Sell my Glock 21 in favor of a 1911?

[Skofnung]

Hello folks.

I have owned a Glock 21 for around 4 years now. It has served me well. It is pretty accurate for what it is, but there just seems to be something missing...

The gun fits my hand just fine. Recoil is not bad at all. Capacity is 10+1, as I can't afford pre-ban 13 rounders. But, I feel like the trigger pull is holding me back in terms of "precision" shooting.

On top of this, the pride in ownership factor is lacking. The gun is not aesthetically (sp?) pleasing. It is a tool, plain and simple. It may be time for a change.

FACT: If I want a 1911, I will need to sell the 21.

FACT: I can't spend any more money on the 1911 than I make on the 21.

FACT: I would like to keep the 21 if at all possible, but the need for a 1911 is for some reason pressing at the moment.

So, what would you do? There is a gunshow this weekend and I have a notion that I could sell the 21 there.

What 1911 would you consider in the ~500 dollar range?

Thanks.

 

[PO2Hammer]

For $500, you're not going to get a 1911 that is more accurate, and certainly not as reliable as a Glock 21. To get a 1911 that is better than a 21 you are going to have to spend $800 or more.
Consider sending your glock to Custom Glock Racing or Novaks' for a trigger job. I had a 21 for a while untill I went to a 20-10mm. The 21 is the best .45acp in its price range. If you buy a low price 1911, you might regret it.

 

[Sean Smith]

I've owned lots of Glocks. I liked the Colt 01991 I owned alot more than I liked the Glocks I had. It was more accurate and had a better trigger, better ergonomics and better sights. However, they will cost a bit more (about $570) than you will probably get for a used Glock 21. It was not, incidentally, less reliable than any of my Glocks, either.

The SA Milspec is cheaper (about $450), but I personally think the Colt is worth the price increase.

 

[Nightcrawler]

I'm thinking West Side Story.

You have the 1911 guys coming in from the left, snapping fingers and moving rythmically. THen the Glock guys come in from the right. The leaders of both pull out their switchblades and begin an artistic, coreographed fight to the death....

 

[Ken Rainey]

Well, if you want a better trigger pull in the Glock - polish the parts, if thats still not good enough, put a 3.5 lb connector in it - Glock .45s are pretty accurate.

Now, if you just have to have a 1911, You may can buy a Springfield Armory milspec for between 4 and 5 hundred that runs great or you may have to replace a part or two - most likely the extractor. The thing is you know what you've got now but you can't be sure of what you will get!

How's this, polish your trigger parts for now and save up a little cash and then sell your Glock (if you still want the 1911) and buy a better quality 1911 - opinions will vary on these cause you can't get one made with the quality parts in them that ought to be there for a price anywhere close to the Glock. I'm not saying that the Springer ain't no good - some are - some aren't - like all makes. I bought a first series Kimber back in '95 or '96 and it ain't missed a beat, others have issues. Some people will recommend Colt - can't fault that either - as a matter of fact, I think that their recent production is getting good reviews from shooters posting on the boards.

Good luck,
Ken

 

[Skofnung]

I did a "trigger job" on it when I first got the gun. It shoots OK, but the trigger will never be "breaking glass rod" good. It is light and smooth, but it will always be "mushy." It may not be a huge hinderance, but it is there.

I have thought long and hard about the SA GI Mil-Spec, and the few I have handled seemed nice enough.

Maybe I should just hold on to the G21 for now...

ARRRRGGGGHHHH

:banghead:

 

[GigaBuist]

Don't feel bad,Skofnung, I'm in the exact same boat.

Why not just scrape together the money and buy a 1911? Well, I've already got that "niche" filled. Sure the 1911 would conceal better -- but my G23 is for that. That makes me think it's going to be OK to just sell the G21 and get a 1911 -- but I really don't want to let that pistol go. I sorta like it. It's okay. Actually I HATE the thing compared to some other guns, but well -- it's a gun -- and I've got the 13 rounders for it. I'm a sick sick man.

I'm taking the advice of the older and wiser men here. Never sell a gun. Well, at least don't sell one that's useful. A Jennings might be another matter.

The 1911 has been around for quite some time. It's going to stick around. I'll get one when I've got the cash, not before and maybe even a little after.

Cover all the niches -- then start getting fancy.

 

[7.62FullMetalJacket]

You need both. The Glock is a tool and has no soul but it does what it needs to do when you need it done. It is a low maintenance babe. Solid, reliable, and very tactical

Save up for a 1911 and get a good one.

 

[Ankeny]

You have my curiosity aroused. What kind of precision shooting are you doing that the Glock trigger is holding you back?

 

[Skofnung]

Re: saving up for one...

I would love to, but right now I am saving up to buy a ring for the future Mrs. Skofnung. I have had to place all gun saving on HOLD. This will be the case for the forseeable future. I NEED a good bolt action rifle more than I do a new pistol in terms of niche guns (this is the last of my "niches") but I was just considering a 1 for 1 swap for the handguns.

MX5, I guess that "precision" was a poor choice of a word. What I am saying is that I find it much easier to shoot with above average accuracy a gun with a "good" trigger. I shoot my father's old Combat Commander (with a pro trigger job) much better than my 21. I also shoot my friend's Gold Cup much better. Not that I am horrible with the Glock, (I am about average with a pistol) I just want to be the best I can be. A good trigger makes this easier, at least in my mind.

I have traded off guns that I now regret trading. Maybe I should just wait until I can afford one on top of the Glock. Being poor sucks. Guess I need to go to grad school...

 

[cratz2]

How's this, polish your trigger parts for now and save up a little cash and then sell your Glock (if you still want the 1911) and buy a better quality 1911

That's my advice as well... Maybe try the Ghost Rocket connector. It makes the trigger reset much shorter and lightens it a bit. Having said that, no Glock ever EVER has had as good of a trigger as a really good 1911 trigger job. It's just not possible.

In my opinion, there is a place for both Glocks and 1911s. If I could only own one, it would be a 1911, but both is better.

With zero money added, I doubt you could buy any more than a SA MilSpec with the money you're likely to get from a used Glock. On the other hand, the SA MilSpec isn't that bad of a gun at all... But as Sean said, I'd recommend you ante up for a NRM Colt when you can.