Glock .45 opinions wanted
- Thread starter Tokugawa
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nextjoe
Member
I don't have a .45 Glock, but I do have a Glock 20, which is basically the same as the Glock 21 except in 10mm.
It's an excellent gun. Never had a malfunction of any kind, recoil is quite manageable, accuracy is excellent (much better than I can hold for), and maintenance is a breeze. The .45 Glock should be just the same, except recoil will be even softer and more controllable than in the 10mm.
About the only possible negative is the grip size. I have medium-sized hands and the grip is comfortable, but it's right at the upper limits of comfort for me. Any bigger and it would be too big. Of course, there's the slimline Glock 36 available, too.
So... as long as it fits your hand, I say go for it!
It's an excellent gun. Never had a malfunction of any kind, recoil is quite manageable, accuracy is excellent (much better than I can hold for), and maintenance is a breeze. The .45 Glock should be just the same, except recoil will be even softer and more controllable than in the 10mm.
About the only possible negative is the grip size. I have medium-sized hands and the grip is comfortable, but it's right at the upper limits of comfort for me. Any bigger and it would be too big. Of course, there's the slimline Glock 36 available, too.
So... as long as it fits your hand, I say go for it!
BreakerDave
Member
- Joined
- Sep 12, 2005
- Messages
- 44
I wouldn't give up on 1911's. Assuming you don't have one that was messed up by a garage gunsmith, they usually can be tuned to become very reliable. Sometimes, it only takes a switch to a good quality magazine.
Regarding the Glock .45 ACP options, that depends on how you intend to use the gun. If you are thinking along the lines of CCW, I'd say your best bet is the compact Glock 30 (10+1). The full size Glock 21 (13+1) is bigger than it needs to be but is fine as a regular duty gun or a range gun. I would not consider the Glock 21 for CCW although I know there are people who use it for that. There is also the single stack Glock 36, but that one seems to suffer from low capacity. I think it's 6+1. When I shot it, I remember being unimpressed. The dimension differences between it and the Glock 30 are minimal. The trade-off wasn't worth giving up 40% round capacity.
With Glocks, you're virtually guaranteed to have a gun that is ready to go out of the box. They are reliable and will give you combat accuracy. Do not expect to get the finely tuned trigger or the accuracy that you are likely to find in a higher end 1911. -Given how common Glocks are at gun ranges, you should do yourself a favor and rent one. A little hands on experience will provide you with the necessary insight. Good luck.
Regarding the Glock .45 ACP options, that depends on how you intend to use the gun. If you are thinking along the lines of CCW, I'd say your best bet is the compact Glock 30 (10+1). The full size Glock 21 (13+1) is bigger than it needs to be but is fine as a regular duty gun or a range gun. I would not consider the Glock 21 for CCW although I know there are people who use it for that. There is also the single stack Glock 36, but that one seems to suffer from low capacity. I think it's 6+1. When I shot it, I remember being unimpressed. The dimension differences between it and the Glock 30 are minimal. The trade-off wasn't worth giving up 40% round capacity.
With Glocks, you're virtually guaranteed to have a gun that is ready to go out of the box. They are reliable and will give you combat accuracy. Do not expect to get the finely tuned trigger or the accuracy that you are likely to find in a higher end 1911. -Given how common Glocks are at gun ranges, you should do yourself a favor and rent one. A little hands on experience will provide you with the necessary insight. Good luck.
SouthpawShootr
Member
My dad has a G21. I don't care too much for it. Just too big for my taste. I can live with it, make it work for me, but I still feel like the gripframe is too damn big. I do own a Glock 30. Does better for me, a little thick but it still sits better in my hand.
You could try a Sig 220.
You could try a Sig 220.
Ala Dan
Member in memoriam
G-21 and G-30 are fine combat firearms. Be aware, that their plastic sights
are suject too breakage, if the weapons are dropped. Otherwise, they GO
BANG without problems~
are suject too breakage, if the weapons are dropped. Otherwise, they GO
BANG without problems~
nextjoe
Member
Ala Dan brings up a very good point, which I overlooked because I get my Glocks with night sights. The basic plastic sights SUCK, and Glock is penny-wise and pound-foolish to continue using them!
Do try to rent/borrow one before you commit. I remember renting one at a range years ago, and although it felt fine in my hand at the counter, when shooting it always bit my trigger finger (just next to the nail.) Something about the length of pull, shape and relationship of the trigger and trigger guard, and the level of recoil of that model made it VERY uncomfortable for ME to shoot. Did not have the problem with several of their 9mms, and I know there are others who love the 45, but it just didn't work in my hands. So try to try before you buy.
