2aHawaii
General Topics => Strategies and Tactics => Topic started by: tinha28 on December 12, 2013, 09:45:34 PM
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I have been going action shooting with a Glock. I have a major problem which I'm unable to release the magazine with my right thumb when griping the gun because I have a small hand. I have to either use the left thumb or move right thumb over to release the magazine, both method will lose sometime. Please advise.
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I have a Glock 22 gen4. The release button is bigger than gen3 but not big enough. I'm watching youtube on aftermarket magazine releases they are mostly for gen3s. I do see a ZEV tech aftermarket magazine release, it is a little bit bigger but I dont think it is big enough.
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Nobody can tell you what feels right in your hand but you.
Go to a couple of local gun stores. Spend some time trying a variety of pistol calibers and grip styles.
Take a couple of days to think about all the pistols you fondled, and do some research on the ones your are thinking about. By then, you should have a good idea what feels good.
Check the online reviews for specific models before you buy. Some have had recent recalls, are picky about the ammo they like, and might need upgrades to make them shoot the way you like.
If you have a max budget in mind, start looking at models just above that limit and work your way down. That way you don't settle too quickly on a less expensive pistol that you aren't happy shooting. While price isn't a 100% indicator of better fit, it does often indicate better quality and features which can save on after-purchase upgrades.
Good luck!
:shaka:
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Also, you can spend more on the Glock you have now and have the lower receiver modified. There are companies who do grip reduction, trigger guard indentations, and custom stippling.
Here's one company I saw from FB:
http://www.weaponworx.com/#!glocks/c1v0g (http://www.weaponworx.com/#!glocks/c1v0g)
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I have the Vickers slide release on my Gen 4 Glock 17 and 34 and they work great. They don't look like they extend that much more, but to me they make a big difference.
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Local guy does work on the glock frame....
http://2ahawaii.com/index.php?topic=7612
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What happened to the pics?
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Maybe it's a secret... :shaka:
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I have been going action shooting with a Glock. I have a major problem which I'm unable to release the magazine with my right thumb when griping the gun because I have a small hand. I have to either use the left thumb or move right thumb over to release the magazine, both method will lose sometime. Please advise.
Its a pretty common issue with those shooting either 1911s or 2011s. Some use the left thumb to hit the mag release, as you posted, but many will break their grip a bit, and turn the gun to reach the mag release button. As long as you maintain control of the gun, keep your finger clear of the trigger guard, and are very aware of the 180 (especially if you're right-handed and reloading while moving left) you shouldn't lose much time. When this really comes into play is shooting USPSA classifier stages as this is one the few times a standing reload is required. Most other times, you'll save time by reloading while moving between arrays (I can't shoot on the move anyway), and by avoiding running the gun until its empty. This is what can really make steel a stage planning breaker. When there's a lot of steel, round count and stage planning can sometimes get thrown off (if you miss) and force a standing reload.
With my 2011, I do the flip method, with my 1911, I am more comfortable using my left thumb. With the M&Ps, I can reach the mag release without breaking my grip too much, but I still turn the gun a bit to look the mag into the magwell.
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I have a Glock 22 gen4. The release button is bigger than gen3 but not big enough. I'm watching youtube on aftermarket magazine releases they are mostly for gen3s. I do see a ZEV tech aftermarket magazine release, it is a little bit bigger but I dont think it is big enough.
I don't know anything about Glocks and don't know if their extended mag releases are different, but something I found running an oversized mag release button on a 2011. The larger release will make it easier to release the mag when you want to... It can also make it easier to release the mag when you don't want to. Happens at the matches and can just wreck stage times.
If you're ever in Security Eqpt., a good person to talk to would be Kanoa. He's a Glock armorer (M&P too), is a really good Prod. Div shooter (runs a G34, I believe) and knows Glock aftermarket stuff inside and out.
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Take a look at weapon worx if you have to use a glock; they do glock stipping, shaving, and shaping, which can reduce the grip size of the gun. Otherwise, look at the M&P series of guns, they are much thinner. Alternatively, look at the Sig Sauer line of guns with the latest generation in grips. You can also get a shorter trigger (it's about half the width), which will cut down on the distance required to reach the face of the trigger.
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If it's a new enough Glock to do this, switch the mag catch to the other side and use your trigger finger to push the button. No need to change your grip, and it gets your finger off the trigger during the reload.
