PISTOL: GLOCK 22 GENERATION 3 .40
It is widely known that Glock pistols are one of, if not THE, most reviewed brand of handgun in the world (and for good reason). There are more than a few “Range Reports” and “Reviews” on the numerous Glock models, generations, and calibers and there is virtually nothing more that can be said about Glock that hasn’t been said already. It seems that even the positive opinions (provided by Glock advocates) and negative opinions (provided by Glock’s very few opponents) differ ever so slightly rendering opinions as more of a “universal” analysis than a “difference in opinion”. With that being said, I am giving you my personal “experience” with my newly acquired Glock 22 Generation 3 .40 pistol which doesn’t necessarily reflect others experiences with this pistol, though I’m sure many will find my review/range report quite familiar! This is my first ever Review/Range Report so go easy on me!
I purchased this pistol on June 30th, 2013 from a private seller in my area for $500.00 cash (yes, the cost is a little steep but with Colorado’s new gun laws going into effect on July 1st, 2013 the “value” of firearms saw a significant increase). The Glock 22 Gen 3 is my second Glock purchase, replacing my Glock 22 Gen 2 .40 which I never took to the range (I had the Gen 2 for only a week or so before selling it to purchase the gen 3). My reasoning behind “upgrading” from the Gen 2 to the Gen 3 was that I could achieve a better “purchase” on the weapon with its finger grooves and I like the option of a Picatinny rail for accessories such as lights and lasers. The pistol came with 3 15 round magazines and a case and the gentleman I purchased the pistol from claims to have only placed approximately 400 rounds or so through the pipe. Judging off of the 2 pins above the trigger guard, this particular pistol was manufactured post 2002 and was in near perfect shape with the exception of very little holster wear.
The Glock 22 Generation 3 .40 is a striker fired, safe action pistol which holds 15 rounds with an optional 17 round magazine. The measurements are as follows:
• Overall Length: 7.32 inches
• Barrel Length: 4.5 inches
• Overall Height: 5.43 inches
• Overall Width: 1.18 inches
• Weight (Loaded): 34 ounces
• Sight Radius: 6.5 inches
• Trigger Pull: 5.5 lbs.
After 4 days of chomping at the bit to take the Glock 22 Gen 3 to the range and test her out I cleaned, lubed, and packed it up and visited my local pistol range to give it a go. I purchased 100 rounds of Federal Range/Practice ammunition, 4 targets, threw on my “eyes” and “ears”, loaded up the magazines, and took my place in Lane #6! Based on previous experiences with .40 pistols, I know very well that the .40 cartridge is a “snappy” little round that generally causes quite a bit of “muzzle flip” resulting in decreased accuracy and I expected nothing less out of the Glock 22. I was wrong! My first 15 shots were taken at a distance of 7 yards and I managed to place all 15 shots center mass in a 2 inch grouping. Not too bad for an intermediate shooter with ZERO experience with a Glock 22. I will say, the first 15 rounds through the pipe inflicted slight discomfort in my hands partially due to the recoil and in part due to my grip. After adjusting my grip to a firm, thumbs forward purchase, and another 15 rounds or so down range, I felt as comfortable (if not more) firing this pistol as I have with any other handgun.
During my range session, I practiced at distances of 5, 7, 15 and 25 yards. At the 5 and 7 yard marks, I was dead center in groupings of 2 inches or less. At 15 and 25 yards, I noticed that I was shooting slightly high right to point of aim which may be due to my lack of recoil adjustment (any other ideas or suggestions?) but still managed groupings of less than 5 inches. I practiced slow fire, rapid fire, dominant hand only (right), off hand only (left), and drawing from my hip and was able to put a round on target using each method, every time. Not surprisingly, I experienced absolutely ZERO issues with this pistol, even when I attempted to “limp wrist” or cause the pistol to malfunction in any way. Every time the trigger was pulled, she went “BANG” and eagerly asked for another! I have found my personal defense weapon.
I am curious to hear about anybody else’s experience with this particular pistol and look forward to discussing this with you fine folks! Thank you for reading! Take care…
Brandon
Today, 03:26 AM Recoil energy from a 243 is about 9lbs, for a standard factory load, while the 7-08 develops about 12 lbs. There are two ways of looking at this: It's only 3lbs more recoil, or it has 33% more recoil. 