Choosing between the Glock 22 and Glock 35 often comes down to individual needs and preferences. Both are excellent handguns, but they cater to different scenarios. This in-depth comparison will help you decide which Glock better suits your requirements.
Understanding the Differences: Caliber and Size
The most significant difference lies in their caliber and resulting size. The Glock 22 is a .40 S&W pistol, while the Glock 35 chambers the 9x19mm Parabellum round (9mm). This seemingly small difference impacts several key aspects:
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Caliber: The .40 S&W is known for its higher stopping power, making it a popular choice for law enforcement and self-defense. 9mm offers a greater magazine capacity and reduced recoil, favored by many for concealed carry and competition.
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Size and Weight: The Glock 22, firing the larger .40 S&W round, is slightly larger and heavier than the Glock 35. This extra weight can be beneficial for recoil management but makes it less ideal for concealed carry in some cases.
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Recoil: The .40 S&W generally produces more recoil than 9mm. This can impact accuracy, especially for new shooters, and increase the felt recoil during rapid firing.
Table: Glock 22 vs Glock 35 Specifications
| Feature | Glock 22 (.40 S&W) | Glock 35 (9mm) |
|---|---|---|
| Caliber | .40 S&W | 9x19mm Parabellum |
| Barrel Length | 4.49 inches | 5.43 inches |
| Overall Length | 7.28 inches | 8.03 inches |
| Weight (unloaded) | 25.04 ounces | 26.76 ounces |
| Magazine Capacity | 15 rounds | 17 rounds |
| Sight Radius | Shorter | Longer |
Performance and Handling: Recoil, Accuracy, and Trigger
While the Glock 22's .40 S&W round offers greater stopping power, the Glock 35's 9mm with its higher capacity and lower recoil might be more practical for most users.
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Recoil Management: The Glock 35's lighter recoil is advantageous for faster follow-up shots and improved accuracy during rapid fire. The Glock 22's stronger recoil can be manageable with practice but can be more fatiguing during extended shooting sessions.
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Accuracy: Both pistols are known for their accuracy. However, the reduced recoil of the Glock 35 might give some shooters a slight edge in precision, particularly during rapid fire or under stress.
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Trigger: Both Glock 22 and Glock 35 feature the characteristic Glock Safe Action trigger, known for its crisp break and short reset. The trigger pull weight might feel slightly different due to the different calibers and resulting recoil impulse.
Concealed Carry Considerations: Size, Weight, and Comfort
The size and weight differences play a crucial role in concealed carry.
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Concealability: The Glock 22's slightly smaller size makes it potentially easier to conceal for some individuals, especially those with smaller builds. However, the Glock 35's higher capacity might offset this advantage for those prioritizing magazine capacity.
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Comfort: The added weight of the Glock 22 might be less comfortable for all-day concealed carry. The Glock 35, while slightly heavier overall, might be better balanced and feel more comfortable during extended periods of wear.
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Holster Selection: Finding suitable holsters for either pistol is relatively easy, given Glock's popularity. However, remember that holster fit depends heavily on the specific model (e.g., Gen 4, Gen 5) and any modifications.
Use Cases: Competition vs. Self-Defense
The ideal choice depends heavily on the intended use:
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Competition: The Glock 35's higher capacity and lower recoil make it a popular choice in many shooting competitions. The longer sight radius also contributes to improved accuracy at longer ranges.
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Self-Defense/Concealed Carry: The Glock 22's .40 S&W caliber offers greater stopping power, which is a significant consideration for self-defense. However, many prefer the Glock 35's higher capacity and reduced recoil for concealed carry and self-defense.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Glock
Ultimately, the best choice between the Glock 22 and Glock 35 is subjective and depends on your priorities. Consider these factors:
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Caliber Preference: Do you prioritize stopping power (.40 S&W) or higher capacity/lower recoil (9mm)?
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Intended Use: Is the pistol for competition, self-defense, or both?
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Physical Build: Consider your build and how comfortable you are carrying a slightly larger and heavier pistol.
Careful consideration of these points will guide you to the Glock that best fits your needs and shooting style. Hands-on experience with both models is highly recommended before making a final decision.