As for the "sleeves" that add grip space when used with a G19 (midsize) or G17 (fullsize) mag, I don't like those either myself. I carry a midsize G23 mag as spare for my G27 but just throw it in there as is. Still get plenty of space to place my pinky just on the raw mag itself. YMMV on this. I also recommend you keep at least one factory G26 mag stock so you can use it with no extension if you ever pocket carry the gun. For extra mags, GT Distributors has best prices I've found retail - $22 + tax brand new.

Also if you really want to have fun, pick up one of the 33-round G18 mags - yes, it will fit and shoot out of a G26

[*]Anything cautionary advice? Anything I should be on the lookout for?

You'll soon want more Glocks. Beware

Really nothing much. At some point you may want to add grip tape or even do a full-on grip stippling job. But this is all personal preference.

Nothing much to worry about. Glocks are indestructable. http://www.theprepared.com/index.php?op ... view&id=90" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Don't oil a Glock too much. 5 drops of oil is literally all you need http://www.glockmeister.com/glubric.shtml" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
You can also substitute light grease on the slide rails instead of the drop of oil if you prefer

NEVER put solvent or oil in the firing pin channel. If it looks gunky in there, either take it apart (not recommended by Glock factory - but most Glock owners detail strip their own Glocks with no problems) and clean it by hand or flush it out with rubbing alcohol. Be careful about other evaporative cleaners like Gunblaster etc because there is a polymer liner and other polymer parts in the firing pin channel and the wrong chemical can rapidly deteriorate these parts.

[*]Is there anything else I should be thinking about? I'm new to Glocks, and I'm relatively new to handguns in general.[/list]

Buy LOTS of ammo and shoot a lot. A Glock with 10,000 rounds fired is just getting warmed up. Wal Mart has best prices I've seen on 9mm target ammo anywhere - including bulk buys from online ammo sellers. Federal 50-round box 115-grain FMJ for $9.47 plus tax.

I'm excited, but I need help!

Thanks!

You should be excited. Glocks are great guns. But they're also incredibly easy to shot and maintain. No worries.

[maisano]

i have the glock 30sf and love it , compact for a .45 and has a 10rd mag or the flush 9rd mag. i think it shoot better than its big brother the glock 21sf....but that is MO....if you like the .45 acp you might want to research that weapon.

[williamkevin]

Nothing left to say that Austinrealtor hasn't said already (great info by the way), except that my wife has a G26 and loves it. She routinely makes the X in a B-27 target disappear from 10 yards. They are accurate little pistols!

[RPB]

I carry a Glock 26 daily, I'll tell you some of my stuff:

In Summer I use a Desantis Tuck This 2 holster a lot.
IN Winter a Comfort Carry or a Kholster or MTac Minataur
Comp-Tac belt with Velcro sewn in

I tried night sights, plain sights etc, but now replaced ALL my Glock sights with ADVANTAGE TACTICAL SIGHTS. (You can install them yourself, use all spacers on the front sight)
I also added an internal Guide Rod laser, installed it myself.

Pearce grip extension MODEL PG-39 (adds 3 rounds and a better little finger rest, without compromising conceal-ability)

I have the PG-39 extensions on the 10 (13) round, the Glock 19's 15 (18) round and the Glock 17's 17 (20) round magazines. I usually have 13 in the gun, +1 chambered, and two 20 round backup magazines on me. I figure that 54 rounds should get me to the car or another bedroom in my house where I keep two 33 round magazines taped together, one upside-down to the other, spaced to allow those to be inserted into the magazine well.

Spacers: I've bought every brand of magazine spacer they make in the hard plastic, but none of the softer ones. One brand is real smooth and slick, another is pebbled a little, but on all mine, I took a soldering iron and textured JUST where my fingertips fall (don't want a super rough texture on your side or grabbing shirt) The mag spacers work well, but do not over-tighten the set screw, or else the mag gets a tiny bit out of shape and the ammo sticks or rattles.

On my 26 I carry, I also put an extended Lone Wolf stainless barrel. (Ordered it with BLIND STAMP ... no lone wolf logo showing) So, it basically will have ballistics of the 19, but the shorter slide of a 26. The extended barrel isn't fat like the slide, so it's still more concealable than my 19.

If I was allowed to change only one thing from a stock Glock, it would be to make them all have Advantage Tactical Sights.... best sights I ever used.

[RPB]

Forgot something ...

Ammo

Low flash low recoil ammo

I use Hornady Critical Defense with the FTX bullet (Reliable expansion, hollowpoint can't plug)
or
Gold Dot 23614 ,,, Gold Dots come in 3 or 4 varieties, some hotter/heavier, but the 23614 is a nice low recoil low flash one ... if you want +P etc look for one of the other Gold Dot varieties.

