Are 10mm/.45acp Glocks fatter at the grip than the smaller caliber Glocks?

[CPshooter]

Hey all,

I happened to stop at a new Gander Mountain store that opened up here recently, and I was checking out their selection of Glocks when I noticed something interesting. The grip width of the 10mm/.45acp models did not appear any thicker (from side to side) than the 9mm/.40 models. I was always under the impression that it wasn't just the slide that was fatter, but the grip was thicker too. However, today I noticed that the slides of the larger caliber guns were actually fatter and basically flush with the width of the grip, while the 9mm and .40 models have a slide that is thinner than the grip by a good 1/16" on each side. Other than that, the grips appear to be the same width. If the larger caliber guns have a thicker grip, it must not be by much. I wish I got to compare them for myself today, but I didn't ask to see any of the 10mm's or .45's because I already checked out a g35 and they were pretty busy with other customers. Just didn't want to be a pain I guess considering I wasn't going to buy anything.

The reason I'm asking is because I held a 21sf a few weeks ago and it felt amazing in my hand. I told myself it wouldn't work for me because I already liked the feel of my g17 and I didn't want to get used to a thicker grip. Now I'm thinking maybe the grip wasn't any thicker at all and it felt so good because it was like my 17 except with less curve in the back strap due to the "slim frame" option.

I'm not in the market for a hi-cap .45 right now, but I will be within the next year. I was going to pick up a H&K USP.45 just to keep an H&K around since I have my P2000sk up for sale right now. The only thing is I am now dedicating myself to the Glock platform for concealed carry (g26) and for when I start competitive shooting (g35) after my wedding next week - one of many things I will be able to start doing for myself after all the chaos in my life blows over (graduating college, getting new job, moving twice, wedding next week..). Anyways, I'm thinking maybe I should stick to the Glock platform once I do decide to pick up a nice hi-cap .45. It's not like I'm against owning other guns, but the Glock is a good bit cheaper when bought new and I'd have to change sights and get a holster as well.

The width of the grip is a major factor for me though. Anyone out there care to comment on their experiences or post some pictures demonstrating the width of the Glock 21/20 compared against a 9mm/.40 Glock or even a H&K USP.45? Any input on the subject would be helpful at this point.

Thanks!

 

[mdThanatos]

There is a difference in the side to side width on the standard 21 and the 17 of about .1 inches. There is also a difference in the grip size from the front strap to the back strap as well but I am not sure by how much.

 

[CPshooter]

0.1" huh? Doesn't seem like much if we're talking about a full-size pistol that will never be carried IWB. I know I am okay with the size of a H&K USP .45 grip, and I think it's as wide or possibly wider than the glock 21 both at the grip and the slide. I remember holding a standard gen 3 glock 21 and it felt too large and awkward in my hand... Then I held the USP.45 and liked it a lot. Several months later I got my hands on the gen3 21sf and liked it very much as well. It's going to be a tough decision between the two guns when it comes time to buy. Even worse, Glock now offers a factory threaded barrel for the 21, so both can be suppressed with factory barrels. Decisions decisions!

There is also a difference in the grip size from the front strap to the back strap as well but I am not sure by how much.

I believe it's 2mm at the largest point in the "hump."

 

[mdThanatos]

I could be wrong but I think the SF is thinner when looking at the front to back section and not necessarily side to side thickness. Haven't had much experience with them, just held them once or twice.

 

[CPshooter]

I could be wrong but I think the SF is thinner when looking at the front to back section and not necessarily side to side thickness. Haven't had much experience with them, just held them once or twice.

Yes, I am aware of this. My original question was about side-to-side width (when looking at the gun from the rear in shooting position), but I might have confused you when I brought up my positive experience with the SF model, which like you said is "slimmer" from front to back (i.e., distance from front strap to back strap).

 

[MR2Aaron]

I shot both a 9mm glock and a .45 glock this weekend.

The .45 one is definitely fatter. ~.1" sounds about right. It's not a huge difference, but it's noticeable.

I saw a 10mm glock as well, and that appeared to have the same wide grip as the .45 version.

 

[jmr40]

Both are on the same frame and the same size. They are thicker in all directions. The SF (short frame) is slightly shorter from front to back, but the same width. People with smallish hands cannot handle the 20 or 21. Average size hands can, but some just don't like the fatter feel. The SF helps some with average size hands, but are probably too big for those with very small hands. I've not tried one of the newer guns with interchangeable backstraps and cannot comment on how well it works.

If you find the grip comfortable the fatter grip spreads out recoil very well. The big Glocks soak up recoil from heavy 45 and 10mm loads better than any others I've tried.

 

[ku4hx]

My Gen4 19's grip thickness (side to side) is by feel considerably less than that of my Gen2 model 20 and Gen3 model 30SF. Generally my smaller caliber Glocks feel thinner side to side.

 

[CPshooter]

Thanks for the input everyone!

 

[TCBPATRIOT]

SF stands for short frame. Its the same width. It has a shorter front to back depth

 

[mdauben]

There is a difference in the side to side width on the standard 21 and the 17 of about .1 inches. There is also a difference in the grip size from the front strap to the back strap as well but I am not sure by how much.

I've never actually measuered the difference in the grips between my G17 and my G21, I will say that the G21 feels much larger in my hand. Not unacceptbably large (although I do have somewhat large hands) but definitely a noticable difference.

 

[medic_guns]

The 20/21 models are bigger than the others. Even the SF models are bigger. I had a 20sf and love the gun, but I had to sell because it did not feel right in my hand at all. And I don't have tiny hands. Nevertheless, it feels like a brick. I went to 1911 as it fits my hand much better. I used to own 3 glock 19s. They are nice guns, and they fit my hand much better. I sold them all, however, as 9mm only stuns. lol

 

[HoosierQ]

Yes.