Exploring the Glock 22: A Workhorse of a Pistol
History and Features
The Glock 22, a pivotal model in Glock’s history, holds a significant position in the evolution of semi-automatic pistols. Its introduction marked a shift in law enforcement, particularly in the United States, as agencies sought a powerful and reliable sidearm. Its design ethos centered on simplicity and efficiency, catering to the demands of duty carry. Beyond its impact on law enforcement, the Glock 22 quickly garnered attention among civilian shooters seeking a self-defense firearm. Its robust construction and straightforward operation made it attractive to those valuing reliability and ease of use. The pistol’s ability to withstand harsh conditions and consistently deliver accuracy contributed to its widespread adoption. The Glock 22’s design centers around a polymer frame, renowned for its lightweight nature and resistance to corrosion. This frame features a comfortable grip that allows for a secure hold even in adverse conditions. Glock’s signature Safe Action system, a series of internal safeties, provides an added layer of security while minimizing external controls. The standard capacity magazine, allowing for a significant number of rounds, further enhances the Glock 22’s appeal for both law enforcement and civilian self-defense applications. Its .40 S&W chambering offered a balance of stopping power and manageable recoil. The slide, typically made of steel, contributes to the pistol’s durability, ensuring that it can withstand the rigors of frequent use. The Glock 22’s barrel is designed for accuracy and longevity, contributing to the pistol’s overall reliability. The sights, typically of the standard Glock design, provide a clear sight picture for quick target acquisition. Its blend of power, reliability, and ease of operation has solidified its place as a respected firearm.
Diving into the Glock 35: A Competition-Ready Pistol
Design and Purpose
The Glock 35, while sharing the .40 S&W caliber with the Glock 22, stands apart with a specific design philosophy. It was developed to appeal to the competitive shooting market, particularly those involved in action shooting sports like the International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC) or the United States Practical Shooting Association (USPSA). The Glock 35 offers enhancements that prioritize accuracy and performance at the range. The most notable difference between the Glock 35 and the Glock 22 lies in its barrel length. The Glock 35 boasts a longer barrel, designed to enhance accuracy. This extended sight radius improves the shooter’s ability to acquire and maintain a consistent sight picture. The longer barrel also contributes to a smoother recoil impulse, improving follow-up shots. Beyond its barrel length, the Glock 35 retains the core features of the Glock design. It features the Safe Action system, a polymer frame, and a comfortable grip. It maintains the reliability and ease of operation that characterize Glock pistols. The longer slide, designed to house the extended barrel, further contributes to the pistol’s overall balance and weight. The Glock 35, through its specialized design, gives competitive shooters a distinct advantage. The enhanced accuracy of the Glock 35 offers a valuable advantage for those seeking to maximize their performance on the range.
Examining the Core: Caliber and Ammunition
The .40 S&W Cartridge
Both the Glock 35 and the Glock 22 are chambered in the .40 Smith & Wesson caliber. This round, introduced in the late 1980s, has become a popular choice for law enforcement and self-defense. The .40 S&W offers a step up in stopping power over the 9mm, and it is designed to deliver significant energy on impact. The .40 S&W is generally considered to be a “duty” caliber, offering a good balance of ballistic performance and manageable recoil. Its widespread availability makes it easier to find a variety of loads for different purposes, from self-defense to target practice. The .40 S&W is an effective choice for personal protection and law enforcement. Recoil management is an important consideration when shooting the .40 S&W. The round produces a significant recoil impulse. Factors like the pistol’s weight, frame design, and barrel length all play a role in managing the recoil. This is where the subtle differences between the Glock 35 and Glock 22 come into play.
Size and Dimensions: A Tale of Two Barrels
Comparing Barrel Lengths and Overall Size
The most significant difference between these two Glock models is in their dimensions, particularly the barrel length. The Glock 22 features a shorter barrel, typically around four and a half inches. The Glock 35, on the other hand, sports a longer barrel, usually five and a half inches. This difference in barrel length translates to several other dimensional changes. The Glock 35 is slightly longer overall and can weigh a bit more, mainly due to the longer barrel. The extra length affects the pistol’s balance, with the Glock 35 having a slightly more front-heavy feel. For concealed carry, the Glock 22 is generally considered the more practical option. Its shorter overall length makes it easier to conceal under clothing. The Glock 35, because of its added length, is less suitable for concealed carry and is less convenient to carry.
