During my behind the scenes tour of the U.S. Glock factory, I saw a lot of things and many thoughts, dreams, and desires drifted through my mind. At that time, I was one of only 11 editors invited to the unveiling of the secret release of the Glock G43. At that predictable and yawn-able moment of the G43 introduction, when we all exclaimed, “Good Lord, finally!” my mind was also thinking about the G29.
While the G43 is a hot item in its own right, many want more punch from a compact. When only the max will do, you want the G29. The G29 is, in essence, a G19 in 10mm and Glock’s “compact 10mm” pistol. Though the G29 is actually about ¼-inch shorter than the G19, the reality of the G29 is a G19 9mm that has overindulged at the pasta bar one too many times.
The 10mm G29 is Glock’s most powerful compact pistol and capable of delivering 600-800 ft./lbs. of energy depending on the ammo you feed it. Not bad considering you have 10+1 rounds on tap—it’s a lot of power and firepower in a very small concealable package.
Brief History of the 10mm Auto
The development of the 10mm cartridge is actually an interesting story that dates back to the 1970s. The idea was for a high power, flat shooting, semi-auto cartridge that would run in a 1911-format pistol and basically deliver .357 to .44 Magnum (mid-weight loads) ballistics. In the end, Jeff Cooper, yes the scout rifle guy, was involved in the development at which point Norma began producing ammunition in the early 1980s. The FBI felt a little outgunned on the streets and briefly adopted the 10mm round—but with the full bore, kick ass loads that were first released.
The reality was, 90% of the agents felt uncomfortable shooting and handling the larger dimensioned and significantly more powerful 10mm powered guns. The ammo manufacturers responded with the 10mm Lite rounds that in essence dropped the power all the way down to about .40 S&W loads. However, the FBI and the public wanted a smaller format with less power than what the 10mm round delivered. Smith & Wesson thought this was a waste of un-used powder space on the longer 10mm brass and developed a 10mm Short, or what we now know as the .40 S&W. The round delivered everything the FBI specs wanted in a format that would fit in a smaller 9mm-sized pistol format.
The current crop of 10mm rounds from Hornady and others are not neutered to the degree the “LITE” rounds were, however, they could certainly be loaded hotter as we see with the higher power Buffalo Bore, Federal, and Liberty Ammunition rounds. The current 10mm rounds are still much more powerful than the .40 S&W. .40 S&W rounds usually deliver around 450 ft./lbs. of energy and the 10mm typically delivers around 550 ft./lbs. that is around 20% more power.
Today, the 10mm cartridge has rabid fans as well as still having a following in Special Forces and Special Law Enforcement. It is also growing as a hunting cartridge due to the capacity of the firearm and power.
About the Glock G20, G20SF, & G29
Glock began producing the G20 in 1991 to answer the market demand in the midst of the 10mm Auto’s heyday. Even after demand tapered off, there was still a demand for the 10mm Auto pistol. However, the major complaint was the overall size of the grip. Later, in 2007, Glock introduced the G20SF, which is the “short frame” model. The G20SF model provides a felt grip circumference that is equal to a standard .40 S&W chambered Glock.
The net result for those with medium to small hands can establish a comfortable and secure grip. Glock has specifically marketed the G20 and G20SF as hunting companion firearms to be used for the hunt or to provide a humane finishing shot on very large game. For those hunting in bear country, having a 15-round pistol that can deliver power that rivals some .44 Magnum rounds, is an enormous benefit. In fact, the Greenland Sirius Sledge Patrol uses the G20 on the very aggressive Polar bear that far outweigh our typical brown bear. Many of the relatively rabid 10mm fanatics, myself included, requested/demanded a smaller concealable format …in case we are attacked by polar bears. The small format G29 10mm was born.
