Glock vs. Beretta (9mm)

Myself | 07/29/2002 | New Horizon

[New Horizon]

FReepers,

I went and checked out 9mm handguns today. I was looking at the Glock 9mm (mid-size), but was impressed with the Beretta 9mm.

The Glock was light, felt like plastic (or carbon)...what is that material?

The Beretta instantly felt better in my hand (heavier, all metal, etc.)

I am looking for opinions as to which gun is the better of the two. Also, the reasons for your opinions. In any case, I'm looking at the 9mm as a personal protection handgun.

As always, your comments mean a lot to me. Thanks.

[Stat-boy]

Both are fine handguns. If you can, shoot them (borrow just about any model 9mm of each). Pick whichever feels the best for you. I know experienced shooters who would pick a Glock, and I know experienced shooters who would pick a Beretta.

[zandtar]

I'm looking at the 9mm as a personal protection handgun.

Then I'd go with a .45 instead of a 9mm. More stopping power and less 'punch through' which puts non-targets at risk.

[OKSooner]

In 9mm's I'm impressed with the small Taurus and the Kahr line of 9mm's. I personally don't like the Glocks because the only way you can decock one of them is to remove the magazine, empty the chamber, and then drop the firing pin. Otherwise you're stuck in SA mode after the first shot. The SIGs are nice too, if you can afford them.

Do you own a good .357 revolver?

[Blood of Tyrants]

Look at a Sig Sauer also.

[axxmann]

.45 with less "punch-through" than a 9mm???
What kind of crappy .45 are you shooting?

[luckodeirish]

I love my Sig! Especially the night sights.

But what do I know, I'm a girl...

[JoeFromCA]

Get ready for about 1,000 replies.

I've often wondered whether these queries ("which gun is better?") aren't posted by one of our friendly government agencies, compiling records on gun ownership.

Blame it on paranoia, but I wouldn't tell a stranger what guns I own, and certainly wouldn't post it on the internet.

[45Auto]

Both are fine pistols which serve the intended purpose well. You didn't say if your "personal protection" would involve daily concealed carry. If so, then you might consider that the Beretta is a bit heavier than the Glock. Also, one thing that I have a hard time getting used to is the transition from the first shot to the second shot with the DA/SA Beretta. Some people are very comfortable with the latter, of course. The best thing is to try out each gun to see which one you like better, but my opinion is to get one of each!

[45Auto]

To all friendly government agencies: I own several firearms, and I don't intend to give them up. The Constitution says I don't have to.

[IsItTimeYet]

Personally, I like the Beretta. The 92S is a reliable and easy to control pistol. They also make a version of the 92 that is intended as a concealed carry pistol. It is slightly smaller than the standard but is essentially the same gun.

I've shot both the full size and the "custom carry" competitively (I brought in better numbers with the smaller size "custom") and found them to be both accurate and reliable ( and alot safer than a glock). Needless to say, I have a high opinion of them.

My vote goes with the Berretta...

[dannyc]

The 9mm will punch through a wall or the side of a house cleaner thaqn the 45 acp so the chance of shooting your neighbor is higher with the 9mm.

A nine mm is just to small IMHO for personal protection.

The other thing with a Semi auto is that you must put a lot of time in on the jam clearing drills etc. If you are going to depend on one of them for protection. I elected to not spend countless hours on those drills and just use a revolver. Simple, no jams. I don't have the amount of follow up shots but I am not in law enforcement and will just hope that 6 will do the job.

[zandtar]

What kind of crappy .45 are you shooting?

Check the muzzle velocity and mushrooming of the two rounds and you'll see. The .45 was designed around the round, to stop a human in their tracks with one shot.

[oldsalt]

Either one is probably as good as the other.

My question would be,why 9mm? IMHO 9mm is a weak round that requires very good placement to be effective. The .45 auto or the .40 S&W would be a better choice if it were up to me.

On the other hand I'm wedded to wheelguns, .357 and .45 LC ,or .38 Special for that matter, so what do I know?

[elbucko]

"The Beretta instantly felt better in my hand.."

Sez it all.

[bruoz]

"I personally don't like the Glocks because the only way you can decock one of them is to remove the magazine, empty the chamber, and then drop the firing pin."

Huh? The Glock's firing pin is put into a "halfcocked" position when a round is chambered. A pull of the trigger fully cocks and then releases the firing pin. If you don't pull the trigger it won't shoot. If you drop a Beretta or other autos with a cocked hammer it may go off. The trigger pull on the Glock remains constant from the first round to the last. My Glock 23 has been kept loaded with a chambered round for over ten years and still functions perfectly. Having fired most of the automatics that are on the market (I'm a gun dealer) I would put the Glock first overall. BTW, Glocks should only be carried in a holster that covers the trigger.

[Double Tap]

The Glock 19 is an excellent pistol. That is the model you are refering to, mid size 9mm Glock. Glock has a well earned reputation for reliability and ease of service. Very simple to operate, just like a revolver. No safety levers, just press trigger and fire. That is also one of the reasons some people don't like the Glock, it is easier to fire, thus the fear is that it would be easier to have a negligent discharge.

I have a Glock 17, full size 9mm, that I have put over 4,000 rounds through with no failures at all, period. I have a G32C, mid size 357 SIG with compensator ports, that I have put over 1,000 rounds through with no failures. I can't speak highly enough about them.

On the other hand, I had a G36, compact 45ACP, that was a POS, so not all Glocks are created equal.

I don't have a lot of experience with the Beretta, but the experience I've had has been good.

[Euro-American Scum]

I am looking for opinions as to which gun is the better of the two. Also, the reasons for your opinions. In any case, I'm looking at the 9mm as a personal protection handgun.

I've fired both, in various calibers. To tell you where I come down on this, I'll put it this way: I own three Glocks. I've yet to buy a Baretta.

What I like about Glocks (short list, since Glock lovers can go on and on and on):

1. It feels comfortable in my hand -- hands down (no pun intended) the most important factor for me.

2. It's simple to operate, disassemble, clean and reassamble.

3. I really grew to like the lack of an external safety and the unique safety features that Glock offers. Trust me, you'll get used to them. And you'll come to appreciate the inherent safety features the gun offers.

4. It is simply the most accurate handgun I've ever fired.

As for your choice if caliber, if this gun is for personal protection, I'd seriously consider something a little stronger than a 9mm, but then I freely admit I'm a .45 caliber snob.

[Crispy]

I don't have any experience with the Beretta but I am happy with my Glock 17. I have shot over 50 boxes worth of ammo at the local firing range and have never had a jam.

[FreedomFarmer]

The Beretta instantly felt better in my hand (heavier, all metal, etc.)

Dude, you're gonna get a Beretta</Dell Dude off>

_{(although the Glock is always the better choice...)}