Hitting the Target: Accuracy and Shooting Experience
Accuracy and Shooting Performance
Accuracy is one of the most crucial aspects of any firearm, and both the Glock 35 and the Glock 22 are capable of respectable performance. However, the Glock 35, with its longer barrel, generally offers an edge in accuracy. The longer sight radius of the Glock 35 allows for more precise aiming. The distance between the front and rear sights is increased, offering a clearer sight picture and making it easier to align the sights on the target. The longer barrel also reduces the effects of shooter error, making the pistol more forgiving in terms of accuracy. Recoil management also affects accuracy. The Glock 35, with its longer barrel and slightly increased weight, often has a smoother recoil impulse. The added weight in the front of the gun helps to absorb the recoil, allowing for faster and more accurate follow-up shots. Trigger pull is another factor that impacts accuracy. Glock triggers are known for their relatively consistent pull, but shooters might find the aftermarket offers to further improve them.
Ergonomics and Handling: A Familiar Feel
Grip, Controls, and Overall Handling
Both the Glock 35 and Glock 22 share a similar ergonomic design, with the Glock’s signature grip angle and textured frame. The grip is generally comfortable for most shooters. The Glock 22, with its shorter barrel, might be slightly easier to handle for shooters with smaller hands. However, the differences are subtle, and most shooters will find both models to be comfortable to use. The magazine release and slide release are positioned in the same location on both models. This commonality allows for familiarity and easy transition between models.
Considering Intended Use: Matching the Right Pistol to the Purpose
Applications and Best Uses
The intended application of the pistol is a vital aspect. The Glock 22 is a solid choice for law enforcement applications and self-defense. It provides a balance of power, reliability, and ease of use. The Glock 35 is often the preferred choice for competitive shooting. Its enhanced accuracy and smoother recoil impulse provide a competitive advantage on the range. For concealed carry, the Glock 22 is often preferred due to its more compact size. The Glock 35, because of its longer barrel, is less ideal for concealed carry.
Customization Options: Personalizing Your Glock
Aftermarket Parts and Accessories
Both the Glock 35 and the Glock 22 offer an extensive range of aftermarket customization options. Shooters can upgrade the sights, triggers, and grips to improve performance. The Glock 35, often used in competition, may have the advantage in some cases because there are lots of custom parts in the aftermarket.
Weighing the Advantages: Pros and Cons at a Glance
Glock 22: Pros and Cons
**Glock 22**
- **Pros:** More concealable (for many users), widely available, familiar to many shooters.
- **Cons:** Shorter sight radius compared to the G35, potentially more recoil.
Glock 35: Pros and Cons
**Glock 35**
- **Pros:** Longer sight radius for improved accuracy, smoother recoil, a favorite for competitive shooting.
- **Cons:** Less suitable for concealed carry.
Making the Choice: What Pistol Fits Your Needs?
Recommendations Based on Needs
The ultimate choice between the Glock 35 and Glock 22 depends on the individual shooter’s needs and preferences. For individuals prioritizing concealed carry or general self-defense, the Glock 22 is an excellent option. For those engaged in competitive shooting or seeking maximum accuracy, the Glock 35 is often the preferred choice. Ultimately, the best way to decide is to handle and, if possible, shoot both pistols. This will give you a firsthand experience and allow you to gauge how each pistol feels in your hand and how it performs on the range.
Final Thoughts
Conclusion
Both the Glock 35 and Glock 22 are excellent firearms. The Glock 22 offers a compact and reliable platform for self-defense, while the Glock 35 provides enhanced accuracy and performance for competitive shooting. Your choice should be based on your specific needs and intended use. Careful consideration of these factors will lead you to select the Glock pistol that best suits your needs.
