im in the same boat bro, plan on picking up a glock by the end of next week...just cant figure out if i want a 19 or 26, thought i was sure til like 5 minutes ago...wheres the popcorn?...lol...
opcorn:
opcorn:
New Glock Owner w/ Many Questions
I will be picking up my first handun, a G19, this weekend. As a first-time handgun and Glock owner, I have several questions I'd like feedback on...
Cleaning/Care
- What items should I buy to properly clean and care for my G19?
Ammo
- It seems that Federal HST 124 +P, Gold Dot 124 +P, and Winchester Ranger T 127gr +P are all respected/preferred brands.
- Should I use one of these brands both at the range and for home defense, or find something else for the range?
Eye/Ear Protection
- Does everyone own eye/ear protection and wear it everytime they shoot? If so, what should I buy?
Holsters
- I'm looking for a holster to use at home/nightstand and during transport to/from the range. I don't have any immediate plans for a CCW.
- What type of holsters would you recommend?
Training
- I've only found one place in my area that offers basic handgun training. It is a 2-hour course for $45 offered by a local gun shop. Are there any other training resources I should try and find?
Thanks!
Cleaning/Care
- What items should I buy to properly clean and care for my G19?
Ammo
- It seems that Federal HST 124 +P, Gold Dot 124 +P, and Winchester Ranger T 127gr +P are all respected/preferred brands.
- Should I use one of these brands both at the range and for home defense, or find something else for the range?
Eye/Ear Protection
- Does everyone own eye/ear protection and wear it everytime they shoot? If so, what should I buy?
Holsters
- I'm looking for a holster to use at home/nightstand and during transport to/from the range. I don't have any immediate plans for a CCW.
- What type of holsters would you recommend?
Training
- I've only found one place in my area that offers basic handgun training. It is a 2-hour course for $45 offered by a local gun shop. Are there any other training resources I should try and find?
Thanks!
1 - 20 of 29 Posts
I personally use Hoppes, but any good cleaning kit will work. Buy extra patches you'll need those, and some extra solvent and you'll be good for awhile. As far as how often you should clean it personal preference. I clean mine every range trip.I will be picking up my first handun, a G19, this weekend. As a first-time handgun and Glock owner, I have several questions I'd like feedback on...
Cleaning/Care
- What items should I buy to properly clean and care for my G19?
Buy some ammo and see how it shoots. Everythings gonna shoot different for everyone. The biggest thing is you need to make sure your self defense ammo will feed properly so you need to shoot some of that. Other than that use what ever you can get your hands on.Ammo
- It seems that Federal HST 124 +P, Gold Dot 124 +P, and Winchester Ranger T 127gr +P are all respected/preferred brands.
- Should I use one of these brands both at the range and for home defense, or find something else for the range?
I have basic ears and eyes, doesn't really matter as long as they work. Sometimes I'll double up ear plugs and muffs which does make a difference.Eye/Ear Protection
- Does everyone own eye/ear protection and wear it everytime they shoot? If so, what should I buy?
Dunno where you live, but in Ohio you can't transport a loaded firearm without having a CHL liscense so the glock case works fine until then. If you're gonna set it on your nightstand I wouldn't use a holster, just let it lay there. But if you plan on open carrying and or your laws are different about transporting a loaded firearm then check out an uncle mikes holster.Holsters
- I'm looking for a holster to use at home/nightstand and during transport to/from the range. I don't have any immediate plans for a CCW.
- What type of holsters would you recommend?
If you've never had any formal training before take the class.Training
- I've only found one place in my area that offers basic handgun training. It is a 2-hour course for $45 offered by a local gun shop. Are there any other training resources I should try and find?
Thanks!
Where are you located?
Training
- I've only found one place in my area that offers basic handgun training. It is a 2-hour course for $45 offered by a local gun shop. Are there any other training resources I should try and find?
Thanks![/quote]
Training
- I've only found one place in my area that offers basic handgun training. It is a 2-hour course for $45 offered by a local gun shop. Are there any other training resources I should try and find?
Thanks![/quote]
Pick up some patches, Hoppes #9 (optional but recommended), CLP, A good brush, double sided with large and small brush is nice. A lot of people use a silicone cloth. I don't, I would like to try one though.
You should shoot them to find out if they work well in your gun and for you. You want to shoot the hollow points every now and then so that you are used to shooting them. But really just pick up a bunch of FMJ in the same grain that you are going to be shooting in hollow point.
Definitely eyes and ears. Ricochets are a *****. YOU DON'T WANT TO LOSE AN EYE DO YOU? Ears, you want good hearing when your older right? electronic or regular. Get them.
Holsters, you have to try some and find what works for you. If you aren't CCW then I probably would just look for an OWB one for the range, maybe a blackhawk serpa level 2.
