Glock 21 vs. 1911

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MagnumDweeb

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I've been wanting a 1911 for some time but when I start to do the metaphorical math on getting one I can't really bring myself at that last second to want one. It's not a matter of money so long as the 1911 is less than $700 and many models in Taurus, Firestorm, Bersa, even used Springfields can be had, not to forget the Rock Islands.

I finally built my .45 ACP stash up to 1.5k rounds and have a few extra 50rd boxes laying around to shoot. And decided my two Ruger P90s(one for the fiancee I bought and keep till we get married, she loves the model) are great HD and target shooting guns but not great SD guns. I'm usually a fan of revolvers for CCW, I have three snub nose .357 magnums for SD (S&W 640, Taurus 617, and Rossi 461). And I want a .45 ACP for SD.

But I keep looking at Glocks in comparison to the 1911. 13+1 versus 7+1(8+1 with some magazines). Glocks don't have a manual safety to fumble with, can relatively easily install the 3.5lb trigger. While 1911s have a safety, sometimes an ambi safety(and I'm left handed). 1911s are one of the most easy to customize and modify platforms(uncle of mine I've helped work on projects with kits from Caspian and Fusion) and a long trusted platform. But Glocks have a long history of reliability and I know a few people who have had great customer service with sending back guns they bought used (cracked frames being replaced for free by the company).

Granted I could also go with a Glock 30 or 36 for conecealed carry so that is also something to consider.

I keep getting to that edge to buy one, but just can't take that leap.
 
The Glock has capacity, the 1911 has a better trigger and slimmer design (arguably easier to conceal).

I used to be a fan of fantastic plastic but since I got a 1911, I carry that exclusively because it's that much more accurate in my hands and more pleasant to shoot. I have a doublestack 1911 so capacity is not an issue.

Reliability is more of an individual firearm basis problem. You could get a Glock that's a real dog, just as easily as a lemon 1911. No matter WHAT gun you get, always thoroughly test it for reliability before carrying it.
 
I much prefer the Springfield XD 45 over the Glock 21. It fits me better. But in 9mm, I like my Glock 19 waaaaaay more than the XD 9.
That Glock 21 is a big gun.
 
I have officially fallen in love with my Glock 19. I will say though it makes a lot more sense to buy the glock if that is where your heart tells you to go right now then later when you are able to actually have a gun you can play with and won't have to worry about being without a good .45 you can pick up the 1911 and begin playing around with one of those. I prefer to go with something you can trust to always go bang than going with something you might have to tinker with to get working perfectly.
 
Flip a coin if you can't make up your mind, there really isn't a right or wrong choice. Just get what you'll most be happy with right now (you'll want something else again later...)

Glocks don't have a manual safety to fumble with
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This is the only bit of untruth in your post. You don't "fumble" with the thumb safety, it is where your thumb goes when you grip the pistol. "fumbling" with the safety is as big of a problem as someone forgetting where to place their trigger finger when they want to shoot -it just doesn't happen. Muscle memory will tell your hand where to go.
 
I carried a Glock 22 for many years. I tell beginners, and people on a budget, "start with a new OR USED Glock, you can't go wrong." If I was in some hypothetical imaginary situation where I had to choose from a pile of guns of unknown origin to fight with, sight unseen, I would grab the Glock. I am also the guy in here who is always yelling that if you shoot it the best, that's what you carry, REGARDLESS of size. Adjust your lifestyle and wardrobe to accomodate the right gun, not the other way around.

Having said that, I'm a 1911 guy. I just got spoiled to the way a 1911 feels and shoots, particularly the trigger. I thought that I needed to try newer and more current platforms, and after I tried many of them, I just didn't like or shoot any of them as well as I shoot a 1911. And the Glock 21 IS BIG. I could be wrong, but it's probably the biggest-framed auto on the market. If I wanted to use one, I would, I would adjust my wardrobe and carry it in 100+ degree summers, but it might well be the most difficult gun to do so with.

I'm less concerned with capacity. I used to live in MelGibsonland, where you use your carry gun for everything and it's not at all uncommon to need to fire all ....however many shots without reloading. I don't think that way anymore. If I'm doing a job that I can't finish with 8+1 and a reload in case of malfunction, I'm trying to do a rifle's job with a pistol anyway.

You listed a fairly extensive list of guns you already have. You also specified some experience with tinkering. I think that you will eventually get both. Of course if it was me, and I was going to get a big, bulky high-powered Glock, I would probably get a 20 in 10mm, to have it for open-carry general outdoor defensive use.
 
It sounds to me like you're not ready for a 1911. If you get a cheap mil-spec version, you'll wonder what all the hype was about.

G-21's are not hard to hide with a proper holster and belt. Look at the "SF" version, as that points better for many people.