HighVelocity
Member
My Glock 30 never had a single malfunction EVER. Very well made weapon.
Beren
Moderator Emeritus
Rent one at a range first and see how it fits you, and how you like firing it. You'll want to put a set of real sights on it. I've found my Colt Gunsite Pistol to be very reliable, but it cost $1100 or so. Not a single jam. Only malf was a failure to lock back on an empty mag, which I traced to a magazine issue. Changed followers, no more problems.
Here's what ballistics expert Gary Roberts has to say on the Glock 45s (from the tactical forums):
DocGKR
Ammo Wan Kenobi
Member # 582
posted 03-05-2003 13:26
Numerous failures of G21's in law enforcement use around here, including three blown guns at the local Police Academy have resulted in most of the tactical teams in our area going back to 1911's.
If you are LE, you can discuss these problems with Don Lazzarini at Santa Clara PD; he has the most in depth knowledge of this issue of anyone I have met so far.
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DocGKR
Ammo Wan Kenobi
Member # 582
posted 03-07-2003 14:51
All the Glock's I have seen blow were with new factory ammo. Saw another G21 yesterday which had blown last week on factory ammo.
Glock's in other than 9mm are prone to this problem. The disconnector allows the pistols to fire slightly out of battery.
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DocGKR
Ammo Wan Kenobi
Member # 582
posted 03-13-2003 13:09
Mr. Larry Vickers is widely acknowledged as one of the best pistolsmiths currently working, as well as the only member of the American Pistolsmith's Guild on active duty in the U.S. military. Mr. Vickers has served in numerous SOF assignments and may have more experience with .45 ACP pistols used in combat environments than just about anyone else on earth.
He states: "The 9mm Glocks are the best (the .40 S&W ones blow up and the full size .45 breaks - it's the worst gun Glock makes )."
While the G17 performs admirably, the bottom line is that the G21 has too many problems to be considered a hard use combat pistol.
DocGKR
Ammo Wan Kenobi
Member # 582
posted 03-05-2003 13:26
Numerous failures of G21's in law enforcement use around here, including three blown guns at the local Police Academy have resulted in most of the tactical teams in our area going back to 1911's.
If you are LE, you can discuss these problems with Don Lazzarini at Santa Clara PD; he has the most in depth knowledge of this issue of anyone I have met so far.
***********************
DocGKR
Ammo Wan Kenobi
Member # 582
posted 03-07-2003 14:51
All the Glock's I have seen blow were with new factory ammo. Saw another G21 yesterday which had blown last week on factory ammo.
Glock's in other than 9mm are prone to this problem. The disconnector allows the pistols to fire slightly out of battery.
************************
DocGKR
Ammo Wan Kenobi
Member # 582
posted 03-13-2003 13:09
Mr. Larry Vickers is widely acknowledged as one of the best pistolsmiths currently working, as well as the only member of the American Pistolsmith's Guild on active duty in the U.S. military. Mr. Vickers has served in numerous SOF assignments and may have more experience with .45 ACP pistols used in combat environments than just about anyone else on earth.
He states: "The 9mm Glocks are the best (the .40 S&W ones blow up and the full size .45 breaks - it's the worst gun Glock makes )."
While the G17 performs admirably, the bottom line is that the G21 has too many problems to be considered a hard use combat pistol.
rwc
Member
My G30 works fine.
+1 on renting a bunch of pistols and seeing what works best for you.
+1 on renting a bunch of pistols and seeing what works best for you.
Been shooting my G21 for about 3 years, only problem I have had was a failure to fire (bad primer). I would recomend replacing the factory sights with Heinnie "Straight 8" or "Slant 8" night sights. They are a little big in the grip for some people, but if it fits you I say go for it.
Having just recently purchased a Glock 21, I am worried about the internet rumors as well. People with more knowledge on this forum than I have, have assured me that all the hype about to Glock 21 blowing up is just that, hype. But, the deciding factor for me to trust the Glock 21 was my wife. I told her about all the internet rumors about the Glock 21 blowing up, she cried BS, and stated "if that was true, you would have heard about it from more places than the rumor mill called the internet".
Get you a Glock 21, buy some ammo, Have a ball. I am with my new 3RD gen Glock 21.
I wanted a .45 myself and since I don't like safeties (not to mention the nasty jamming rumors) that left the 1911 out. I bought a Sig P245 which is a great gun but I wanted something with more than 6 +1 capacity. Do I really need more that 7 rounds? Probably not, but 11 rds was just to comforting of an idea so I bought a Glock 30. I'd tell you how much I like to carry and shoot the G30 but my Sheriff's dept lost my application acceptance in the mail. Okay maybe the USPS lost it but in any event I haven't been able to do anything more than fondle my new Glock at the shop I would also look at the HK USP 45's if I were you. They are more expensive than the Glock's but I really like my 9mm compact and I've heard the 45's are just as good.
