GLOCK (23)
Got my GSSF coupon, which Glock to get? Leaning towards Gen4 23
Written by reg mathuszThe Glock 23 continues to haunt me. As much as I try to hate it and prefer M&P's, 1911's, S&W 3rd Gens, I keep coming back to it.
Why? Because it is almost the perfect ALL AROUND size. Note: there are better range pistols, there are better CCW pistols but OVERALL the 23 can do it all.
Also, having dabbled in 9mm during the ammo crisis last year I have to admit that I prefer 40S&W (and, of course, the 10mm). Not that I don't feel safe with a good 9mm load - and there are lot's! And not platform -- in fact I am a HUGE fan of the M&P 9c, but I just prefer a 180gr and its thump.
But, why the Gen4? Well, I already have a Gen3 and I find the new grip texture to be really comfortable. And the SeeCamp-inspired dual recoil spring? Well, quite frankly it does work in my 27 and countless other implementations (Colt Defender, etc).
The finish worries me, but as long as the slide is Tenifer steel hardened, I am ok with it. Break in (as reputed on the internet) is not a big deal to me. You should put 300-500rds through a pistol before you deem it worthy to stake you life on any way. Besides, I have a Gen3 23 to rely on anyway.
I see a Gen4 Glock 23 in my near future.
With GLOCK's 4th Gen's out there is a lot of chatter and confusion about the different pistols.
Here is a great a pic that shows them all. Gen1 through 4 is Left to Right, Top to Bottom (click on pic to enlarge):
and the misunderstood RTF2 (which is a modified Gen3):
(Source: Glock Report 2010 Volume 1)
Cool Glock cutaway from TeamGlock.com:
Clarification: Why I don't think Glock is the best platform for 10mm/45 Super
Written by reg mathuszSo, someone asked for clarification on my statement on why I don't think that GLOCK is the best platform for the 10mm (or 45 Super).
I think that the GLOCK is a fantastic platform in general. They do an amazing job of balancing spring weight with slide mass to function with every standard factory load.
The problem is when you vary from that. Well, increase the loadings such as with full power 10mm and 45 Super. Full power loads would be from companies like SwampFox, Buffalo Bore, DoubleTap, etc.
There is really no way to absorb the increased recoil (for simplicity's sake) other than put in a heavier recoil spring. The 1911 for example can have a heavier recoil spring, but also have a heavier hammer spring (like FN/Browning did on the Hipower when upgrading the High Power for 40) and a flattened firing pin spring increasing lock time from a faster operating cycle.
I first ran into this when Ace Hindman helped me put together my first 45 Super back in the early 90's (Springfield 1911). When I got my second 45ACP it was a Glock 21. He would not recommend shooting 45 Super out of my Glock 21 (even with a heavier spring) unless I also had it MagnaPorted to slow the slide down.
Some folks complain about the lack of chamber support on GLOCK and over the years they have quietly increased head space support. I personally don't think it is a problem -- most 1911's DON'T have supported chamber. Neither my Colt Delta Elite and Dan Wesson Commander Bobtail (CBOB) have supported chambers. Although in the last year of the CBOB, DW did add it. Perhaps noteworthy, Kimber 10mm's do.
I have not had any problems with either with fullpower ammo (DoubleTap and my own handloads). But, I think that NOT having a supported chamber exacerbates any lock time issues, especially if the pistol fires out of battery (not saying the GLOCK does).
SwampFox has had some issues with the GLOCKs and their full power loadings and now has a warning against using it in firearms without a fully supported chamber. This implies that a replacement barrel with fully supported chamber (Lone Wolf Dist, KKM, Bar-Sto, Storm Lake, etc) should be OK.
So, IMO, the Glock is not the best platform for 10mm or 45 Super. Now, don't get me wrong, if you are not looking for the top end of handgun ammunition power they are pretty darn close.
This is a great resource!
Have you guys heard of SwampFoxGunWorks.com?
