The Glock 21, a standout in the world of .45 ACP handguns, has earned its reputation through a blend of reliability, capacity, and performance.

Introduced in 1990, this pistol features a polymer frame with a steel slide, offering a lightweight yet durable option compared to traditional metal-framed guns like the 1911. With a 13-round magazine, the Glock 21 nearly doubles the capacity of its counterparts, making it a preferred choice for law enforcement, military personnel, and civilian users.

This article examines the Glock 21’s features, advantages, and potential drawbacks, providing a comprehensive overview for prospective buyers.

Background

Glock introduced their first models chambered in 9mm, followed by the 10mm. In 1990, the Glock 21 added the .45 ACP to Glock’s lineup, featuring a polymer frame and a steel slide.

Glock 21 2
Shown here with its high-capacity 13-round magazine, the Glock 21 offers significant firepower in a compact design. This .45 ACP pistol is known for its reliability and ease of maintenance, making it a favorite among professionals. (Free Range American)

The late 1980s and early 1990s saw concerns about the 9mm Parabellum’s lethality, especially after the infamous FBI Miami shootout in 1986, which led to several agents’ deaths. This incident highlighted the need for more effective handgun calibers and ammunition, paving the way for the .45 ACP. As firearms enthusiasts, we hear the term “ACP” thrown around quite a bit, but do you know what it means? ACP stands for Automatic Colt Pistol.

The .45 ACP had a long-standing reputation for effectiveness, having been used in two world wars, Korea and Vietnam. The G21 was designed for those who wanted the .45’s stopping power but in a lighter, more reliable, and higher-capacity pistol than the traditional 1911. The G21’s 13-round magazine almost doubles the capacity of a 1911, and a loaded G21 weighs about the same as an empty 1911.

Despite advances in ammunition technology that have boosted the 9mm’s popularity, the .45 ACP still holds advantages, particularly when suppressed, and remains a key player in Glock’s lineup.

Glock 21 Features

High Capacity for a .45 ACP

The Glock 21’s 13-round magazine significantly increases the firepower available to the user, nearly doubling the capacity of the standard 7-round 1911.

This high capacity provides a tactical advantage in situations where having more rounds on hand without needing to reload can be crucial. The increased magazine size means fewer interruptions during critical moments, which is vital in law enforcement and personal defense scenarios. In some scenarios, it can literally mean the difference between life and death.

Legendary Glock Reliability

Glock’s reputation for reliability is well-earned, and the Glock 21 is no exception. Known for their ability to function under adverse conditions, Glocks are often chosen for their durability and dependability.

The Glock 21 maintains this standard, providing users with a handgun that performs consistently, even with minimal maintenance. This reliability is a key factor for professionals who need their firearm to work every time, without fail.

Light Weight for Its Category

The Glock 21 stands out in its category due to its lighter weight, especially when compared to the heavier, metal-framed 1911s.

The polymer frame of the Glock 21 reduces its overall weight, making it easier to carry for extended periods. For those on duty, this means less fatigue and greater ease of movement. The reduced weight does not compromise the gun’s performance, allowing it to retain its effectiveness while being more manageable for the user.

In-depth Analysis

A heavier caliber gun will always produce more recoil than a lighter caliber. The G21 has more recoil than a comparable 9mm model like the G17. However, it is not difficult to shoot. The Glock 20, chambered in 10mm, performs similarly but with more muzzle flip due to the larger round. Neither is abusive or painful, but recoil control requires more effort than smaller calibers.

Reduced capacity and increased recoil can be disadvantages of the .45 ACP, and this holds for the G21 as well. The added recoil may slow down the rate of aimed shots. With training and practice, it can still be fast enough, but at first, it could be more challenging.

The capacity issue is less significant for the G21. While a 17-round G17 magazine is a significant jump from a 7-round 1911, the 13-round G21 magazine isn’t as far behind. In most civilian defensive shootings, the 4-round difference between the G17 and G21 is unlikely to be an issue. If you prefer shooting a .45, the Glock 21 is a sensible option.

Ergonomics

The G21’s ergonomics are similar to other Glocks but chunkier. The grip diameter is larger than 9mm or .40 S&W models. The Gen 3 Short Frame and Gen 4 variants reduced the grip size, but it can still be an issue for smaller hands.

The G21’s slide is significantly larger than those on 9mm or .40 S&W Glocks, making the gun feel top-heavy when unloaded. However, this balances out when loaded with 13 rounds of .45 ACP.

