The only thing you really need to know in order to find the right gift for a Glock owner is which model they have. While there’s a lot of interchangeability between models (like the 23 and 19, for example), some models have unique quirks. Strike up a conversation. Ask a bit about their gun of choice and take notes. One thing those of us who own Glocks have in common is that we like talking about them almost as much as we like shooting them.
Multi Holster’s Glock 19 IWB. (Photo by David Higginbotham)
Holsters
Let’s start with the most basic accessory. I’m constantly surprised how many people own a gun, but not a holster. There’s an amazing array of holsters available for Glocks, especially the more common varieties in 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45. Safariland offers great duty holsters with active retention. I recently reviewed an incredibly comfortable IWB from StealthGear, the Onyx.
For exacting specifications, or custom colors, you can’t go wrong with the work of Multi Holsters. They’re my go-to for any Kydex holster. Tony Catner’s attention to detail really set his work apart. While you may not be able to order a custom rig in time for Christmas, there are often a selection of holsters ready to roll that would fit your exact need. Prices on holsters vary from $20 on up. A good custom holster should be in the neighborhood of $100, give or take.
Easy to use and unobtrusive. (Photo by David Higginbotham)
Charging handles
Many people who own Glocks do so because of their ease of use. Yet the spring tension can be an impediment. If you injure your hand, or develop arthritis, pulling back the slide can be a real challenge. That doesn’t mean you can’t safely operate the gun. A good slide pull can greatly enhance the ease of use.
I really like the Brass Stacker Glock Slide Pull Charging Handle. It fits well, secures easily, and doesn’t interfere with the holstering of the gun. It sticks off the back end, and allows you to hook a finger in loop, making it easier to pull the slide back.
The slide pull sells for $42. If that’s all it takes to keep an aging shooter armed and ready, then it’s a bargain.
The C5L on a Springfield XDS. (Photo by David Higginbotham)
Lights
How much light do you want? How many lumens? The choices are endless. Surefire makes some incredibly bright lights. The X300 Ultra is about a powerful as a light as you could put on a pistol. We ran it on a 10mm Glock and it handled the recoil like a dream. With the right holster (we had one form Safariland) the Surefire makes a Glock incredibly versatile.
Viridian makes solid options, too, and their lights come with bright green lasers, like the incredibly compact C5L. With a bit of planning, you can get a light laser combination and a holster that is specifically designed to hold both. MultHolsters offers custom IWB holsters with ECR, the magnet switch that cuts the Viridian lights and lasers on and off, or you can find retention holsters at Viridian.
A long, threaded 9mm barrel from Lone Wolf (Photo credit: Lone Wolf Dist.)
Barrels
One of the true benefits of the Glock system is its modularity. The guns are so well built that you can even swap between calibers, in some cases. If you have a Glock 23, for example, you can drop in a Glock 19’s barrel (and switch out magazines, too) and have a gun that will shoot 9mm.
Lone Wolf Distributors makes great barrels. Extended length, ported barrels, threaded barrels…. Polygonal rifling or traditional land and groove. The options for customization are endless.
A Templar overhaul. (Photo credit: Templar)
Total customization packages
If you’re really serious, take a look at the aftermarket modifications available for serious shooters. You can get anything done to a Glock. Porting of barrels. Cutting out weight from slides. Modifications of springs. Stippling of frames and grips.
There are a lot of companies that do modifications. Then there are the guys in their garages, stippling frames with sotering irons. The prices vary accordingly. Solid reputations comes with higher fees for services. I’ve been watching Templar Custom Arms. They’re coming up strong and have a developing reputation for great work.
No matter what you chose, the gift will be appreciated. If you’re not sure about makes or models, try a gift certificate. A good custom holster, or modifications may require a level of personal input that would give the gift giving surprise away.
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