My Sweet Spot with the Glock 27 .40 S&W

by Brian S. Riney
(Louisville, KY USA)

My Glock 27, 9 rounds of Federal, Well Worn Mitch Rosen CLP

In mid 2005 I took it upon myself to begin shopping for the perfect conceal/carry pistol. After much research on the internet and in local gun stores, I decided to purchase a Smith & Wesson Model 642 with Crimson Trace Laser Grips. Very nice handgun. Was very impressed with the accuracy of this pistol. My one complaint, too large of a grip. Although the Crimson Trace Laser is a nice addition to this pistol, it came at a cost. I purchased this to be a "Pocket Pistol". Unfortunately, the grips are larger than the standard S&W grips on this model. Thus, making the pistol larger and uncomfortable in the pocket.

After some time, I did more research and went out and purchased the Kel-Tec P3AT. This was the pistol that I carried with me for nearly a year. I carried it in my front pocket in a Mika Pocket Holster and I also carried it in a Pop-up IWB holster made by R.L. Graham. This was actually my preferred method because the pistol actually was below the waistband for deep concealment.

One day, while at the Knob Creek Gun Range, I was talking to a fellow who had a table full of Glocks. Out of ignorance, I never liked GLOCKs. I was never keen on the plastics of this gun, but the Kel-Tec had softened my heart on that matter. I shot three different size GLOCKs that day. Couldn't tell you what two of them were because I did not shoot them as well as I did the first one. And the first one was the GLOCK 27. A smaller version of the typical GLOCK but with a stronger punch. Every round, from the beginning of that clip to the last, hit dead center of the head of the target I was aiming at. It was the perfect extension of my arm that I had been looking for.

When I was done, I walked back to my table on the firing line and continued to shoot my Kel-Tec P3AT, Springfield 1911A1, S&W 642, and the Yugo SKS. But, my eyes began to wander back to the GLOCK 27. I packed up, hurried home and tried to come up with a subtlle way of telling my wife that I wanted to buy another pistol for conceal carry. She said,...."Yes!" I hurried off to the gun store, threw one on law-away and came home to research a holster.

Finding the proper gun is one thing, but finding the perfect holster is another battle all it's own. Unlike the past, I was determined to make this choice correctly the first time. (I have a drawer full of holsters.) I chose a Mitch Rosen CLP from their Express Line of holsters. It is an inside the waistband holster and it is the best quality, fit and comfort of any holster I have ever owned. My Sweet Spot.....the 3:30 position. The thick GLOCK disappears and I forget I have it. That was over a year ago and I could not be happier.

(I have a bigger build than your average person, not fat, and I have large hands, too. The shorter grip on the GLOCK 27 was not a problem. Some told me to get the grip extensions to make it easier to handle, but who were these people anyway? I was the one who was going to be shooting this little gun and as far as I was concerned, it fit my big hands perfectly. I grab it, I point it, I squeeze the trigger, I hit what I aim at. That's it!)

Your final choice may not be the GLOCK 27. Undoubtedly, you will go through several models, calibers, and manufacturers before you find that "perfect extension of your arm." Just remember, it is what fits you, not what fits your friend, or some guy on an internet forum spewing forth his uncensored opinions.

Good luck in your search. Whether you are a newb, or an old pro, you always learn something new when shopping for a gun.