Glock 21: Yea or Nay?

BrokenArrow · August 10, 1999, 02:53 PM

So what is your experience with them, good or bad?

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jimmy · August 10, 1999, 03:39 PM

My G21 is reliable, easy to shoot, and sufficiently accurate. I made it my house gun. I've even used it from time to time for concealed carry--despite its size--although I prefer Glocks with smaller frames for this purpose.

The G21 grip is big--not too big for me personally, but probably too big for some folks. The grip size reminds me of the goncalo alves target stocks that used to come on S&W N-frame revolvers.

Anyway, I'd say my experience with the G21 has been positive.

[This message has been edited by jimmy (edited August 10, 1999).]

Anthony · August 10, 1999, 04:35 PM

Hi Broken Arrow,

Bear in mind that Glock recently changed their Models 20 and 21 to the new grip angle and shortened trigger reach of the Models 29 and 30 (mini-10mm and .45 ACP). They also sport finger grooves now.

I own one of the new Model 20s and bought it for the improved feel in my average sized adult hands. Unless your hands are unusually small, you should be able to handle the new Model 21 just fine.

For the record, my Model 20 is fabulous. Best 10mm I've tried and I hear the .45 is equally good or better.

- Anthony

Mike Baugh · August 10, 1999, 04:46 PM

BrokenArrow , I have a new style G21 and love it , I used to have 2 of the old style G21's and I have had no problems with any of them . I use the G21 for my house gun with an M3 Tac-Light and Meprolight NS's . All of mine have been extremely accurate and reliable , they are a little big for concealed carry unless you use a shoulder rig IMHO . Good Luck , Mike...

Dan · August 10, 1999, 04:51 PM

Great gun, (insert the usual Glock praising here).

Sold mine. Felt like I was holding ONTO the grip rather than holding the grip IN my hand.

Hew grip style does feel better.

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Dan

Check me out at:
www.mindspring.com/~susdan/interest.htm
www.mindspring.com/~susdan/GlocksnGoodies.htm

Fred · August 10, 1999, 05:08 PM

Great gun! If you like Glocks, you can't go too far wrong with a 21. Mine is very accurate, and feeds whatever I give it. One personal gripe - even the new grip is a tad too big for my hand (small w/short fingers) for total comfort. That doesn't keep me from shooting it well, however.

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Regards - AZFred

Hawkeye · August 10, 1999, 06:20 PM

Actually, my 21 is the only Glock I've fired that I've disliked because of frequent failures to feed, with both hardball and several other types of ammo. I have several of the pre-ban mags, so I hate to dump it, but my other Glocks are much better behaved. I even picked up a Jarvis barrel and had the same problem. YMMV.

JJCII · August 10, 1999, 10:44 PM

Big yea. I've owned two in the past and miss them both. Currently I own an H&K USP45 Tactical so I guess I really like plastic. I found both my G21s to be very accurate and utterly reliable (2000 rounds no malfs).

I have average sized hands with short fingers. The grip size of the old frame G21 didn't present me with any problems and in fact helped spread the modest recoil of the gun over a wider portion of my hands, lessening perceived recoil.

Can't wait to gain possession of a new frame G21. Good luck on your purchase.

Stopdropnroll · August 11, 1999, 03:29 AM

great gun...I have both the 21 and 30...

I used to own the old style, no gooves or thumb rests...after picking up the new style I bought it ASAP.

The one thing I would impart upon you is that the finger grooves are not that big of deal, but the new thumb rest is really great and really decreases the thick feel of the 20/21. stay with the new frames on the 21...No Regrets. SDnR

[This message has been edited by Stopdropnroll (edited August 11, 1999).]

shamster · August 11, 1999, 08:02 AM

If your 21 (or 30) has feed problems, there is a very good chance that it is caused by weak mag springs. For some reason, Glock doesn't beef up their mag springs enough. I recommend getting some Wolff springs, which give you a stronger spring, and will most likely improve feeding. Have heard many cases of any feed problems being cured with Wolff.
Check out www.gunsprings.com (Wolff's website)

Futo Inu · August 11, 1999, 10:50 AM

shamster, would you please be so kind as to read my post of today under the thread "What do you think about Glocks" or something similar, also under Handguns & Pistolcraft, regarding feeding in G21/30, and reply to my experience either there or here? As you will see, it calls into question your recommendation somewhat as a cure. Thank you very much. Perhaps you have other info on this subject to share.

shamster · August 11, 1999, 12:18 PM

Futo,
From reading countless posts (here and on GlockTalk) about people with feed problems in their 21's and 30's, Wolff springs seemed to have fixed this problem for most people. Nothing is 100% though (not even if you take it to the top gunsmith). Don't know what to tell you about your G21 problem. I suggest that you get in touch with Glock Inc.