Why I Had To Have One
I would argue, “Why wouldn’t you want one?” However, I can see there may be some folks who just don’t get it. I will put it this way. Why would someone carry a .357 Magnum Ruger LCR snubby revolver when you could just carry the same gun and shoot it with less recoil in .38 Special. The simple answer is “POWER!”—the same reason muscle cars were created. Do I need the power in a handgun to down small aircraft? Well, not recently, but that doesn’t mean I don’t want to own it. In fact, I have been lusting after the rather surprisingly mild recoiling G29 since I picked up my first G20. Who doesn’t need .41 Rem Magnum power in a concealable 11-round pistol. Well I did.
Fit, Finish, Feel, Features, Function
The G29 has the fit, finish, and features identical to any other Gen 3 Glock you may have handled, however the slide and barrel is even wider and beefier than Glock’s .40 S&W pistols to handle the power of the 10mm Auto round. The side profile of the G29 is just a bit fatter than a G19 but about a ¼” shorter as noted previously. Think of the G27 as the G26 of the .40 S&W lineup, but about 10% larger.
If you want night sights, I recommend having them included from Glock, as they are a bit less expensive than adding them later, plus they will come factory zeroed. On my G29, I added the Glock night sights because, you know, …big critters sometimes roam around at night.
Just like any other Glock, reliability was superb and flawless from the first to the last round. Thankfully, Hornady sent me a couple boxes of its lighter shooting 560 ft./lb. Custom 10mm Auto 180-grain XTP rounds and Federal supplied some of its full-power 650 ft./lb. 10mm 180-grain Trophy Bonded JSP rounds. What surprised me most was that the recoil was really quite pleasant, and easily tolerable and controllable with the harder hitting rounds. I will admit, the G20 is a treat to shoot with hot rounds, but cumulatively, it will take a toll. In fact, the G29 is a bit snappy. After every three magazines, I had to take a break. Not painful, but the lighter G29 is snappy enough with the harder-hitting rounds that the snap feels more like bite after more than three or four magazines.
I found—like every other double-stack Glock I own—the G29 slipped into the same G19 Crossbreed Supertuck Deluxe Holster.
Accuracy
My friend and I have made it a habit to routinely plink and hit the 12”x12” steel 100, 200, and 300-yard gongs with our Glocks. Oddly enough, once you figure out the 12 to 15 foot holdover at 300-yards, it is not that difficult. Just like the G20 testing I did, shooting flatter 10mm at distance was a whole new game. 100-yard torso shots were simply and downright easy. The original intent of the cartridge was clear—this is a long-range handgun round, and if zeroed at 50-yards, the 10mm Auto only drops about 4.5 inches at 100 yards, and is only 36 inches low at 200 yards while still delivering around 400 ft./lbs. of energy (about the same energy a 9mm has at the muzzle). This is a very impressive round that is more than adequate for hunting deer-sized game at a little distance.
Otherwise at normal combat distances, the G29 was marginally less accurate than your average G26 or G27 due to the increased recoil the shooter is managing.
Final Thoughts
I love this little 10mm. If you have a reason to drop something with about 70%-90% more power than your average 9mm, then the G29 is your pistol. What I love about the G29 is that it delivers the most powerful semi-auto pistol round in a reliable gun outside of Desert Eagle. Actually, owning two Desert Eagles, I would argue the Glock 10mm is “the” most reliable high power semi-auto pistol and the G29 is the smallest format available.
| Glock G29 | |
|---|---|
| Length | 177 mm / 6.96 in. |
| Width | 32.50 mm / 1.27 in. |
| Length Between Sights | 150 mm / 5.91 in. |
| Height | 113 mm / 4.44 in. |
| Barrel Height | 32 mm / 1.26 in. |
| Barrel Length | 96 mm / 3.77 in. |
| Unloaded | 770 g / 27.18 oz. |
| Loaded | 935 g / 33.01 oz. |
| Trigger Pull | ~2.5 kg / ~5.5 lbs. |
| Trigger Travel | ~12.5 mm / ~0.49 in. |
| Barrel Rifling | right hand, hexagonal |
| Length of Twist | 250 mm / 9.84 in. |
| Capacity | 10 – Accepts G20 15-round magazines |
Are you a rabid 10mm fan? Which model and load do you prefer for things that roam in the night? Share your answers in the comment section.
