Glock 23: Recoil

[LT1Silverhawk]

Hi All,

Stopped by the local Turner's yesterday and decided to check out the Glock 23. An employee told me that the 23 and 19 are the same exact dimensions.

I have fired a 19 before but not the 23. The 19 fits my hand pretty good. I was wondering how is the the recoil from the 23 as compared to the 19? I realize the .40 will have a lot more kick than the 9mm, but was wondering it it is manageable.

Thanks in advance

[TATER313]

It has a little more recoil but is manageable, I would recommend you rent or find someone willing to let you shoot theirs, before buying one. I have the the G27 and G35 both shoot great, I have also have used a G23 and G22 both shoot great.

[stormvet]

I own both the 19 & 23, the .40 has more recoil but I don't find it unmanageable or excessive. With proper grip and stance full mag dumps all on target are the norm.

[Whatisthis?]

It's definitely manageable. The key is perspective IMO.

If you've been shooting only 9mm, and target loads at that, it's almost never going to be a "let me fire 10 rounds through it to learn how to manage the recoil".

With that being said, shortly after I got into guns I sold my Glock 23 because I preferred a dedicated 9mm due to less recoil (I was a recoil pansy at the time). Now, I have a Glock 20 in 10mm and refuse to shoot 10mm without full powered loads. I think it's a great thing to regularly deal with more recoil. I shoot my Glock 19 now and I call my target loads powder puff loads because of how non-existent the recoil feels.

If it's your first handgun, I would say go with a Glock 19 just because it's 9mm and it's a Glock 19.

If this is for pleasure, make sure you can afford to get a second caliber. Any gun purchase that requires a new caliber I estimate spending an extra $2-300 on ammo or so initially (usually about 1000 rounds).

[SILENT GUNMAN]

If recoil is a huge concern you could look into the Glock 23c. It has a ported barrel that really helps in that department. Shooting it next to a 19 there isn't really that much of a difference. Hearing protection is NOT optional with the "c" models though. The ports direct a lot of the noise back at you so it really hurts to shoot it without ears on.

[H K corporate assassin]

Maybe investigate another heavier pistol in 40 caliber as the Glock is snappy.

[Raider888]

I have shot both...you will have no problem managing the Glock 23.

[Bad Caselaw]

Attn: to ammo will also make a difference.

In RE: to "snappy"? 180 grain < 165 grain < 155 grain.




Caselaw

[760knox]

Maybe investigate another heavier pistol in 40 caliber as the Glock is snappy.

Here we go with the "snappy" it's fine, as long as you practice and have a good grip as others have said, you'll be fine. I like mine, it's not a 9 or a 45, it's a good medium.

[Raralith]

Both are manageable as others have said, but there is a lot more recoil comparing the G19 to G23. My wife and I tried both back to back at the rental range, and while we were both able to shoot it perfectly fine, the difference is very big and obvious. The G23 is not going to jump out of your hands, but the 40 S&W going to feel a hell of a lot snappier than 9mm. I'd also start at 180 grain vs. 165 grain which will help a little.

[trigger945]

It's not something that one can't get used to... With experience and proper technique, .40 S&W should be manageable.

Good luck! G23 is a great piece.

[Jet Setter]

Not a fan of the G22 or G23 but really like the G27. Go figure. They are all very manageable but rough compared to an M&P. Just my opinion.

[BoJackUSMC]

I have Glock 23 and 27.... Recoil does not bother me at all..

[den888]

It's snappier than a G19, but not too bad.

[sd_shooter]

Have both, they fit me great and feel about the same. The 19 is my range gun and the 23 is for HD. I would not hesitate to get the 23, it would be the last gun I would give up.