[Bren]

My Glock 19 does all the things, and some lights like the olight mini 2 can be put on and off in a moment with the simple flipping of latch

Like my 23, I don't consider a Glock 19 easy and comfortable to conceal.

 

[Bren]

A better idea is to buy multiple pistols for multiple uses.

I have a gun for every purpose and a purpose for every gun (other than those I got as gifts, prizes or family heirlooms).

 

[Vito]

Why limit yourself to one gun? My EDC is a Gen 5 Glock 26, my primary home defense gun is a 17 with a mounted Streamlight. For concealed carry I prefer on OTW holster, but if I have to pocket carry, I grab the 642 in a Desantis holster. Those 3 guns cover almost all my needs. I have others, but I could manage nicely with just those three. (My back-up home gun is my S&W Model 19, loaded with Speer 357 mag JHP. It’s my sentimental favorite gun.)

 

[MeatGrinder]

If I had to pick one pistol its my Glock 27.
Very concealable and packs a punch.

 

[snowbird.40]

OK. Thanks for the input. To add to the confusion, let me say that I've also owned G17s, G35s, G34s, G19s, G23s, G27s, G43s ... the list goes on. I've even hunted deer with a G20 and the extended hunting barrel. I've also owned 9mm conversion barrels for the .40 caliber models.

Here's the problem: I'm getting to that stage in my life where I am seeking a minimal lifestyle, so adding new calibers and magazines and holsters makes my old memory scream in agony. Where are the assorted mags? Where are the assorted holsters? Where is the assorted ammo?

I've resolved myself to 9mm because I can still handle the recoil impulse (something I learned I could NOT do when I tried to relive my youth with a G27.4). Therefore, I've laid in a good supply of 9mm premium hollow points and the gel tests and street results are reassuring that the round will do its job if I do mine with placement.

I've also learned that I can comfortably conceal a j-frame and shoot it well enough out to about 15 yards, which is about the limit of most civilian armed encounters. Also, no magazines to track. I can drop a j-frame into my front pants pocket or my jacket pocket in cooler weather and feel adequately prepared for 99.9% of the encounters I might have in my senior lifestyle. (I avoid rowdy bars and am usually asleep by 9:30 p.m. most nights, behind locked doors with an alarm system featuring a motion detector, etc.)

All of this is to explain why I'm getting more intrigued by either the 43X MOS or the 48 MOS. One gun, 4-5 magazines, one light and a pair of holsters (one for the bare gun and one for the gun with Olight). Simple.

I still have to handle a 43 or 48 to see where my right thumb might land, but if it's about where my thumb lands on my current G26.5, that solves part of my problem. I'm leaning toward the 48 because I don't think the light would stick out too far beyond the muzzle. And, I'm hopeful the barrel/muzzle won't dig into my femoral nerves/artery, because I prefer AIWB for most of my ins/outs to stores and restaurants.

More thoughts, particularly on those two models?

 

[Glock Commander]

A better idea is to buy multiple pistols for multiple uses.

But for those who do not have the financial resources to have a personal armory.

If you can only afford one handgun, make it a Glock 19 Gen 3.

 

[Glock Commander]

OK. Thanks for the input.

Here's the problem: I'm getting to that stage in my life where I am seeking a minimal lifestyle, so adding new calibers and magazines and holsters makes my old memory scream in agony. Where are the assorted mags? Where are the assorted holsters? Where is the assorted ammo?

I've resolved myself to 9mm because I can still handle the recoil impulse (something I learned I could NOT do when I tried to relive my youth with a G27.4). Therefore, I've laid in a good supply of 9mm premium hollow points and the gel tests and street results are reassuring that the round will do its job if I do mine with placement.

Very good points. As a senior I am in the same place and I want to keep it simple. Glock 19 works for me and on the occasions I have to go to the doctor, rheumatologist or the dentist. I pocket carry a Seecamp 32 ACP.

 

[desertrunner]

Always been the G19, but the 43X is coming in hot.

 

[Vito]

A worthy alternative, and a bit less costly than a Glock but seemingly just as reliable is a Ruger Lc9s, but is only 7+1. If finances were a critical factor I would certainly recommend looking at this nice little gun with a truly outstanding trigger.

 

[jr24]

Like my 23, I don't consider a Glock 19 easy and comfortable to conceal.

Ah, I missed that part. Makes sense.

I’m fortunate enough to find the Glock 19 (or any equivalent size and weight) ideal for my comfort and concealment daily.

 

[tomrkba]

This week it's the Glock 21.4.

Glock 29 - you can use lower power rounds,
for small people/animals, or you can blast the
hot loads for larger people/animals; you can't
do THAT with a Glock 19, or any of the other
calibers as well - AND it conceals well.

I am almost convinced. I think I need to buy a 20.3 to see if 10mm is that great and then a 29.4 to compare.

 

[G29guy06]

I've been buying and selling Glocks and other handguns for about 16 years, looking for the Holy Grail ... a gun that is reliable, accurate, comfortable to conceal, low profile for reduced printing, provides high capacity, and usable for home defense at night (in other words, capable of simply attaching a weapon-mounted-light in the evening and easily removed in the morning).

So far, I've found the Model 26.5 to check most of the boxes, although the WML is a bit of a challenge, unless I want to dedicate the gun with a Streamlight, or take a few minutes each evening to screw on a ReCover Tactical frame rail adapter and mount an Olight Mini PL-2 Valkyrie light. I like the brighter light produced by the Olight.

