While I grew up appreciating the nostalgia, craftsmanship and crisp single-action performance of revolvers like Smith & Wesson’s iconic model 686, the venerable 1911 and derivatives of the Browning Hi-Power, when it came time to choose a full-sized handgun, I bought a Glock 34. Perhaps due to my brand affinity with Smith & Wesson, when it was time to make my purchase, I actually liked the Smith & Wesson M&P 9L PRO better. I preferred the ergonomics of the Smith & Wesson and also felt that the form of the gun was more aesthetically pleasing. The Smith & Wesson M&P just felt better in my hands. As an aside, even though I didn’t end up purchasing the Smith & Wesson, I should mention that the M&P series has shown itself to be a quality firearms line. But in any case, the important question is why did I go with Glock when I liked the M&P better?
The answer lies in what I wanted the gun for. I wanted a pistol primarily for home defense, personal protection and recreation. Inspired by videos of competition shooters in events like IDPA, USPSA and GSSF and had been amazed at what normal citizens could do with a pistol, I set out to get a pistol of my own. I realized that possessing a reliable firearm with acceptable accuracy was a minimum qualification that was necessary but would never replace skills learned through training and practice. More than a pistol, I wanted skills. I wanted a platform to support those skills. While practical shooting competition is not the same as using a gun for self defense, it seemed obvious that someone who was good at practical shooting would be much better prepared to use a gun to defend themselves when compared to someone with a more average level of experience. In addition to these practical goals of attaining skills and firearms for self defense, I also found shooting to be very challenging, rewarding and fun.
When I surveyed the landscape of gun culture around me at the time, most people in the firearms community were Fudds who took their guns out a few times a year to hunt, or were into “tactical weapons” with cheap accessories that were also rarely used.
Glock 34: Philosophy of Use
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Almost a decade later, it is still my favorite pistol and comes with me every range trip. To be clear, I’m not a Glock fanboy and I’m not blindly drinking the Kool-Aid either.
Also, I get why some don’t want a Glock. However, most of the arguments against Glock are more about aesthetics