Major Pandemic is an editor at large who loves everything about shooting, hunting, the outdoors, and all those lifesaving little survival related products. His goal is simple, tell a good story in the form of a truthful review all while having fun. He contributes content to a wide variety of print and digital magazines and newsletters for companies and manufacturers throughout the industry with content exposure to over 2M readers monthly. www.MajorPandemic.com
I carry a G 21. Great gun. Thinking of converting it to a 10mm. The only concern I would have with a 10mm would be if the more powerful round would lead to the dreaded “ka-boom” phenomenon.
I own The 20 SF and 29 SF also a Kimber Eclipse. Always have appreciated Col. COOPERS thought on this round and think it is the best all around round for me. The quality of brass being used gives a 5 to 7 reload ability if one is sure to not overload and check (carefully )for signs of stress on casing and firearm. I carry my 29 sf at a 3 oclock position comfortably in a Kramer Custom Horsehide IWB. Cannot speak highly enough of Linda’s commitment to providing a lifetime product that is safe and comfortable. I’m hoping the noise saftey bill passes and will be interested in a can for my 10 mm firearms.I would personally be interested in a MP -5 clone in this caliber, suppressed of course. Excellent weapon and easy to field in urban environment if needed. I do not expect it hopefully NEVEF need to stare down a Grizzly or Polar Bear but if do 16 rounds of Buffalo Bore in my 20 SF would still like to have 6 44 Magnum there as a backup. As I said hopefully NEVER.RIP Col. COOPER smile down on us earthbound as we enjoy your investment in finding the optimum caliber for handgun and your vision of the Scout Rifle concept. Styer perhaps came closest but price not reachable for most. Hoo Rah Sir.
I miss the old Norma load(200gr bullet at 1200 fps.) I miss a lot of the old loads. I bought my first 10mm in 1989. It was a Colt Delta Elite. I still have it and carry it. I wish the main stream ammunition companies would bring out some properly loaded 10mm ammunition. I’m tired of paying an arm and a leg for boutique ammunition.
Underwood ammo has what you’re looking for.
My father got me into 10mm back in the early 90’s after he got a custom built Springfield Armory 1911 long slide chambered in 10mm with an Omega slide, custom trigger and sights. When I was stationed in Virginia with the army, I got a CCW and felt the Glock 29 was the perfect personal defense weapon. I was right, it is easily concealable and is so powerful that I never felt worried about being outgunned, especially if I was proficient enough in controlling that power. All one must consider with such a powerful weapon is proper backdrop, since certain rounds at certain ranges can pass through multiple solid objects (like walls).
Would be interested in any comments, kudos, criticisms, etc. re: the big
Glock 40, 10mm.
I retired out of the Air Force back in ’68. used to shoot on the base pistol Team where ever I was stationed. I used to shoot quarters @ 25 yards,with .22 could never find the one;s with the .45.:) After reading all the comments above, could someone tell me why the Army went with the 9mm on their new pistol? I don’t think common sense came into the equasion. They are going to get a lot of soldiers killed in he line of duty.
I have put more than half a million rounds through 2 model 20’s shooting USPSA competition. The only issues with factory components are a broken trigger spring after over 200K rounds and trigger bar that wore enough that it started doubling at 250K rounds. Shooting clays powder and plated bullets I ran one over 7K rounds without cleaning it. I have two model 29’s as well and while they are not as fast back on target for follow up shots they are not that much slower and the lasermax guide rod is great in them. I am 6’ 6” so I mostly carried the 20 except in the warmest weather and have now transitioned to my model 40 rather than the 20. The 6” slide and barrel give appreciably more velocity and less muzzle rise. I may have to add a red dot soon but for now tru-glo tritium’s are good enough. You can never go wrong with a 10mm Glock.