I can't help you on the training, but if you search through these forums there is a thread somewhere about good instructors. Basic pistol is a must. Don't unlearn bad habbits, learn it right the first time. Ask for references. Ask at different shops that don't have their own training to get a better idea of what is available in your area. You can ask that other place too, but sometimes they can be biased of course.
my .02
You should shoot them to find out if they work well in your gun and for you. You want to shoot the hollow points every now and then so that you are used to shooting them. But really just pick up a bunch of FMJ in the same grain that you are going to be shooting in hollow point.
Definitely eyes and ears. Ricochets are a *****. YOU DON'T WANT TO LOSE AN EYE DO YOU? Ears, you want good hearing when your older right? electronic or regular. Get them.
Holsters, you have to try some and find what works for you. If you aren't CCW then I probably would just look for an OWB one for the range, maybe a blackhawk serpa level 2.
I can't help you on the training, but if you search through these forums there is a thread somewhere about good instructors. Basic pistol is a must. Don't unlearn bad habbits, learn it right the first time. Ask for references. Ask at different shops that don't have their own training to get a better idea of what is available in your area. You can ask that other place too, but sometimes they can be biased of course.
my .02
It would be good to find a mentor, a "range buddy" if you will...
Maybe post a shout-out in here. Just say I live in this (?) area, and if anyone is heading out to the range, would it be possible if I could join you?
You may get some PM's.
Maybe post a shout-out in here. Just say I live in this (?) area, and if anyone is heading out to the range, would it be possible if I could join you?
You may get some PM's.
Cleaning/care: your gun shop should sell gun cleaning kits like Outers, they contain all you need.
Ammo: self defense ammo is several times more expensive than range ammo, so you would not want to shoot it at the range on a regular basis. Any factory loaded ammunition - even the dreaded Wolf - is perfectly fine for a range practice.
Ear protection: wear it ALL THE TIME at the range. Brand does not matter so much.
Eye protection: If you are wearing glasses, you may not need one (provided your glasses have large polycarbonate lenses and you don't mind getting an occasional mark on them). Otherwise, wear eye protection every time you are near the firing line.
Holsters: can't tell you much about them, don't have CCW permit yet.
Training: definitely get some if this is your first experience with firearms. Don't be embarassed, we all had to start somewhere.
Ammo: self defense ammo is several times more expensive than range ammo, so you would not want to shoot it at the range on a regular basis. Any factory loaded ammunition - even the dreaded Wolf - is perfectly fine for a range practice.
Ear protection: wear it ALL THE TIME at the range. Brand does not matter so much.
Eye protection: If you are wearing glasses, you may not need one (provided your glasses have large polycarbonate lenses and you don't mind getting an occasional mark on them). Otherwise, wear eye protection every time you are near the firing line.
Holsters: can't tell you much about them, don't have CCW permit yet.
Training: definitely get some if this is your first experience with firearms. Don't be embarassed, we all had to start somewhere.
I hope this helps you.I will be picking up my first handun, a G19, this weekend. As a first-time handgun and Glock owner, I have several questions I'd like feedback on...
Cleaning/Care
- What items should I buy to properly clean and care for my G19?
If your G19 is new, you will get a rod and a plastic brush in the box, then all you need is some brand of bore cleaner and lubricant. You will also need patches to fit a 9mm barrel. I like to use Q-tips and a rag. I would also get a silicone cloth. If you are picking up a used gun, then you can just buy a cleaning kit, and most of the items I've listed will be in it. You can do a search on u-tube and there are a few video's on how to field strip and clean/lubricate your Glock pistol.
Ammo
- It seems that Federal HST 124 +P, Gold Dot 124 +P, and Winchester Ranger T 127gr +P are all respected/preferred brands.
- Should I use one of these brands both at the range and for home defense, or find something else for the range?
I would get some practice ammo first, whatever ball ammo you can find, make sure it is not an unjacketed lead round. The Glock barrel does not like lead bullets fired through it. Get use to the gun, then get some different JHP ammunition, and see which shoots better in your gun. Then you can use that ammo for home protection.
Eye/Ear Protection
- Does everyone own eye/ear protection and wear it everytime they shoot? If so, what should I buy?
Yes, the best that you can afford. I have hearing damage from my time in Nam. I have electronic muffs, this way you can hear people talking to you, and it will automatically shut down when a round is fired off. I wear glasses, so I use them for eye protection. There is a wide assortment of eye protection. I also like to shoot with a ball cap on, it protects from the sun, and keeps lead out of your hair or scalp (for us follically challanged).
Holsters
- I'm looking for a holster to use at home/nightstand and during transport to/from the range. I don't have any immediate plans for a CCW.
