For a long time, I bought into the idea that upgrading to a high-end firearm would solve all my problems. The Staccato was supposed to be that next step – a refined, accurate, and smooth-shooting pistol that would outperform my tried-and-true Glock. But after using it for a while, I found myself gravitating back to my Glock, despite all the hype surrounding the Staccato. The reason? Simplicity, reliability, and consistency.
The Illusion of an Upgrade
When I first got my Staccato, I was immediately impressed. The trigger was crisp, the build quality was fantastic, and I could shoot it faster and more accurately than my Glock right out of the box. Everything about it felt premium. But as I spent more time with it, I started noticing small issues – issues that wouldn’t have been a problem if I was only using it for competition shooting but became a headache in real-world applications.
Cold Weather and Reliability Issues
One of the biggest problems I encountered was performance in cold weather. Living in a state where winter temperatures can drop significantly, I quickly realized that my Staccato didn’t handle the cold as well as my Glock. When the temperature hit 16°F, I started having issues with cycling, the slide locking back inconsistently, and the gun getting sluggish when it was a little dirty. Could I have mitigated these issues by cleaning it more frequently? Probably. But I don’t want a gun that demands that level of maintenance just to function reliably.
Glock’s Unmatched Reliability
That’s where Glock shines. It’s not the most refined pistol, nor does it have the smoothest trigger or best ergonomics, but it just works. No matter the weather, no matter how dirty it gets, it fires every time. I don’t have to worry about finicky tolerances or needing to clean it constantly. It’s a workhorse, and at the end of the day, that’s what I need.
The Grip Angle and Consistency
Another reason I went back to Glock was consistency. I carry a Glock 43X MOS as my everyday concealed carry gun, and switching between it and the Staccato always felt awkward. The grip angle on a Glock is unique, and once you’re used to it, transitioning to other pistols with different angles can throw off your natural point of aim. I wanted my training and muscle memory to remain as seamless as possible, so moving to a Glock 34 – a full-size version that still shared the same grip angle and controls – made more sense.
Customization and Aftermarket Support
The Glock ecosystem is another major advantage. There are endless aftermarket parts, holsters, and accessories, making it easy to tailor the gun to exactly what I want. With my Glock setup, I added an Acro P2 optic, a Surefire X300 light, and an agency arms magwell – all of which made the gun even more functional without sacrificing reliability. The Staccato, while excellent in its own right, just didn’t have the same level of affordability and availability when it came to modifications.
The Cost Factor
Speaking of affordability, the price difference between a Glock and a Staccato is significant. The Staccato costs nearly three times as much as a Glock, and while I understand paying for quality, I couldn’t justify the extra cost when my Glock did everything I needed. If I were a competitive shooter or someone who needed a match-grade pistol, maybe the Staccato would have been worth it. But for a practical, do-it-all firearm? The Glock was just the smarter choice.
Maintenance Matters
One thing I didn’t expect was just how much more maintenance the Staccato required. It’s a well-built gun, but it’s still a 1911-style platform, meaning tighter tolerances and a need for more frequent cleaning. Glock, on the other hand, is famous for being able to run dirty without issue. I could take my Glock to the range, put hundreds of rounds through it, and it would still function flawlessly. The Staccato? Not so much.
Holster and Carry Considerations
Holster selection also played a role in my decision. Glock has been around for decades, and there are holsters available for nearly every setup imaginable. Whether it’s concealed carry, duty carry, or competition shooting, you can find a Glock holster that fits perfectly. Staccato holsters, on the other hand, were harder to come by, and the options weren’t nearly as abundant.
No Need for Fancy Features
At the end of the day, I realized I didn’t need all the extra bells and whistles that came with the Staccato. Sure, the smoother trigger and tighter tolerances were nice, but in a defensive scenario, those factors wouldn’t matter nearly as much as reliability and ease of use. My Glock may not have the same refined feel, but it’s predictable, and that’s what matters most to me.
Lessons Learned
This whole experience taught me a valuable lesson about firearms: expensive doesn’t always mean better. The Staccato is a great gun, but it wasn’t the right fit for my needs. When it comes down to it, having a gun that you’re comfortable with, that you can rely on in any situation, and that works every single time is what’s most important.
Why I’ll Stick With Glock
Would I recommend the Staccato? Sure, for someone who wants a high-performance pistol, enjoys fine-tuned mechanics, and doesn’t mind the extra maintenance and cost. It’s an incredible firearm in the right hands, and for competition shooting or range days, I can see why people love it. But for me, the trade-offs just weren’t worth it.
When it comes down to everyday reliability, ease of maintenance, and the ability to seamlessly transition between my carry gun and my home defense or range gun, Glock wins every time. It’s not the flashiest or the smoothest, but it’s predictable, tough, and always ready to go. I don’t want a gun that only works when conditions are perfect – I want one that works no matter what.
An “Upgrade” Isn’t Always an Upgrade
This experience taught me that an “upgrade” isn’t always an upgrade if it doesn’t fit your needs. The Staccato may be an excellent pistol, but for my purposes, Glock is simply the better tool for the job. So, while I have nothing against high-end firearms, I’ve come to appreciate the value of simplicity, consistency, and practicality. And that’s why, after trying to convince myself otherwise, I’m back to carrying – and trusting – my Glock.
Mark grew up in the heart of Texas, where tornadoes and extreme weather were a part of life. His early experiences sparked a fascination with emergency preparedness and homesteading. A father of three, Mark is dedicated to teaching families how to be self-sufficient, with a focus on food storage, DIY projects, and energy independence. His writing empowers everyday people to take small steps toward greater self-reliance without feeling overwhelmed.