I would also look at the HK USP 45's if I were you. They are more expensive than the Glock's but I really like my 9mm compact and I've heard the 45's are just as good.Working Man
Member
made2cut
The HK .45s are awsome.
The HK .45s are awsome.
. Now that I've made the jump to .45 the 9mm just seems so inadequate Marshall
Member
Tokugawa, if you're not opposed to 45GAP, you might look at the XD-45 for comparison sake.
I own a glock 30 and have never had a problem in over 9K of logged reloads thru it (plus a few K of factory ammo, mostly wolf). Accuracy wise, it shoots far better than any shooter that has shot it to date. From rest I can get 2" groups at 25 yards and one range officer shot a 3 shot, 2" group at 50 yards off hand, I've been able to hit Silhouette targets at 100 yards from time to time. (you just have to aim a little high)
I would question the "factory" ammo that is blowing up glock 21's at the police academy's. The academy in my area buys "factory" reloaded, lead ammunition that they shoot thru their glocks. Which, according to glock... is a big no no. They did get a blown glock 22 at one of their qualifications, but the officer was known for not cleaning his weapon.....ever... He actually couldn't remember how to take his carry gun apart... AND IT'S A GLOCK FOR CRYING OUT LOUD!!!!
Anyways, try a few out in your hand and see how they feel, and how the trigger feels. I loved the way the H&K's felt, but their triggers I didn;'t like, same for sigs. I also didn't like the grip angle of the H&K and Sig vs the glock).
I had the same problem with 1911's jamming and having to be "broken in" (hence me carrying a glock 30 for the last 4 years) until my most recent purchase. A S&W 1911PD 4 1/4". Out of the box, it's shot 500 rounds without malfunction or noticed loss of accuracy. No cleaning in between and 3 total range trips spread out over a week shooting Ball, HP and SWC ammo thru it. you might look into one of them as they are light and have great triggers.
I would question the "factory" ammo that is blowing up glock 21's at the police academy's. The academy in my area buys "factory" reloaded, lead ammunition that they shoot thru their glocks. Which, according to glock... is a big no no. They did get a blown glock 22 at one of their qualifications, but the officer was known for not cleaning his weapon.....ever... He actually couldn't remember how to take his carry gun apart... AND IT'S A GLOCK FOR CRYING OUT LOUD!!!!
Anyways, try a few out in your hand and see how they feel, and how the trigger feels. I loved the way the H&K's felt, but their triggers I didn;'t like, same for sigs. I also didn't like the grip angle of the H&K and Sig vs the glock).
I had the same problem with 1911's jamming and having to be "broken in" (hence me carrying a glock 30 for the last 4 years) until my most recent purchase. A S&W 1911PD 4 1/4". Out of the box, it's shot 500 rounds without malfunction or noticed loss of accuracy. No cleaning in between and 3 total range trips spread out over a week shooting Ball, HP and SWC ammo thru it. you might look into one of them as they are light and have great triggers.
shooting4fun
Member
G'day Tokugawa, and et al.,
I shoot both the Glock 21 (full size) and the Glock 30 (mid size) pistols. I've been quite satisfied with both. Each of the pistols have performed well with a large variety of ammunition. Accuracy is very good, with a very slight advantage going to the 30. On paper the 30 wins consistently in smaller group sizes over my 21.
Shooting mild to wild ammunition in each pistol is very manageable. I believe the wider handle distributes the recoil forces over more area of the shooting hand for a more comfortable experience. This larger grip may also be an issue for some. I would recommend that you seek one out to handle and possibly test fire for yourself.
The 21 is roughly the size of 1911 commander pattern. While the 30 is roughly the size of the 1911 officers. Both the 21/30 use the same holsters in my case. Additionally, the shorter gripped 30 can use the longer 21 mags.
Now the glock trigger may take some getting acquainted with. Those that are fixated on a 1911 single action trigger may not like the movement required to articulate the Glock trigger. As with many things, it is possible to learn. I regularly shoot either pistol types without an issue transitioning. It is nice on a Glock to just grip it and rip it. No shifting of grip to disengage a safety before engaging the targets.
I've found it very disturbing and distracting to have to deal with malfunctions during the action handgun matches I attend. I'm glad that I identified the functional issues of my 1911s on the range. These malfunctions became the motivating force behind my quest for reliability on my 1911 patterned pistols.
