You could get 20 different answers from 20 different people on this. I have a G27 for concealed carry and I think the smaller models are obviously better for concealment. Maybe you want something bigger and a generation 4 with a rail if you would want to mount a light or laser for home defense. The nice things about Glocks is the magazines are interchangeable so you can buy a sub compact gun to carry and put a full size magazine in it for home defense. Decide on your caliber first then go with the smallest version would be my advice.

There is no easy answer to this one. If it is a Glock you are after, you have quite a few choices available to you. So let's look at it logically for starters.

In order to become proficient with any handgun, you have to shoot it... and shoot it a lot; unless you're a prodigy. This would point to a 9mm because 9mm ammo is less than the other common calibers offered. The down side is currently availability and 9mm is sparse, to say the least.

Now let's consider size. A good start to serve home and carry use is one of their compact versions and that is going to put you with the model 19 if you go with the 9mm. Now if this is something you want to buy soon and the cost of ammunition is not a deciding factor, the enter the model 23, which is chambered in .40S&W. The .40 is a powerful cartridge, however the model 23 is the same size as the model 19 so you don't lose anything there. Both of these pistols make excellent carry guns, unless you have large hands. Then their larger counterparts may be the better choice.

Anything in the ,45ACP is going to be larger and will hold fewer rounds but still, the .45 is a formidable cartridge and certainly nothing to sneeze at as it has a proven track record. And the G21SF is a great choice in the venerable .45ACP.

So, to summarize, the G19 is a fine place to start and the G23 is a fine alternative to the G19 if you are of a mind to go with the .40S&W. A well known writer in the gun culture considers the Glock 23 to be the finest combat handgun you can carry (Boston T. Party in "Boston's Gun Bible") and though is is biased with many things he covers, the G23 is an excellent self defense sidearm. My primary carry gun is one of my gen3 G23's.

You've got a lot of good choices in the Glock family so good luck to you. Don't rush your decision. Try to get to a range and shoot some of them to see which ones work best for you. That is going to be difficult what with the shortage in ammunition, but try to see what you can do with this. How this helps you out.

A lot of folks will disagree with me but in my opinion even the midsize 19 and 23s are hard to carry if the goal is to completely conceal your weapon, unless your wearing a coat or very large shirt.

I carry a 23, but I'm 6'3" and 350.

If you are a beginner with handguns, keep in mind that the smaller guns are more difficult to shoot. And semi autos seem to be less reliable in sub compact sizes.

Originally Posted by OHshooter

A lot of folks will disagree with me but in my opinion even the midsize 19 and 23s are hard to carry if the goal is to completely conceal your weapon, unless your wearing a coat or very large shirt.

With a proper holster they do conceal quite nicely. Of course, a lot does depend upon one's clothing as a tight fitting shirt is going to show most any sidearm.

I was thinking about the G19 but I can't find one anywhere!

Originally Posted by schyfy

I was thinking about the G19 but I can't find one anywhere!

I haven't looked for a while but I expect that to be the case in most parts of the country. Maybe some large gun shows will turn some up, but expect that others will be of the same mind to locate them. I bought my gen3 G19 five years ago as I recall so I'm good there (could have been closer to six years).

Good luck to you.

Originally Posted by SouthernBoy

I haven't looked for a while but I expect that to be the case in most parts of the country. Maybe some large gun shows will turn some up, but expect that others will be of the same mind to locate them. I bought my gen3 G19 five years ago as I recall so I'm good there (could have been closer to six years).

Good luck to you.

I'm just going to be patient for now

A G19 or G23 are my two choices I switch up depending on attire and mood

G23 or G30. The G30 is a little bulky, but both good options.

I think the G30 is just fine (in 45 acp) for Carry and for Home Defense. In size it compares well with the Ruger SR40C I carry. (I shot the G30 after buying the SR40C.) I had thought the G30 would kick too much. It doesn't.