[ParteePants]

I'm preparing to buy my first gun. I want it for home defense and recreational shooting but I also want something small enough to conceal. I've narrowed it down to the Glock 19 or 23. I really want the 23 from the home defense aspect bc of the stopping power of a .40. Is a .40 too much firepower for in the house? I don't want bullets flying right thru intruders and further endangering my family.

I like the size of both weapons (around 4" long slide) as well as the grips. I'm open to suggestions of other Glocks but I do NOT want a baby Glock!

 

[glockguy13]

I'm preparing to buy my first gun. I want it for home defense and recreational shooting but I also want something small enough to conceal. I've narrowed it down to the Glock 19 or 23. I really want the 23 from the home defense aspect bc of the stopping power of a .40. Is a .40 too much firepower for in the house? I don't want bullets flying right thru intruders and further endangering my family.

I like the size of both weapons (around 4" long slide) as well as the grips. I'm open to suggestions of other Glocks but I do NOT want a baby Glock!

I have the g23. I think it's great perfect size and caliber. The 40 isn't to much in my opinion. I think the 23 would do great for you

 

[glock_dude]

So why don't you want a baby glock?

I carry a G27 for conceal carry and I have a G23 for home defense, which is on my nightstand with a light/laser.

 

[glockguy13]

I do thing glock dude has a good set up. I have also shot the 27 and it is also a good shooter better to carry then the 23. Plenty accurate to. I was putting shots in the chest and head at 75 feet

 

[Dark Knight]

I would go for the 23 which would be fine for home defense and is still easy to conceal. The best for home and personal protection is either a 40 or a 45

 

[Dark Knight]

I cc a glock 22 and 23 as well as a sig p220 with no issues with people seeing it behind my shirt. I also got the glock 26 which is to small and not as accurate.

 

[Happysniper1]

Hello, ParteePants and JBardellini, and Welcome.

If you would post a *Hi There* in the Introductions forum, other Members will have a chance to say Hi back at ya.

Now, to the OP's question: a .40S&W round will almost certainly penetrate the interior walls of most houses (unless they are solid, thick lumber). Same for a 9x19mm, but only to a slightly lesser degree. This would be your biggest concern should you miss the target, or strike a glancing blow. Some people characterize the .40S&W as a cartridge known for overpenetration, whereas the slightly smaller but lighter 9x19 not so. You will find arguments on either side. Also, be aware that JHP bullets act just like FMJ bullets when they hit solid objects (like drywall) since there is no fluid to produce expansion of the bullet.

If, however, you choose to purchase the G23 for the sake of a larger caliber, you could also purchase a barrel conversion kit that will allow the same pistol to fire 9mm rounds. And have the best of both worlds.

I am curious to hear why you do not like subcompacts. Reason is, I carry a G26 everyday, sometimes a G30 in the winter, and find it exceedingly accurate in my hands, very concealable and still fun at the range. I also shoot IDPA competition with it. So I was just wondering.

Cheers!

 

[glockguy13]

Hello, ParteePants and JBardellini, and Welcome.

If you would post a *Hi There* in the Introductions forum, other Members will have a chance to say Hi back at ya.

Now, to the OP's question: a .40S&W round will almost certainly penetrate the interior walls of most houses (unless they are solid, thick lumber). Same for a 9x19mm, but only to a slightly lesser degree. This would be your biggest concern should you miss the target, or strike a glancing blow. Some people characterize the .40S&W as a cartridge known for overpenetration, whereas the slightly smaller but lighter 9x19 not so. You will find arguments on either side. Also, be aware that JHP bullets act just like FMJ bullets when they hit solid objects (like drywall) since there is no fluid to produce expansion of the bullet.

If, however, you choose to purchase the G23 for the sake of a larger caliber, you could also purchase a barrel conversion kit that will allow the same pistol to fire 9mm rounds. And have the best of both worlds.

I am curious to hear why you do not like subcompacts. Reason is, I carry a G26 everyday, sometimes a G30 in the winter, and find it exceedingly accurate in my hands, very concealable and still fun at the range. I also shoot IDPA competition with it. So I was just wondering.

