Thread: g23 vs. g27

Question for buying an off duty/backup weapon. I'm issued a glock 22 for on duty, and for off duty/duty backup we're limited to either the g23 or g27. I thought the g27 would be perfect but after actually going and giving it a try I did not care it... or at least I liked the g23 a lot more. So, would it even be worth it to buy the g23 (even considering the amazing discount I can get on it)? Does it really make that big of a difference carrying the 23 as compared to the 22 off duty?... or are they close enough in size that people have found it is not worth having both? I just want to avoid buying something I'll never strap on considering I get the g22 free of charge. Maybe I should just learn to like the g27? Any thoughts/experiences would be appreciated.

Schiffer

I can already tell this is going to boil down to a "personal preference" thread but, here goes my two cents: I have the G22 for on-duty and, after considering both the G27 and G23, I went with the G23 for a secondary and off-duty weapon. The G27 was too small for my hands and I didn't like the pinky extender. Also, you can mount a light onto the G23 but not the G27. The G23 conceals just fine. Go to your favorite gun store and handle both weapons. Ask your firearms instructors their opinions.

Good luck.

I carry a 22 on duty and a 27 off.... I really like the 27. I'll admit that it takes some getting used to, as it's .40 snappy in a little package. I put a pearce +0 extension on, and an Agrip, of which I'm a big fan. On duty my 27 is around my ankle, and off duty, it's usually in the same place unless it's shorts weather....

The 23 is a great gun, but just a shade too big for what I need. Are u planning to carry both guns while you're working??? Off-duty, are you going to try and carry a 23 inside the waistband?

I am cotemplating getting rid of my 27 and getting a 23. Any advantage or disadvantage to getting the compensated version?

I love my G27 as well. The first couple of times I shot it I was wishing I had a different gun, but after adding a +1 pinky extender, I am in love with the gun. I qualified for it as a back-up although I never wore it that way. I do wear it in an ankle holster when I am at my store. I don't ever wear my G22 now, but hopefully I'll be putting it back on my duty belt within a year or so.

Now, I never shot the G23 so I can't compare, only give you my opinion on the G27.

I'm issued a G22 (the single most popular LE issue handgun, according to a GunZine), and carry a G27 off-duty most of the time. I bought the G27 because I really didn't see much of a difference in terms of concealability between the G22 and G23, whereas the G27 will absolutely disappear under a t-shirt. I carry it with the stock 9-round magazine, but have a couple of magazines set up with the Pearce +1 extender for carrying (and shooting) if clothing permits.

In terms of the compensated versions, I don't like them. The minor savings in recoil comes at a cost of much more flash, which is both detrimental to night vision and potentially painful when firing from a retention position. I fired a friend's G19C from the Center Axis Relock position, and it plum near set my t-shirt on fire. No thanks, I'll deal with the recoil, plus one of my heroes, Elmer Keith, questioned the logic of drilling holes in a perfectly good handgun...

Here are the specific stats to help you decide:
23 27
Slide length 6.85" 6.29"
Height w/ mag 5.00" 4.17"


You're looking at a little over a .5" difference in the slide length and .8" in the height. In my experience, it is the receiver/grip that "prints" the most during concealed carry. Having shot both, I actually shoot better with the 27. My unscientific reason for this is that using the thumbs forward grip provides more surface contact on the 27 resulting in better recoil control.

I don't see the lack of light attachment on the 27 being an issue since it isn't likely you will carry an attachable light off-duty. One of the "micro" tactical lights may be a better choice for concealment.

Comp guns are great for competition purposes, but the disadvantages for duty carry have been noted.

Shoot both.

Figure out which one you think you can best use to win a gunfight.

Buy it.

Learn to conceal it properly.

Train with it... alot.

Originally Posted by FPS/SFI

Shoot both.

Figure out which one you think you can best use to win a gunfight.

Buy it.

Learn to conceal it properly.

Train with it... alot.

Ditto! Highly important that you choose a back-up that you can shoot and handle well. Remember, this could be the last chance to save your life.

Originally Posted by squirrelly426

I am cotemplating getting rid of my 27 and getting a 23. Any advantage or disadvantage to getting the compensated version?

The compensated's are nice, but I like the standards. Biggest complaint on the compensated: the muzzle flash coming out of the ported barrel is blinding when firing in dark conditions. It really limits your ability to fire multiple shots quickly and accurately. You have to let your eyes adjust until you can see and are able to put the sights on your target again. I wouldn't opt for this in a "combat" situation. Plus I don't mind the recoil off the .40's it is manageable without the ported barrel.

Just though I would thank everyone for the information. I am going to pick up a new Glock next week and this is going to help me out A LOT!!!
Stay Safe