Advantages of Glock 41 over 21? Anyone have a 41?

[Hammer059]

I'm doing an overhaul of my handguns and will be switching to Glocks in .45acp. This leaves me with a decision to make.

I like the longer sight radius and longer barrel of the Glock 41. This won't be a regular carry gun, so that isn't a concern for me.

My only real concern here is reliability. I know in the past Glock has had to work out a few glitches with their new models, and the 41 is still fairly new. For those of you that have experience with a 41, is the reliability the same as the 21? If reliability and durability are equal between the two, I really don't see any reason not to get the 41.

If any of you own either of these guns, especially the 41, I'd appreciate if you shared your experience with it. Thanks

Also, I've heard the slide is slightly thinner. Would this have any potential or observed impact on reliability or durability?

 

[1KPerDay]

It's good to go, IMO. I did a pretty thorough 500+ round shakedown on one, compared it to Gen 3 G21, 1911s, SIG, Para-Ord, etc. for recoil, accuracy, reliability, etc. Shot 500+ rounds of mixed ammo, brands, JHP, RN, including a few lead (at the end of the test, cleaned thoroughly afterward). One FTF on the 7th magazine, using Tula ammo. I blame the ammo. Reloads that caused my 1911s and SIG to malfunction worked flawlessly in the G41.

The G41 kicks slightly more than the G21 FOR ME, but it weighs a couple ounces less so that makes sense. The G21 was slightly more accurate FOR ME, but the G41 was no slouch. I recently classified CDP/SSP/ESP Expert in IDPA using the G41, and got "most accurate" at a recent match. That was the first time I had shot the G41 since doing the review a year ago.

IF you like the longer sight radius, the G41 is a no-brainer in my opinion. IF the sight radius isn't an issue, the G21 is a heck of a pistol and of the two I shot, I'd probably keep the 21 if I had to pick one to keep.

Vids here if interested:
Unboxing, overview, trigger pull evaluation, size comparison with Gen 3 standard G21, and first 130 rounds.
https://youtu.be/CJAXTwfR45I

Part 2 including recoil comparison with 1911s and SIG P220, and 500 round "torture test" here: http://youtu.be/HCDebz2v6hM

 

[Teachu2]

I own six .45acp Glocks - Gen3s:21,21SF,30,30SF, 36, and a Gen4 41.

The 41 is every bit as reliable as any of the others. Balance is different, similar to a 34 vs a 17.

I don't have a Gen4 21 to compare it to, but I like the longer sight radius and the way the 41 handles just a little more than the 21. No plans to sell either of them.

 

[Hammer059]

Great to hear positive feedback, thanks. Why is the slide heavier on the 21? If they were both equal that would make sense. But why does the 41 have a lighter slide?

I'm actually leaning towards a 21 now because eventually I'd like to get a 1911 for target shooting.. still a tough decision

 

[Teachu2]

Slide is narrower on the 41.

 

[Hammer059]

One other thing: Do the 21 and 21SF use the same magazines?

 

[1KPerDay]

yes.

 

[bearfoot]

The 21, 21SF and 41 can all use the same magazines. Additionally, the compact 30, 30s and 30SF can also use the mags from the larger .45s.

I have a Gen4 21 and I've shot a buddy's 41 - they're pretty comparable. I think the biggest practical consideration would be holster. Neither are good for concealed carry, but holsters are readily available for the 21 (it's been around for a while) - the 41, I believe can use the same holsters as the 34 & 35 (someone correct me, please)

 

[tarosean]

41, I believe can use the same holsters as the 34 & 35 (someone correct me, please)

no, the slide is still quite a bit thicker.




As for the OPs intent.. It will be more a of personal preference.

 

[Onmilo]

no, the slide is still quite a bit thicker.




As for the OPs intent.. It will be more a of personal preference.

That is mostly incorrect.
The G41 is dimensionally identical to the G34/G35 pistols.

The slide is just slightly wider. Like, 1mm wider.
The G41 will fit in MOST holsters made for the G34/G35 pistols, exceptions being some of the very tight custom made leather holsters on the market and even these can be made to fit with stretching though the holster might be a bit loose if one of the 9mm or .40 caliber pistols were then holstered.

Here's my G41 holstered in one of my G34 Blade Tech holsters.

It fits just fine in all three that I own, plus a Glock medium frame belt slide and a middle of back G19 holster but the muzzle end sticks out the bottom of course.

 

[tarosean]

^It's 0.1inch or 2.54mm thicker... It fits in none of my 17/22/35 holsters...

 

[Hammer059]

The 21SF is starting to appeal to me… Is reliability on par with the regular gen4 Glock 21? If I understand correctly, all parts are the same except for the frame

 

[amprecon]

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=766649

I went through the same thing, the only reason I stuck with the Gen 3 G21's was that I already had two, otherwise I probably would've went all G41. I just didn't like having something different, however slight the differences were....and Gen 3 G21's were cheaper than the new G41's.
Reliability has never really been a concern for me regarding Glocks, ever, until I traded the G41 for a Gen 3 G21. I had several light primer strikes on some rounds randomly. Comparing the firing pin to the ones on my other G21's, the tip appeared to be slightly rounded, not as pointy. I installed a replacement firing pin and fired three full magazines through it with no hiccups at all, so I think the problem is resolved.