I’ve been shooting the 10mm since 2005 when I got a Gen1 Delta Elite. I then went to a RIA TAC-II ULTRA in 10mm and added a G29SF a year ago.
In your article, you failed to mention Underwood ammo. Which, IMHO, is probably the best full power 10mm ammunition you can buy.
Ahh, me G29! Wut’s not to like, if you aren’t ‘flinch’ prone. Near 41 Mag power in an autoloader that is concealable. As any Glock aficionado will know, they aren’t “pretty boy” target rigs. My setup is much like the author’s, difference being the night sights. Glock’s sights are primarily designed for ‘close combat’ and I like more space between the front blade and back sights – installed the Sevigny/Warren two dot night sights. Had the rear sight milled down to 0 impact @25 yds. with my own developed ‘carry load,’ which mirrors+ the Buffalo Bore 180 GDHP loading. Though no “target gun,” my rig gives me consistent .75″-1″ @25 yds. Though set up as a “defensive rig,” it is flat enough to reach out to 135 yds and get hits on that ‘small’ GSSF popup target by holding at the top of its head – w/ability to still have the target in the sights! By comparison, .45 rounds have you launching ‘indirect fire.’ Before Glock came out with their own 6″ model, I made up my own with my G20, a BarSto 6″ ported barrel, red dot reflex sight, and trigger (adjustable) replacement. It has bagged one deer @65 yds, and a coyote @78. My son, with his 29 and my load collected a one shot kill on a coyote @ a range finder verified 110 yds OH – unlucky coyote, as he wudda missed, slightly left, had the dog not stopped and turned his head to look back as the shot broke – took him through the neck and he dropped like a stone! Almost forgot, as others note, installing that pinky finger extension on the 10 rounder mag is a great mod! Another thought, I carry “outside” me adobe with the 10 rd mag inserted; however, my reload is a G20 15 rd mag, with the gap filled by an available spacer – 26 rds on tap – load the 15 rd mag when at home – w/several more loaded and stashed throughout. 26 rds available walking the streets, many more at home! If worn correctly, I prefer the Crossbreed Super Tuck, as well, that 15 rd mag is not difficult to keep from “imprinting!”
Own both the 20 and 29. 20 is too bulky for CCW unless it’s under a heavy winter coat. Glock 29 has it all (for a New Yorker limited by SAFE act); power, reliability, capacity, accuracy, concealability.
I picked one of these up as a hiking/camping/trail running gun and still haven’t decided what I think of it. I’m sold 100% on the 10mm cartridge but this is the only glock I’ve spent any time using and am not sold at all on the pistol itself. I think it’s more of a personal preference issue, it’s seemed reliable and well made so far, just nothing like the Colts, Sig Sauers and even Berettas that I’m used to. I own a Springfield XDS .45 and Sig P320 in various sizes and calibers so my issue isn’t with polymer framed pistols or hard hitting rounds in compact platforms. Just something about the Glock doesn’t hit me quite right.
I wound up going with a 21lb wolff spring, ZEV trigger, and mepro tritium sights before I became fully comfortable with my G29SF.
The G29 has been my EDC for six years now. I take it the range routinely and have put thousands of rounds through it with no problems [I prefer Underwood as a quality round and substitute Armscor and Prvi Pritzi as an economical alternative]. It is ultimately reliable, easy enough to conceal, and a powerful little tool to have on you, day in, and day out. I can’t imagine a better EDC. Thank God [and Glock] for the G29.
So, is the G29 the same frame/slide size as the G30; just as the G20/21?
Yes.
You can convert a G30 to 10mm with just a drop-in barrel, and G29/20 mags. But you can not step the G29 up to 45acp.
I have always wanted the Gkock 20 and a 10mm fan since it first came out,Finally in 2013 my dream came true and i was able to purchase a -G20sf .My favorite pet load is 10grns of longshot under a 155 grn Hornady xthp which does super work in large ha k rabbits ,coyotes .