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Technique is a big deal and while I also do not have large hands and I prefer not to alter my grip during a reload, I have to use alternate techniques for various pistols which includes rolling the weapon in the hand to hit the mag release, which is of course weapon dependent. Ideally I would opt to keep the same master grip when performing a reload as I use when actually shooting. For a Glock pistol the Gen3's are not my preference, however the Gen4 has been more flexible for myself when it comes to maintaining the same master grip. So if you want to stick with your Gen4 Glock you are already ahead of the game in that they are easily modified to suit your needs. You can opt for a finger groove and/or a backstrap grip reduction. Also a Vickers style, or re-contoured gen 4 magazine release will help for smaller sized hands. The Vickers mag release or my own alteration of the stock Gen4 release puts the magazine release in a much better position to activate for shorter finger reaches. On the downside as far as I know no one else is doing my modification of the stock mag release. Also I am not aware of anyone else doing my magwell modification either.
The lower Gen4 G17 is what a finger groove reduction will look like next to a stock Gen4 Glock without any backstraps. This particular pistol has only a slight backstrap reduction to fit my hand. However it can be reduced more than what is shown in this picture. This picture also shows the Vickers mag release, a rounded trigger guard, undercut trigger guard, radiused trigger guard, texture job, fixed "pig nose", extended slide stop and a flared magwell. Pistol also has trigger work that comes in at a crisp 4lbs.
(http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd60/SSDSurf/Firearms/G1708.jpg)
Better pic of the magwell next to a stock pistol. Also this modification helps with sticky mags/ magwells for a clean drop free mag release.
(http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd60/SSDSurf/Firearms/G1707.jpg)
A couple more views of what can be done to the grip / pistol
(http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd60/SSDSurf/Firearms/G1702.jpg)
(http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd60/SSDSurf/Firearms/G1704.jpg)
Here is a Gen4 G19 with a stock magazine release that has been re-contoured for a better reach and operation of the release. Pistol also has finger groves removed, texture, undercut trigger guard, rounded trigger guard, radiused trigger guard, malfunction cut for magazine stripping, sights, also a trigger set up for a crisp 4.5 lb trigger.
(http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd60/SSDSurf/Firearms/G1901.jpg)
(http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd60/SSDSurf/Firearms/g1903.jpg)
So you really can do a lot to custom fit your existing Glock to your hand if that is the route you wish to go. I personally hand fit all of my Glocks. That is one of the appeals to the Glock pistol.
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Thank you all for great suggestions!!
I went to action shooting today for the second time. I did way better than the last time at 101 class but still stumbled on the magazine release. I think I rather reverse the magazine release than doing a permanent modification (shaving the backstrap).
PS: I hate steel plates. I was hitting them so many times but they don't fall!. Maybe I need to change my ammo. I'm going to create another tread on ammo question.
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Thank you all for great suggestions!!
I went to action shooting today for the second time. I did way better than the last time at 101 class but still stumbled on the magazine release. I think I rather reverse the magazine release than doing a permanent modification (shaving the backstrap).
PS: I hate steel plates. I was hitting them so many times but they don't fall!. Maybe I need to change my ammo. I'm going to create another tread on ammo question.
The modifications to the frame are indeed permanent but there is far more benefit to performing a custom fitment beyond just magazine release reach. Fwiw I do shave the finger grooves but do a heat reduction on the back strap and do not shave it. ;)
If your ever interested i might suggest Coldbore Customs.
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If you get a chance, try out a Walther with the ambi trigger guard side mag releases. You might find you like that style even better :)
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I suggest not messing with the pistol and practice more using the gun as it is. You'll figure it out. I got small hands too.
Since you are a beginner, I doubt if the split second to change mag will make any difference.
Sorry if this is not the answer you were looking for.
RE the steel plates:
If your ammo is reloads, you need to kick it up a notch.
If you are using factory standard ammo, then the plates are not calibrated properly.
If you were shooting pepper poppers, a low hit is unreliable.
If your reloads are using lead bullet ammo, the head may be disintegrating too quickly and not transferring as much energy as a jacketed head.
Or some combination of all of the above factors.
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I reversed the mag release. Now I just need to get use to it and put some strength on my index finger. Someday I will get another 9mm pistol and even permanently customize the grip of the Glock if I'm serious about action shooting.
I was using Speer Lawman 9mm 124 grain at the match and I think the problem was not the ammo. I was aiming at the middle of the steel plate and at 32 feet. Yes, low hit is not reliable, I will remember to aim for the top next time.
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I reversed the mag release. Now I just need to get use to it and put some strength on my index finger. Someday I will get another 9mm pistol and even permanently customize the grip of the Glock if I'm serious about action shooting.
I was using Speer Lawman 9mm 124 grain at the match and I think the problem was not the ammo. I was aiming at the middle of the steel plate and at 32 feet. Yes, low hit is not reliable, I will remember to aim for the top next time.
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Some thoughts on dropping a Pepper Popper:
Glock 22 is a 40sw. You using a 9mm conversion? Is the gun sighted for the 9mm conversion?
