Glock 19 vs 21-did I miss something?

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Slimjim9

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So 800 rounds down the G19, I figure it was time to try something else on, so I rented a G21 at the range today, didn't note the Gen, probably Gen3 as the grip wasn't as rough as my Gen4 G19.

For ammo on the G19 I had Federal Am.Eagle 115gr, Winchester Train 147gr, and Speer Lawman 147gr. For the G21 it was Speer Lawman 230gr. All FMJ.

I was expecting worse from the .45 ACP. Felt recoil was between the Federal and Winchester loads so about like a 124gr 9mm load. Not bad at all. The Speer 147gr from the G19 was noticeably snappier/harsher than the G21.

Overall I liked how the G21 felt in the hand, probably better than my G19 even (hmm maybe I should try the thicker beavertail on the 19). And it was accurate. 40 head shots at 7yds and 10 on the "little man" to the upper left of the target.

Still it's probably not going on my wish list since "the experience" is pretty close to the G19 overall, I wouldn't want to carry the G21, and the 9mm vs 45acp debates are still a toss up. In other words, I can't find a compelling reason to own the G21 other than "just because" and that's not enough reason for me.

Still, I'm glad I tried it. I'm no longer "scared" of .45 and don't have to wonder "what if" now.
 
Yep. 45 isn't bad at all, especially out of full size guns. You should try a USP 45 next. :)

The G21 used to be my favorite 45..... now it's the USP. Both are great guns though.
 
I have no reasonable response to this. The 45 Auto has a significantly higher recoil impulse.

Recoil will be tempered significantly by load and weight. The G21 weighs much more and your 45 load was likely a low end 230 FR hardball load.

Still, no way that 45 recoiled less than any 9mm load.

All that said, I'm glad you liked the G21 in 45. It is a great gun except the width. It always shot well enough for me. Their long slide is narrower...

Maybe you need a G21 in your safe!
 
Still, no way that 45 recoiled less than any 9mm load.
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In absolute numbers, I'm sure you're right, but in terms of *felt* recoil, I stand by what I said regarding those particular loads and those particular guns. As you say, the .45 was standard hardball range ammo and that Speer 147gr is the harshest 9mm load I've shot, so definitely apples and oranges. Just sharing my experience.

Since I don't have a safe and have no intention of amassing a large "collection" (yeah, yeah, I heard that snicker ;) ), I currently have no need for the G21.
 
The large frame G-20 and G-21 really spread out the recoil over a larger portion of your hand. The problem is that many people just don't have hands large enough. My G-21 is SIGNIFICANTLY more comfortable to shoot than my 1911's even though the 1911 weighs more. My G-20 loaded with Double Tap 200 gr bullets at 1300 fps is SIGNIFICANTLY more comfortable to shoot than my Smith 28 loaded with typical 158 gr ammo.

Comparing the G-21 to my G-19's I still have to say the G-21 recoils more, at least with any loads I've tried. The human brain can play tricks on us with recoil. I've long said most of the effects of recoil is between our ears. Sometimes when something recoils a lot less than we expect, it seems to recoil less than it actually does.
 
I was expecting worse from the .45 ACP. Felt recoil was between the Federal and Winchester loads so about like a 124gr 9mm load. Not bad at all. The Speer 147gr from the G19 was noticeably snappier/harsher than the G21.
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Bigger gun, more reciprocating mass, slower bullet. I'm not at all surprised.

Still, I'm glad I tried it. I'm no longer "scared" of .45 and don't have to wonder "what if" now.
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I got to shoot some rounds through an XD Mod 2 in .45 today. Not bad at all.
 
No, you didn't miss anything. I haven't fired more than maybe 100 rounds through G21s. (A couple of buddies of mine have them and I've shot them on occasion.) I find the G21 to be a pretty soft shooter.
 
Hmm, 10mm. I *am* still scared of that one.
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10mm is a pretty fun caliber, it ain't too bad unless you really load it hot. Haven't tried the 20 in 10mm, but I'd imagine its pretty nice to shoot.

The G21 is a very, very soft shooting .45 ACP. .45 itself is a nice round to shoot, as the recoil, though "more" is less snappy than a 9mm or .45, so it can feel softer.

Love my G21, but I do still shoot my G19s a bit faster but not by much.
 
I was surprised how accurate I shoot my friends 21sf . I can see one in my future , not much felt recoil ( less than my 23 ) very accurate and high capacity for a .45 .
 
I know I'm in a pool of Glock lovers, but I find the XD or XDM 45 to be easier to shoot.

IMO, this may be from grip angle, more agressive grip texture, smoother/shorter trigger pull or maybe just better stock sights. It also helps that comparable XD models are often $100 less. Also mags are better than Glock mags.
 
Nathan said:
I know I'm in a pool of Glock lovers, but I find the XD or XDM 45 to be easier to shoot.
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I have some, but little, experience with the XD line, but I will say two things. First, I've only shot about 50 rounds through the XD in 9mm, but I didn't particularly care for it. Not bad, but not my cup of tea, either. Second, I've shot roughly the same amount through an XDs in .45. That one is a surprisingly soft shooter. I really liked it.
 
Next you should try the FNX-45, I dumped my G21 and went with the FNX. I like the ability to carry it cocked and locked when I want to.
 
The large frame G-20 and G-21 really spread out the recoil over a larger portion of your hand.
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Can't comment on the .45 Glocks but can say that the felt recoil out of SP220 Carry is less than 1911s of comparable weight. I attribute that mostly to the broader grip frame/stock area.
 
My 30S isn't too bad with the recoil. My M&P 45 is even better. I think I most enjoy shooting .45. More of a "push back" sensation than the "push snappy" I get from my 9mm pistols.
 
I think that a purchase and long term comparison is in order! Interesting experiences, I have very limited experience with a .45 at all.
 
For ammo on the G19 I had Federal Am.Eagle 115gr, Winchester Train 147gr, and Speer Lawman 147gr. For the G21 it was Speer Lawman 230gr. All FMJ.

I was expecting worse from the .45 ACP. Felt recoil was between the Federal and Winchester loads so about like a 124gr 9mm load. Not bad at all. The Speer 147gr from the G19 was noticeably snappier/harsher than the G21.
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I'm confused when you say 147 gr. 9mm is snappy or harsh. I think the Winchester "T" and Fed AE 147 gr. are both extremely mild but very accurate in every gun I shoot this ammo through, including my Gen3 Glock 17, with which I have shot every type of 9mm factory ammo. Lower felt recoil is typical of 147 gr. 9mm ammo, which is a slower subsonic round typically used with suppressor-equipped guns. I haven't used Speer Lawman 147gr. but I can't imagine it's that much different from the Fed AE 147 gr. ammo.

My Gen4 G21 shoots everything I feed it, including steel and aluminum cased ammo, very reliably and accurately.
 
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