If you ask five people how to set your first Glock up, you will generally get five unique viewpoints. Budget, application, and personal preference will come into play for what is best for you. This guide will look into various categories that you should consider in your decision and help you find the best selection for your overall setup needs for your new Glock.
Safety
Every gun owner will agree on one main issue: safety should be your number one priority. There are four rules you should always follow regarding firearm safety:
- All guns should be treated as though they are always loaded.
- Never allow the muzzle to cover anything you’re unwilling to destroy.
- Your finger should always remain off the trigger until you have set your sight on the target and are prepared to fire.
- Know your target and what else is in the nearby vicinity and beyond.
However, safety also requires protecting yourself with the right gear.
Eye Protection
It is essential to have proper safety glasses and ear protection; with that in mind, always invest in high-quality products that are comfortable as well. Your eyewear must be ballistic rated, and while you may want tinted lenses for the indoor range, it is wise to invest in clear lenses for outdoor use.
Ear Protection
Ear protection may include earmuffs or earplugs. Many people prefer to use both. Electronic hearing protection will allow you to hear sound at normal levels while guarding your hearing from gunshots. This can be especially useful if you attend a class as it will allow you to hear commands and instructions from the safety officer.
Proper Clothing
You will also want to wear proper clothing for a safe experience. There is not any specific clothing you will have to purchase; however, the clothing should be able to protect you from various elements such as hot brass. For example, hats, closed-toed shoes, and shirts that do not feature a low neckline are ideally suited for keeping the brass away from your skin.
First Aid
Any respected range should carry several first aid kits and other supplies; however, it is best to bring along a small medical kit if you plan to shoot on public land without facilities. Something as simple as a TCCC class will give you the necessary knowledge to help take care of yourself and anyone else should the situation arise. Of course, it is always well worth having your supplies to take care of minor cuts and injuries.
Essential Items for the Range
Whether you are planning to visit the range or not, you must always secure your firearm. It can be a safe or a lockbox that will not be able to be accessed by unauthorized users. Additionally, it’s recommended to store your ammunition separately in a secure location that is cool and dry. Although a soft gun case is perfectly suited to transport a firearm to the range, you will want a hard case for more extended travels. There are some hardshell gun storage systems, such as the TRYBE Tactical gun case; these will feature nylon shells and high-density foam padding that will offer extra protection for your weapon. A secure case to protect your firearms will provide you with additional peace of mind when you must transport your firearm, regardless of where you are going.
Ammunition
A wide range of ammunition is available; however, purchasing ammunition compatible with your gun is essential. If you are unsure what the right ammo is for your gun, it is best to ask. Revolvers and semi-automatic pistols will use different ammunition the vast majority of the time to ensure that the ammunition caliber matches what is marked on the firearm. Even when dealing with the same caliber, there will be weight and bullet type choices. Your firearm and the intended application will dictate precisely what you will need. For example, FMJ is the perfect practice ammo to purchase in bulk, while the hollow points will be better for personal protection and will not be expended in such a quick manner. Although handgun ammo from the range is usually more expensive than purchasing online, it is always best to purchase ahead of time.
Gear
A quality range bag is an essential part of any successful trip to the range. The ability to pack everything up into one bag will make all of the difference in the world while at the range. In addition, the bag should be able to carry all of the essentials you will need safety gear, ammo, magazines, and of course, your new Glock.
Some essentials are basic tools and cleaning kits. Having tools will ensure you can get out of a pinch if needed. Guns can be up and running in moments with lubricant. Having your own will always be best.
Targets can be rather challenging to fit into a range bag, but you can purchase them while at the range. However, you can always find some very unique and challenging targets online, so you may want to purchase a few ahead of time. Be sure you bring the correct type of tape and thumbtacks to ensure you can place the targets up in a short space of time.
A speed loader is also an essential tool to bring along. This will save you time but help your thumbs from being sore from loading magazines. If you load up all of your magazines before heading out, it will allow much more time for shooting. This is another great reason to purchase additional magazines for your new Glock.
Accessories
There are multiple accessories that you can purchase for your Glock. Many of these will depend upon your desired use. For example, if you plan to carry a gun to a shooting match, a quality holster will be one of your priorities. A weapon light is also a good investment on a home defense gun as it allows you to use both hands on the gun while illuminating the target. However, keep in mind that a light on a weapon will require a different type of holster. Additionally, a laser can be a helpful tool that will require a different type of holster. By planning, you will save yourself time and money.
If you are going to be in competitions, you will want to carry a shot timer. A shot timer measures how long it will take to accomplish a drill and provides basic metrics. Even beginning on the beep will allow you to prepare for a match.
Remember that not all accessories are made to use on the range. Laser trainers and snap caps are perfect dry fire tools that allow you to practice gun handling safely while not on the range. Dry firing is the most cost-effective way to become a better shot.
Parts
Customizing your gun so that it can shoot in the manner you desire is half the fun of owning a gun. There are many Glock parts such as firing pins, springs, and slide stops that, over time, will wear out and need to be replaced. Other parts such as grips and triggers will change the performance and feel, making modifications that much more desirable. Sights are one of the more common modifications as individuals will take a simple stock configuration and change it up with a fiber-optic sight.
A highly popular modification is a red dot sight for your new Glock. If you have perfect vision, you are among the few that do. On the flip side, if you have issues with seeing the sights clearly, a change in the sight would be optimal. Regardless of what you decide to change on your new Glock, make sure you have a qualified gunsmith make the changes if you are not comfortable making the changes yourself.
Final Thoughts
It will be up to you to decide how to set up a Glock, but we hope that this guide will give you a better understanding of what you can change. In the end, gun ownership is a lot of fun when you safely use your weapon. We want to congratulate you on buying your firearm and taking the initial steps to protect yourself and your loved ones. Now it’s time to ask yourself what you will do next? Once you understand the essentials of owning your new Glock. Then, you can begin looking into accessories and options that will take you to the next level and provide you with even more enjoyment. At KM Tactical, we have everything you need to start your journey as a new Glock owner. We hope you found this article helpful and are here to provide you with the best gun parts available.