I'm wondering about the G43 MOS as a possibility. However, I have some concerns about it. With the G43 and G42, my high right thumb grip has a tendency to press up on the slide catch release, preventing reliable lock back of the slide. Guess I'd have to handle a G43 MOS to see where my thumb lands to answer that question. My other concern is that the apparent offering for 15-round magazines (forget the name now) requires a steel mag release, which can wear down the stock polymer Glock mags over time.

My go-to handgun for deep concealment is a j-frame 642 or 637 with a factory-bobbed hammer.

Any experience would be appreciated.

I don’t see a need for a weapon mounted light on a pistol, but I think a 23 fits the bill for ya overall. The 26 is a good all around option but not sure it’s the “grail”. A lil more power in the round would be good so I go w/ a 23

 

[glockbox45]

For me it's the G23, the G27 is close but as a single all around Glock the G23 is tough to beat.

I picked up my first G23 this morning! Heard nothing but good things about them.

 

[naughtymoose]

I find with good leather and an equal quality belt, concealment is not a problem with full size 17/22, or 19/23. The 43 works perfect in the gold bond weather of summer in Alabama.
ymmv

 

[rfd339]

I picked up my first G23 this morning! Heard nothing but good things about them.

Congrats on the g23. Find some 165gr or 180gr hst and a couple extra mags and night sites to your liking and you're set.

 

[rfd339]

But for those who do not have the financial resources to have a personal armory.

If you can only afford one handgun, make it a Glock 19 Gen 3.

100% Agreed but with a gen3 g23 but if the gen3 19 cheaper to operate for the reasons you said then good for them .

 

[ScottMn]

I love my 26 and 43 but if I was serious about a light I'm not sure I would choose either of these guns. With the lack of a front rail the light has to mount to the trigger guard. I have no experience with a light of that type but having a rail on my 30s and 19 makes for a very solid, easily indexed, and simple to remove light/laser.

 

[tomrkba]

Today the best all around Glock is the Glock 19.

 

[tomrkba]

OK. Thanks for the input. To add to the confusion, let me say that I've also owned G17s, G35s, G34s, G19s, G23s, G27s, G43s ... the list goes on. I've even hunted deer with a G20 and the extended hunting barrel. I've also owned 9mm conversion barrels for the .40 caliber models.

Not confusing at all. It's the way of things.

Here's the problem: I'm getting to that stage in my life where I am seeking a minimal lifestyle, so adding new calibers and magazines and holsters makes my old memory scream in agony. Where are the assorted mags? Where are the assorted holsters? Where is the assorted ammo?

Understandable. But, perhaps investing in some organizers will solve the problem. After all, keeping all your guns is a long term investment both in value and utility.

I've resolved myself to 9mm because I can still handle the recoil impulse (something I learned I could NOT do when I tried to relive my youth with a G27.4). Therefore, I've laid in a good supply of 9mm premium hollow points and the gel tests and street results are reassuring that the round will do its job if I do mine with placement.

Ken Hackathorn and Bill Wilson mentioned this: as they aged, they definitely noticed the difference in wear on their hands.

I've also learned that I can comfortably conceal a j-frame and shoot it well enough out to about 15 yards, which is about the limit of most civilian armed encounters. Also, no magazines to track. I can drop a j-frame into my front pants pocket or my jacket pocket in cooler weather and feel adequately prepared for 99.9% of the encounters I might have in my senior lifestyle. (I avoid rowdy bars and am usually asleep by 9:30 p.m. most nights, behind locked doors with an alarm system featuring a motion detector, etc.)

Then again, shooting the J-Frame is far more violent on the hands, so why bother? Get a SIG P365 instead and it is still less snappy than 38 Special.

All of this is to explain why I'm getting more intrigued by either the 43X MOS or the 48 MOS. One gun, 4-5 magazines, one light and a pair of holsters (one for the bare gun and one for the gun with Olight). Simple.

Honestly, you need more than one gun. For example, the following list covers 99% of my needs:

1) Glock 21
2) Glock 19
3) Glock 48 (or converted to 43X with the 43 slide)
4) Glock 26
5) Glock 43
6) Ruger LCP

I carry the 19 most of the time. I use the 21 when my shirts are bigger or when I can wear two shirts to soften the printing. The 48/43X is great when my shirt is slightly tighter (or I'm fatter). I like the 26 in certain circumstances due to the short slide. I barely use the 43, but sometimes it is needed for concealment. The Ruger is for pocket carry.

I still have to handle a 43 or 48 to see where my right thumb might land, but if it's about where my thumb lands on my current G26.5, that solves part of my problem. I'm leaning toward the 48 because I don't think the light would stick out too far beyond the muzzle. And, I'm hopeful the barrel/muzzle won't dig into my femoral nerves/artery, because I prefer AIWB for most of my ins/outs to stores and restaurants.

More thoughts, particularly on those two models?

The 48 is identical to the 19 in height and length. If you cannot carry a 19 with OLIGHT PL MINI, you won't be able to do it with the 48.

I highly recommend that you get a Tenicor Sagax Lux 2 (available for models 19, 48 with TLR-6 or 7). This is the most adjustable; get it with the Discreet Carry Concepts clips and acquire some loops. You can then configure it so that it is most comfortable.

Additionally, you can wear it appendix outside the pants but behind the belt (ABTB). I find that that Certum Lux 2 for the G19 is a bit unwieldy due to the light; you may have the same problem with the Sagax Lux 2 for the 48/43. I much prefer the non-lightbearing versions for BTB. I find ABTB carry to be exceptionally comfortable with 95% concealment. It eliminates hot spots and is extremely comfortable despite preventing the use of the pocket.

 

[5Sensify]

19.5 if you ask me… I like the simplicity of Glocks, but their grip angle & profile doesn’t work for me.