Gen 4 G19 vs 9mm conversion barrel for G23

I hope this is not an overly long question. I have a G23 with a grip reduction due to fairly small hands.
After shooting in the Classifier match in Aug at Magnolia I am hooked.

I was considering getting a Gen 4 G19 since it has a smaller grip and will work with holster, etc for the G23 and should have the same ergonomics but while browsing around here saw a thread for conversion barrels for the G23 to make it 9mm.

My question is would it be worth saving the money and getting a new barrel to shoot 9mm in the matches or just cont to shoot .40 cal (does it make that much difference) or suck it up and buy a new gun (which is always fun but more expensive)?

What do you more experienced shooters think.

Thanks in advance for any advice you might have.

Surgdog

Just MHO, but, if you've got a grip you like, keep it. That said, why not enjoy the best of both worlds? You've got the .40 cal in your corner already. I'm guessing here, but I suspect you and I are similar in our gun tastes. I've got a G22 that just didn't please me at the range. I found it a little too harsh for target shooting, but I liked the idea of having the ability of using that caliber for SD. It was in good shape and shot straight and true, but was somewhat more abusive than I appreciated at the range. Tried to sell it here, but really couldn't justify the loss that seemed to be expected, so I decided to explore a different route.

Did a little research and found that the various aftermarket 9mm barrels were pretty competent. After speaking with a couple of folks of whom I respect thier opinions, I ordered a Lone Wolf conversion barrel for mine. One of the best decisions I've made concerning firearms.

I learned that I only needed two things, a barrel and a mag. Took a while for me to absorbe that simple a concept, but I have to say they've gotten it right. My G22, with the LW barrel seems to shoot better and more acurately than the average G17. Nary a hiccup at all, no matter how I clown around with it and I have a tendacy to clown around a lot.

My advice would be to hang on to the weapon that you've had custom fitted. Those don't come around that often. Just make it better and more versatile. A hundred dollar barrel and couple of mags is soo much cheaper than a new gun. Hope this helps.

Thanks for the reply, Hrdnox.
You are right I got the 23 originally for SD but it appears for practice and USPSA stuff 9mm may be better suited and a conversion barrel in the same gun may be the answer.

Where did you get your LW barrel?

Get conversion now. After you've shot a few matches and got really hooked, you can get step up to a full sized 34. You'll want to go that route I'll bet.
You can order a barrel from Lone Wolf or get one from "muddawg95yj" on here if your around the Brandon area, he's a LWD Dealer.

I ordered mine from LW. Muddawg95yj had just placed an order and I was too impatient to wait. I paid about $20 more than I should have, though. I've found several places online that sell them for $99. I think I paid $109, plus shipping. Muddawg95yj may sell them for even less.

Thanks,
I see CTD has them for $99 with G19 mags for 18-19 bucks.
I can get a barrel. mags and a bunch of ammo for a lot less than a new Gen 4 G19.

now the waiting begins.....................
we'll be wanting a range update too and pics........

Hiccup.

Would a conversion barrel in a Glock being shot in production class USPSA events be disqualified?

I don't know, myself, but if they did, they would be pretty doggoned picky. I can't tell any difference in mine's all around performance than I could my G17. Possibly a little more accurate due to a little tighter barrel and lockup. Correct me, if I'm wrong, but I was under the impression that most competitors used aftermarket barrels, anyway.

I asked in the Comp section of the Forum about USPSA rules and Cliff Cargill says it is ok. I would think he knows the rules as well as anyone.

As far as aftermarket barrels I am not sure. My idea of production class is that it is firearms as bought at the store. Of course, that ruins my great idea for a conversion barrel.

Dang, maybe I just need a new gun after all.

This would be a better excuse for buying one than most that I have bought in the past.

In the other thread I didn't realize you were changing calibers.

I would email the NROI director, John Amidon.

dnroi@uspsa.org

Thanks, Cliff I will do that and let everyone know.

Thinking about it more is probably not in the spirit of what production class is about. But it would be good to know.

If your concerned, a grip reduction is not allowed either. I don't want to rain on you, but that is the rule. Local match u might get by with it, but a big match, it would surely be checked.

OK. Another reason to get a new Glock.

Just go by your local Pawn Shop and get a used 17 or 22 Gen3 for 4bills or less and start shooting. OR get you a 19 complete slide w/barrel USED for around $250 price range.

Don't know the Gens or condition on these, but Charlies Pawn in Clinton has both the 17 and 22 used for $395. Might be worth checking out. BTW, Joe S turned me on to these, so I want to give the credit where it's due. New ones seem to command about $550 out the door around here. Beyond my budget, for sure.

I appreciate y'all responses and guidance.

Those are great ideas. The problem is due to small hands (big heart) I need either the grip reduction of my 23 which is probably not legal in Production class or the Gen 4 with smaller grips.

Or I could just quit being a wus and shoot 40 cal.

OR, Get you the conversion barrel and mags and shoot. Shoot in LIMITED or OPEN and don't worry about it just because u like your gun setup a certain way. Your only competing against yourself anyway right?
Set your gun up how you want it, Go to match and when asked what class, say I don't know, Please tell me because I'm new at this game. They will ask you what you shooting and you can tell them. They will say you will be shooting in _______ class.
Have Fun..........

Have you held a Gen 4 19?

If not the grip reduction is not that much.

Yes, I did and I agree with you but the smaller size with the extended mag release seems to make a difference for me.

Might just be rationalization on my part.

Thanks for your thoughts.