Glock 21 Review

Experience the power of the Glock 21 in .45 ACP, featuring a 13-round capacity, 4.60″ barrel, and a robust polymer frame. Weighing 26.28 oz without mag, it’s equipped with Tenifer slide finish and comprehensive safety features including trigger, firing pin, and drop safety. As an avid shooter and gun enthusiast, I’ve had the Glock 21 in my collection for several years. This review is based on my personal experience, reflecting countless hours at the range, numerous cleaning sessions, and the overall journey with this remarkable piece of engineering.

Things I Love About the Glock 21

1. Over the years, my Glock 21 has been the epitome of reliability. It has fired every type of .45 ACP round I’ve fed it, from standard FMJs to various hollow points, without any malfunctions.

2. For a .45 ACP, the 13-round magazine is a game-changer. It provides a significant amount of firepower in a caliber known for its stopping power, which is reassuring whether I’m at the range or considering self-defense scenarios.

3. My Glock 21 has seen thousands of rounds, yet it shows minimal wear. It’s been through different weather conditions, and the Tenifer finish on the slide has kept it free from rust and corrosion.

4. The Glock 21 has consistently impressed me with its accuracy. Even with its large caliber, I can hit targets precisely at distances beyond what I initially expected from a service pistol.

5. Despite its larger size to accommodate the .45 ACP double-stack magazine, the grip design allows for a comfortable hold, and the balance of the gun makes recoil management surprisingly manageable.

Things I Don’t Like About the Glock 21

1. While the size contributes to its comfortable shooting experience, it’s not the most convenient pistol to carry concealed. It’s bulky, and the weight can be noticeable after extended periods of carrying.

2.The Glock 21 is very much a utilitarian gun. It’s built for function over form, which means it lacks the aesthetic appeal of some other pistols. This is a minor point, but for enthusiasts who appreciate the craftsmanship of a firearm, it might fall short.

3. I’ve gotten used to the grip size, but I’ve seen shooters with smaller hands struggle to find a comfortable and secure grip on the Glock 21. It’s something to consider if you have smaller hands.

4. The stock trigger is functional and reliable, but it’s not the smoothest I’ve experienced. There’s a bit of grittiness to the pull, and the reset could be crisper. It’s a common critique among Glock users, and many opt for aftermarket triggers.

5. The stock sights are adequate, but I found myself wanting more out of them, especially in low-light conditions. Upgrading to aftermarket sights was almost a necessity for me to enhance my shooting experience.

Personal Maintenance Routine

I’ve established a personal maintenance routine that has kept my firearm in top condition over the years. Here’s a detailed walkthrough of my process, based on what has worked well for me:

Weekly Maintenance (With Regular Use)

• Visual Inspection: Before anything else, I ensure the gun is unloaded. I perform a quick visual check for any obvious signs of wear or damage.
• Field Strip: I disassemble the Glock 21 into its main components: the slide, barrel, recoil spring assembly, and frame.
• Cleaning the Barrel: Using a bore brush, I run it through the barrel a few times to loosen debris. Then, I apply a solvent to a cleaning patch and pass it through the barrel until it comes out clean.
• Cleaning the Slide: I wipe down the inside of the slide with a solvent-soaked patch, focusing on the breech face and the area around the firing pin. A small brush helps remove any buildup.
• Cleaning the Frame: I use a brush to gently clean the frame, paying special attention to the rails and any areas where debris accumulates.
• Lubrication: After everything is clean, I apply a light coat of gun oil to the barrel, the exterior of the barrel, the slide rails on the frame, and any moving parts.
• Reassembly and Function Check: Once lubricated, I reassemble the Glock 21 and perform a function check to ensure everything operates as it should.

Monthly Maintenance (Or After Extended Use)

• Deep Clean: Once a month, or after a particularly long day at the range, I take extra time with each step of my weekly maintenance. I use a dental pick for any hard-to-reach places where gunk accumulates.
• Magazine Maintenance: I disassemble the magazines, clean the interior with a brush, and wipe down the springs and followers before reassembling.
• Inspection for Wear: During my monthly deep clean, I inspect all components more thoroughly for signs of wear or damage, such as cracks in the frame or unusual wear patterns on the barrel.