CCV · August 11, 1999, 04:55 PM

I have only had experience with one G21. It was excellent! As accurate as a Gold Cup (a new Gold Cup anyway) and completely reliable. This was an older model (no FG's or Rails).

I understand the San Bernadino Sheriff's department has been having considerable feeding problems with a new batch of G21's. Haven't heard what the problem is nor how Glock intends to solve the problem.

I feel sure Glock is working on it and will resolve the issue.

BrokenArrow · August 12, 1999, 03:03 AM

San Bernardino got a bunch of lemons?

NYPD almost dropped the Glock 19s due to repeated jams.

Then again, Santa Barbara county had probs with their new HK USPs too, the FBI had SIG probs, we all know about the Beretta slides and the military...

Nobody's perfect.

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Phillip · August 12, 1999, 04:48 AM

Then why do Glock ads state "Perfection"?

I too had a G21 some years back. I loved the idea of the 13 round mags, and had some +2 floorplates on mine. The gun was very accurate. I shot better scores with the 21 than with my SIG 226. The problem was that about 5 or 6 shots through the mag, the slide would lock open. I couldnt figure it out, but the problem may have been that I was shooting Blaser through it. I wound up selling it as I needed the money. Now that they have been restyled I may wind up buying another.
What are the specific problems that the SBSO is having with the 21?

BrokenArrow · August 12, 1999, 05:29 AM

Cuzz they are the perfect money maker for Herr Glock!

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mhannah1 · August 13, 1999, 12:18 AM

Yes...Yes...Yes..love my Glock 21 (new model) with M-3 Tactical light and Tactical holster...19 year old son loves it too (wish he'd pay for the ammo) Never any problems, and as far as springs in the magazines, I am still having a heck of a time filling the mags since the springs are SOOO stiff.

Stopdropnroll · August 13, 1999, 04:21 AM

Phillip,

Most likely the cause of your slide lock was you...if the glock shooter shoots with both thumbs forward. this is a common problem relayed on the range many times and it has always been my ecperience that it is the shooter slightly pushing the slide lock up , Always without relizing, get someone to spot for you and see if this is not the case...go in with an open mind...

as for the police pistol having so many probs all these depts, were just transistionsalizing into glocks and most likely limp wristing...

But once again, lets blame the gun.

SDnR

Phillip · August 13, 1999, 06:18 AM

SDnR,
Thanks for the info, but that was not the case. I am left handed and there is no way that my thumb was inadvertantly pushing up the slide lever

One of the rangemasters fired my 21 (he was a great believer in Glocks, and also said they were "perfect") and had the same malfunction. He too thought it was me "limpwristing" the pistol, until it locked on him.
The really sad thing is that I had a friend warn me of that problem. He had seen several officers in his dept. with the same malfs. I ignored him and bought the 21 anyways.
As I said in my previous post, I wouldnt mind another G21, but my SIGs have never failed me. I know the Glock is a good piece but I guess when I scrape up enough to buy another, we will see.

[This message has been edited by Phillip (edited August 13, 1999).]

August 10, 1999, 02:53 PM	#1
BrokenArrow Senior Member Join Date: October 14, 1998 Posts: 966	So what is your experience with them, good or bad? ------------------ >>>>---->

August 10, 1999, 03:39 PM	#2
jimmy Senior Member Join Date: January 29, 1999 Location: Texas Posts: 1,792	My G21 is reliable, easy to shoot, and sufficiently accurate. I made it my house gun. I've even used it from time to time for concealed carry--despite its size--although I prefer Glocks with smaller frames for this purpose. The G21 grip is big--not too big for me personally, but probably too big for some folks. The grip size reminds me of the goncalo alves target stocks that used to come on S&W N-frame revolvers. Anyway, I'd say my experience with the G21 has been positive. [This message has been edited by jimmy (edited August 10, 1999).]

