Glock 20 Questions (no ka-boom jokes please)

[Roadblock]

So here's the deal. Love the Glock 20. Here is what I'd like to do:
1) Carry for woodland defense
2) Shoot @ range
3) Reload rounds fired at range

I shot 50 rounds of 200 grain Blazer ammunition for it. "smiley's" weren't a huge issues but 4 of the rounds were split longitudinally and one was split (see 2 worst here: http://i746.photobucket.com/albums/xx101/roadblock66/Blazer_Steel_10mm.jpg)

After asking on here and talking to others...it sounds like this is just a "crap ammo" experience (loose chamber meets crap ammo).

That said, it seems a lot of folks looking to reload (and shoot cheaper lead bullets) fit tighter aftermarket barrels for less wear & tear on brass, etc. Likewise they fit 20 or 22 lb recoil springs over a metal guide rod to slow the slide and put less wear & tear on the gun with full power rounds (not to mention not throw the brass to New Zealand).

So I see 4 options:
1) Keep it stock- it was designed that way and will be fine as long as you shoot jacketed ammo (even full-power loads).
2) Get both...switch out based on purpose
3) Fit beefier recoil spring (20 lb) and leave in there...but switch out barrels based on purpose
4) Fit beefier spring & tighter barrel- and use for both purposes...it will still be plenty reliable

Thank you in advance for all of you being smarter than me about this stuff...

 

[saltydude]

It sounds like your on the right track & have basically answered all your questions.
You obviously like the gun, so investing some $ in springs & a barrel won't be an issue.
Based on my experience with 10mm Glocks. Even the highest quality ammo hits the floor with an excessive bulge.
I don't see how you could possibly loose by fitting an aftermarket barrel. If you plan to reload it's almost mandatory & will pay for itself due to the high cost of 10mm. Not to mention the ability to shoot lead.
The only drawback is the reliability issue if you plan on using it for defence. It's really up to you & your confidence with the supported chamber. For reloads a case guage is highly recomended. If it were me I'd use the stock barrel for defense.

 

[Roadblock]

If it were me I'd use the stock barrel for defense.

That's what I thought. So the stock barrel is FINE with full-power high-quality loads?
...it just bulges them and therefore is not desirable for reloads (or shooting crap ammo).

I love shooting it (well, for those 50 shots until more ammunition gets here).

 

[saltydude]

That's what I thought. So the stock barrel is FINE with full-power high-quality loads?
...it just bulges them and therefore is not desirable for reloads (or shooting crap ammo).

Others might disagree, but that's the way I see it.
It only takes a minute to switch out barrels. Get some nice nickle plated protection rounds & use the Glock barrel for carry.
Use the aftermarket barrel for the range & reloading.
I've seen people succesfully reload 10mm "Glocked" brass before, but it's harder to resize & You get less uses per case.

 

[97serpent]

When I rack my G30 with a full magazine, the round will get scored longitudinally. After doing a little research , most people say it is because the magazine springs are tight, which forces the round up too hard and it scrapes on the top of the area where it seats. I'm not sure if this could be wheat is going on with yours, and then the pressure forces the case to split along that weakened area, but maybe its worth looking into. I usually just fill the magazine to 9 rounds (1 less than full capacity) and it will not score that first round.

 

[Kenny474]

Saltydude, what would the issue be with a fully supported barrel in a defensive situation? Are they more prone to jamming, or is there another issue? Thanks

 

[saltydude]

Saltydude, what would the issue be with a fully supported barrel in a defensive situation? Are they more prone to jamming, or is there another issue? Thanks

Well, It's just like any other mechanical device. As a rule of thumb when you start changing things, You're more prone to issues.
There's many great aftermarket barrels out there. Some need to be fit but most Glock owners buy drop in barrels. Are they going to fit & function perfectly? Most likely but who knows.
Also Glock barrels are unsuported for a reason. There more likely to chamber & extract a cruddy round thats ben hanging out in someones mag for awhile.

 

[Roadblock]

Thanks everyone for your comments, I was thinking I was on the right track- but the NES folks seem to chime in with more useful comments than some other boards/sources.

 

[Gammon]

I have been using Glock barrels with lead bullets for many years and thousands of rounds with no problems. Unless you are seeking more accuracy, the after market barrel is a waste of money.

 

[saltydude]

I have been using Glock barrels with lead bullets for many years and thousands of rounds with no problems. Unless you are seeking more accuracy, the after market barrel is a waste of money.

Perhaps in some situations, but not this one.
I know many stubborn action shooters who shoot lead through their Glock barrels. Knowone said it was impossible, just not recommended.
Most of their reloads are of the low pressure variety, say for steel and such.
The 10mm is a very high pressure round & one must be disciplined in makeing sure the barrel is free of lead residue. (Another pain in the neck requiring de-leading products)
The main reason the OP would benefit from a aftermarket barrel is the ability to retrieve & reload his expensive brass without excessive bulging, witch the 10mm is one of the biggest offenders.