First, the new addition to the family is a Glock 36, a single-stack super-compact (for Glock), .45. Here's what I was able to do with the first few six-shot magazines, right out of the box.
My usual vice of sloppy finger placement appeared again, until I started to pay attention, and then the rounds migrated more towards the black at 10 yards. And that's with the crap trigger on a Glock, compared to the exquisite triggers on my Kimbers. It's a big culture shock, but other than that, it shoots well enough for my modest handgun skills.
The G36 doesn't seem so small, rather my G21 seems hugh in comparison. However, the thinner grip is more comfy, and is better suited to providing the grip I need for more instinctual shooting.
And the holster that brought this about? The MIC from GlockTech.
It's a tiny bit of kydex or carbon fiber that gets the job done perfectly, with as little material as possible. Sort of like a string bikini for Glocks. It fits all models of Glock, and snaps on over the trigger guard, rendering the weapon safe (all save/unsafe functions reside inside the trigger guard). Just loop the tether cord over your belt, and stuff the rest inside your waistband up to a point where you can still easily access the grip. It's like stuffing the handgun into your waistband like crooks do, but a thousand percent safer and more secure. It's unlike any other holster I've seen, and has several major advantages and a couple of minor disadvantages over more normal holsters. MIC has videos on their site explaining things better than I can.
I found this gadget so ingenious, and relatively inexpensive, that I bought three more. One each in kydex and carbon fiber for my pair, one for my nephew, and one "extra firm" version in another synthetic that is so strong, I haven't been able to put it on. Trust me, you don't need the tan one, IMHO. All versions are within a couple dollars of each other in price.
This also got me thinking about acclimating myself to actually wearing the rigs. Here's the Kimber Covert in a Crossbreed strong-side holster, next to the G36 with the MIC. Notice the two handguns are roughly equal in size, with no clear winner as to "smallest". The addition of a holster changes things a lot.
For one thing, any M1911 has more "pokey" parts that can jab you, which is one reason for the leather "hump" going all the way past the hammer, to shield you from them. Glocks, for good or bad, are much more smooth-sided, with almost nothing extending out to pinch or poke you, or to activate accidentally.
Second, I've had two sets of major abdominal surgery within one year. My belly, especially on the right side, looks like a roadmap of scars, with internal adhesions to match. Using a "blue gun" as a stand-in for training purposes, I found the Crossbreed a bit difficult to put on. After wearing for half an hour, it became an agony. That's my individual situation, and if I was in one piece, I'd have no problem recommending Crossbreed as a beautiful rig.
No such problem with the MIC and my "blue Glock". Smooth-sided, no controls to jab me, and comfortable wear may make the G36 the one-and-only holster weapon for me. Either that, or I stick the Beretta .22 in my pocket.
Here's my current set of carry-able handguns. Yes, I could carry the Glock 21, but it's still big, and still doesn't fit my hand as nicely as the G36, but it could be done.
The random colors of the cords have been replaced with GI black dummy cord, for better camouflage against my belt. The only thing visible below the waistband is the cord looped around the belt.
And a final note on G36 vs Kimber Covert: aside from holster carry, I found them both equal, with each one excelling in different areas. Kimber was the clear winner on trigger pull, probably because I've spent hours tinkering with it. The slim grip on the Kimber may be a bit too slim, since it takes a fraction of a second to readjust to get my trigger finger where it belongs. The slightly-wider "square" cross section of the G36 requires less conscious effort to get myself "set up". I am equally (in)accurate with each one. My belly became the deciding element, much to my surprise.
If you find this type of holster interesting, use it as an excuse to buy a new Glock, like I did.