Cheers!

Where is the best place to get the 9mm conversion kit for the g23?

 

[SandorClegane]

I love my Glock 23. The size is grate and it is easy to carry.

 

[MasterBulletSlinger]

DO NOT GET A CONVERSION KIT!! a glock 23 is ment to shoot .40. A glock 19 is ment to shoot a 9mm. This means every part of a 19 has been buit and tested for a 9mm. why would you buy a .40 or 9mm just to convert it? if u want a 9mm get a 19. If you want a .40 then get a 23. dont ruin a nice gun with a ****ty conversion kit.

 

[glockguy13]

DO NOT GET A CONVERSION KIT!! a glock 23 is ment to shoot .40. A glock 19 is ment to shoot a 9mm. This means every part of a 19 has been buit and tested for a 9mm. why would you buy a .40 or 9mm just to convert it? if u want a 9mm get a 19. If you want a .40 then get a 23. dont ruin a nice gun with a ****ty conversion kit.

Gotcha I just thought it would be cheaper that way but u do got a good point

 

[Dark Knight]

I guess I am still not used to the size of the gun and the slight grip modifications I needed to make I think I am going to try the mag extensions on it and see if it helps I also think I have a bit of buyers remorse since I think I would have been happier with the g27. For myself I do and teach a lot of defensive and tactical shooting which I need to be fast accurate and comfortable with my tools from feel and not necessarily look

 

[PUNISHER]

I own a Gen4 G23.
I would buy it again, again, again and again and again and again if need be. I like it alot.

 

[Happysniper1]

Hello, MasterBulletSlinger, and Welcome as well. May I recommend you post a *Hi there* in the Introductions forum, so that other Members could say Hi back?

I would like to take this opportunity also to remind all posters and readers that all opinions will be heard, and kindly ask posters to refrain from unnecessary profanity.

That being said, the conversion would be to allow 9x19mm cartridge to be fired out of a .40S&W. This is done for several reasons, among which is the economy of being able to shoot cheaper 9mm ammunition while retaining the flexibility of being able to quickly revert to the .40S&W cartridge.

Lone Wolf and KKM are well known brands of barrel conversions, and there is another that slips my mind at the moment. I am sure someone else will name the other brand. They are drop-in conversions and require or produce no permanent changes to the firearm. Same-caliber barrel conversions also allow the use of unjacketted lead bullets in your Glock, which as we all know is a no-no on the factory barrel (as well as voids the Factory Warranty).

 

[wrpNYFL]

Love my G19 Gen3. Enjoy...

 

[Tillerman]

Glock 19 would be my choice. Whatever you choose make sure you practice, practice , practice. No round is any good when you can't hit your intended target.

 

[SHOOTER13]

Welcome to the Glock Forum Partee Pants !!

 

[SHOOTER13]

Welcome to the Glock Forum MasterBulletSlinger !!

 

[Dark Knight]

I can get the 23 here but not the gen 4 model in ca as they have not been drop tested unless I can find a gun shop that will do the single shop exemption paperwork. Of course for a fee I am sure. welcome to the people's republic of you may not have

 

[cmiddleton]

The other barrel HappySniper may be thinking of is Bar Sto.

It is nice to be able to swap down to a 9mm barrel in the G23 for fun on the range. Cheaper too. But for EDC, I trust the original barrel and configuration the manufacturer intended. Since I am not an armorer, I don't know about all the fine details of changing to a new caliber to the point where I trust my life to it.

If you feel you can fire off a string of .40 on target then by all means go for it. If you try it and feel you aren't as accurate then consider the G19.

As far as over penetration goes, you might take a look at frangible ammo.

My home defense plan us to shoot down the status from the loft. Any over penetration goes to the floor. If they make it up the stairs, I will shoot at high center of mass as close as I can safely get. I practice this so I will be on target if needed.
My kids are toddlers. I cannot afford mistakes. Best case scenario is shooting downward.

Between 2 baby gates and a cat there is a low likelihood they can get upstairs without tripping.