August 10, 1999, 04:35 PM	#3
Anthony Senior Member Join Date: December 29, 1998 Location: Dallas, Texas (United States) Posts: 397	Hi Broken Arrow, Bear in mind that Glock recently changed their Models 20 and 21 to the new grip angle and shortened trigger reach of the Models 29 and 30 (mini-10mm and .45 ACP). They also sport finger grooves now. I own one of the new Model 20s and bought it for the improved feel in my average sized adult hands. Unless your hands are unusually small, you should be able to handle the new Model 21 just fine. For the record, my Model 20 is fabulous. Best 10mm I've tried and I hear the .45 is equally good or better. - Anthony

August 10, 1999, 04:46 PM	#4
Mike Baugh Senior Member Join Date: October 28, 1998 Location: Indiana Posts: 405	BrokenArrow , I have a new style G21 and love it , I used to have 2 of the old style G21's and I have had no problems with any of them . I use the G21 for my house gun with an M3 Tac-Light and Meprolight NS's . All of mine have been extremely accurate and reliable , they are a little big for concealed carry unless you use a shoulder rig IMHO . Good Luck , Mike...

August 10, 1999, 04:51 PM	#5
Dan Senior Member Join Date: October 24, 1998 Location: Hiram, Ga Posts: 283	Great gun, (insert the usual Glock praising here). Sold mine. Felt like I was holding ONTO the grip rather than holding the grip IN my hand. Hew grip style does feel better. ------------------ Dan Check me out at: www.mindspring.com/~susdan/interest.htm www.mindspring.com/~susdan/GlocksnGoodies.htm

August 10, 1999, 05:08 PM	#6
Fred Senior Member Join Date: November 3, 1998 Location: CA Posts: 469	Great gun! If you like Glocks, you can't go too far wrong with a 21. Mine is very accurate, and feeds whatever I give it. One personal gripe - even the new grip is a tad too big for my hand (small w/short fingers) for total comfort. That doesn't keep me from shooting it well, however. ------------------ Regards - AZFred

August 10, 1999, 06:20 PM	#7
Hawkeye Senior Member Join Date: April 10, 1999 Location: Idaho Posts: 108	Actually, my 21 is the only Glock I've fired that I've disliked because of frequent failures to feed, with both hardball and several other types of ammo. I have several of the pre-ban mags, so I hate to dump it, but my other Glocks are much better behaved. I even picked up a Jarvis barrel and had the same problem. YMMV.

August 10, 1999, 10:44 PM	#8
JJCII Senior Member Join Date: August 9, 1999 Posts: 179	Big yea. I've owned two in the past and miss them both. Currently I own an H&K USP45 Tactical so I guess I really like plastic. I found both my G21s to be very accurate and utterly reliable (2000 rounds no malfs). I have average sized hands with short fingers. The grip size of the old frame G21 didn't present me with any problems and in fact helped spread the modest recoil of the gun over a wider portion of my hands, lessening perceived recoil. Can't wait to gain possession of a new frame G21. Good luck on your purchase.

August 11, 1999, 03:29 AM	#9
Stopdropnroll Member Join Date: August 1, 1999 Posts: 78	great gun...I have both the 21 and 30... I used to own the old style, no gooves or thumb rests...after picking up the new style I bought it ASAP. The one thing I would impart upon you is that the finger grooves are not that big of deal, but the new thumb rest is really great and really decreases the thick feel of the 20/21. stay with the new frames on the 21...No Regrets. SDnR [This message has been edited by Stopdropnroll (edited August 11, 1999).]

August 11, 1999, 08:02 AM	#10
shamster Senior Member Join Date: July 4, 1999 Posts: 230	If your 21 (or 30) has feed problems, there is a very good chance that it is caused by weak mag springs. For some reason, Glock doesn't beef up their mag springs enough. I recommend getting some Wolff springs, which give you a stronger spring, and will most likely improve feeding. Have heard many cases of any feed problems being cured with Wolff. Check out www.gunsprings.com (Wolff's website)

August 11, 1999, 10:50 AM	#11
Futo Inu Senior Member Join Date: February 12, 1999 Location: Oklahoma City, OK, USA Posts: 3,629	shamster, would you please be so kind as to read my post of today under the thread "What do you think about Glocks" or something similar, also under Handguns & Pistolcraft, regarding feeding in G21/30, and reply to my experience either there or here? As you will see, it calls into question your recommendation somewhat as a cure. Thank you very much. Perhaps you have other info on this subject to share.

