Glock=Toyota of handguns?

[Jumpkix]

Ok, I'm sure a lot of you are about to go off on me in support of your personal handgun of choice, but I've heard this comment numerous times and I am very intrigued. Do Glocks really have the Toyota reputation in terms of reliability and performance?

The reason I ask is because I would like to purchase a handgun in the near future, but I'm in no hurry with the current status of ammo supply. Also, I pretty much have my heart set on 9mm for my first pistol, so I've been looking at the Gen4 G19. Despite complaints about the grip, I found them natural in my fairly large sized hands. I guess the only thing I really need to do is rent one and send a few rounds down range.

Side note, my purpose for said gun would be practice/plinking/possible conceal carry.

 

[ddnww]

I personally don't like glocks that much... I would much rather have a S&W M&P... as far as Toyota of handguns, I think that would go to colt imo

 

[LandCruiser]

Glocks are reliable and durable but hardly legendary in that aspect.

They're "combat accurate" and the triggers are on the spongy side.

If you want "Toyota reliability" get a well-made 1911. I have a 40+ year old Colt Commander that is almost like new.

 

[H2O_Doc]

Jeezus I hope none of my guns are the Pintos of firearms.

 

[dorton]

My Glocks have all been 100% reliable. My oldest is a 92' 19. I honestly have no idea how many thousand are through it. I've had 2x26s 1x19 2x17 2x20(one was an SF) none have had a weapon related malfunction.

The only 1911 I have owned was a Springfield TRP. It shot great, but did not like harsh environments. I wouldn't compare a 1911 to a Toyota. Not saying they aren't nice pistols, but to be ran hard, and under less than ideal conditions, they MUST be maintained.

I shoot Glocks good enough, but they just don't point naturally for me. MY carry an XDm 5.25, and it has performed great, points very naturally for me.

I would say Glock would be a proper comparison to a Toyota.

 

[bofa]

Jeezus I hope none of my guns are the Pintos of firearms.

I have one of those... an old Bryco .380


OP - I'm not sure that comparison fits but Glock has been extremely reliable for me so far. It's a good no-nonsense weapon that will likely go boom when you need it to. That said, there are people that have had issues with them (just like any manufacturer). So get something that has the features you want and is comfortable. Then put a bunch of rounds through it to work on accuracy and test reliability.

Bang for buck, I don't think you can beat a S&W Sigma, but that's been my personal experience. I've carried all types (currently a M&P) and for my purpose it really comes down to what's comfortable and reliable. If it isn't comfortable, I won't carry it. If it isn't reliable, I might as well be carrying a rock.

 

[ddnww]

Jeezus I hope none of my guns are the Pintos of firearms.

lol... I have a cheap pistol, but still quality imo... bersa thunder 380

 

[BigSlim]

Well I for one feel the Glock is relative to the 4Runner in terms of reliability and the ability to get you out of a sticky situation quickly. Pun intended .

I have a Glock 36 and love it. My wife carries a baby Glock 27 and I will be picking up a baby Glock 9mm for my daughter soon. I have owned almost every brand or model of pistol from the time I turned 21 till now, 26 years later.

The main thing is to pick a pistol that you can handle and that your hand fits to snuggly. If you have a local gun dealer with an indoor shooting range, go there and they will usually have several choices of pistols and calibers that you can try out. Or find a friend with something you are interested in and try out theirs. I love Mil Spec .45's, I love revolvers, and obviously I like Tupperware pistols. No matter what you pick, practice, practice, practice and get intimate with your firearm.

 

[Dark Lord]

My Glocks have all been 100% reliable. My oldest is a 92' 19. I honestly have no idea how many thousand are through it. I've had 2x26s 1x19 2x17 2x20(one was an SF) none have had a weapon related malfunction.

The only 1911 I have owned was a Springfield TRP. It shot great, but did not like harsh environments. I wouldn't compare a 1911 to a Toyota. Not saying they aren't nice pistols, but to be ran hard, and under less than ideal conditions, they MUST be maintained.

I shoot Glocks good enough, but they just don't point naturally for me. MY carry an XDm 5.25, and it has performed great, points very naturally for me.

I would say Glock would be a proper comparison to a Toyota.

I couldn't agree more with everything that was said here. I think the 1911 platform is far from being known as the "Toyota of handguns". I used to own a Kimber Custom TLE II, Springfield XD9, and a Glock 23. The only one of those three I still have is the Glock 23. The newest gun out of those three is the Glock 23. I decided I no longer need those other two because the Glock 23 is all I need. I am convinced now.

Previously, I never liked Glocks, and did not know why. Maybe it was the look of the gun or something. Originally, I was into the traditional 1911 platform. I was also a fan of H&K handguns as well. I had a friend buy a Gen4 G23 and show it to me. He was just like me in the fact that he liked 1911's previously. His favorite pistol at the time was his H&K USP Compact. After using his G23 multiple times, and firing Wolf ammunition with no malfunctions or stoppages, he told me he was convinced he liked his G23 more than his USP which just astonished me that anyone would say such a thing!

