jecole360

I'm looking to buy a Glock pistol for concealed carry but cant decide which one to get. I plan on using it quite a bit for target shooting (not tournament)so I want it to be accurate a user friendly i.e, not kill my wrists from recoil. I don't own and have never owned a handgun and don't know much about them in the first place. A buddy of mine own's several handguns and I have shot one of his .40 cal semi's and that thing kicks and I couldn't hit the broad side of a barn because every time I would pull the trigger I would flinch because I knew what was coming! I have never shot a 9mm but I assume they don't have as much recoil as a .40 cal. Everyone I talk to tells me I should get a .40 cal because it has more knock down power yada yada yada but I don't ever (God forbid)plan on shooting anyone. I just want something that shoots nice and is easy to use and that is compact to carry. I am looking to get either the Glock 19 (9mm) or the 23 (.40 cal).

What do you guy's think??? Is there any difference in recoil on these two, which would be the better pick for what I want?

DJ2065

I have a 19 that's close to 20 yrs. old. Good shooting gun and easy to carry. If you have big hands, you may wanna go with the 17. If I was buying a new one, though, I'd go with a 40 or 45. Like you, I don't plan on shooting anyone.......but I like the thoughts of the bigger bullet and more energy. I'm from NC and have noticed alot of the local Highway Patrol officers are carrying tne 357 SIG caliber. I think it's a 9mm bullet with 40 cal ballistics. Might be worth looking into.

hometheaterman

The best thing I like about the 9mm is the cost of ammo. It's a bit cheaper than both .40 S&W rounds and the .45 rounds.

Maine Shooter

Can't say I'd compromise and get one that would cover both concealed carry purposes and target shooting. Regardless, go with the one that fits and feels best to YOU.
I would however having never had a handgun before suggest starting with something a bit milder than the 9mm to assimilate yourself to the handgun area. having stated the .40 was way to much recil and you flinched anticipating the recoil is a very good indication you should start samll, as everyone should. Nothing wrong at all with starting with a .22lr chambered handgun and progressing as your experience allows. It also allos a LOT of inexpensive practice that'll carry over into the largr calibers. It's easy to learn with the .22lr and get any bad techniques out of the way than develop improper techniques with a larger caliber and not be able to drop them. Start with the basics and then move on. Did you have a tricycle or training wheels before a big boys bike?