Ive also installed a 20# ss brass stacker recoil spring , a ghost edge 3.5 spring with a 6.0# competition spring kit a extended slide release and magazine release and installed a crimson trace red laser trip grip.so to say i linebthis gun is a understatement
I own a G20 with a lone wolf 5.6″ two port barrel, a G17 with a lone wolf 5.5″ two port barrel, a G23 and G32 with lone wolf flush fitting barrels, a G43 all stock and a G29 with a lone wolf flush fitting barrel. I’ve replaced all guide rods with stainless steel and increased recoil springs and placed shock buffers. I love all Glocks but the G20 is my favorite with DoubleTap 200-230gr lwngc or Buffalo Bore 220gr lfn rounds. These are serious rounds for the outdoors and deliver awesome penetration and accuracy. It gives you honest 41mag power with 15+1 capacity and I carry and spare mag giving me 31 rounds quickly. I’ve never felt under-gunned in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Eastern Washington or Northeastern Oregon. As far as the outdoors go, it’s tough to beat the G20 with a G29 backup.
Interesting article; loved the longer range benefits. Off the subject : who is the maker of the knives shown in the picture?
Glock knives. ~Dave Dolbee
I’ve had my G29 for about 8 months now. It is by far the best carry gun I’ve owned. Glocks do what they’ve always done, work reliably without unexpected problems. Not the prettiest guns, but more than capable.
Like the author said, night sights are a must. For me I also added magazine grip exstension, for that pinky finger. It in no way hinders the carry-ability of the G29 what so ever. It would be nice to see them come standard with the replaceable grip straps that are standard.
As for ammo, RIP all the way.
Have two 10’s. a Smith 1006 and a Glock 20. Love’em both. We load the Hornady 155 xtp’s over 6.8 gr. of AA#2. That’s our house go to load.The Nosler 135 gr. h.p. are a lot of fun to shoot, in the 10’s and our 40’s. Just picked up a 357 SIG barrel for the Glock 20 from Lone Wolf. Can’t wait to get out to try this round. I might add our Glock already sports their extended length threaded barrel with their compensator (as well as our Glock 21). really tames the full power loads in the 10. Every one I’ve handed it to likes it a lot and wants one. No matter which rifle goes to the range the 10 always tags along. Replaced the recoil spring with the stainless one. The factory rod failed after many years and untold thousands of rounds.
I’m not a Glock fan at all. I am an admitted 1911 fan, and have been training/practicing/instructing for 25+ years. I’ve owned many 1911’s, including a Delta Elite in 10mm. I’ve also gone strictly to handguns for hunting for the last five years, and have taken many whitetail and large hogs with handgun.
I only own one Glock. A G20SF, and it’s one of those that I’ll never sell. It’s comfortable, powerful and accurate. I’ve been thinking about the little brother 29sf, but haven’t wanted to carry a Glock just yet. If you handload, don’t miss out on a 10mm, and even though I’m a huge Colt fan – or just a 1911 fan in general – I think Glock has the best platform available for the 10mm without question. My 20sf now wears a 6″ KKM barrel and is one of the best hunting pistols (besides my SRH) I own.
Coming from someone who normally abhors a Glock, the 20 and 29 are just perfect…
I will have to agree that the 10mm is a very powerful cartridge. I too purchased the Gluck 20 when it first came on the market in the 90’s as a backup to my S&W model 66 357 Combat Magnum. It took over the role as being my number 1 Gun. I love the 10mm so much that I’m making sure that I have one of each of the Glocks, the Colts Delta Elite and maybe even the Armscor. I know for sure that the Remington Hunter will be in my gun locker one day as well as a Dan Wesson (when I can afford it).
I picked up a Glock 29 last year, took it to the range and was surprised that the recoil was slightly more then my Glock 27 gen 1. at 50 ft it was very accurate. I hit gulf ball sized rocks that just diapered. I took it to the 50yrd range and the rounds were hitting 2 ft high. at the 100 yrd range they were hitting 12 in. high. I sent it back to Glock and they put a 6.5 rear sight on and sent a 75 ft target with 4 bullet holes in a 3 in bulls-eye. Have not taken it back to the 50 and 100 yrd rage yet.
