I'm looking at purchasing one of Questar's restricted Glock 26 or 19s for ccw in the US and general shooting. I'd like to hear thoughts from those of you who have one or both. How much more difficult is it to conceal a 19 over the 26 (with Canada legal barrels, I'm not interested in getting a short barrel to keep in the US). How about alternate carry options (Smartcarry, ankle carry, pocket carry etc.). What is the difference in shootability between the two? Would the various mag/grip extensions make a difference.
Restricted Glock 26 vs. 19 for CCW in the US
- Thread starter BCPilotguy
- Start date
the 26 is nice & small, easy to carry for long periods, you can get mag grip extensions that give you an extra finger groove, you can also fit a full capacity mag in them that fills the hand nicely. they give up nothing in accuracy over the compact, a little bit more jump though.
I'm thinking about a G26 to compliment my G17. I contacted http://ravenconcealment.com/ to ask if the phantom holster I just ordered for my G17 would work with a G26, and they said it would. I think in general a G17 holster is your best bet since you need space to accommodate the 106 mm barrel. Anyway, for your US ccw application I'm thinking smaller buttsize is what really helps in concealability, and that's where the G26 shines.
- Location
- The Nation Of Alberta
I own a G19, it is small, the G26 is by fare even smaller.. my sig 2022 is the same size as the 19, not much mention of sigpro's as CCW, any takers?. I am sure the G19 would do fine, and does fine as CCW, but the 26, i could have that in my back pocket and it's gone, therfore a SUPERIOR CCW firearm.
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I own and have shot both lots, for better concealment the 26 is the obvious choice, but i am not the biggest guy and can easily conceal the 19. and IMHO if my life depended on it i would rather have a G19 in my hands. Mainly because of better follow up shots, not that one is more or less accurate than the other with 106mm barrels. So my vote is G19!
Buy a G17 if you can, and if you can carry in concealed well on your frame/size, etc. Then no f'ing about with it, other barrels etc, problems fitting quality holsters etc. Have you considered how you will be carrying, concealment garment, etc. IWB, OWB, warm climates, in car, etc. Those might be factors to consider before deciding on a gun. You want the largest gun you can carry comfortably all the time, not the smallest.
I have no buddies in the US, and I think that would be more trouble than it's worth.
yyyyy said:
I'm looking at Smartcarry and C-TAC (with the possibility of ankle and/or pocket carry depending on the conditions). A G17 wouldn't work, it's too big. I need to be able to conceal it in almost any clothing (shorts and a light shirt to a parka). While I might be willing to make some wardrobe concessions (pants a size larger etc.) but you definitely won't see me in a shirt that looks like a dress (go to some of the American CCW forums "Look I can conceal a fullsize 1911 AND my AK-47 AND 5 mags (for each) in my ginormous, hideous floral shirt!") or one of those "shoot me first" vests.
From what I'm reading so far I'm leaning in the direction of the G26 (definitely not decided). I can always make the grip longer if the situation permits, and short if I need it. One advantage of the extended barrel is that it doesn't sacrifice any ballistics over the G19 (though the short slide puts it at a disadvantage it terms of sight radius). How much of a difference do you think that the bit of extended barrel would make in concealability?
Thanks for the great input guys, keep it coming!
I voted for the G19 in your poll.
I've legally conceal carried both a G22 and G27 before. I don't have any problem hiding either in any weather.
In your scenario the G19 represents the mid-point. So, given what I already know I opted for the one I thought would work better for me.
Your mileage may vary....
I've legally conceal carried both a G22 and G27 before. I don't have any problem hiding either in any weather.
In your scenario the G19 represents the mid-point. So, given what I already know I opted for the one I thought would work better for me.
Your mileage may vary....
I've had the G26 and the G19 and some G17s and some G22s.
I also currently have my CCW.
I have quite a bit of time in with small, powerful, squirmy pistols,
and I know that with enough practice, some people can shoot these little pistols very well indeed.
However,
these days I don't practice much,
and without a LOT of practice,
much as I like the G26,
I found my scores on the same stages went down about 20 - 30% from my scores with a G17.
With the G19,
I can't really detect any difference in scores from a G17.
I also found that the G26 was pretty reliable, as long as you use the short mags and hold it TIGHT.
BUT,
I found I had a few failures to feed with the G26 if I used G17 mags. The longer mags rocked under recoil in that short butt, and this did affect reliable feeding. I also found that the G26 would occasionally stovepipe when fired one handed, or limp wristed. I used IVI Ball [ HOT!!] to ensure reliable functioning, and if you choose the G26, I'd suggest you stick with HOT loads for improved reliablity.
In my experience, the G19 was slightly more reliable than the G26, significantly more accurate at longer ranges, and more controllable in fast/quick/multiple target rich environments.
Try them both ...
with a timer and a scoring target ...
and see if the difference in performance is noticeable for you ...
this way your choice may become clear.
PS: I always wanted to put a G26 slide on a G19 frame, and a G19 slide on a G26 frame ... but never got around to doing it.
YPMMV,
[;{)
LAZ 1
I also currently have my CCW.
I have quite a bit of time in with small, powerful, squirmy pistols,
and I know that with enough practice, some people can shoot these little pistols very well indeed.
However,
these days I don't practice much,
and without a LOT of practice,
much as I like the G26,
I found my scores on the same stages went down about 20 - 30% from my scores with a G17.
With the G19,
I can't really detect any difference in scores from a G17.
I also found that the G26 was pretty reliable, as long as you use the short mags and hold it TIGHT.
BUT,
I found I had a few failures to feed with the G26 if I used G17 mags. The longer mags rocked under recoil in that short butt, and this did affect reliable feeding. I also found that the G26 would occasionally stovepipe when fired one handed, or limp wristed. I used IVI Ball [ HOT!!] to ensure reliable functioning, and if you choose the G26, I'd suggest you stick with HOT loads for improved reliablity.
In my experience, the G19 was slightly more reliable than the G26, significantly more accurate at longer ranges, and more controllable in fast/quick/multiple target rich environments.
Try them both ...
with a timer and a scoring target ...
and see if the difference in performance is noticeable for you ...
this way your choice may become clear.
PS: I always wanted to put a G26 slide on a G19 frame, and a G19 slide on a G26 frame ... but never got around to doing it.
YPMMV,
[;{)
LAZ 1
I had both but sold the G26 and kept my G19. My hands are big so it just feels better. My G26 was scary accurate. I think the G26 was designed more as a secondary or backup firearm. I know a lady that carries one in the US. Which one are you leaning towards?
- Location
- The Nation Of Alberta
That's what i was wondering.. The barrel sticks out a good bit!, on that note, if you wore a tighter shirt, or pant. Would this not aid in preventing a pistol impression in your clothes?
Have you had a chance to fire ither one yet?
I also would like to attest to the G26's accuracy, it just worked with my naural posture better than most for some reason. From the holster first 5 shots i had a much better time with the 26 than a 17. I only compare the 17 and 26 because i had them at the range together. I have a 19 but haven't had the two together the same day.
I like the 19 because it just felt alot more natural i my hands. For me, this would be preffred for a high stress situation. The less i have to worry about the bettter.
BB
