New to the world of firearms...

[Elquatro]

I've been looking to purchase my first handgun, I've shot quite a few, and I've pretty much narrowed it down to a Glock 21. I am wondering if any of you guys have had any personal experience with this beast.

Any other positive input is appreciated too...

 

[Carne Frio]

Welcome ! I have enjoyed shooting the large frame Glocks. They
are dependable and easy to take care of. You need a large hand
to shoot them effectively.

 

[Dr.Rob]

Nothing narrow about a Glock 21. It's a big beast to carry, weighs a lot loaded. If you plan to CCW it you're going to need a real gunbelt, not one purchased in the men's department.

That said it's a robust and reliable design. Don't shoot lead bullets in it (it's not designed for them) and be aware that .45ACP can be pricey to practice with.

 

[Elquatro]

Thanks guys. I've been looking at the 17 too, but everybody gives off the vibe that the 9mm just doesn't have the "knock-down" that the .45 does and therefore is sub-par. I'm still a bit torn between the two.

 

[wgp]

The debate between 9m and .45 has raged for years and will continue to do so. I usually carry a .45 but have no problem carrying a 9mm. I believe the predominant view these days is that with proper ammo and good shooting, either is fine.
Just to muddy the water, there's always the .40 sitting there in between the two others....

 

[hso]

The best thing you can in purchasing your first handgun is to find out what points naturally and "fits" you. Different families of handguns, 1911, Glock, CZ, etc., have different grip angles, grip widths, and reach to trigger and some will point like an extension of your hand and others have to be adjusted to align the sights. If you take the time to find what points so that the sights align naturally you'll find that you'll be more accurate quicker than for some handgun that doesn't point for you. You'll also find that you'll be more comfortable shooting the handgun that points for you than something else. Whether it's a Glock, an XD, BHP, 1911 or CZ you'll find you'll be better off what a gun that fits you instead of trying to fit yourself to the gun.

 

[KodiakBeer]

I'll tell you what I tell everyone, and it's the best advice you'll get.

Your first handgun purchase should be a .22. You'll be able to shoot thousands and thousands of rounds for dirt cheap. You'll master handgun shooting very quickly (weeks), and you'll be rubbing shoulders with lots of people with different guns, most of whom will have no problem letting you examine or even shoot them.

Only then, as an experienced shooter, step up to the centerfire handguns. You'll be starting out as a competent shooter with an experience basis to choose the best handgun for you. Handguns differ wildly in ergonomics, trigger types, recoil levels, etc.

 

[ByAnyMeans]

I agree that a 22lr is a great purchase. My first two purchases were a Ruger 22lr and Glock 26.

I have greatly improved with a 22 because of the amount of practice and is something to consider. Their are many 22 conversion kits for Glocks but run around the same price as a basic Ruger / Buckmark which would be the most common answer if you asked "Which 22lr".

You may want to consider a Glock 30 if you were going to go for a Home defense handgun and then a carry gun. This will allow you to use your carry gun money for a 22.
The Glock 30 is a great carry gun and then inserting a Glock21 magazine with spacer gives you a full grip and magazine capacity. It does not increase the barrel or sight length but their has been no accuracy differences I have seen between my G26 and G19.

This is why I went with a G26. All my training / practice is on one gun with the same controls, trigger and POA/POI.

Regarding the 9mm verse 45acp debate, as said has been raging for years and is not going to die down anytime soon. Personally I'm in the placement school of thought and then go which what shot best for me. If I shot a .45 that I could also carry better than my 9mm I would go with that.

 

[Elquatro]

This may be a stupid question, but is .40 ammo readily available? Not like the somewhat obscure 10mm or anything?

 

[NotSoFast]

If you buy the G21, you can also buy an aftermarket 9mm conversion barrel.You can also buy a .22lr conversion kit which will also reduce your ammo budget by a huge margin.

But if you just want one gun, one barrel, may I suggest the G22. Yes, .40 S&W is readily available now, at least as much as any other and a little less expensive than .45 ACP.

 

[atomd]

.40 S&W is everywhere. It's definitely one of the most popular handgun cartridges on the market so there's no issue finding ammo for it. Ya know, I would say ignore the people who say 9mm isn't powerful enough. I think .45 .40 and 9mm are 6 of one, half dozen of another as long as you use good quality JHP ammo. I would carry any of them without feeling undergunned in the least bit. Being able to hit your target and shot placement is WAY more important.

If you like the Glock design and it fits your hand well, I'd look at the Glock 19 or the Glock 17. I might lean towards the 19 if it's a carry gun. The ammo is cheaper so you can practice more and it's definitely powerful enough.....and it has a pretty darn good capacity (16 rounds in the 19 and 18 rounds in the 17). Plus it has less recoil than either of the other 2 choices so follow up shots are usually easier for a beginner to get proficient with. I saw Winchester white box 100 round value packs of 9mm for $23 the other day. .40 and .45 (especially .45) is much more expensive.

 

[KodiakBeer]

I'll drop this in one more time, then I'm outta here! Been shooting for many, many years and one of the most common sights on any range is some guy blazing away with his .40, .45, 10mm, whatever, and making groups the size of trash can lids. When you talk to those guys you usually learn it's their first handgun and the only one they've ever practiced with. Sometimes they've been shooting for quite a while, and mostly they think they've mastered their gun because they can keep the rounds on the torso of a silhoutte at seven yards. They may improve, but they'll never be good shooters because they've missed the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of good shooting. The bad habits, the flinch, the bad trigger pull are ingrained into them.

Meanwhile, some 12 year old girl is shooting palm-sized groups with her dads .40 at two or three times that distance. Why? Because she started with a .22.

