GLOCK Model 35 – The Pro’s Choice (Pistol Review)

Taking a little departure from our norm, I was so impressed with the new Glock 35 I thought I would write a review. Back in day when cops carried revolvers I was shooting in PPC competition with the title of Grand Master. Those days are long gone, but my interest in fine weapons remains.

by Jack Lee

The new Glock, P/T – Practical/Tactical, Model 35, in .40 cal. is as close to perfection as any shooter could want. It’s simplicity of form and design makes it highly functional and esthetically pleasing. The only downside is people with a small hand might feel like they’re holding a 2X4. Unfortunately not much has been offered in the way of adjustable grips like some other brands such as Springfield’s M&P. But, that’s about all I can find to criticize and it’s not much.

This pistol to the gun world is what a Rolls Royce is to the auto world.

The Model 35s are set apart from the rest of GLOCK world guns by a 3.5-pound connectors, extended magazine release, ported slide, a slide stop and finger grooves in the frame with a tactical rail. The model 35 has a large hole (looks like a .38 cal) directly below the barrel that accommodates a laser sight. Currently only Wilcox Industries, Insight Technology, Inc., and Surefire, Inc. make them and they’re pricey… around $335. Of course you can get a generic laser and hang it off the weaver rail just forward of the trigger guard. I’ve seen decent lasers as low as $50 including a weaver mount.

In test firing the (G) 35 I noticed it has a slightly crisper recoil than your standard 1911, although ballistically speaking, the 40 cal is quite close to the venerable 45 ACP. The .45 ACP has just a few more pounds of striking energy, but both calibers easily achieve well over the minimum 330 foot pounds of energy which the FBI says is the threshold separating a severe wound from a lethal hit. Put it this way, you wouldn’t want to be shot with either.

The .40 cal S&W is said to be the perfect compromise of trajectory, energy and velocity. And I suppose that’s true because so many top law enforcement agencies prefer it over all others as they do their Glocks.

As you might expect, the Glocks come in a wide variety of sizes, calibers and carrying capacities, there’s a Glock to fit almost everyone. The Glock 35 is the no nonsense professional version. It’s predecessor was the comp shooter’s, Glock “long slide” with its standard 6 inch barrel, but length of barrel didn’t allow it to qualify for some important international shooting competitions, so the Glock 35 was born and it has a shorten barrel (5.32 inches) to pass the box test. Yet, it’s ample sight

picture from rear to front sight is 7.32 inches on an 8.15 inch slide and that gives you the feel of the 1911 A1. It’s slide is 7.5 inches long on the 5 inch barrel.

Backing up a bit, the International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA) and the Practical and Limited Classes in the International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC) both have a “box” rule. For a particular weapon to be allowed in competition, it must fit inside a certain size box. For IDPA, the box measures 8.75 x 6 x 1.63 inches; for IPSC it’s 8.858 x 5.906 x 1.772 inches. The trigger pull is about 5 lbs for the Model 35, but it can modified to your liking. Personally I’m real happy with a 5 lb pull.

The capacity of the Model 35 is 10 rounds by California law, unless happen to have one the pre-ban hi-cap magazines and then it will handle 16 round with one in the pipe. I actually prefer a 10 round mag because it’s lighter to carry and let’s be real, if you haven’t hit your target in the first 10 shots then I seriously doubt another 5 will make much difference.

Because the Glocks have a composite frame, the first time you pick one up it feels like it’s a little muzzle heavy. But, when shooting it I had absolutely no complaints. It felt very well balanced and it was quick to recover between rapid fire shots. Of course weight and fit is a very personal thing with every shooter, but I’ve not heard any complaints about the Model 35’s balance and fit. . .providing you have medium to large hand.

One suggestion: You can buy shooters grip tape which looks like the rough, black, sand paper you see glued on skate boards. It mounts on the finger grooves and sides of the composite grip. Your weapon isn’t likely to slip oout of your hand with this stuff even if it’s coated in oil! The downside is if you carry frequently you’re probably going to sand down a bit of you your leather belt and shirt. However, if you absolutely, positively must draw and fire without a slip…then buy the tape! It’s the best $5 investment you can make.

The sights are the standard 3 dot white, however for a little spare change you can upgrade to tritium glow in the dark dots. But, for me and for most shooters, the bright white dot system works fine in all but pitch black. Outside a combat situation I can’t think of a reason to be shooting in total darkness? The rear sight is fully adjustable too.

The fit, finish and design are unlike any other, even the new Smith and Wesson Signet looks weak by comparison.

Here’s the bottom line: The Glock 35 is the pro’s weapon of choice and therefore it’s not for beginners or for those on a tight a budget. However, for demanding shooter, it’s capable of winning pistol competitions virtually right out of the box. It’s all about your ability – you don’t worry about the Model 35. It’s a shooter’s dream.