Glock Short Frame?

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JohnB-40

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I'm thinking of buying a G 21 and I see there are 2 models,a standard frame (G4) and a short frame. Looking on Glock's site the photos and dimensions of the 2 are identical,can anyone explain the difference? I see the G4 as changeable back straps.The size pistol that fits my hand comfortably is a 1911.
 
The SF was/is a Gen 3 thing. The G21 is a big gripped gun. To make them more useable to more people, they offered the SF models with a reduced circumference grip. They also offered the regular Gen 3 G21, there were two models in the Gen 3 G21 line-up.

With the introduction of the Gen 4 guns, with their various back straps, the Gen 4, without the back strap is essentially an SF model, though Glock did not list SF on the Gen 4 guns because they are all the same.
 
Thanks for the information. I guess I'll have to wait till the wife and I head for Eugene (125 miles) where there are a few retailers and check frame/grip fit. Looks like the Gen 4 makes the SF redundant. The main problem with living in a rural area is most items including firearms have to be shipped from online if you want any variety. That makes firearm purchases difficult....Maybe I should stick to 1911s.
 
The 1911 is very small hand friendly. The G21 even as an SF or a Gen 4 is still a pretty big gun. The M&P 45 may be a little more small hand friendly than a G21.

The smaller capacity of the M&P and HK45 compared to the G21 were not oversights. By keeping their standard capacities lower, they were able to keep their grips smaller.
 
The 1911 is very small hand friendly. The G21 even as an SF or a Gen 4 is still a pretty big gun. The M&P 45 may be a little more small hand friendly than a G21.

I own a Shield 45 and that grip size like the 1911 is perfect for me. This new pistol search came about because my wife said she would buy me a new pistol for my upcoming 70th. I really wanted a Ruger 9mm commander,but there are none around. I bought my Colt Commander about 35 years ago and I'm somewhat shocked by the prices of the better 1911 manufacturers out there. Any advise on small gripped steel/wood semi-autos worth looking at in 9/45 up to about a grand (or closely above) would be appreciated
 
I own a Shield 45 and that grip size like the 1911 is perfect for me.

Any advise on small gripped steel/wood semi-autos worth looking at in 9/45 up to about a grand (or closely above) would be appreciated
While smaller than a G21, the M&P 45 is going to be bigger grip wise than the Shield 45.

If you don't want a 1911, SIG still makes their P220 (aluminum frame though) that is traditionally in the $1,000ish range, though I don't know what they are in todays market. https://www.sigsauer.com/firearms/pistols/p220.html
 
I'm a Glock Fan and I've owned a couple Glock 21 and Glock 30's over the years in both the standard frame and short frame. None of them fit me well. I currently have this PD trade in G21SF in the gun safe. It's too large for my hands as well. I bought it with the goal of converting it to a 10mm. Didn't work out.
Glock 21.jpg

I'd recommend you try a Springfield XDM along with a Glock 21 if you can find them. My XDM is a 10mm (same size as the 45) and fits my hands way better than my Glock 21.

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My Gen4 21 with that wide slide used to leave fang marks on the web of my shooting hand before I started using the large beavertail backstrap. Problem solved, for me, the gun points better to a target, and the only non-Glock accessory I use is a Pachmayr Grip-Glove.
 
You can get a grip reduction on the SF model. If you do a grip reduction on the GEN4 the back straps might not fit anymore. The Gen4's mag release can be made left handed and the slide release is ambi.
My daughters fingers are long and grip the SF better than I do before I did the grip reduction. Now, since I did the grip reduction myself, I formed it to fit my hand.
Or look for a different gun.
 
I have a G21 SF Gen 3 and can say the grip is still quite large. It would fit only the most ham fisted folks out there.

I still like the gun and am very accurate with it so I tolerate it even though it is on the large side for me as well.

To put this in better perspective, I also own a G19 Gen 3 and I think that is the best fitting grip size offered by Glock in Gen 3 for me.
 
I have the G21SF and I love it. It is a great pistol for when I want 45 ACP with more rounds on board than a 1911 and I have no need to conceal my handgun- it has been my sidearm when hunting black bear in Maine and hogs- esp. when hunting hogs with knives and dogs, in the event that things don't go as planned. A normal frame 21 feels like I am trying to establish a grip on a brick to me. For reference, I am only 5'6", with my hands being "to scale".
 
Do the 21 std and SF use same mags, I have read that 21 SF needs different mag, which deter me from getting one.
Sig 220 is too heavy for this pal, the XDM sound a tad better, Walther and Smith and Wesson don't appeal neither.
 
Do the 21 std and SF use same mags, I have read that 21 SF needs different mag, which deter me from getting one.
Sig 220 is too heavy for this pal, the XDM sound a tad better, Walther and Smith and Wesson don't appeal neither.


Should be sane Mag. It is for the 30
 
Do the 21 std and SF use same mags, I have read that 21 SF needs different mag, which deter me from getting one.
Sig 220 is too heavy for this pal, the XDM sound a tad better, Walther and Smith and Wesson don't appeal neither.
The old gen3 mags are only made for right hand mag release. Gen 4 mags are made for either or and can also use old mags if the mag release is in the right hand position. Older gen glocks can use newer gen mags also.
 
If an M1911 fits your hand, why even mess with the Glocks?

I own both, I like to shoot both. IMHO, the notion that your hand has to fit your gun grip perfectly to be able to shoot it well, that should be put to rest once & for all. There is just so much more that factors into it.
 
The SF actually stands for Slim Frame. As noted the SF model has a slightly smaller grip compared to the standard version. The G21SF fits my small hands better than the standard G21 does. But a 1911 fits my hands even better. It is not so much the side to side and front to back dimensions that makes the difference but it is the profile itself. I have measured a Glock Gen 3 G21, G21SF and 1911 and they are all real close to the same dimensions as far as grip goes. But all three have a different profile which makes the difference.

Note: When I measured all three, I measure the widest part of the grip side to side and front to back. I did not include the finger groove protrusions in the measurement.
 
Note: When I measured all three, I measure the widest part of the grip side to side and front to back. I did not include the finger groove protrusions in the measurement.
I've found the most useful grip measurement to be a tape measure (or string) wrapped from the back strap across the trigger face and back to the back strap.
 
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