What is a good model to start with and why. I am looking to use it for target practice in probably a 9mm or 40. restricted or prohib.
In addition to the comments above... even if you have 12.6 status, you can pretty much forget the prohib GLOCK altogether, regardless of what you have on your PAL. There are lots of 12.6 guys on this board looking to buy up the few 19's, 26's, 23's and other prohib GLOCKs that there are with their original barrels. They are hard to come by to say the least.
I used to own a 17. It was fine. Not really my thing, but nothing wrong with it. I have shot various of the other models. I'm basically a SIG and HK guy now, but if I were going to get a GLOCK now, I'd definitely get the 19 from Questar. I have shot a few of them. A couple of my friends have them... and swear by them. This is me shooting one:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBsBQEmDQwI&feature=channel
This one has griptape on the grip, but it gives you an idea of what the G19 with Storm Lake stainless barrel looks like. This is my GF shooting that same gun:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzJ__4o1NI8&feature=related
If you have really big hands, then the 19 may not be your thing... as there isn't a lot of extra room on the grip. But if you have "normal" sized hands for a man, then I think the 19 is the way to go. It feels more controllable to me (than the larger models), and I can shoot it better than the other models I've tried (which may be at least partly due to the barrel... which is fitting tighter).
How have you board members found the reliabiltiy, any problems, wear or other things of note. Is there a particular model that is known for being good or bad?
GLOCK is ultra reliable... and they have this unique quality whereby they don't really seem to wear no matter how much you shoot them. You could break a small part here and there (firing pin, maybe a trigger part) after a buzzillion rounds. They keep on ticking forever. Now... whether they are any more reliable and durable than their competitors... that is a debate that will rage forever. But the GLOCKS do appear to have less visual wear than basically anything on the market... which is a big part of their appeal for people.
In terms of models... no, they are basically all the same design. The differences are just in size and calibre.
Now, having said all that.. for myself I prefer to shoot SIGs and HKs, because I think that I can shot them more accurately, fast or slow. But... the GLOCK didn't conquer the autopistol market by being a shoddy product. It has a hell of a lot going for it.