Also, the Glock 19 mag with spacer is almost as concealable as the 10 (13) round mag, but whichever I'm wearing , when I get home, I pop it out and pop in the 20 rounder for around the house, cause I might need 21 rounds if I'm doing yardwork and a den of snakes wants to play footsie.

[mctowalot]

I heard that you can convert a Glock 27 into both 9mm and .357 sig by changing out barrels. Does anyone have information about the conversion?

[HankB]

I frequently carry a G26 in a Comp-Tac CTAC holster.

The 3.5# connector actually brings the trigger pull to around 4.5#. Use the genuine Glock part. This is the only aftermarket internal accessory I recommend.

I put a "gapper" in the back of the grip . . . it's basically a cosmetic mod.

For carry ammo, I've been using Speer Gold Dot +P+, but its getting hard to find . . . I'm looking seriously at Winchester Ranger 127 +P+.

The G19 is very nearly as concealable as the G26 if worn in an IWB holster. Yet, oddly, I shoot my G26 better than I do my G19.

Any cautionary advice? Anything I should be on the lookout for?

Some Glocks are prone to "limp wrist syndrome" . . . my Gen 1 G17 doesn't work very well if I give it to my mother to shoot. On the other hand, even when shooting with a deliberately unlocked wrist and a two-finger grip, I haven't been able to make my Gen 3 G26 malfunction. When you get one, and you're comfortable with it, try to deliberately induce a "limp wrist" failure. If there's no problem, well and good. If you DO get a malfunction, switching to hotter or heavier ammo may help.

[esxmarkc]

I'm officially a Glockaholic now.

I started originally carrying a Kahr PM9 (I was afraid someone would notice) then I started carrying a Kahr P45. Then the guy at the range talked me into a Glock 27. I immediately fell in love with it.

The G27 is the .40 version of the 9mm G26 ( as someone mentioned earlier) and it is one fine pistol. And as of YESTERDAY I now have a G23.

Here is the funny thing: I started with a G27 cause it was small and I am paranoid of printing etc. After awhile I added the Pearce grip extension to give me one more round and a place for my dangling pinky. Then after some more time I changed out for the even larger Pearce extension that added two rounds. Now with the extensions I measured the grip and it's barely a 1/4" shy of the size of the G23 model. Of course the G23 has 1/2" more barrel for more whollupum and 13 rounds in the clip standard but it conceals pretty much the same as the G27 with the 2 round Pearce extension so what the heck. I suppose I'll keep the G7 as a backup since it will eat the clips from the G23.

I swear you body builds up it's immune system and you can conceal bigger and bigger pistols!

Glocks are the goats of the gun world - the eat anything. i swear you can put the bullets in the clip backwards and they still come out the barrel!

They are also the Harleys of the gun world - everyone make holsters and clips and sights etc. etc. the accessory market is awesome!

Welcome to Glockaholics Unanimous!

[Matt78665]

I am a newbie. I have had my Glock 22 for only 6 monts. I LOVE IT. I will be saving up for another asap.

[badgerw]

Sights?

You can do what I did.



You can put a Trijicon RMR red dot sight. I had the slide milled and prepared for it by One Source Tactical.



Try it and you'll never look back.

Bill

[TLE2]

You people should be ashamed of yourselves...


....you made me look at a G30.

[Big Ben]

Glock subcompacts are great guns to carry. I carry a G33 and as far as sights I would opt for the meptolights or the trijicons. I am partial to the Trij myself but they are both quality products. I would also look at getting an extended mag release put on. Glock grips are rather bulky and I found myself almost having to turn the gun alittle to hit the mag release before I got theextended one put on. I also use the extended slide release but that is really not necesary IMHO. I use the Pearce +1 grip extentions on my mags which give me the full 10 round capacity instead of the 9 round that the G33 usually has. Overall I am really happy with the quality of the Glock subcompacts.

[RPB]

I heard that you can convert a Glock 27 into both 9mm and .357 sig by changing out barrels. Does anyone have information about the conversion?

You can.

I owned a 27, got a lone wolf conversion barrel to 9mm and spring bearing and extractor and ejector, traded it for a 26
With only the conversion barrel, due to the ejector position on the smaller 9mm casing, ejected casings pop you in the head instead of going to the right, unless you also replace the spring bearing and ejector and extractor with the 9mm parts. These come in 2 "flavors" LCI and non-LCI (Loaded Chamber indicator)

for target play all you need is the conversion barrel, but for reliability/carry, I'd change all parts .... but then if you do that, just get a 26.