At 32 feet if your shots are too low on the popper, you probably have a flinching problem.
Poppers are USUALLY calibrated prior to a match using 9mm ball (FMJ) ammo.
Speer Lawman ammo is the TMJ bullet, isn't it? TMJ bullets are a fancy name for plated bullets.
Plated bullets are not like FMJ bullets. Plated bullets tend to break up on impact, much like lead bullets.
When the head breaks up it does not transfer as much energy to the popper. Real FMJ heads flatten and keep pushing the plate.
I suggest volunteering your TMJ ammo to calibrate the plates when the course is set up so the plates fall with your ammo. It's just a game.
Good luck on your next match.
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I was using Speer Lawman 9mm 124 grain at the match and I think the problem was not the ammo. I was aiming at the middle of the steel plate and at 32 feet. Yes, low hit is not reliable, I will remember to aim for the top next time.
I've seem 147gr ammo fail to knock over steel. With most factory 9mm ammo you're going to have to be dead center or above in order to knock it over. Why not shoot .40s&w? 165gr and 180gr should be more than enough for steel.
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I suggest not messing with the pistol and practice more using the gun as it is. You'll figure it out. I got small hands too.
Since you are a beginner, I doubt if the split second to change mag will make any difference.
Sorry if this is not the answer you were looking for.
Agree with OF.
Deal with what you have.
Your reversed mag release will become habit and when you p/u another GL (or any other standard SAP for that matter) you're mag change will be really off. :wacko:
We did not get old from being stupid. ;)
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Yes I'm using a Glock 22 with a 9mm lonewolf conversion barrel. I predict it doesn't need to be re-sighted when changing barrel from 40sw to 9mm because I believe within 100 yards the trajectory shouldnt drop at all for both, plus the glock 22 sights are fixed. I could have a flinch problem. Yes the Lawman are TMJ, I will volunteer it next time at setup. I want to try sihloutte this weekend to test the lawman 9mm (I've never been to the sihloutte before).
I dont think I will shoot 40sw in action- I can't handle the recoil.
I kinda thought about the habit of reverse mag release (index vs thumb) but if it is better then why not. I will try time myself draw gun, insert mag, aim, pretend dry fire, release mag, holster repeat 6x- this is how I practice. Just keep doing to see if i can do it in less than 19 secs. With the regular mag release, my max time is 19 secs. If there is signification time difference then I will use reverse mag release.
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Yes I'm using a Glock 22 with a 9mm lonewolf conversion barrel. I predict it doesn't need to be re-sighted when changing barrel from 40sw to 9mm because I believe within 100 yards the trajectory shouldnt drop at all for both, plus the glock 22 sights are fixed. I could have a flinch problem. Yes the Lawman are TMJ, I will volunteer it next time at setup. I want to try sihloutte this weekend to test the lawman 9mm (I've never been to the sihloutte before).
I dont think I will shoot 40sw in action- I can't handle the recoil.
I kinda thought about the habit of reverse mag release (index vs thumb) but if it is better then why not. I will try time myself draw gun, insert mag, aim, pretend dry fire, release mag, holster repeat 6x- this is how I practice. Just keep doing to see if i can do it in less than 19 secs. With the regular mag release, my max time is 19 secs. If there is signification time difference then I will use reverse mag release.
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Trajectory is not the problem when installing a conversion. The problem is barrel-slide lockup. The conversion will probably shoot to a different point of impact, up-down-left-right...etc.
If you have not shot a paper bullseye with the 9mm barrel, you really ought to try it.
Other than that, you are off to a fine start by practicing your reloading technique at home. Personally, I would just practice the mag change instead of drawing and dry firing.
You might get into a bad habit of firing one shot and dropping your mag under stress. That would be tragic.
Some thoughts on the mag change:
Keep the pistol up near your line of sight when dropping the mag.
Rotate the pistol so you can see the mag well.
Point the fresh mag towards the mag well using your pointer finger to help aim the mag.
Hope this helps.
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[quote I kinda thought about the habit of reverse mag release (index vs thumb) but if it is better then why not. I will try time myself draw gun, insert mag, aim, pretend dry fire, release mag, holster repeat 6x- this is how I practice. Just keep doing to see if i can do it in less than 19 secs. With the regular mag release, my max time is 19 secs. If there is signification time difference then I will use reverse mag release.
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"Dry parcticing " mag changes at home is great, but aren't most mag changes due to empty mag ?
This would mean your slide would lock open when mag was emptied and slide needs to be released after fresh mag inserted.
Just another skill to practice :D
We also practice as per OF, drop mag, reinsert different mag, repeat, repeat, repeat.