I am not a Glock user (or fan) and have only shot a few over the years, but I am faced with having to provide sidearms for 8 game scouts. I am of the opinion that the Glock is mostly idiot proof and has a decent chance of surviving the abuse that it will most certainly encounter.

Does anyone run with a 17 Gen 4 who can give me first hand experience its resilience and survive-ability/robustness?

Thanks!

Opus1 I am assuming that the sidearm is for defense against 2 legged predators? I have no experience with the Gen 4. I have 2 early model Glock 17's one is the standard one and the other is the 17L. Both will be in my Bug Out bag.
Peter.

I don't think you well go wrong with the Glock.

They had a problem with the Gen 4 recoil springs and op rods right away put that was taken care of right away.

My old depart is shooting them and I have talked to a couple of armorers and instructors and they have reported no trouble. They been using them for about 4 years now.

A splendid pistol...have shot gen 4 sometimes as our military has purchased them.

The Glock trigger takes some training to get used to but this pistol is probably the best service pistol in the world...digests all ammo..

I shot ca. 4.000 rounds in my first gen. Glock 17, never had any malfunction..

Guys, thanks for the informed feedback. I am a Sig guy since I first picked up a P6 in 1979, however, I need something that is basically indestructible, disposable, relatively inexpensive, and something that I am not going to cry over should someone what to bend it or use it to start a fire. These guys could destroy a hammer in 3 minutes flat.

The 17 G4 looks to be the answer for our needs. Will pick one up this week and get more familiar with the Tupperware wonder.

Opus 1, I know you specifically asked about Glocks but your mission interested me. I got thinking about it and the times I have been around and hunted with game scouts. The Zim scout on my last hunt had a SMLE in rough shape and who knows if he had ammo.

With that in mind, you might want to consider a revolver for use. The game scout will eventually lose, destroy or sell the magazine(s). They will not properly clean and lube them. When disassembled, springs and parts will go flying.

A simple DA stainless steel Ruger .357/.38 GP 100, might be the ticket. Get them a few speed loaders, a couple of Uncle Mikes cartridge slides and they are good to go. Even if they lose the loaders etc, they can still reload 6 rounds. Maybe not the fastest but better than a 1 round Glock.

Ammo availability might be an issue for you. I'm sure 9mm is more readily available worldwide.

Just a thought. Good luck with your project.

Regards,
RCG

Unfortunately, these guys are going to need all 19 rounds and then some. That's after the AKs and FNs run dry of course. Also, being in a very dusty environment, wheel guns do not hold up well to neglect. So yes, magazines will be an issue but I am hoping that a little weekly maintenance will keep the debris from building up too much. We shall see what happens...

quote:

Originally posted by p dog shooter:
I don't think you well go wrong with the Glock.

They had a problem with the Gen 4 recoil springs and op rods right away put that was taken care of right away.

I am a long time Glock Armorer and Instructor. The above is exactly correct. While I am a fan of the Gen 3, the Gen 4 is good to go, without reservations. A couple of mods out of the box are a good idea though.

IMHO some Glock mods are a giant step backwards. The most useful modification is a set of night sights.

I got a 3.5 connector for my Glock 17. Love it. My 17L comes standard with it I believe.
Peter.

My only experience is with the gen4 21 .45. I have 8,000 rounds through it, and us it is a carry piece that I also use for IDPA style competition.
Never a hiccup and easy to maintain. Great gun, manageable with practice trigger, an as soft shooting a .45 as there is.

Although I am an HK fan, I am also a big fan of the Gen 4 19. I liked mine so much I bought a second just to have. I agree with the post above about mods - I only changed the sights to trijicon night sights. Everything else is stock.

quote:

Originally posted by Shootshellz:
IMHO some Glock mods are a giant step backwards. The most useful modification is a set of night sights.

I agree that if only one mod were to be made, it should be the sights. The Plastic place holders that come with the Glock, are a poor excuse for sights.

I have seen Glocks so heavily moded you would hardly recognize them. I also have seen plenty that did not run due to the extensive mods that they had done.

If you application is Home defense, Duty, Training or the like, a limited number of light mods like, sights, ext slide stop and mag release and connector will transform an already excellent pistol into one that is even more ergonomic and just as reliable as one left box stock.

Competition mods, match barrels, slides, triggers, etc. are a whole 'nother story.