I had the opportunity to teach an NRA First Steps class Friday to two of my friends.  When I woke up Friday morning I was a little concerned about my “rain or shine” policy because it was nasty weather.  By the afternoon things had cleared up, and we were fortunate enough to have a wonderful day at the range.

One question that was asked was, “what type of gun should I get?”  As you know there are several great options for someone looking for the all around gun.  I’ve argued before that the Glock 19 may be my favorite Glock.  You won’t go wrong with any of the S&W M&P line or the Springfield XD.  When I mentioned one of the guns above, my friend said he didn’t know why, but he just didn’t like the gun.  That reminded me that you must never believe the hype because the worst gun is the gun you didn’t like but you bought because someone talked you into it.

When you look to buy a gun there are some undeniably better guns than others.  However, with the top makers you really can’t go wrong.  Find one you will be happy with, trust, proud to own, and excited to shoot.  You won’t be disappointed.  Do not buy a gun because JeffJeff2@mcc told you to.  Do not buy a gun because American Handgunner had it as a feature.  Research your options and buy what you like.

By the way, I really put the Wild Things Tactical Soft Shell through the paces.  It was raining, windy and about 40 degrees all day.  Expensive stuff, but it works!

One of the things that I get asked every week is how to choose the right handgun for someone.  If that person is simply going to keep the gun at home for personal defense the answer is easier to discover.  However, if they plan on carrying the gun for CCW or off duty  work the answer isn’t as simple.  It’s kind of like asking what clothes you need to buy this year.

Obviously for off duty carry the main goal is to have a firearm available if you need one.  This has led many to buy very clever little guns.  These do fulfill this first rule by always allowing you to have a firearm available no matter the weather or dress code.  To me this is the last option gun.  Great in a pinch, but you wouldn’t want to stake your life to it.

I can already hear the chorus of boos from the last paragraph, but let me explain.  If you took that gun to one of our advanced classes you would quickly find that it is not sufficient to complete all the tasks well.  The diminutive size, lack of sights and quality controls make it hard to run well.  I am sure there is an exception to the rule, but not many of you would choose that when you have the opportunity to carry something larger.

When the weather and dress code allow a larger gun I will always opt for one of my 1911′s.  I conceal this gun well IWB with my body type.  Some of you won’t be able to do that with your body type.  You must find a way that works for you.

When the weather gets cooler, and I don’t have to take off my coat as much, a full size or compact Glock is my choice.  Again, my body type makes this gun uncomfortable for IWB carry, so I need a longer coat and the right situation.

The point is that you must experiment.  My first choice would always be my Glock because I have shot it so much in competition and carried as an LEO, but it isn’t always practical for me to use it.  You will probably have to start with one firearm, but be ready to add one or two more to make the best of all situations.

You have probably heard me say that your Glock trigger will never feel like your 1911 trigger.  The two systems are so radically different in form and function that it is impossible to replicate that wonderful 1911 feeling.

I recently had a customer come to me for help with the overtravel on his Glock.  He is an avid 1911 shooter who didn’t know if he could make the transition to the Glock.  He was interested in the Ghost Rocket Trigger because the overtravel can be adjusted.

As you can see from the above photo there is a tab that can be adjusted to precisely stop the overtravel that can hurt accuracy.  The Rocket cuts the pull to a very smooth pull of #3.5.  I actually think that the Rocket is probably the best connector that Ghost offers as far as the actual feel once it is installed. We generally don’t use it because of the extra cost to the customer ($75 for a trigger job with the Rocket installed), but it definitely makes a noticeable difference.

If you have a good 1911 setup but are a little frustrated with your Glock, give it a try.  You might find that it really does make a big difference in how you think about your Glock.

Since I entered the gun business in 2001, Glock 19′s have been the same price at the dealer level.  We have not seen one increase in 9 years.  Pretty impressive if you ask me.  I wish I could say the same for things like gasoline.  Unfortunately everything seems to go up even though the manufacturing processes are getting simpler.

Glock has just introduced their first price increase and I bet you didn’t even notice that it had happened.  The new Generation 4 Glock 19 is about $30 more than the standard Glock 19.  Not bad you say because it comes with so many cool features like that interchangeable backstrap.

When you will notice is when the Generation 3′s are fazed out.  It will be a while.  I think there are still only 4 models with the RTF.  But don’t worry, it’s coming.

Now I don’t have a problem with this.  I think they have added value that wasn’t there before so it makes sense.  If you are going to raise prices give me something.  They have with the Gen 4.  If they keep it at this price for another 9 years I won’t have one complaint.

By the way a Glock trigger job makes a great addition to that Generation 4!