They have been getting excellent reviews for providing full power 10mm (and other calibers). Several people on various forums have confirmed SwampFox's velocity #'s which are amazing. I just ordered some myself.
Check out this 10mm 200gr XTP load @ 1325fps!
http://www.swampfoxgunworks.com/swampfox/product.php?productid=17681&cat=397&page=1
(WARNING: For supported chamber pistols only!)
For those pistols without a fully supported chamber like Glocks and quite a few 1911's I got this load:
10mm 200gr XTP @ 1240fps (still smoking!) I got a box of this too for my Colt Delta Elite.
http://www.swampfoxgunworks.com/swampfox/product.php?productid=17522&cat=343&page=1
I have been looking for a "thumper" woods load for camping/hiking/etc. And have selected this 200gr JFP (full power 1325fps). Again WARNING: For supported chamber pistols only!)
http://www.swampfoxgunworks.com/swampfox/product.php?productid=17721&cat=386&page=1
These loads are exactly why I bought a pair of S&W 1006's!
They offer 5 round packs so that you can try the ammo, and will custom load to your specs!
They also offer other calibers like 45ACP+P and 357magnum. I am a big Hornady XTP fan, but they do offer other popular bullets too (Golden Saber, SilverTip, Gold Dot, etc).
Can't wait to try it out! (More info to come later)
I am not affiliated, just a big fan of full power ammo.
Melonite vs Tenifer - the answer from the folks that own BOTH
Written by reg mathuszMelonite and Tenifer are a metal treating process which hardens the steel to a Rockwell Hardness similar to a diamond. Technically, it is not a "finish" although the end result is a finish.
So, the difference betwen the two is a common forum question and is always subject to a lot of debate and conjecture. There is also some bit that always comes up about the process being illegal to do in the U.S.
I asked HEFUSA the difference between the two. They should know since they are the U.S. subsidiary to the company that OWNS THE TRADEMARK to Tenifer and Melonite. This is what they responded (full name, phone #, and email removed):
"Dear remat457-
Tenifer® is a name used most often in other parts of the world; Melonite® is exclusive to North America . However, they are the same. Please let us know if we can help you further.
Michael *****
Manager, Sales & Service
HEF USA"
Don't believe me? Ask them yourself, or email me -- I will email the direct contact info.
Now, how the treatment works on different types of metal (stainless, etc) can be different. The resulting finish you put on can also be different. For example, S&W Melonite can be touched up with bluing pen, while Glock's Tenifer can not (and seems to be more scratch resistant).
It has been a long time but Steyr Arms is importing a limited # of pistols this year!
Link here: Steyr Newsletter
So, in honor of this, I think this a Steyr picture post is called for!
The Steyr S40 is a 10 shot compact pistol. The trigger is amazingly crisp (close to a SA break). Size is in between a Glock 23 and 27. Or like an M&P 9c but with a longer grip. Fits the hand VERY well.
Sites are "trapezoid." Front site is like a pyramid with a triangle. Rear is like the Glock "U" bracket except angled to match the pyramid. I was going to replace them with 3-dots, but found they work amazingly well.
The pistol was tight from the factory which was a bit of a surprise from a polymer framed pistol. After a couple of 100 rounds it broke in nicely. The wife loves to shoot it, which is a surprise because she does not like 40's in general. Perhaps it is because the bore axis on the pistol is very low to the hand which makes it pleasant to shoot. I have seen some new polymer framed pistols advertise "low bore axis" but the Steyr really does.
All in all, a highly under-rated pistol.
Some comparison pics.
Steyr S40 vs Glock 23
Steyr S40 vs Glock 27
Here's a pic of the famous trapazoid/pyramid/triangle sites
Hope the street price of the new Steyrs is fair. If so, I will be adding adding a S40A1 to match.
Pics were requested ...
Glock 23 and Dan Wesson Classic Commander Bobtail
