I'm struggling with my basic concept that, at the age of 65, I really should dedicate my pistol craft to learning how to be the best I can be with just one primary gun. Personally, I shoot the Gen 4 G26 best of all Glocks, but I feel tugged in the direction of a Gen 4 G19 simply for the fact that I can attach a tactical light or laser/light combination. I've owned that model several times in the past and shot it OK and I've had a couple of Streamlight TLR-1 HL tac lights. The setup is great for home defense and for times when I'm going to be out at night in my car or on foot in locations that are sparsely populated, like desert or mountain trails or walking in the pre-dawn darkness for exercise ... something I do almost daily in our AZ planned community.
However, holstering the G19, especially with a tac light attached, makes it very hard to conceal OWB and fitting an IWB holster with the tac light would require a whole new wardrobe. I've also thought about a satchel, something like the Cactus Jack Sidewinder, but I'm not sure if that would seem a bit weird for a man my age with no tattoos or ear rings or funky hair style. I OWB would be my best option with a vest or jacket and hope for the best (or hope it doesn't get too hot) if I were to wear it with the tac light.
One option I've been considering is machining the grooves into my G26 frame so I can possibly use the tac light only when I feel the need. Seems to me I read a thread on this forum a few years ago about somebody doing that with good results. Is anyone aware of that service? Does it weaken the structure of the pistol? Is there enough length to the underside of the rail to accommodate a notch for the TLR-1 series?
Currently I shoot IDPA matches almost every month with the G26 as well as the occasional BUG match with my only other gun ... a Ruger LCP. I would expect to add the G19 to that monthly rotation if I go that route, or sell the G26 and focus my practice and competition to the G19 from my two carry holsters, which include a Little FoxX hybrid IWB or an Uncle Mike's kydex OWB, both worn at about 3:30.
Thanks for the input.
However, holstering the G19, especially with a tac light attached, makes it very hard to conceal OWB and fitting an IWB holster with the tac light would require a whole new wardrobe. I've also thought about a satchel, something like the Cactus Jack Sidewinder, but I'm not sure if that would seem a bit weird for a man my age with no tattoos or ear rings or funky hair style. I OWB would be my best option with a vest or jacket and hope for the best (or hope it doesn't get too hot) if I were to wear it with the tac light.
One option I've been considering is machining the grooves into my G26 frame so I can possibly use the tac light only when I feel the need. Seems to me I read a thread on this forum a few years ago about somebody doing that with good results. Is anyone aware of that service? Does it weaken the structure of the pistol? Is there enough length to the underside of the rail to accommodate a notch for the TLR-1 series?
Currently I shoot IDPA matches almost every month with the G26 as well as the occasional BUG match with my only other gun ... a Ruger LCP. I would expect to add the G19 to that monthly rotation if I go that route, or sell the G26 and focus my practice and competition to the G19 from my two carry holsters, which include a Little FoxX hybrid IWB or an Uncle Mike's kydex OWB, both worn at about 3:30.
Thanks for the input.