- What type of holsters would you recommend?
I'm not sure what state you live in, but if you don't have a CCW, more then likely you cannot carry the gun in a holster to the range. It needs to be transported unloaded with ammo separated from it. You can use the box the gun comes in, and depending on your states requirement, you may need to put a lock on it.
As far as a holster for home use, unless you are going to walk around the house with it on, I wouldn't worry about one for now. If you decide to get a CCW, then I would look into a holster. If there are children in your home, then I would just get some kind of lock box to safely store your G19. I had one with a combination lock, that was pretty easy to open in the dark. Now that I don't worry about children in my home, i just put my G36 on my nightstand.
Training
- I've only found one place in my area that offers basic handgun training. It is a 2-hour course for $45 offered by a local gun shop. Are there any other training resources I should try and find?
Take that course, and then do a search for any other courses available. You might also want to join a gun club or GSSF, and do some competition shooting. The more you practice, the better you get. If you shoot competitively, it will give you the skills to better protect yourself in a high adreniline situation.
Thanks!
Pete
Definitely go for the training.
As far as eyes and ears, may I suggest spending a few dollars more to get a decent pair of electronic ear muffs? These are great for training and going to the range with friends because they amplify safe sounds like voices and immediately clip dangerous sounds like gun fire. I wear a pair of Howard Leight R-01526 Impact Sport Electronic Earmuffs (~$50 on Amazon) turned to near max volume most of the time with a pair of disposable foam earplugs inside for extra protection. Call me paranoid, but I'm a music nut and I value my hearing.
Please note: These are nowhere near the ultimate in electronic ear muffs, but they are good value. There are other more expensive options that provide more protection (the higher the NRR rating, the more protection). If you want to go straight to the bad boys (what most of the trainers I've worked with so far are wearing), check out http://www.pro-ears.com/
As far as eyes and ears, may I suggest spending a few dollars more to get a decent pair of electronic ear muffs? These are great for training and going to the range with friends because they amplify safe sounds like voices and immediately clip dangerous sounds like gun fire. I wear a pair of Howard Leight R-01526 Impact Sport Electronic Earmuffs (~$50 on Amazon) turned to near max volume most of the time with a pair of disposable foam earplugs inside for extra protection. Call me paranoid, but I'm a music nut and I value my hearing.
Please note: These are nowhere near the ultimate in electronic ear muffs, but they are good value. There are other more expensive options that provide more protection (the higher the NRR rating, the more protection). If you want to go straight to the bad boys (what most of the trainers I've worked with so far are wearing), check out http://www.pro-ears.com/
Cleaning/Care
Any standard 9mm/.38 cal pistol cleaning kit will do. One of the beauties of Glocks is they do not require special -- or even frequent -- care. Many GTers prefer Mobil 1 motor oil as a lubricant (no, I'm not kidding). One quart is about $7, it's every bit as effective as hi-priced firearms-specific lubes and the one quart will last you about 326,000 years.
Ammo
Good self-defense ammo almost always is more expensive than range or target practice ammo. One reason why is that plinking ammo is a lighter, less-pwerful load. It will be less punishing to shoot during extended sessions but it also will have different recoil characteristics from your self defense load. Although your practice probably would benefit from shooting the same load all the time, there are practical benefits to practicing with the lighter loads. It's your call.
Eye/Ear Protection
Always. I'd recommend ear plugs and cups. Your eye protection (you are wearing eye protection, arent you?) probably will prevent your cups having a perfect seal. The ear plugs take up their slack. I wear them both less for hearing protection than because it reduces how much I'm prone to flinching when the guy next to me shoots. That in turn improves the quality of my range session.
Holsters
Most ranges require you enter with the firearm cased. A holster doesn't count.
Training
$45/2 hours sounds like an awfully fair rate. Is it an NRA-certified instructor? Post your location and maybe another GTer can point you to some other options.
Any standard 9mm/.38 cal pistol cleaning kit will do. One of the beauties of Glocks is they do not require special -- or even frequent -- care. Many GTers prefer Mobil 1 motor oil as a lubricant (no, I'm not kidding). One quart is about $7, it's every bit as effective as hi-priced firearms-specific lubes and the one quart will last you about 326,000 years.
Ammo
Good self-defense ammo almost always is more expensive than range or target practice ammo. One reason why is that plinking ammo is a lighter, less-pwerful load. It will be less punishing to shoot during extended sessions but it also will have different recoil characteristics from your self defense load. Although your practice probably would benefit from shooting the same load all the time, there are practical benefits to practicing with the lighter loads. It's your call.