I have 3 other Glocks and none of them shoot high. so I was disappointed in the G29. My Glock 27 Gen 1 is very accurate at a 125 yrd’s I hit a 50 rd ammo box at 125 yrd’s off handed with 9 people watching me do it. they saw it and still didn’t believe it. I was using 180 gr federal hydra-shock ammo.
I have found that the compact Glock’s are more accurate then the longer barrel models. I talked to a factory Glock rep. and told him that and he told me that they have found the same to be true but did not know why.
I don’t have a 10mm yet, but I do have a .50 GI conversion for my Glock 21. It can provide a 300 grain bullet that will provide a huge problem for a bad guy if needed. The new Glock 10mm with the long barrel does interest me, though…
How about the Sig Sauer P220 in 10MM? any comments?
I’ve seen and read about the elusive P-220 Hunter. I’m a Sig fan first and foremost, 5 out of the last 6 handguns I brought were Sig’s, but the $1,500 price tag is more than I care to pony up. There are no bears on central Indiana, Polar or otherwise. I’m more likely to run across a pissed off raccoon than anything else and I’m sure my .40 Sig P-226 will take care of that.
I’ve owned Glocks since the G23 came out and switched to the G29 when improved 9mm ammo began challenging the 40S&W and the greater horsepower of the 10mm made something close to 41M power available in a smaller frame autoloader. The Gen 4 changeable backstraps solves the big-hand/small-hand problem and after-market day/night sights makes the flat-shooting Ten a tack-driver out to distances beyond usual SD needs. To be honest, full-house 10mm rounds are impractical (IMO) for everyday carry in the G29, so the newly available Barnes VOR-TX 10mm auto 155Gr TAC-XP HP is an all-copper alternative that shoots like a hit .40 with the extra punch/penetration and bullet integrity and guaranteed expansion most JHPs can only envy. It’s also an easy-to-carry frame given a quality holster, like Galco’s Royal Guardsman.
Parting shot: muzzle flip is still a factor, even with the Barnes light load, so you may want to look into replacing the plastic Glock guide rod with a heavy tungsten version–just make sure the spring weight is the same (17 pounds) to avoid feeding/ejection issues. I would love to have my G29 Magna-Ported, but I’m leery of anything that risks slide/mag-follower timing. Anybody with valid experience, one way or the other, with Magna-Ported Glocks please let me know.
I own two Glocks, a 27 and fat little glock 30, both gen 4. I carry the 27 regularly and its one of my favorite guns. The 30 I carry on occasion but not as often due to the extra weight. I plan to convert the 30 from 45acp to the 10mm with an after market conversion barrel essentially turning it into a G29. Ill probably pick up a heavier spring and guide rod assembly from Wolff too. I plan to do a good amount of hiking and bushcraft over the summer and thought the 10mm would be a better defensive load against larger game than the 45acp. I like reloading too and just like its shorter sibling the .40, I know there are a lot of options for different bullet weights with the 10mm too.
Never been a big Glock guy but when the model 40 came out with it’s 6 inch barrel and 3 15 round mags I had to have it having been shooting 10mm in my Colt Delta Elite then latter 4 different E.A.A s in 10 mm it was a no brainier . So maybe next I will get a Glock 29. The 10mm cartridge is my favorite and when bow hunting deer in the Fall I feel very safe having the 10mm in case of bear or mountain lion situation. Lots of good loads to carry over different situations and having 15 rounds with backup will cover you in most situations.
Good article on the Glock and interesting follow-up comments. Once again this issue is a home run from the article not he ATF official to the evaluation of Gorsuch. I really look forward to this e-letter each week. In my opinion, it is the most informative e-letter being published. Please keep up the good work. I also enjoy the ads and their placement. Some e-letters have such annoying ads that I hate the e-letter and delete it when it shows up.
