Glock 19 or 26?

[MichSteve]

I have a Glock 23 and I want to go to 9mm, I also have a Kahr PM9 and Ruger LCP. I will trade the G23 in on either a G19 or G26.

I plan in colder weather to conceal carry the Glock in 9mm, I like the smaller size of the G26, is the size between the G26 and G19 that much difference for appendix carry? And what am I giving up other that a few extra rounds?

I do shoot at least once per month so the Glock will see 1,000 round per year or so. I am leaning toward the G26 for its size, I guess the best way to ask the questions is "if you could only own one 9mm Glock would it be the G19 or th G26?"?

Thanks for your responses in advance.

[SteveZ]

Personally...I'd go with the G19 as an "all-around" pistol.....considering that you've got two others that are similar in function to the G26 (i.e. the Kahr and Ruger)...I think that makes the choice easier.

Last year, my wife decided she wanted to get her own pistol...I didn't steer her toward anything...just try some different stuff and see what she liked.  She narrowed it down to the G19 and G26 and I was a bit surprised when she choose the G19.  She said it handled better than the G26.

[Rvick82]

"if you could only own one 9mm Glock would it be the G19 or the G26?"?

A glock 29! Seriously though, my personal opinion is the G19. Although, since you appendix carry, I'm not sure which would carry better. I carry all my guns in a crossbreed supertuck and the g19 will conceal just as good at the g26. Plus, I like shooting the g19 better. Both are great guns and you won't go wrong with either. Will your local gun shop let you bring in a holster and try them on to see which feels better?

Ryan

[xmunckx]

Short answer is "yes"get a 19 or a 26. Long answer. Shot each first. The reason I say this is because I personally can't stand the 19. Thy mag release tears the heck out of my hand.  But I love thy 26. On the other hand. My girlfriend loves the 19 but finds that the 26 punches her finger where the mag meets the grip.  So figure out which will feel better for you.

Munck.

[Doc Wesson]

26....   the 9mm in the pocket is better than the .44 mag at  home.. kinda thing

[Not2late]

Short answer is "yes"get a 19 or a 26. Long answer. Shot each first. The reason I say this is because I personally can't stand the 19. Thy mag release tears the heck out of my hand.  But I love thy 26. On the other hand. My girlfriend loves the 19 but finds that the 26 punches her finger where the mag meets the grip.  So figure out which will feel better for you.

Munck.

That's the best advice for you.

Personally, I like the G19. Then there's also the all-purpose solution: Buy both and make one your backup gun. 

[mistertaco]

I appendix carry 19 (and s.o.b.) comfortably. I haven't carried a 26, so sorry I can't help in that regard.

See if you can holster and draw both too (in addition to shooting them). Might make a difference in the one you actually take with you on a regular basis.

[rhuber9]

I agree with most of the replies, the G19.  I also have a G27 which I sometimes carry.  I carry both in a Galco summer comfort IWB rig and the 19 is just as easy for me to conceal as the G27.  The G27 does fit better into a small Ducati fanny pack that I carry when out riding.  Both are great, too bad you prefaced the question with "just one".  Out of curiosity, why a G26 when you have the Khar pm9?

[VT RAIDER]

I had a friend that purchased a G26 and it just did not work for him, so he got a G19 and is totally happy. I have a G19 and I love it... If you are comfortable with your G23, the G19 will be very familiar... Go shoot them both and see what works for you... I don't think you can go wrong either way...

[Bob Mayne]

Since you already have a Kahr PM9, get the G19.  I have a G26 also (even though I own a Kahr PM9 and G19) and kind of regret buying it because I almost always use the magazine extensions.  In my opinion, the G26 is exactly the WRONG size.  Too large for pocket carry, too small for IWB or OWB (when compared to the G19. 

Another thought for you to think about is get a 40/9 conversion barrel from Lone Wolf for your G23.  I don't usually recommend changing stock parts on a carry gun (except sights) but I've heard a lot of good reports about these barrels not compromising reliability.  Then you can shoot the 9mm out of your G23 just by using G19 magazines.

But if you do get the G19 (the most practical combat handgun on the planet) you should find that with the right holster and belt, you can hide it just as easily as the G26.  To answer your question about what are you giving up if you get the G26.  A full firing grip.

Well...gotta quit writing, Ted Nugent is on Fox News....I gotta listen to what he has to say.   

[MichSteve]

.  Out of curiosity, why a G26 when you have the Khar pm9?
[/quote]

I was thinking it would be easier to carry since it is 3/4 less in height, the butt of the G23 seem to print in appendix carry.

[Bob Mayne]

MichSteve, you're right about that.  That's my philosophy.  If I'm going to go small on my 9mm carry, I'll carry the Kahr PM9.  When appendix carrying though...my G19 barely prints at all.  The new Comp Tac M-Tac nuetral can holster and my Dale Fricke Archangel both prevent a lot of printing.  It also has to do with how much weight I have around my gut! 

[Bob Mayne]

NS2, good points.  As you all know, "I'm not a gunsmith" so my technical knowledge about the inner workings of handguns is limited.  I didn't know everything you pointed out.  Therefore, I guess, ignore my suggestion of the barrel change. 

The idea sounded good in theory and for practicing at the range, it might give you a chance to practice cheaper.  But if the OP is going to make a trade, then I'll stick with my advice...get the G19.

[Bob Mayne]

No, not at all.  I learned something actually and your info has helped changed my mind. That's one reason I do the podcast and participate in this forum.  It helps me learn too.