Eye/Ear Protection
Always. I'd recommend ear plugs and cups. Your eye protection (you are wearing eye protection, arent you?) probably will prevent your cups having a perfect seal. The ear plugs take up their slack. I wear them both less for hearing protection than because it reduces how much I'm prone to flinching when the guy next to me shoots. That in turn improves the quality of my range session.
Holsters
Most ranges require you enter with the firearm cased. A holster doesn't count.
Training
$45/2 hours sounds like an awfully fair rate. Is it an NRA-certified instructor? Post your location and maybe another GTer can point you to some other options.
Congrats on the G19 good choice. my answers in red.I will be picking up my first handun, a G19, this weekend. As a first-time handgun and Glock owner, I have several questions I'd like feedback on...
Cleaning/Care
- What items should I buy to properly clean and care for my G19?
Glock tool, Military tooth brush, CLP, bronze brush
Ammo
- It seems that Federal HST 124 +P, Gold Dot 124 +P, and Winchester Ranger T 127gr +P are all respected/preferred brands.
- Should I use one of these brands both at the range and for home defense, or find something else for the range?
Any of these will do the trick, Goldot 124+P are my prsonal favorite.
Eye/Ear Protection
- Does everyone own eye/ear protection and wear it everytime they shoot? If so, what should I buy?
Always wear eyes and ear protection, Oakley SI glasses in any color and peltor earmuffs
Holsters
- I'm looking for a holster to use at home/nightstand and during transport to/from the range. I don't have any immediate plans for a CCW.
- What type of holsters would you recommend?
Don´t quite get you but a Galco Scout clip will do the trick to transport and if you decide to CC too.
Training
- I've only found one place in my area that offers basic handgun training. It is a 2-hour course for $45 offered by a local gun shop. Are there any other training resources I should try and find?
Thunder ranch
Thanks!
I want to thank everyone for all of your quick and helpful responses.
I'll post some follow-up questions once I've been able to thoroughly read these posts.
FYI...
I live in southwestern Ohio. Feel free to share any ideas for training in my part of the country.
Thanks again!
I'll post some follow-up questions once I've been able to thoroughly read these posts.
FYI...
I live in southwestern Ohio. Feel free to share any ideas for training in my part of the country.
Thanks again!
wear ear protection every time, but you should shoot at least one shot without ear protection so you can know what to expect. If you shoot outdoors away from buildings, understand that when shooting near a building, or when in a building the sound will be signifacantly louder.
Most of your glock cleaning can be accomplished with CLP the brush provided, cleaning patches, a rag and a toothbrush.
Most of your glock cleaning can be accomplished with CLP the brush provided, cleaning patches, a rag and a toothbrush.
Matt, check out shooters supply. Great range I attend the one in Independence Kentucky almost once a week. There is also one around the tri county area. I stay away from target world. If you're looking to CCW check out http://www.woodhilltraining.com/ they are great. You learn about the pistols and get your NRA pistol class out of the way. It also allows you to get your certificate to get your CCW which is easy after the class. Hope this helps.
Training and practice, plenty of practice learning the basics of marksmanship/safety. And a lot of practice given your budget and availability of ammo. I love my G19 and serves as
a backup companion to my G23. I've been shooting for 30 years and find Prolix a real
plus for cleaning. http://www.prolixlubricant.com/
Hornady's critical defense ammo is what I use in the G19.
http://www.hornady.com/story.php?s=786
a backup companion to my G23. I've been shooting for 30 years and find Prolix a real
plus for cleaning. http://www.prolixlubricant.com/
Hornady's critical defense ammo is what I use in the G19.
http://www.hornady.com/story.php?s=786
Once caveat: The worst thing you can do to your Glock (apart maybe from pounding nails with it) is to over-lubricate it. Some guns function best when swimming in oil but over-oiling is the number one cause of user-induced malfunctions in a Glock. Lubricate very sparingly and only in the six places indicated by your owner's manual.
Google "Glock armorer manual", and read it!! Also Youtube has a lot of Glock cleaning videos, google on Youtube "Glock cleaning" and you'll find a lot of useful videos, which are absolutely worthwhile to watch.
for the training, is there any local ranges to you? The NRA should have a instructor in your area that provides the one day safety training course. if worse case, glockstore.com offeres SEVERAL training vidoes. While not as good as the real thing, it's better then nothing. And welcome to glock talk and great choise in a gun!
Everyone here has given great advise. The only thing I would add, is my personal experience with the Blackhawk Serpa holster. I really like this holster! I own one for my G27 which is canted for cross draw while driving. I have another set up for straight draw on the my strong side, for my G22. The beauty of the Serpa, is that you can adjust it for different draw angles. Both of mine are paddle holsters. They can be purchased for around $25 online.
1 - 20 of 29 Posts
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