Through significant research and time, I've been fortunate to have personally elevated my 1911 patterned pistols to a similar level of reliability as my Glock patterns. It was a bit of a learning curve to understand the engineering and then apply that in the appropriate modifications without creating a train wrecked pistol. In that process I did gain quite a bit of appreciation for the fundamental design considerations that Mr. Browning developed into the 1911 pistol.
In my case, I own and shoot both pistol patterns. I find all of them to be suitable for casual and serious applications. My 1911s just took a bit of work to get to the same level as my Glocks. I have found every Glock I've purchased to be consistently of high quality and equally high in reliability.
Oh yeah, my new G-17, the first shots fired out of the box were on stage one of last Sunday's pistol match. Ran the whole match with a box stock Glock, right out of the box. Several of the match participants were amazed and surprised that I would run with a brand new pistol and score in the top 3 overall. FUN!
Best of luck to you in your endeavors! Cheers!
I shoot both the Glock 21 (full size) and the Glock 30 (mid size) pistols. I've been quite satisfied with both. Each of the pistols have performed well with a large variety of ammunition. Accuracy is very good, with a very slight advantage going to the 30. On paper the 30 wins consistently in smaller group sizes over my 21.
Shooting mild to wild ammunition in each pistol is very manageable. I believe the wider handle distributes the recoil forces over more area of the shooting hand for a more comfortable experience. This larger grip may also be an issue for some. I would recommend that you seek one out to handle and possibly test fire for yourself.
The 21 is roughly the size of 1911 commander pattern. While the 30 is roughly the size of the 1911 officers. Both the 21/30 use the same holsters in my case. Additionally, the shorter gripped 30 can use the longer 21 mags.
Now the glock trigger may take some getting acquainted with. Those that are fixated on a 1911 single action trigger may not like the movement required to articulate the Glock trigger. As with many things, it is possible to learn. I regularly shoot either pistol types without an issue transitioning. It is nice on a Glock to just grip it and rip it. No shifting of grip to disengage a safety before engaging the targets.
I've found it very disturbing and distracting to have to deal with malfunctions during the action handgun matches I attend. I'm glad that I identified the functional issues of my 1911s on the range. These malfunctions became the motivating force behind my quest for reliability on my 1911 patterned pistols.
Through significant research and time, I've been fortunate to have personally elevated my 1911 patterned pistols to a similar level of reliability as my Glock patterns. It was a bit of a learning curve to understand the engineering and then apply that in the appropriate modifications without creating a train wrecked pistol. In that process I did gain quite a bit of appreciation for the fundamental design considerations that Mr. Browning developed into the 1911 pistol.
In my case, I own and shoot both pistol patterns. I find all of them to be suitable for casual and serious applications. My 1911s just took a bit of work to get to the same level as my Glocks. I have found every Glock I've purchased to be consistently of high quality and equally high in reliability.
Oh yeah, my new G-17, the first shots fired out of the box were on stage one of last Sunday's pistol match. Ran the whole match with a box stock Glock, right out of the box. Several of the match participants were amazed and surprised that I would run with a brand new pistol and score in the top 3 overall. FUN!
Best of luck to you in your endeavors! Cheers!
Grayrider
Member
While I love the 1911 and carry a CDP for CCW, my home defense gun is a 21 (modified a bit to my tastes). It has been incredibly reliable. Fed trashy ammo it runs 100% without complaint. I clean it when I feel like it. The gun is not that big. I suppose that is subjective, but as mentioned above it is about the size of a Commander. The grip has a greater circumference perhaps. I have carried mine concealed before and it was not difficult. IWB with an untucked shirt or large T. I would say that, the USP, and the CZ97 are my suggestions for out-of-the-box trouble free performance in a double-stacked 45.
GR
GR
BreakerDave
Member
- Joined
- Sep 12, 2005
- Messages
- 44
No, it's not. The Glock 21 is bigger than the full size Government Model 1911. The slide length of the Glock 21 is 7.59 inches. That is about 1/10th of an inch longer than the full size, 1911 Government Model. The Commander and Government models share the same height, but the Commander is 3/4ths of an inch shorter than the Government Model. The Commander is close to a full inch shorter than the Glock 21. Also, keep in mind that the Glock 21 is thicker than the 1911. The difference in width can be an issue for those who would like to use the gun for CCW.
Both the 1911 Commander and Glock 21 shoot .45 ACP but dimensionally, they are noticeably different. If you want to look at a Glock that shoots .45 ACP and has a similar dimension to the Commander, you need to turn your attention to the Glock 36. The grip of the Glock 36 is slightly shorter than the Commander, but the frame is slightly wider than the 1911. The two are very close to the same in slide length. Of course there will be a weight difference, but that's to be expected when one of the pistols has a polymer frame and the other has a steel or alloy frame.
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