Reliability

Glocks are known for their reliability, and the G21 is no exception. It may lack the charm of other guns, but its reliable performance makes up for it. It is the old-school Volvo of handguns, boxy, but good.

And the G21 doesn’t need to be perfectly cleaned and lubricated to function correctly, making it one of the most reliable .45 ACPs available.

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The controls on the G21 are the same as those on other Glocks. The Gen 5 does not have finger grooves, but it allows for backstrap customization and has ambidextrous slide-stop levers. The current production run also has front slide serrations.

One gripe with the G21 is the use of cheap plastic sights. Aftermarket metal sights are recommended for serious use, and night sights would be even better. If you pick up a G21, budget for better sights, you’ll be glad you did.

Accuracy

The Glock 21 offers solid accuracy. It may not match a high-end 1911, but it will outperform most users. Even with factory sights, it shoots solid groups. The striker-fired trigger mechanism is usable, though not as light and crisp as a single-action pull.

Aftermarket support is decent but not exceptional. There are various holsters available, including duty-grade models, as the G21 is issued to police forces around the U.S. Spare magazines are readily available, and the integrated accessory rail allows mounting weapon lights or lasers. However, don’t expect a wide range of compensators and niche accessories like the G19, at least not yet.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Good Capacity for a .45 ACP

The Glock 21 offers an impressive 13-round magazine capacity, which is nearly double the standard 7-round capacity of traditional 1911 models. This higher capacity provides a significant tactical advantage, allowing for more rounds to be fired without the need for frequent reloading. This can be crucial in high-stress situations where every round counts.

Excellent Reliability

Glock handguns are renowned for their reliability, and the Glock 21 is no exception. It is designed to perform consistently under various conditions, making it a dependable choice for law enforcement, military, and personal defense. Its reputation for functioning flawlessly, even with minimal maintenance, adds to its appeal.

Cons

Large Grip

Glock 21 3
The Glock 21’s ergonomics are evident when held, providing a firm and secure grip despite its larger size. Its top-heavy feel when unloaded is balanced by the weight of the loaded magazine, ensuring stable handling during use. (Free Range American)

The Glock 21 has a larger grip compared to other handguns, which can be a disadvantage for shooters with smaller hands. This may affect comfort and control, especially during extended use.

Top-Heavy Handling

The Glock 21 can feel top-heavy, particularly when unloaded. This can affect balance and handling, making it feel less nimble compared to other models. However, this issue tends to be mitigated when the gun is fully loaded.

FAQs

Is the Glock 21 suitable for duty use or concealed carry?

The Glock 21’s reliability and high capacity make it a solid choice for law enforcement or armed professionals.

Glock 21 4
Equipped with aftermarket sights and a mounted weapon light, the Glock 21 demonstrates its versatility. Its integrated accessory rail allows for easy customization, enhancing its tactical capabilities for various applications. (Schuylkill Gun Works)

For concealed carry, its larger size and weight might be less comfortable, especially for those with smaller frames or a preference for compact handguns.

How does the Glock trigger feel compared to other handguns?

The Glock 21’s trigger offers a consistent pull and a relatively short reset. It’s not as light as match-grade triggers but provides reliability and predictability.

Are the factory sights on the Glock 21 good for accuracy?

The Glock 21’s standard polymer sights may lack clarity. Upgrading to aftermarket metal sights can significantly improve sight picture clarity and durability.

Does the Glock 21 have a comfortable grip angle?

The Glock 21 maintains a comfortable grip angle of around 22 degrees, promoting natural aiming and pointing.

Final Verdict

The Glock 21 remains a solid choice for those seeking a reliable, high-capacity handgun in .45 ACP. Its 13-round magazine offers a significant advantage over traditional 1911 models, while Glock’s renowned reliability ensures consistent performance in various conditions.

Although the larger grip and top-heavy feel may be drawbacks for some, the overall benefits make the Glock 21 a formidable option for law enforcement, military personnel, and civilian users alike. Whether for duty use or personal defense, the Glock 21’s blend of capacity, reliability, and manageable weight makes it a dependable partner.

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Disclaimer: SOFREP utilizes AI for image generation and article research. Occasionally, it’s like handing a chimpanzee the keys to your liquor cabinet. It’s not always perfect and if a mistake is made, we own up to it full stop. In a world where information comes at us in tidal waves, it is an important tool that helps us sift through the brass for live rounds.