I had to buy one, and now that I own one I am convinced Glock has to be some of the best out there. It may not be the best handgun in the world, but it is without a doubt RELIABLE as hell. My Kimber would malfunction at the slightest bit of neglect or dirty ammo. My Glock fires whatever I feed it whether it is neglected or not. Not to mention, it is dishwasher safe! I don't know what is factored into being considered the "Toyota of handguns," but Glock sure gets my vote.

 

[Acidmeld]

Over 2000 round thru my G19 so far with out a a single jam. Couldnt be happier with it. Soon to be next gun is a G20 10mm.

 

[RandyDaytona]

I've heard this comment numerous times and I am very intrigued

I've never heard of this. That said, though, I think the most reliable handgun is the one you feel comfortable with and maintain properly. That includes having good magazines, which invariably are the cause of MANY failures.

 

[LandCruiser]

I couldn't agree more with everything that was said here. I think the 1911 platform is far from being known as the "Toyota of handguns". I used to own a Kimber Custom TLE II, Springfield XD9, and a Glock 23.

I wouldn't use Kimber as an example of "reliability."

I have two handguns with 20k rounds thru them. I'll give you a hint, neither is a Glock.

 

[dorton]

I wouldn't use Kimber as an example of "reliability."

I have two handguns with 20k rounds thru them. I'll give you a hint, neither is a Glock.

Thats great. I haven't been shooting much lately, but a couple years ago I was averaging 2.5 cases of 9mm a month. I just remembered, I also had a Sig 1911 Revolution GSR. It was a pretty pistol, but couldn't go a complete magazine without a malfunction. I won't hold that against the 1911s since the Sig would probably make JMB roll over in his grave, external extractor and all.

 

[bofa]

I think Kimber is luck of the draw. I've had no issues with my Kimber Eclipse Ultra at all and carried it for a couple of years and took it to the range regularly. My uncle has owned 2 of the Ultras and never an issue that I know of. Others have had occasional issues though (esp with the Solo). But like I said above, every gun is bound to have issues at some point. Check any forum and you will likely find at least a few people that hate your favorite gun or manufacturer based on experience.

That said, in my book, luck of the draw makes it tough to justify a little over a grand on a handgun. I probably wouldn't make the same purchase again. For half that, you could have a gun that is plenty reliable, holds more rounds, is much easier to strip, and you also worry less about scratches and dings, or at least I do.

 

[Dark Lord]

I guess the term "reliability" can sometimes be subjective. When I think about reliability in terms of firearms, I think about a firearm that will function properly under the most conditions, and will fire every time you pull the trigger. This can start a debate about striker vs hammer, but I personally believe the striker fire design in and of itself is more reliable. The fact the mechanism that allows the gun to fire is internal, allows for less things to go wrong. There are multiple things that can obstruct a hammer.

In terms of what weapon is best really comes down to the shooters themselves. There is no "best" handgun. The best handgun is what fits the shooter the best, plain and simple. In terms of reliability, I personally believe Glock is a strong candidate for the title of "Toyota of handguns". It's low maintenance and reliable.

 

[zooroadbaja]

All my revolvers have always gone bang, as far as my semis, glock, fnp, xd, I have had fte, ftf. Probably more the ammos fault then the guns. I have a pre trooper colt 357 mfg in the mid 50s that's as accurate as my new pc smiths. But then my Brown, Hawk, and Baer 1911's have always gone bang, but I use nicer ammo.

I'd say a Revolver is more like a Toyota, get's the job done.

 

[mikeinmass]

I 2nd the S&W MP line.. I have a MP40 and love it.

 

[TOY2G]

I currently own a large collection of hand guns, including 6 Glocks, And as with all things (including Toyota) it is a matter of opinion.

You can watch YouTube and see a few torture tests on Glocks.

IMO Glocks are Benchmark for Handguns (semi-auto)

Lets put it this way... Is Toyota that highest HP, best ride, coolest gadgets, without flaw...? No. Glock is the same, there are reasons people would not like a Glock just like they would like a certain vehicle. But is a Glock, super reliable even when poorly taken care of, accurate, built well, aftermarket supported, priced reasonably, has a long history of perfection? Yes.

So without picking sides, to answer your question In its price range Glock is the Toyota of hand guns. If you want a Lexus and you want to spend twice as much, get a good solid 1911....

 

[02SE]

Until this thread, I had never heard of a Glock being referred to as "The Toyota of handguns".

I've owned a G21 since 1992. Tens of thousands of rounds, with no issues whatsoever.

I guess by that standard, it has been more reliable than my old '97 4Runner.

Other than regular preventative maintenance, the 4Runner has suffered a few burned out bulbs, and I had to replace the clutch hose which cost approx. $20.00, and an hour of my time.

 

[wadle5]

Is a Glock a reliable weapon yes, but I own a Beretta 92FS. I mean if it was good enough for the US government it's good enough for me. The reality is they are now switching to Glock because in bulk Glock cut them a deal and it was cheaper than Beretta. But really my friends and family own both, personally what sold me on the Beretta, was I have a big hand and I could completely wrap my fingers around the grip and touch my own hand, and I didn't want to deal with grips being added on and I liked the Berettas feel better and also due to it being heavier less recoil, but thats just me. All in all and as I said not trying to be confrontational but I believe them both to be great weapons.