Secundis,
Glock makes a 45ACP in compact and full size. The G21SF and G30. I had reservations about the big grip as well, but after carrying a G19 on and off the Job I find that it is more than manageable. One issue that Glock shooters encounter is the POI being low and left, this is easily remedied with dry firing practice. As there are numerous companies now that will reduce and reshape the grip for a better feel.
Regarding safety, the trigger safety does leave some folks nervous, but Glock has been doing this for more than a minute and has earned a reputation for safety. I carry mine at 1230 all day and even with the ghost trigger, I have full confidence that it will not just go off. Most NDs are human error, regardless of the weapon design or brand
The 21SF or 30 is worth a try if you get a chance to rent or borrow one. Personally, I like a 45 with a high round count, affordable and easy to find mags and holsters and unfailing reliability
I am not a Glock fan BUT one of my daughters HAS THE G29. I shot it and it slaps the palm, however if you can handle it, (she can and does) it’ll send a big bullet down range.
I’m going to get a Rock Island in 10 mm.
Mr. Brown,
My second 10mm is a Rock Island Armory 1911 A1 FS Tactical. The finish leaves something to be desired but otherwise it is an absolute dandy.
I did my own shootoff using my RIA 1911 and my son’s EAA Witness Elite Match — a proven platform of above average accuracy. I out shot myself with the RIA over the EAA Witness. The RIA is a bull barrel, bushingless pistol and it is amazingly accurate. It is a bit heavy for a lot of off hand shooting but otherwise it is a dandy. It has G-10 grips and they work just fine.
Cleaning it is a bit more difficult than most 1911’s since you have to pin the recoil spring to the guide rod for disassembly. I like to clean my pistols thoroughly and that means removing the recoil spring from the guide rod and that is tough. I do not know but it must be at least a 22 pound spring. Let it loose and it will fly clear across a 10 foot room and leave an indentation in the wall. Don’t ask my wife how we know.
I fabricated a device to deal with the spring. I bought a cheap “C” clamp from Harbor Freight and welded a washer with an inside diameter slightly larger than the guide rod. I cut a slot in the washer to let the guide rod in and out and can compress the spring with the outfit without flying springs chipping the paint and upsetting my wife.
The RIA is the most accurate 10mm at our local range, shot by several people besides me. I like mine and so do several others who have shot it. I think you are making a good choice. Not elegant but effective and useful.
I wish I had success with Rock Island, but my experience wasn’t good. Bought a 10mm 1911 last fall. Out of the box it wouldn’t shoot two consecutive rounds. Could chamber a new round fine by racking, but failure to go into battery after every shot. Returned to Armscor, and they said it couldn’t be fixed and gave me the option for reimbursement or exchange. Any company can put out a lemon once in a while, so I asked them to send another one. The new one still had a FTF every 20 rounds or so, but could have just needed more break-in. I’ll never know because after approx 300 rounds a piece of the firing pin stop broke off while at the range. That was the end of my Rock Island experiment – it went back for a refund. Two defective guns in a row…how could I ever have confidence in their product again? I either was very unlucky or they are having quality control issues. It’s disappointing because that gun did shoot nice when it worked. I will say that dealing with them was easy both times the guns needed to go back.
Mr. Beck,
Sorry about your really bad experience, which obviously speaks for itself. I do not have much experience with Rock Island, only having one. But so far, that one has left nothing to be desired other than coming with only one magazine. I picked up a couple of other magazines and they worked fine.
I wish you had a better experience, more like mine.
For those devoted to the Glock 29, remember that the Glock 20 magazines fit the Glock 29 just fine and carry 15 rounds of 10mm. I have a personal aversion to Glock triggers and replaced my factory trigger with a very fine Precision Overwatch DAT (short for Defensive Applications Trigger), a flat trigger that significantly improves the pull over the factory version. I also opted for the TruGlow fiber optic and tritium combination day/night sights and like them very much.