Buy the .22. Shoot thousands and thousands of rounds for dirt cheap, without all the noise, recoil and blast distracting you from the fundamental lessons you need to learn.

 

[Haifisch]

Check out a 21SF

 

[shockwave]

Since I didn't start with a .22, I can't opine on whether that's the first gun to start out with. But I can say that having been shooting .357s a long time, I found that a Glock 30 was unpleasant to shoot and hard for me to keep on target. In comparison, the Glock 19 I spent some range time with was fun to shoot and easy to control. I'd look at getting a 19 to start with and practice with that for a few years to get the hang of it and then play around with the .45 models if you want.

You'll also find that 9mm ammo is way cheap and that will allow you more range time and more firing practice. And speed and accuracy come from lots of practice.

 

[David E]

I've been looking at the 17 too, but everybody gives off the vibe that the 9mm just doesn't have the "knock-down" that the .45 does and therefore is sub-par. I'm still a bit torn between the two.

Then split the differnce: get a .40

If you're set on Glock look at the 22, altho I'd choose the 35.

If you're open to other makes, look at the Smith and Wesson M&P or the Springfield XD and XD-m

 

[rbohm]

when i was looking for a firearm a number of years ago, i tried on the glock 21. there are a number of things i liked about the weapon, it was chambered in .45acp, my favorite round, it had a very nice sight picture, it help ten rounds on the magazine, and the weight was quite reasonable. the only thing is did not like about the 21 was that it didnt fit well in my hand. i found the grips to be too large for me for decent control of the weapon, thus i passed on the 21. when glock brought out the 30, i tried it on for size, and it felt worlds better. the only reason i didnt get the 30 is because at the time i couldnt afford the weapon.

if the 21 fits your hand comfortably, and the sight picture is easy for you to bring up, then i say pull the trigger on buying the weapon. i agree with the others though that if this is your first firearm, i would also get the .22lr conversion as well, and shoot a several hundred rounds of .22lr until you get comfortable with shooting, and you can put 70% of your shots in the 8 to 10 ring. then transition to the .45acp. you would also be well advised to hire a coach to help you learn how to shoot properly, help you figure out which stance is comfortable for you to shoot from, etc. i learned the basics of shooting many years ago from a former marine sniper, and i have never forgotten the lessons he taught me, including how to get comfortable with a new to you firearm quickly.

 

[Jed Carter]

Kodiak... Is right, I started on a S&W model 39 9mm 31 years ago I developed bad habits that took buying a Browning Buckmark .22lr to cure. Start with a .22 target pistol or get a .22 conversion slide to fit the G21 frame. Talk to other shooters, ask questions, shoot a lot, keep both eyes open.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

I shot one belonging to a friend. It was accurate, soft recoiling and was 100% reliable, even when his wife was clearly "limp wristing" it. But it is too large and bulky. That is just my opinion; if you like it, buy it.

 

[postalnut25]

Buy what you like and what feels good to you. I started out with a beretta, because that was what the Marines gave me. I can do palm sized groups quite a ways out. If you like the feel of a Glock 21, then get it. Just take your time, work on your fundementals, and use good trigger control. The G21 is fine to start with as long you get a little instruction on your fundementals.

 

[Zak Smith]

9mm is cheaper to shoot and easier to shoot well. With the right ammunition it will get the job done in self-defense.

 

[Damon555]

I'll tell you what I tell everyone, and it's the best advice you'll get.

Your first handgun purchase should be a .22. You'll be able to shoot thousands and thousands of rounds for dirt cheap. You'll master handgun shooting very quickly (weeks), and you'll be rubbing shoulders with lots of people with different guns, most of whom will have no problem letting you examine or even shoot them.

Only then, as an experienced shooter, step up to the centerfire handguns. You'll be starting out as a competent shooter with an experience basis to choose the best handgun for you. Handguns differ wildly in ergonomics, trigger types, recoil levels, etc.

I agree with that 100%. Starting with a rim fire you will get valuable trigger time (for cheap) and won't have a chance to develop a flinch. The 45 acp is a boomer to start out with.....but.....the Glock is a fine choice if it fits your hands. There is no sense in getting a conversion kit when it costs just as much as a new rim fire only handgun.

As far as the 40 goes I don't think you will gain much in a reduction of recoil over the 45 acp.....those 40's are pretty snappy. But the ammo is cheaper than 45 acp ammo....that stuff will eat into your savings account (and checking) quick.

Another good point made was to show up at the range with a .22 lr and shoot. Guys like me are more than happy to let you try out bigger guns. It's nice to try out a few different pistols and make decisions based on that.....renting at a local range is also an option.

Just my 2¢

 

[Elquatro]

Thanks for the .22 suggestions, I'll keep them in mind. The new half to my question...have you guys had any experience with the 45 GAP? I don't know why glock doesn't make a compact .45acp.

 

[NMGonzo]

Get a Glock 22 and have the best of both worlds.

Or a Glock 35 ... I wish I still had mine.

 

[smallbore]

Glock 21 in .45

 

[degunner]

I am from the school of shot placement, it dosent matter how much "knock down" or "stopping power" a round has if you can't hit the target. Several other members made 3 comments that I highly agree with.
1. Practice- no such things as to much, shooting is a skill that you lose if you do not practice.
2. Quality ammunition JHP or even franigble rounds by glaser or magsafe- look into it and make your own decisions.
3. A quality firearm that fits you- not your buddy, instructor or sales man. If you are unable to deploy and effective use the weapon keep looking. Some people say glock, glock, glock when ever a person looks for a first gun. Yes I agree glocks are good, reliable and safe with practice, but if you have small hands or short fingers they may not be for you. I recommend going to a range that rents guns to try out any that you have considered for purchase, as the the RSO for help and pointers most are god guys.