crebralfix
member
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- Mar 7, 2004
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I was digging through my safe and found a Glock 21. I have no idea how it got there. It was clearly begging to get off the styrofoam pad.
I continually notice how people complain about the large frame Glock pistols. The most frequent complaint seems to revolve around the grip. Other common complaints include the width of the slide and the overall height. While these are certainly legitimate complaints, do they make the gun unsuitable for anything but carry in a duty holster? In this essay, I will explore the features of the Glock 21 as related to concealed carry.
Some carry gear and a Glock 21
Some of the features of the Glock 21 are considered to be major drawbacks. The primary problem people seem to have is that the grip feels "like a brick". It is certainly substantial since the grip holds a 13 round magazine.
The ugliest grip ever conceived on a semi-automatic pistol
When compared to the SIG P220 grip, the Glock 21 grip is approximately 1/2 thumbnail larger. This does not compromise my grip in any way. My hand is smaller than average. The fit feels just a bit different. I believe Glock actually considered this when designing the gun.
Glock 21. Finger placement would be perfect if I'd put the correct photo up.
SIG P220 in the hand. Finger placement is perfect.
One important detail to consider is how the trigger finger fits on the trigger face. My finger pad naturally lands in the correct location on both the Glock 21 and SIG P220. This is an exceptionally part of achieving a proper combat grip. If a shooter cannot place his or her finger on the correct spot in a natural way, then that gun is a bad fit for that person. In my case, the Glock 21's large grip does not prevent a natural grip.
Cut magazine release
I did have to modify the magazine release. My index finger would occasionally engage the magazine release, resulting in a single shot pistol. I removed the part, cut it with a new razor blade, and installed it. It works correctly and without discomfort.
The overall height of the Glock 21 is actually shorter than that of the SIG P220. The problem here is the modified base plate of the P220 magazine. The old seven round magazines fit flush with the bottom of the plastic P220 grip. This difference does affect how the gun conceals. However, the shape of the Glock 21's tang and grip is such that it tends to print a bit more.
Magazines must also be concealed. The Glock 21 magazines are very large. This is one of the true weaknesses of the system. They have a tendency to print under light shirts. Below some comparisons to the SIG P220's single stack magazine.
The Glock 21 magazines come with a wide baseplate that prints
Depth is the same to accommodate the 45 ACP cartridge
Two single stack magazines for one Glock 21 magazine
For me, it really comes down to shooting performance. If a gun groups well with both point and aimed shooting, the I'll keep it. In practice, I've had no trouble keeping my groups well within what I consider good for combat shooting.
Wide square slide. My finger does not touch the frame.
I find the wide, square slide to be an advantage in point shooting.
View of the Glock 21 from the point shoulder position
Shadowed view of the gun in point shoulder
Carrying the gun in a holster is not that much different than any other service handgun. The slide width just makes the gun ugly. As mentioned above, it provides a very nice "runway" view from the point shoulder position. All that extra metal just means it's better for smacking people.
I continually notice how people complain about the large frame Glock pistols. The most frequent complaint seems to revolve around the grip. Other common complaints include the width of the slide and the overall height. While these are certainly legitimate complaints, do they make the gun unsuitable for anything but carry in a duty holster? In this essay, I will explore the features of the Glock 21 as related to concealed carry.
Some carry gear and a Glock 21
Some of the features of the Glock 21 are considered to be major drawbacks. The primary problem people seem to have is that the grip feels "like a brick". It is certainly substantial since the grip holds a 13 round magazine.
The ugliest grip ever conceived on a semi-automatic pistol
When compared to the SIG P220 grip, the Glock 21 grip is approximately 1/2 thumbnail larger. This does not compromise my grip in any way. My hand is smaller than average. The fit feels just a bit different. I believe Glock actually considered this when designing the gun.
Glock 21. Finger placement would be perfect if I'd put the correct photo up.
SIG P220 in the hand. Finger placement is perfect.
One important detail to consider is how the trigger finger fits on the trigger face. My finger pad naturally lands in the correct location on both the Glock 21 and SIG P220. This is an exceptionally part of achieving a proper combat grip. If a shooter cannot place his or her finger on the correct spot in a natural way, then that gun is a bad fit for that person. In my case, the Glock 21's large grip does not prevent a natural grip.
Cut magazine release
I did have to modify the magazine release. My index finger would occasionally engage the magazine release, resulting in a single shot pistol. I removed the part, cut it with a new razor blade, and installed it. It works correctly and without discomfort.
The overall height of the Glock 21 is actually shorter than that of the SIG P220. The problem here is the modified base plate of the P220 magazine. The old seven round magazines fit flush with the bottom of the plastic P220 grip. This difference does affect how the gun conceals. However, the shape of the Glock 21's tang and grip is such that it tends to print a bit more.
Magazines must also be concealed. The Glock 21 magazines are very large. This is one of the true weaknesses of the system. They have a tendency to print under light shirts. Below some comparisons to the SIG P220's single stack magazine.
The Glock 21 magazines come with a wide baseplate that prints
Depth is the same to accommodate the 45 ACP cartridge
Two single stack magazines for one Glock 21 magazine
For me, it really comes down to shooting performance. If a gun groups well with both point and aimed shooting, the I'll keep it. In practice, I've had no trouble keeping my groups well within what I consider good for combat shooting.
Wide square slide. My finger does not touch the frame.
I find the wide, square slide to be an advantage in point shooting.
View of the Glock 21 from the point shoulder position
Shadowed view of the gun in point shoulder
Carrying the gun in a holster is not that much different than any other service handgun. The slide width just makes the gun ugly. As mentioned above, it provides a very nice "runway" view from the point shoulder position. All that extra metal just means it's better for smacking people.
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