Glock 19 or 23? Comp or not???

[C_1]

Narrowed my first gun choice to a compact Glock 19 (9mm) or 23 (40sw).

Really like the idea of switching from a compensated/ported barrel, to a non-ported barrel, or vice versa.

So I was thinking a G19/23 with an aftermarket extended ported barrel. Or a G19c/23c with an aftermarket replacement barrel.

Another option for the G23 (40sw) are 9mm conversion barrels.

So I'm thinkin':

1. G19 (9mm)
A. extended ported barrel

2. G23 (40sw)
A. extended ported barrel
B. 9mm conv. extended ported barrel

3. G19C (9mm)
A. replacement barrel

4. G23C (40sw)
A. replacement barrel
B. 9mm conv. barrel

What do you guys think? Inputs, thoughts, recommendations, etc, etc..

I live in California and the gun laws are more strict here. Is replacing the barrel, because of serial number matching issues, legal?

Thanks for any help..

[OCArmory]

Shouldn't be any problem replacing the barrel as long as it is not threaded. I have a 19C and it shoots great.Some people complain about shooting it at night but I have shoot plenty of night stages with it and no problem. I would go with the 19c and a plain barrel if you really want one.
Mike

[What Just Happened?]

Pretty much all of us are living in CA, so don't worry about that. We know the pain and hassle.

There's no problem with getting a new barrel. I've heard that the higher the load and pressure of the cartridge, the better a compensator is.

But I guess the main question is, 'what are the intended purposes of the handgun?'

[aca72]

My vote: plain jane stock GLOCK 19 and use the excess budget for ammo.

[The SoCal Gunner]

I'd got with 23 or 23C with conversion barrel down the line.

[What Just Happened?]

I'd got with 23 or 23C with conversion barrel down the line.

That is true. You can purchase a 23 and convert it to function with 9mm ammo.

[daemonite]

Compensators on a 9mm are wasted considering how soft Glocks shoot anyway.

Just get a regular 23!

[SFFRONTMAN]

Get the 23, since the option to convert to 9mm is always there.

[Matt640h]

My vote = Option #1

Then shoot it a bunch before you decide if you need a comp.

My first gun was a G19, very nice gun, thousands of rounds down the tube, still have it. Later I bought a G20c and then a standard barrel (KKM non comp'd). I put the KKM barrel in the G20c and the stocker has not been shot since. Not a huge difference between the G20c and the G20c with the KKM.

[ghost]

why would you compensate a 9mm?maybe if you were shooting really hot loads for competition,but for factory loaded ammo
too each their own i guess,if thats what you want buy it

[hkfooey]

Get the 23, since the option to convert to 9mm is always there.

+1 on the G23 - you can always change the barrel to shot 9 mm.

[LAK Supply]

I would go with the G19 (although I don't personally own one). The .40 is a great load that's snappy in smaller guns and can't be used to it's true potential in the short barrel. 9mm is cheap(er) and with the current crop of 9mm +p you can get into 357 mag PP factory load range. The 9mm is nicer to shoot as well.... my G26 shoots a lot better than the G27.


Edit: Don't go for the comp or porting.... reduces recoil a bit, but makes the thing louder and bad for out of position firing in a bad spot. It will also screw your vision under low-light conditions.

[Dark Water]

I recommend the 23. Get a .40 you will be glad you did.

[jazman]

My vote: plain jane stock GLOCK 19 and use the excess budget for ammo.

Totally agree, I think you are over thinking this. Just buy one and shoot it.

[lehn20]

Glock 19 is probably the best overall handgun in the world. Ergonomics might be a little off to people with smaller hands though.