August 11, 1999, 12:18 PM	#12
shamster Senior Member Join Date: July 4, 1999 Posts: 230	Futo, From reading countless posts (here and on GlockTalk) about people with feed problems in their 21's and 30's, Wolff springs seemed to have fixed this problem for most people. Nothing is 100% though (not even if you take it to the top gunsmith). Don't know what to tell you about your G21 problem. I suggest that you get in touch with Glock Inc.

August 11, 1999, 04:55 PM	#13
CCV Senior Member Join Date: May 29, 1999 Posts: 128	I have only had experience with one G21. It was excellent! As accurate as a Gold Cup (a new Gold Cup anyway) and completely reliable. This was an older model (no FG's or Rails). I understand the San Bernadino Sheriff's department has been having considerable feeding problems with a new batch of G21's. Haven't heard what the problem is nor how Glock intends to solve the problem. I feel sure Glock is working on it and will resolve the issue.

August 12, 1999, 03:03 AM	#14
BrokenArrow Senior Member Join Date: October 14, 1998 Posts: 966	San Bernardino got a bunch of lemons? NYPD almost dropped the Glock 19s due to repeated jams. Then again, Santa Barbara county had probs with their new HK USPs too, the FBI had SIG probs, we all know about the Beretta slides and the military... Nobody's perfect. ------------------ >>>>---->

August 12, 1999, 04:48 AM	#15
Phillip Senior Member Join Date: February 27, 1999 Location: TX Posts: 406	Then why do Glock ads state "Perfection"? I too had a G21 some years back. I loved the idea of the 13 round mags, and had some +2 floorplates on mine. The gun was very accurate. I shot better scores with the 21 than with my SIG 226. The problem was that about 5 or 6 shots through the mag, the slide would lock open. I couldnt figure it out, but the problem may have been that I was shooting Blaser through it. I wound up selling it as I needed the money. Now that they have been restyled I may wind up buying another. What are the specific problems that the SBSO is having with the 21?

August 12, 1999, 05:29 AM	#16
BrokenArrow Senior Member Join Date: October 14, 1998 Posts: 966	Cuzz they are the perfect money maker for Herr Glock! ------------------ >>>>---->

August 13, 1999, 12:18 AM	#17
mhannah1 Member Join Date: June 25, 1999 Posts: 66	Yes...Yes...Yes..love my Glock 21 (new model) with M-3 Tactical light and Tactical holster...19 year old son loves it too (wish he'd pay for the ammo) Never any problems, and as far as springs in the magazines, I am still having a heck of a time filling the mags since the springs are SOOO stiff.

August 13, 1999, 04:21 AM	#18
Stopdropnroll Member Join Date: August 1, 1999 Posts: 78	Phillip, Most likely the cause of your slide lock was you...if the glock shooter shoots with both thumbs forward. this is a common problem relayed on the range many times and it has always been my ecperience that it is the shooter slightly pushing the slide lock up , Always without relizing, get someone to spot for you and see if this is not the case...go in with an open mind... as for the police pistol having so many probs all these depts, were just transistionsalizing into glocks and most likely limp wristing... But once again, lets blame the gun. SDnR

August 13, 1999, 06:18 AM	#19
Phillip Senior Member Join Date: February 27, 1999 Location: TX Posts: 406	SDnR, Thanks for the info, but that was not the case. I am left handed and there is no way that my thumb was inadvertantly pushing up the slide lever One of the rangemasters fired my 21 (he was a great believer in Glocks, and also said they were "perfect") and had the same malfunction. He too thought it was me "limpwristing" the pistol, until it locked on him. The really sad thing is that I had a friend warn me of that problem. He had seen several officers in his dept. with the same malfs. I ignored him and bought the 21 anyways. As I said in my previous post, I wouldnt mind another G21, but my SIGs have never failed me. I know the Glock is a good piece but I guess when I scrape up enough to buy another, we will see. [This message has been edited by Phillip (edited August 13, 1999).]