Hi all. I just purchased my first firearm last week, received it Wednesday and just today went to the range to shoot it for the first time. During the "mental prep-time" of waiting for the first week , I did a lot of reading here on this forum and internet in general about the model and how it performs. Thanks in advance for everyone who's a part of the forum!

I didn't test fire different models, and went off the word of the shop gunsmith that I could throw it in the sand, run it over with a truck, pick it up and pull the trigger and Bang - it just works. I went to my local Walmart to find ammo for target practice and ended up getting 3 different manufacturers - 115gr FMJ Winchester White Box, Remington and Federal, just to see if I can tell the different between them. I shot 50 rounds of each over the course of two hours. I thought the WWB was better than the Remington, both better than the Federal... but what do I know If there's a super deal on Federal I'll buy it again.

The mental mindset was nerving, initially having to stop after five shots or so to wipe the sweat from my hands. The anticipation of the "Bang" in my fist was getting the best of me, not to mention having nowhere to put my pinky finger. I was thinking too much for sure. I was fortunate enough to get some pointers on stance from a fellow who showed up soon after I did to shoot 3 of his pistols-and he doesn't own a Glock. I let him shoot 3 clips worth and he said I have a great gun. He said (and I saw) he shot better grouping with mine than his at that point. Made me feel proud, and after some chit chat the jitters started to go away. I followed his tips on stance and started shooting better!

Then I decided to do something about the dangling pinky finger. I went into the shop and took a look at the options available. I ended up getting a Pearce PG-26XL for one mag and a Scherer 2Plus2 on another, leaving one stock for when I conceal carry. Back in to test each and what a difference a little more plastic does. Confidence boosted some more and better shooting.

Back into the shop and a different fellow introduced himself and asked what I had, etc. After some chat he said I should look into new sights, especially if I'm going to have it on the nightstand for protection. I was actually having a tough time focusing in the booth while shooting just minutes before. I read about night sights here and wondered how different they can be. Ten minutes later I have Trijicon GL01 (12 rear/11 front sight - not sure what that means) green sights mounted. WoW what a difference! I didn't go back in the range to test fire and let the thread lock do it's thing on the screws. I'll head back there tomorrow when my wife is at work

What a great day and experience! It can only get better!!!

A Happy 26 Gen 4 owner

Welcome to the forum from Minnesota. Congratulations on your purchase and happy shooting

Welcome Dingo!
I have the 26 also, but it is Gen 3. I just bought it after shooting mostly Smith & Wessons, Rugers, H&Ks, and Colts for many years. I bought it for concealed carry, but it seems to fit me like a glove. I'm wondering why I didn't get one sooner...
I hate the dangling pinky finger also, and like you my first accesory purchase was the Pearce mag extension. Much, much better now. I haven't coughed up the dough for night sights yet, but Trijicon is the industry leader IMO. I hear Ameriglos are good too, but I haven't tried them yet.
Are you going to carry this gun? If so, what holster and ammo are you looking at?
I'm using Speer Gold Dot 124g +p, but I also liked the Hornady 115g "Critical Defense" loads. I have a yaqui slide holster and FOBUS that I'm carrying, but I think I still have a couple of more iterations to find the perfect holster (if one exists).
-Blue

Congrats on your new g26 gen 4 from a fellow happy glock 26 gen 4 owner!

Thanks for all the congrats!

Originally Posted by rangerbluedog

Are you going to carry this gun? If so, what holster and ammo are you looking at?

Yes rangerbluedog, I plan on taking the course with my wife next week. I really have no idea which holster to get, after combing the internet. I'm open to all suggestions. If I find one that fits like a glove I'll probably carry all the time. I'm gonna wait for the local gun show next month and hopefully be able to handle them to see. I'm gonna look specifically for the suggested ones y'all use. I understand it's what fits me the best and what I like, but I gotta start somewhere.

I already picked up a 25 box of 124gr Hornady XTP (#90242), but after looking over their website, it seems there's an HP XTP as well that is better...? I don't know. I just want the best ammo available, period, for the time (if ever necessary) to defend myself. Who makes that ammo?

Glad to have you aboard.