.357Sig vs. .40SW

[OrangeShogun]

Any of y'all have any experience with either of these cartridges in a full size Glock? I'm considering purchasing either a G22 or G31. I'm fairly familiar w/ Glocks, but have never owned one, so I've been doing some research and reading a bbs called GlockTalk. Apparently there is some concern re: KB's due to the Glock's unsupported chamber, particularly in the higher pressure cartridges. If any of y'all own Glock's, have you experienced any problems with these cartridges, ie. failure to feed, extraction problems, signs of excessive chamber pressure (case swelling/bulging), the pistol blowing up in your hand? How would you rate the Glocks in terms of reliability?

 

[Teasip63]

I have a Glock 17 and 26 both 9mm and I think they are great. Very reliable. I have not shot a Glock 357 but I have shot the .40. Its recoil is strong and I prefer 9mm. I have a 357 Taurus and I don't like the noise or recoil. I shoot for accuracy and I can get that better with the 9mm.

If you get a Glock join the Glock Sport Shooting Foundation (GSSF) and enter into the shooting matches they have in Dallas and San Antonio each year. It is for amateurs and several hundred people turn out for each one. You can win guns and money. I have won money before. It is a lot of fun and educational. Good people.

 

[Holden]

The sig P239 and P229 (maybe more models) also have swappable (sp?) barrels. 2 guns in one. I would also recommend Sig over Glock. I have had 4 sigs (have 2) and have loved them - very reliable and, for me, better ergonomics. You can get some pretty good deals on Sigs if you'll look - I sold a virtually new P229 .40 to a buddy for $400 and bought a 232 ss w/ night sights for the same price.

To answer the question, you can have both with a Sig. The .357 Sig will be more costly than the .40 if plinking - this is the deciding factor for me.

 

[OrangeShogun]

I agree that the Sig is an excellent piece, I own a P228 9mm. HK also makes a great gun, just not what I'm interested in. I have quite a bit of experience with firearms and own several high quality pieces, just no Glocks. I'm specifically interested in a G22/G31 because all things considered, (durability, reliability, ease of use, stopping power) IMO, these model/cartridge combinations represent the pinnacle in a combat handgun. All that being said, it's a moot point if the damn thing blows up in my face.
My understanding of the KaBoom phenom. is that it originates from a) poor ammo, typically handloads that have been overcharged or loaded into weak brass b) some other type of barrel obstruction problem, ie. lead fouling. The excess chamber pressure causes the brass to fail. In the Glocks case, since there is a portion of the chamber that does not fully encase the brass, the expanding gasses seek the path of least resistance. I don't think the Glocks design causes the KB, but the design does not fully protect against one either (nor does any other gun design for that matter). I'm curious if the reports of Glocks KBing are more prevalent simply because there are more Glocks in use.

 

[scottsins]

I have the Glock .357 sig.

It is one hot f'ing round. I'll definitely say that.
To clarify though, I have the "baby" model one, and I think you said you're looking at full-sized ones. It' was the second gun I bought, after my ruger .45.

The thing looked so "cute" compared the the Ruger, which is heavy as **** with little recoils.

F'ing glock almost jumped out of my hand. I was really new to shooting though. luckily though, I hit the guy I was aiming at anyway.

 

[OrangeShogun]

scottsins,
I'm of the opinion that the round needs to be matched to the pistol. In the compacts and sub-compacts (like your baby Glock), for me the 9mm is the maximum. Higher pressure, harder recoiling cartridges (like the .357 Sig, .357 mag., .40 and .45) require a larger/heavier platform to be conducive to accurate follow-up shots. Even the full size Glocks are fairly light when compared to steel frame pistols. Have you had any problems with your Glock?

 

[scottsins]

I've had no problems with it, but then again, I haven't shot it in a really long time. As a matter of fact, I should ask you what are the negative effects of not firing every so often, and how long should you go?

IOW, is a fairly regualr firing part of good gun maintenance, or not?

 

[Texas Horn]

My 2 cents:
Glocks are top heavy and can be dangerous. However, it just depends on what your motivation is for owning a firearm.

I own a Sig P239 and I love it. It's compact (I have a CHL and that's one of my purposes for owning a firearm), reliable safety, and fires true. I polled many friends and colleagues in the military and law enforcement before I purchased and Sig was nearly the unanimous choice.

 

[OrangeShogun]

scottsins,
Gun maintenance is pretty much just keeping the thing properly cleaned and lubed, doesn't have much to do with frequency of firing. The only thing infrequent firing will affect is your marksmanship.

TexasHorn,
In what way do you consider the Glocks dangerous? Also, if I'm not mistaken, the Sig P239 (like my P228) has no external safety, only the traditional DA/SA trigger pull and a de-cocking lever. As such, the Sig is for all practical purposes no 'safer' than a Glock.

 

[BigWill]

I don't have a dog in this fight, but I will say that a shitload of cops carry Glock, and those cats tend to blow a shitload of rounds at the range.

For reliability, ask your local cop.

 

[Teasip63]

OrangeShogun, based on where you live why don't you go to the Bullettrap in Plano, I believe on Ave K, and there you can rent both type of guns and try them out at their gun range. It only cost $5 I think for each gun. They have a web site.

As far as the person who said Glocks are top heavy, I have no idea what that means. They certainly feel great in my hands. Go see for yourself and then buy whichever one feels and shoots the best for you.

 

[CleverNickname]

No real opinion either way on the glock. But I second the suggestion on finding a range that rents guns out to give them a try. A handgun is a personal choice. I go with CZ, it just fits my hand perfect. I find Glock grips to be too square, but I know others who say it feels like home. Also, since a cz75 is what I've had forever, I know every detail by memory. So when I wanted a compact, I went with a CZ-2075 that has the same layout and safety/hammer/action. Being famaliar with the way a gun works gives me the confidence to know that - heaven forbid - should I ever have to fumble for it in the dark I could load a mag, chamber a round, and check the safety with confidence even in pitch black darkness.

 

[Texas Horn]

Teasip,
I was referring to the balance of the gun. The Glock feels like it will fall over in your hand (when just held lightly) because it is so top heavy. Hold a Beretta or a Sig lightly, then similarly pick up a Glock and you may see what I mean. It's a personal preference. The Glock just does not feel well balanced to me.
A Navy SEAL buddy of mine and some of his fellow SEALs concur.

 

[Horn_Spanker]

I shoot a Beretta 9mm and my buddy has a Glock .40SW compensated. The compensation makes a world of difference! I have shot his many times and it does not rise up, like my 9mm does. If I was to buy a new one, I would go compensated