Glock 21 Grip Shortening

TomJ · Jun 4, 2018

I came across a used Glock 21 a few months ago at a price I couldn't turn down. I like it and shoot well with it, but really don't have a need for another full size 45. I came across a few articles where people discussed having a gunsmith cut the grip down to the size of a G30, giving them the flexibility to CC it more easily or use the full size magazines. Has anyone done this, or have any thoughts on it? I understand I'd take a hit if I wanted to resell it, but I'm not concerned with that.

9mmepiphany · Jun 5, 2018

I've seen it done to a G17...cutting the grip to G19 length...but not to a G21.

Just for ease of sourcing magazines, I'd suggest cutting the frame to that of the 30SF...as that is currently the factory standard

Tinman357 · Jun 5, 2018

I did it to a G41. Takes G30s mag.
Did it to 2 G17's. Take G19 mags.
Did it to a 4" XD 45. Takes compact mags.
Did it to a Kahr TP 45. Takes PM mags.
Had a 2 Kahr CW9's. Shortened both to take the PM9 mags, got a TP9 upper for one. Track driver now.

All fit my hand better, thus all shoot better, for me. Concealability greatly enhanced. no problem selling when the time came. Now that my eyes are fixed, I wish I had them all back.

TomJ · Jun 5, 2018

Thanks for the info. I'm leaning towards giving it a try and will bring it by the gunsmith I'd have do it to get some input from him.

FL-NC · Jun 5, 2018

I cut a 17 to take 19 mags. Its a jeep gun and fits in the console nicely in a serpa holster, along with a kydex pouch with 2 additional G-19 mags.

jdmb03 · Jun 8, 2018

Cold Bore does a nice grip chop.

http://www.coldborecustom.com/DSC_0291.JPG

http://www.coldborecustom.com/DSC_0293.JPG

JDR · Jun 9, 2018

TomJ: said:
I came across a used Glock 21 a few months ago at a price I couldn't turn down.

OP, how about trading it as is for a nice Glock 30s?

TomJ · Jun 9, 2018

JDR said:
OP, how about trading it as is for a nice Glock 30s?

I owned a 30s in the past. I didn’t shoot it well where the 21 works for me.

rskent · Jun 9, 2018

It's your gun, so cut it down if you like. But I can't help thinking if a G30 doesn't work for you, how is making a G21 more like a G30 going to work out?

9mmepiphany · Jun 9, 2018

rskent said:
how is making a G21 more like a G30 going to work out?

That was my first thought also. I'd think the balance would be much worst.

In the 9mm lineup, I can't shoot the G26 at all and can barely make the G17 behave. But for some unknown reason, the G19 runs great and the G34 holds a lot of promise. I can only believe that it has to do with the balance between slide and grip

TomJ · Jun 9, 2018

I don’t know why I shoot the 21 well but not the 30s, but am wondering if the increased slide length of the 21 helps. I haven’t made any decisions yet, but am thinking that if I try it and don’t shoot it well with the shorter grip I can continue to use the 13 round magazine.

Sebastian the Ibis · Jun 10, 2018

Think about where exactly you want to do the cut, if you plan on using g30 mags. I have pinched my hand more than once jamming in a fresh mag. This is not a problem if you use full size mags as reloads and for the range drills. You can still use a shorter mag when carrying.

9mmepiphany · Jun 10, 2018

Sebastian the Ibis said:
I have pinched my hand more than once jamming in a fresh mag.

I just picked up a G30SF that I won at a GSSF match and this was eye opening.

I've very happy that I didn't pick up some 9rd mags instead of 10rd ones to save $5/mag. Without the finger extension/rest of the longer magazine, there would have been no room for my pinky at all. I'm just not comfortable with just a two-finger strong-hand purchase on my pistols

TomJ · Jun 13, 2018

Thanks again for the feedback. I'm out of town on vacation and took a chance on a Witness 10mm, which will be waiting for me when I get home next week. If that works for me it'll fill the need of a concealable large caliber gun I can use for woods carry and I'll leave the 21 as is. If it doesn't I'll have the grip shortened on the 21.

gotboostvr · Jun 14, 2018

TomJ said:
Thanks again for the feedback. I'm out of town on vacation and took a chance on a Witness 10mm, which will be waiting for me when I get home next week. If that works for me it'll fill the need of a concealable large caliber gun I can use for woods carry and I'll leave the 21 as is. If it doesn't I'll have the grip shortened on the 21.

Polymer or steel frame? Is it a safety or decocker?

Either way, probably a better "woods" gun than the Glock. Better trigger and cartridge, shy of dropping a tricked out trigger and a 460 Rowland conversion on the Glock I think I'd take the Witness 10mm. Especially a steel, safety version.

TomJ · Jun 14, 2018

gotboostvr said:
Polymer or steel frame? Is it a safety or decocker?

Either way, probably a better "woods" gun than the Glock. Better trigger and cartridge, shy of dropping a tricked out trigger and a 460 Rowland conversion on the Glock I think I'd take the Witness 10mm. Especially a steel, safety version.

It’s the polymer version. They didn’t have a steel one in stock. The LGS I bought it from is owned by a master gunsmith, so if there’s a problem he’ll take care of it in house or replace it if EAA isn’t taking care of it. I beleive it has a decocker, but I may be wrong about that. I didn’t care if it had that or a safety. I’m a fan of the ergonomics of CZ, so it should work well for me.

Glock 21 Grip Shortening

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