Even though I grew up shooting rifles and shotguns for hunting, I had no prior experience shooting hand guns. I began my quest this year to acquire a "camping gun" after a bizarre camping incident with my family (suicidal wandering man, swat team, emergency evacuation--a story for another thread...). After much research, I decided on the popular Glock 19!
While waiting for Glock to release their summer specials, I learned as much as I could about gun safety (particularly hand guns), as well as some new terms like MOS, MOA, co-witness, and I joined my local gun range.
I finally received my Glock, installed the optic and new sights, and shot it last night for the first time. After a safety lesson at the range, I fired off a 100 rounds of blazer brass (115) and had a blast! A range master helped me zero the optic and I'm looking forward to going back! I may even take this gun camping! And of course I'm looking forward to learning even more from members here on the forum!
Here is my "before" target at 10 yards. I'll post some "in progress" targets after some more practice!
I hear ya. I forgot to mention the first 50 rounds I shot were only using iron sights. I'm guessing it makes sense to continually practice with and without.
cute little booger isn't she?!
welcome to one of my addictions. love pistols.
when you get good with that one, try a G20. 9 is fine, 10 is impressive, especially for a woods/trail/camping carry.
be safe, enjoy.
Blind Dog,
Congrats on that new Glock and the security that it will bring you. You must have had more faith in your fellow man then I ever did for you to wait this long to arm yourself. LOL.
I learned early on never to allow myself to be victimized. I wouldn't mind dying in the process of defending myself as a CHL holder, as long as I have the chance to defend myself rather then be subjected to the whims of what criminals and crazy people will do to you. I still currently go into fields, or hike through natural parks or trails, and you will never find me without a firearm. I simply will not go into desolate areas without being armed. It's unbelievable these days how you could be in a local field on a lazy Sunday afternoon throwing a stick to your spaniel, and here comes walking out of the serene woods a hobo and his buddy heading your way.
The G19 is a great handgun for self-defense, if left OEM except sights.
When you are ready for an outdoors or backpacking or camping handgun, consider the most versatile candidate: A .357MAG revolver! I use either a Ruger SP101 3-inch or GP100 6-inch. I experimented with and enjoyed a Gen4 G31 in .357SIG for five years.
But no auto-pistol has the flexibility (any cartridge with any bullet type, including shot, in any loading in .38SPL or .357MAG) plus the functional reliability of a .357MAG revolver. I returned to that last year...keeping the excellent Gen4 G31 for other applications.
A most excellent way to dip your toes into the water... Well played, sir! As I am sure you have gathered through your research, the Glock 19 is one of the most popular pistols in the world for personal protection. It strikes a balance between being suitable for open carry/duty use, and being suitable for carrying concealed.
The version you picked up offers a whole lot for the money, in that you can run iron sights, you can run your optic, you can grab a threaded barrel and run a suppressor... All while enjoying all the other benefits of the standard Glock 19 pistol.
There are a whole lot of people who have spent a whole lot of years and a whole lot of money before they finally realized the utility of a Glock 19. You managed to hit one out of the park on the first pitch. Enjoy it!
Congrats on your G19. It will serve you well. Enjoy it safely. But be aware of the slippery slope. Glocks are like a Lays Potato Chip - You Just Can't Have One. :supergrin:
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