G21 for 1st .45?

JimR

New member
OK, I know I'm risking flames from the 1911 crowd, but please follow my decision process here, and see if there's any reason this shouldn't be the right answer.

Just came into a small chunk of "free" money (DaimlerChrysler reimbursed me for repair work I had done long ago that later became a recall item. Thank you! Very honorable).

I like the idea of having one gun in what I consider each of the major mil/LE calibers - 38, 357, 9, 40, 45, and 223, 308, 7.62x39. On the handgun side, still "need" a .45

I have a G19 that is my car gun, a Kahr MK40 that is my new CCW gun. I want to upgrade my nightstand gun, and a G21 seems to fit because a) I want a .45 and b) the manual of arms is the same as / similar to the G19/MK40.

I don't have anything against 1911's, it's just that I like the idea of basically only having one way to operate a handgun if TSHTF.

Comments? Anyone think I'm making a major mistake here? Anyone think this is a good idea?
 
The only mistake I see is that you don't have one yet. The 21 is one of the most impressive out-of-box pieces I fired.
You're on track! :)

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Excellent choice....the only thing I would do though is actually get a hold of one to see how it feels in your hand. You'll notice that it is a bit "chunkier" than your 19. I have just about all the Glocks available in each caliber but I was holding out for the 36 for a Glock .45. I thought the 21 and 30 were to big for my hand.

I bought a 30 about 2 weeks ago after holding it for about an hour in a shop. I don't what the heck I was thinking about it being too big. Guess I was used to the thinner frames(if you can call them thin :)) of the standard Glocks. It is now my CCW gun. It is my newest Glock but also my most accurate.

Another one you might want to consider is a Ruger P97. It is available as a decocker mode only SA/DA or DAO which would be more along the lines of your Kahrs action. Tough, rugged and accurate and would probably save you about $200 or so over a 21. I does hold 2 less rounds than a 21 though. It's a great .45 and my only non-Glock but I love it.

Good Luck....just make sure you put a quality set of n/s on whatever you decide on.

Grape
 
G 21 + Meprolights ( Or any other good defensive sights )+ Hi Caps + 3.5 connector and trigger job = Lots of Fun at the range + Bang everytime confidence.

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"If enlightening beings practice mundane tolerance and thus do not stop evil people, allowing them to increase in evil and destroy true teaching, then these enlightening beings are actually devils, not enlightening beings"

Huisi
Tantai master
 
JimR; Like Ariel1 I've got a G21 with meprolights and one high cap mag. Although, I honestly don't think you need more than ten rounds in a .45. There's never been a jam or hiccup or anything. It's simply an awesome pistol. I got a cheapo glock holster and mag carrier. They work great! I can't compare the glock to the 1911 because they are two totally different pistols IMHO! The 1911 has a great history and many loyal followers but it simply can't compare to the G21 in durability, portability and reliability. Good Luck, j.s.
 
Greetings, I think you pretty well answered
your own question; by stating that you "only
wanted one way to operate a handgun", being
that you already own a Glock. But if you were
to decide to change your mind a bit; I would
strongly recommend looking at the Sig-Sauer
P220A in .45ACP. It is a single stack magazine, but if you are a good shot; then that should not matter? Sig's are world famous for their reliability, and function
in adverse weather conditions/circumstances.
Plus, the Sig service department is second
to none!!!! :)

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member
 
While I'm part of the 1911 crowd I'm not anal enough to think that it's the only pistol there is (I'm also not anal enough to think that the Glock is the best thing since sliced bread either).

I carry a G21 on duty. Other than the aforementioned problems that we've had with the magazines I think it's a fine weapon. It is a larger pistol though so I'd suggest that you handle one before purchase, if possible.

It sounds like your rationale for getting the G21 is pretty logical. It should serve well.
 