Other .45's to consider in your price range are the XD and the S&W M&P. Of these, only the M&P has 3 backstrap inserts to allow you to find the one that best fits your hand. This really only matters if the other two guns don't fit you and you like the M&P enough to pursue further.
 
I'd second the suggestion of an XD-45, because the grip angle on Glocks turns me off; that said, it may be to your liking, so you would be best served by trying them all out yourself.
 
If your fiancee loves the P-90 so much, you should have given her yours and then bought a G21. If YOU love the P-90 as much as she does, then I don't see any reason to buy a G21 for 5 more rounds. Both guns are reliable, accurate, and humongous. The G21 IS quite a bit lighter, but fully loaded, it's still a brick.

A G30 would at least be a significant improvement in the weight and size department, and it's probably more accurate, too.
 
The S&W M&P in .45 is less bulky than the Glock, optionally has no manual safety (even if it does have one it can be ignored) and its grip size and trigger reach (for me) is better. The magazine is "only" 10 rounds.
 
if you need more than three bullets youre dead
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There are 3 things that can end a fight:
1 You go down
2 The BG goes down
3 You run out of ammo! See number 1.

I love the 1911 but carry an XD-45. If you go with the 1911 carry a spare mag.

I carry a spare mag for the XD but as malfunction insurance more than extra ammo. But the extra ammo can't hurt! :D
 
The best advice I ever received was from an Army Ranger armorer who suggested; "learn about your weapon." He was right. Had me doing complete tear downs and rebuilds in the dark.

I recommend: Jerry Kuhnhausen's books as well as Ken Hallock's.

They are invaluable and without peer.

Both Hallock's and Kuhnhausen's 1911 manuals are out of print as far as I know but they can be still found at Brownell's and Amazon.com.

I have; over the years, preformed many reliability procedures on my 1911 to my complete satisfaction. Including balancing timing (spring rates), milling and installing a custom trigger, polishing trigger action, de-horning, flared, lowered ejection port, and numerous other mods and procedures including mags and custom parts. Installation of Ed Brown, Bill Wilson, Dan Wesson, etc. parts.

I have fired literally thousands of rounds through this gun without incident.

If you are concerned the 1911, I would suggest a wheel gun of some sort. The Judge from Taurus maybe or a snubby Smith or Ruger.

Other guns are fine, like the XD or HK etc. but there is just something about the good ole 1911 that works for me. Perhaps it is the long and illustrious history or the pure simplicity and of course the .45ACP cartridge doesn't hurt either.
 
You don't "fumble" with the thumb safety, it is where your thumb goes when you grip the pistol. "fumbling" with the safety is as big of a problem as someone forgetting where to place their trigger finger when they want to shoot -it just doesn't happen. Muscle memory will tell your hand where to go.
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I whole heartedly agree. I have never understood the "fumble with the safety" argument. I find the 1911-style-frame-mounted-safety a real benefit because it provides a comfortable spot for my thumb that helps me control the pistol.

I have never fired a Glock, so I really know nothing about them. I own a full-sized Rock Island Armory Tactical. I doubt I would ever carry it concealed, though many people do. If I were going to carry a 1911, I would probably choose a commander size. I only know of one commander sized 1911 that is in your price range and that is the Rock Island model (it isn't technically a commander size, I think it is 4" even).

If the pistol is not for ccw, then the Chip McCormick 10 round magazines are very reliable. That would narrow the gap in your pistol ammunition arms race to 3 rounds (14 for the glock and 11 for the 1911). The 10 round magazines stick about an inch out of the bottom though, so it would be very difficult to conceal.
 
I keep getting to that edge to buy one, but just can't take that leap.
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Then don't.

1911s aren't for everyone. They don't suit everyone. They require commitment to training with that platform if you plan on carrying them. If you are concerned that you will be "fumbling" with the safety, well you have other options.

There is nothing wrong with having a 1911 that you occasionally take to the range while you rely on other guns for sd.

I won't tell you what kind of gun to get anymore than I'd tell you what kind of pants to wear. Get what you want to get and don't worry about it.

tipoc
 
I have never understood the "fumble with the safety" argument.
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As applied to a 1911, I'd have to agree. But if you've ever handled a small auto with a slide-mounted safety, you might agree that it's a valid argument for some guns.
 
My first 45 was a Glock -- bought it on sale and couldn't pass it up at the time. Proceeded to blow it up w/ some bad reloads :( Glock fixed it but I couldn't trust it anymore. Sold it and soon after bought my first 1911. I still have my 1911s and don't have a 21
 
You blow up your gun with crappy unsafe handloads and can't trust the gun? It's not the gun, it's your reloads.
 
Glock 21 is a BIG gun. Size wise, you need big hands to paw a double stack 45. See if you can shoot a few more 45's before making your decision.
 
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