I find that the pistol fits a DeSantos inside the pocket holster and the pistol fits in my right front pocket of jeans, below the cell phone on my belt and is virtually invisible. But wear enough belt to take the weight to avoid the plumbers problem.
It is an absolutely dandy gun. I am not quite as accurate when shooting full power loads from my 1911 with the 5 inch barrel but the accuracy from the shorter Glock 29 is certainly more than adequate. Further, off the bench, it is every bit as accurate as the 5 inch.
Bottom line, I life everything about the Glock except how it fits my hand. Like all Glock, the thickness of the grip is just a bit off putting compared to my favorite 1911s.
I have well over 1,000 rounds of various factory ammo through the Glock 29 with nary a hiccup of any kind at all. Mixed Federal, Hornady, Sellier & Beloit, Armscor, and PPU and absolutely no problems. Now, I am ready to start trying my hand loads from once fired brass.
It is far and away my favorite Glocks.
Excellent work!
I have to admit that is a lot of power in a modestly sized package. The Glock always works.
Bob
G20, G21, G17, G29 Gen2, Gen.4 G18, It’s all so confusing and quite frankly, with such an ugly gun I don’t desire to learn it all. Sure it’s a workhorse and indestructible but give me the sexy lines of a Beretta 92 Brigadier. Or the classic beauty of a S&W 686. Want something semi-auto, 10 mm and timeless? I’ll take a Dan Wesson 1911 any day. I guess I don’t have what it takes to be a Glock fanatic.
Never understood why the US military didn’t ask Beretta for a more 1911 friendly design, safety on the slide for heavens sake. Taurus PT92 and PT100 series, IMHO, beat the Beretta 92 series.
I love the 1911 platform, but it seems they have become the firearm for the “landed gentry”, Delta Elite $850 to 1250, DW Bruin $1700 – 2100, Remington Hunter $1000.
My paws are fairly big (G29 will require mag floor extension), so I guess I’ll work towards the G20, $580 – 700 as a “working man’s gun”.
I bought a G29 about 6 months ago and it almost immediately replaced my Ruger P90 as my go to piece for home security and very quickly took over daily CC from my SCCY 9mm which is still carried as a back up in an ankle holster. As soon as it arrived I took it out fired a few test rounds and went home to order 4 G20 15 round mags which along with the added capacity also add over an inch in length to the grip. The weight took a little getting used to and I had to change carry position from right side itwb to center back where the G29 with the 10 round mag is undetectable and a 15 round mag is always in my right front pocket. Round of choice 220 grain hard cast flat nose.. 1200 fps and 703 ft lbs at the muzzle which is where I believe most of my needs will take place. If I need to kill something at 300 yards I have a 308 and an AK. I can attest to the accuracy of the author’s story and share in his zeal for this bona fide hand cannon. Perhaps the FBI should consider looking in places where men and women work with their hands as well as their minds… Good hunting..
I was never much of a “Glock” Pistol fan, because of the “Plastic Feel” made it “Feel Cheap”. NOW if Glock were to EVER Make a .45ACP or .45Long Revolver, I’d Might be interested…
Secundius,
I agree about the feeling of the Glock generally. I am also not a fan of their looks. Makes me thing of toy guns instead of the real thing. But, my personal feelings on the issue are overcome by the utility of the Glock 29 for me.
I now own one Glock and have a baker’s dozen 1911s on either steel or steel and aluminum frames. Mostly all .45 ACP but a couple in other calibers usually seen in that platform.
Ordinarily I would be in complete agreement but the Glock 29 is the sole exception for me. I also found a company in Washington that makes a grip applique that covers up the plastic and gives it a different feeling. Been on the pistol two years and more and it does away with the plastic feel.
I still have safety concerns and use a plug that inserts behind the trigger to prevent an accidental discharge, but which ejects at the touch of the trigger finger when the trigger finger leaves the frame and goes for the trigger just immediately before shooting.
Grip is still too thick but you cannot have everything, I guess.