I've been looking at a variety of Glocks to add one to my collection (first Glock though), and seems the more I look, the more confused I become.

I've got a Ruger 9mm that I like and was initially looking for a .40 (Glock 23 more than likely). My best friend who's LEO really likes the .357 sig, which my choice would be the Glock 32. Though I've since read that the .357 has significantly more recoil and noise than the .40. I've also run across a few 9mm's that have piqued my interest as well (19,26).....already got one 9mm, like it, ammo's plentiful and inexpensive, why not another? Though the caliber seems to take some knockin' from some for it's lack of power versus some other calibers.

As you can see, confusion prevails and I'm not a handgun expert by any means....any info on the pros or cons of these would be appreciated. This will be primarily a concealed truck gun, though I may carry on occasion.

Never fired a 357 sig but I will tomorrow. Picked up my buddies extra magazines and about 7-8 boxes of 357 sig ammo. I am anxious to shoot some of it just to see how stout it is.

Thanks DLALLDER.....sounds like fun!! If you don't mind, post up and let me know your thoughts.

I have a mid size Glock 40 and the sub compact Glock 357 Sig!

I will admitt that I dont shoot pistols much, but from what little I have fired them I cant tell any difference in recoil between those two pistols!

I carry the 357 Sig more often, but thats just because it fits in my back pocket!

I wouldnt buy another 9mm if I were you because life is too short to limit yourself to just that caliber!

I have always wanted a mid size Glock 357 Sig and if one ever pops up in the classified section at the right price I will probably buy it!

.357 sig is a nice round. doesnt have much more recoil. It's totally dif than a reg. .357, but ammo might be difficult to find for it in the future.

357sig is an excellent round for penetration. You have several major agencies using the round.

As far as 40 or 357, I would go 357. The 357sig was designed to mimic the performance of a 357 magnum in a hand gun package.

I have a g19 that is my EDC but I would diversify my collection a little.

If you read any of the other gun forums you might find a few echos of this opinion.

If you feel the need for something bigger than the 9mm and don't want a 45, I would go for the 40. I have had one, or more 40's, for years and really like the round.

just get the 40 its cheaper to shoot and It has great knock down power.

But buy a XD40 not a glock you'll be happier I know I am.

I can't tell the difference between the .357 sig and .40 s&w recoil wise. There are many factory loads for the .40 and no so much for the .357 sig. The .357 also limits your bullets to the 125 grain and 147 grain bullets. The .40 you can use bullets ranging from 125 to 200 grains and many in between. With the .40 you can shoot light bullets which mimic the .357 sig or up to 200 grain heavy weight if you want. The .357 sig gets close to the .357 magnum if the magnum was shooting only 125 grain bullets!! With the heavier bullets the 357 magnum can walks all ove the sig!! Just get the .40 and enjoy cheaper, more available ammo!!

No.....Just go ahead with your original plans and buy the Glock. General rule of thumb.....buy any gun as if you might sell it someday. It is easier to sell a Glock than a Springfield.

EDIT: I deleted the rest --- just the old Chevy vs. Ford vs. Dodge thing.

I shot a Glock 33 and a Sig P226 both in 357 Sig yesterday for the first time. The Glock had significantly more recoil than the Sig, of course the Sig is somewhat larger and heavier. I liked the Sig better than the Glock but both shot well. The great thing about the Sigs is the fact that they have interchangeable barrel capability. The P229 that I have has a 40 barrel in it now but I also have a 357 sig barrel that I can change in a matter of 2 minutes using the same mags. I had 2 different types of 357 ammo with me and there was a big difference in the recoil of the 2. As far as stopping power I believe the 357 sig wins. Too many LEO's tote the Sig 357 and there must be a very good reason.

Get a 40 then buy the 357 barrel for it.

Like BIL said. The G23 and the 32 are identical other than the barrel, and the markings on the side. You can even use the 357 sig mags w/ 40 ammo and vice verse. I have owned every GLOCK made other than a G20. I prefer the 9mm due to ammo availability and price. Also a 9mm +P will preform just as nasty as a 40s&w. With that said however if i were to own only one GLOCK Id go w/ the 23 due to it being able to be converted to 357sig and 9mm.

Hey Koenig!

I just bought a Glock 9mm.......does Glock say its OK to shoot +P ammo in them?

All 9mm GLOCKS are rated to +P+ pressures. So yes 9mm +P will do just fine. Ive put 100's of the win ranger +P thru mine.

Thanks!

I have many handguns, including Glocks / Springfields. I would suggest going with the .40. The 357 Sig is a great round, but it does have much more recoil and noise than a .40 if you using good quailty defensive ammo. It`s much more expensive too.
I like my Glock, but I also like the Springfield. I really like the grip safety on the Springfield for someone that is new to handgunning. Shoot both, and make you own decision.

What I don't like about the Sig is that under low light conditions it has a lot of flash.

i carry a g22 for work and its not a bad gun, i am in the process of cutting it back to one round which will be 9mm
the 357 sig is a good round but for the price i would stick with the 40, find a good deal on a police trade in, ive owned 4 of them the most i paid was 325 the least was 285 and all came with night sights and 3 15 round mags, never had an issue with any of them.

I have a G33 and like it. It does have a little more recoil especially in the sub compact comfiguration, but you get an extension and it is manageable. It is basically a high powered 9MM.

That's a random random not to like a firearm but it's a personal opinion.

I believe he is talking about the round not the firearm itself. The 357 Sig round is a hot round and produces a good bit of muzzel flash compared to other rounds, in low light self defense situations you do not want that because the flash of your own firearm will blind you and you won't be able to do a follow up shot or see the attacker for a good bit after first shot.

ooo ok thanks for the clarification. .357 Sig does burn hot. never thought of the situation like that. Great info thanks

Yep steed, it's a big consideration when choosing a round for self defense. Shooting low light it's a whole different ball game than shooting at a range or even an IDPA match. Most people don't think of their threat, which for many involves night time invasions in the dark. I use 9mm for home defence at night. Home invasions now often involve multiple bad guys and blinding yourself even for a second or two is not a grea idea.

I use .45 and 9mm because I'm used to both of them. In similar-sized pistols the .40 and .357 have about the same recoil.

The .357 does better on car bodies and shoots very flat.

For antipersonnel work, most people are well served by a 9mm with good hollowpoints if you remember it's where you put them, not what you hit them with, more than anything else.

Having seen a considerable number of people shot with pistol rounds (15-20) ranging from .25 to .45...... seen several hit in nonlethal spots with major calibers, and others hit in lethal spots with small rounds and dropped.

I shoot a .45, the wife shoots a 9, I have no problem with either. Hit them hard, center mass, often, till they drop. Cops like .357 Sig because it works better on auto glass and doors, but realistically it's a 9mm +P++. Couple Secret Service agents I used to know used it with good effect on people, but in the end "shot placement, shot placement, shot placement".