Love the large framed Glocks. They give you plenty to hold on to and can be concealed if necessary (most of us have been spoiled by the new compact pistols, but large framed pistols can be concealed fairly easily as far as I'm concerned). The G21 is probably the best large framed pistol to buy because with the new Klinton magazines, you might as well be carrying 10 rounds of .45 as opposed to 9mm or even .40. I just bought a G22 and the great thing is, I couldn't care less about scratches and finish wear. With my SIGS, I feel crushed when one gets the slightest blemish but with Glocks, who gives a damn. Its a great feeling as I'm sure you know. I think you'll be happy with your purchase if you choose the Glock. BTW, how much did you pay for your Kahr? Are you happy with it?

[This message has been edited by Piggy (edited February 13, 2000).]
 
For a long time, the G21 was the only .45 I owned. I'm no great fan of the M1911, and generally prefer the G21, or HK .45s. Other than being somewhat large and having lousy factory sights, I see no disadvantage of the G21 at all.
 
Looks like I'll have to jump on the bandwagon. I too own a G21 with a set of Meprolight tritium sights and two high-cap magazines. I also own two 10-rounders. When I carry it I carry one highcap and one 10-round as a spare.

Everybody is right about trying the grip on for size. Although the newer Glocks with the contoured grips are a hell of a lot more ergonomic than the old straight-sided ones. The G21 is without question a fine handgun. If you already like Glocks then you will be well served.
 
I carry a Glock 21 .45acp, as a duty sidearm as a LEO. I have Meprolight night sights and 6 high cap mags for it. The gun is so reliable as to be boring. If you choose one as your night stand gun, get the night sights and keep a good rechargeable mag or streamlight with it. Oh and by the way if you do hear something go bump in the night. Call 911 and assume a defensive position in your bedroom. Don't go plundering about the house looking for an intruder. When you call 911 stay on the phone with dispatch until the Cops arrive and have a key on a long colorful ribbon to drop out the window, so that they can gain entry, without you exposing your self to the potential burglar as you try to make your way to the door to let the LEOs in. If you do choose to go to the door, don't greet the cops at the point of your Glock. Also get a good alarm system and become familar with it. We get awfully tired of answering false alarms calls. Be safe...7th Fleet

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SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL POLICE, KEEP THEM INDEPENDENT.
 
Great pistol. I have one about three months old. I am still working around that "limpwristing" but it shoots great. I suggest that if you would have the chance to try one first before buying, do it. The grip is a bit "chunky" but that is all that might concern you. But as far as reliability and accuracy, you can depend on it.



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PROTECT LIFE...YOU ONLY HAVE ONE...
 
Had mine for 6 years now. Great gun. Like most high caps it eats mag springs. For a nightstand gun that would stay loaded most of the time I would down load it a round or two and put new springs in yearly.

I'm suprised no one has mentioned how well mannered a shooter the 21 is. The wide back strap and flexable polymer make it very friendly. I've nicknamed mine "Mr. Softie".

Does any one else name their pistols?
 
Jim, I have a G-21 with M3 Illuminator rail light. I trust my life and my kids lives with it (and my AK). Perfection.

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"middle of the road"-where a yellow streak and dead carcasses are found.
 
You would be very hard pressed to find a weapon as tough and reliable as the G21. Hey, it was my first .45 too!
 
Thanks for all the input! I'm officially shopping for a G21. Let's see, the next Eastman's show in the area is (flips to Shotgun News site) 2/26-27 at the State Farmer's Market. Kinda across town, but will make the trek ;)

Ala Dan, I did go look at a Sig P220A (they had one at Galyan's last night). Sorry, don't think I'd like living with all the levers and whachamajigits hanging off the side of that puppy. It looked and felt nice enough, but I really like the operational simplicity of the Glock. Also, regarding service, I'm in the Atlanta area, so service with Glock is a 30 minute drive over to Smyrna. They fixed for free an adjustable rear sight on my G19 that I boogered up (!).

Again, thanks to all for the comments, and I'll definately be getting some Meprolights.

JimR
 
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