[MickeyK]

I hope this is not an overly long question. I have a G23 with a grip reduction due to fairly small hands.
After shooting in the Classifier match in Aug at Magnolia I am hooked.

I was considering getting a Gen 4 G19 since it has a smaller grip and will work with holster, etc for the G23 and should have the same ergonomics but while browsing around here saw a thread for conversion barrels for the G23 to make it 9mm.

My question is would it be worth saving the money and getting a new barrel to shoot 9mm in the matches or just cont to shoot .40 cal (does it make that much difference) or suck it up and buy a new gun (which is always fun but more expensive)?

What do you more experienced shooters think.

Thanks in advance for any advice you might have.

Surgdog

 

[Hrdnox]

Just MHO, but, if you've got a grip you like, keep it. That said, why not enjoy the best of both worlds? You've got the .40 cal in your corner already. I'm guessing here, but I suspect you and I are similar in our gun tastes. I've got a G22 that just didn't please me at the range. I found it a little too harsh for target shooting, but I liked the idea of having the ability of using that caliber for SD. It was in good shape and shot straight and true, but was somewhat more abusive than I appreciated at the range. Tried to sell it here, but really couldn't justify the loss that seemed to be expected, so I decided to explore a different route.

Did a little research and found that the various aftermarket 9mm barrels were pretty competent. After speaking with a couple of folks of whom I respect thier opinions, I ordered a Lone Wolf conversion barrel for mine. One of the best decisions I've made concerning firearms.

I learned that I only needed two things, a barrel and a mag. Took a while for me to absorbe that simple a concept, but I have to say they've gotten it right. My G22, with the LW barrel seems to shoot better and more acurately than the average G17. Nary a hiccup at all, no matter how I clown around with it and I have a tendacy to clown around a lot.

My advice would be to hang on to the weapon that you've had custom fitted. Those don't come around that often. Just make it better and more versatile. A hundred dollar barrel and couple of mags is soo much cheaper than a new gun. Hope this helps.

 

[MickeyK]

Thanks for the reply, Hrdnox.
You are right I got the 23 originally for SD but it appears for practice and USPSA stuff 9mm may be better suited and a conversion barrel in the same gun may be the answer.

Where did you get your LW barrel?

 

[GunOneDown]

Get conversion now. After you've shot a few matches and got really hooked, you can get step up to a full sized 34. You'll want to go that route I'll bet.
You can order a barrel from Lone Wolf or get one from "muddawg95yj" on here if your around the Brandon area, he's a LWD Dealer.

 

[Hrdnox]

I ordered mine from LW. Muddawg95yj had just placed an order and I was too impatient to wait. I paid about $20 more than I should have, though. I've found several places online that sell them for $99. I think I paid $109, plus shipping. Muddawg95yj may sell them for even less.

 

[MickeyK]

Thanks,
I see CTD has them for $99 with G19 mags for 18-19 bucks.
I can get a barrel. mags and a bunch of ammo for a lot less than a new Gen 4 G19.

 

[GunOneDown]

now the waiting begins.....................
we'll be wanting a range update too and pics........

 

[MickeyK]

Hiccup.

Would a conversion barrel in a Glock being shot in production class USPSA events be disqualified?

 

[Hrdnox]

I don't know, myself, but if they did, they would be pretty doggoned picky. I can't tell any difference in mine's all around performance than I could my G17. Possibly a little more accurate due to a little tighter barrel and lockup. Correct me, if I'm wrong, but I was under the impression that most competitors used aftermarket barrels, anyway.

 

[MickeyK]

I asked in the Comp section of the Forum about USPSA rules and Cliff Cargill says it is ok. I would think he knows the rules as well as anyone.

As far as aftermarket barrels I am not sure. My idea of production class is that it is firearms as bought at the store. Of course, that ruins my great idea for a conversion barrel.

Dang, maybe I just need a new gun after all.

This would be a better excuse for buying one than most that I have bought in the past.

 

[Cliff Cargill]

In the other thread I didn't realize you were changing calibers.

I would email the NROI director, John Amidon.

[email protected]

 

[MickeyK]

Thanks, Cliff I will do that and let everyone know.

Thinking about it more is probably not in the spirit of what production class is about. But it would be good to know.

 

[GunOneDown]

If your concerned, a grip reduction is not allowed either. I don't want to rain on you, but that is the rule. Local match u might get by with it, but a big match, it would surely be checked.

 

[MickeyK]

OK. Another reason to get a new Glock.

 

[GunOneDown]

Just go by your local Pawn Shop and get a used 17 or 22 Gen3 for 4bills or less and start shooting. OR get you a 19 complete slide w/barrel USED for around $250 price range.

 

[Hrdnox]

Don't know the Gens or condition on these, but Charlies Pawn in Clinton has both the 17 and 22 used for $395. Might be worth checking out. BTW, Joe S turned me on to these, so I want to give the credit where it's due. New ones seem to command about $550 out the door around here. Beyond my budget, for sure.

 

[MickeyK]

I appreciate y'all responses and guidance.

Those are great ideas. The problem is due to small hands (big heart) I need either the grip reduction of my 23 which is probably not legal in Production class or the Gen 4 with smaller grips.

Or I could just quit being a wus and shoot 40 cal.

 

[GunOneDown]

OR, Get you the conversion barrel and mags and shoot. Shoot in LIMITED or OPEN and don't worry about it just because u like your gun setup a certain way. Your only competing against yourself anyway right?
Set your gun up how you want it, Go to match and when asked what class, say I don't know, Please tell me because I'm new at this game. They will ask you what you shooting and you can tell them. They will say you will be shooting in _______ class.
Have Fun..........

 

[bwswanson]

Have you held a Gen 4 19?

If not the grip reduction is not that much.

 

[MickeyK]

Yes, I did and I agree with you but the smaller size with the extended mag release seems to make a difference for me.

Might just be rationalization on my part.

Thanks for your thoughts.