GLock 21 - Is the grip too big?

[Checkman]

Right now my department is considering going to a standard issue sidearm and the Glock 21 is leading the pack. Two neighboring departments and the State Police have all gone to the Glock 21 ( the state troopers have the option of the Glock 21 or Glock 22 ) and reportedly everyone is happy. I like the 45, but the 21 seems to have an awful big grip.

I'm currently carrying the Sig 220/245 and I like them both, but I'm not a big guy and my hands are definitely not that large. What's everybody's past experience with the 21? I'd appreciate some input. I like to think that the lieutenant will listen to my input. He may ignore me, but at least he'll let me talk.

 

[JShirley]

Glock 21 was my first centerfire handgun. I did a lot of research ahead of time, and I considered the 21 the ultimate defensive handgun.

It took me a few years (and some training and shooting) to realize that the grip was too large for me. Since that time, I've been a Glock .40 shooter- at one time I had 4 (and, considering my salary at that time)...

Both are serious handguns. No frills, just ready to work. One can have the 21 grip reduction, but of course, that adds to the total cost.

John

 

[El Tejon]

I'm grooving on that Robar shrink job for Glockzilla. Try it, you'll like it!

 

[denfoote]

G21

The grips are way to large for me!! I carry the G30.

 

[Checkman]

The word (i.e. rumor) is that detectives will be issued the Glock 36 with the extension magazine ( seven rounds instead of six ). A few months ago I was promoted to investigations and I don't plan on going anywhere for the next several years. In which case I'm all for that.

 

[Sean Smith]

I'm 6'2" and found the grip on the Glock 20 (same frame size as 21) very fat and blocky. Then again, I got a woman about a foot shorter than me to shoot it effectively, so who knows?

 

[10-Ring]

I was pretty happy w/ my 21 (until it blew up, but that's another thread). But then again, I like the big grip on my 92fs & all my USPs

 

[justdavid]

Hate to say it, but IMO this is too individual a thing for you to get answers that you can really apply to yourself.

Here are my data points, FWIW: Like JShirley, a G21 (mine was sans fingergrooves) was my first centerfire. Sold it. Grip's too big, as are the models with fingergrooves (though they're slightly better). CZs feel too big too. Para's double-wide 1911 frames, paradoxically, don't feel too big to me.


D.

 

[Black Snowman]

I have a Desert Eagle and arguably it's too big for anyone not suffering from giantism but I have learned to grip and shoot it fairly well, even one handed. So it's possible to train around equipment deficiencies although not ideal in a time/cost effectiveness sense.

If you can convince them the 21/22 option would probably be the best over-all for everyone involved. I'm all for choice and if you have a say maybe you can find a local range that rents and do a comparison. If they adopt multiple firearms any cost saving lost from standardization will likely be made up for in performance and reduced practice costs (assuming they cover some range time).

Good luck.

 

[jc2]

Definitely too big for me. When I grab one and point, it points way off to the side--not good for a combat weapon.

 

[dairycreek]

I'm 6'3" and have very, very large hands!

I've owned two G21's and try as I might I just could not get used to their large, bulky grips. If you have small hands my advice is stay away from the G21! Good shooting

 

[makarov1989]

I had one and sold it because the grip was too large for me. It felt like it was going to twist out of my hand. It was probably O.K. but I like to feel like I have a solid grip on my guns. My hands are average not small.

 

[Erik]

I can make 'em work for me, but why bother? Too big.

 

[Nightcrawler]

I find the finger grooves to be what makes the gun uncomfortable for me. I once had a Glockophile get mad at me when I said the G21 doesn't fit my hand, insist that it has the same grip diameter as the 1911 and that I must be holding it wrong.

But that, too, is another story.

 

[Grayrider]

Must be subjective. I had a 21 for a while and found it quite comfortable. I just bought two 20s, and feel the same. Turning one over and holding it next to a number of other pistols, I found the grip dimensions to be much the same as double-stack 9mms. The last time I pointed this out on a thread about polymer 1911s my views were trounced, but I will say again that given the lack of grip panels on the Glock the grip is actually not that thick. It is a tad long perhaps, but the Glock trigger sits far enough back to make up for this. Having had a 220 as well, I can say I certainly find the 21/20 grips more comfortable.

I don't have big hands by the way. Not small either--I would say pretty average.

GR

 

[Blueduck]

While some folks hands are big enough to hold and shoot the G-20/21 comfortably enough (after they get used to it). Their grip tends to be large enough that it does affect weapon retention abilities for some people. The further your hand is spread out from a fist the harder it is to hold onto something.

Like the idea of departments offering a choice of the 21 or 22, Sig 220 or 225 etc.. Not everybodies hands or fingers are standard issue size

 

[jc2]

They also effect "pointability" at least for me. When I pick up (or draw) a weapon, I wanted it to be pointed more or less at what I'm looking at--not off to the side (which it was happens with a too big grip).

 

[Checkman]

Thanks for the input. Some very useful information which I will bring up to my lieutenant. Many of our officers are not gun people ( not unusual in LE ) and I think that the G21 is not a good idea. Though I would miss the 45 I'm going top push for the Glock 22. The 40 is better then the 9mm. Actually one of our officers is pushing for the G31 in .357 SIG, but I don't think he'll have any luck.