Yearly Maintenance

• Replacement of Parts: Once a year, I inspect and potentially replace parts that are known to wear out, such as the recoil spring assembly, depending on my shooting frequency. Glock recommends replacing the recoil spring every few thousand rounds, but I visually inspect it during my deep cleans and replace it as needed.
• Professional Inspection: While I’m confident in my maintenance routine, I occasionally have a certified armorer inspect my Glock 21 to ensure everything is in working order and that I haven’t missed anything.

Personal Tips

• Keep It Simple: The beauty of Glock pistols lies in their simplicity. There’s no need for overly aggressive cleaning or excessive lubrication.
• Regular Checks: Even if I haven’t fired my Glock 21 in a while, I give it a quick check-up to ensure it’s clean and ready to go.
• Quality Supplies: I invest in quality cleaning supplies and lubricants, as they make maintenance easier and help prolong the life of the firearm.

This maintenance routine has served me well, ensuring my Glock 21 remains reliable, accurate, and ready for any situation. Remember, the key to firearm maintenance is consistency and attention to detail.

Glock 21 Performance Evaluation: My Expert Ratings and Insights

Aspect	Review Summary	Score
Accuracy	The Glock 21 offers commendable accuracy for a .45 ACP, performing well at various distances.	8/10
Reliability	Known for its outstanding reliability, it feeds, fires, and ejects a wide range of .45 ACP ammo without issues.	9/10
Versatility	Suitable for various uses, from self-defense to competitive shooting, thanks to its robust design and caliber.	8/10
Customization	While not as customizable as some other platforms, there’s still a healthy aftermarket for sights, triggers, and more.	7/10
Ergonomics	The grip and overall design are comfortable for most users, though the larger grip size may not suit everyone.	8/10
Value	Offers excellent value for the price, considering its durability, reliability, and performance.	9/10
Overall	The Glock 21 is a solid, reliable choice for anyone looking for a .45 ACP pistol, balancing performance and value well.	8/10

Conclusion

The Glock 21 is a firearm that embodies the qualities most sought after by gun enthusiasts: reliability, durability, and versatility. Its design and performance cater to both seasoned shooters and newcomers to the .45 ACP caliber. After years of personal use and extensive testing, I can confidently recommend the Glock 21 to anyone looking for a dependable and high-performing handgun. Its ability to combine power with precision, all while offering ease of use and maintenance, makes it a standout firearm in its category.

FAQs

1. What caliber is the Glock 21?

The Glock 21 is chambered for the .45 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol) cartridge, known for its stopping power and effectiveness in self-defense and tactical situations.

2. How many rounds can the Glock 21 magazine hold?

The standard magazine capacity of the Glock 21 is 13 rounds of .45 ACP, making it one of the higher-capacity pistols available in this caliber.

3. Is the Glock 21 suitable for concealed carry?

While the Glock 21 is larger due to its double-stack magazine design, it can still be used for concealed carry with the right holster and clothing. However, its size may be more suited to open carry or home defense for some users.

4. How does the recoil of the Glock 21 compare to other .45 ACP pistols?

Thanks to its ergonomic design and polymer frame, the Glock 21’s recoil is manageable and less snappy compared to many other .45 ACP pistols, making it comfortable for extended shooting sessions.

5. Can the Glock 21 be customized?

Yes, the Glock 21 has a wide range of aftermarket parts and accessories available, including sights, triggers, barrels, and magazine extensions, allowing owners to customize their pistol to their preferences.

6. What is the weight of the Glock 21?

The Glock 21 weighs approximately 29.30 ounces (830 grams) when unloaded, making it relatively lightweight for a .45 ACP pistol.

7. How reliable is the Glock 21?

The Glock 21 is renowned for its reliability, capable of functioning under adverse conditions and with various types of ammunition. It’s designed to perform consistently with minimal maintenance.

8. What type of safety features does the Glock 21 have?

The Glock 21 incorporates Glock’s Safe Action System, which includes a trigger safety, firing pin safety, and drop safety, ensuring that the pistol can only fire when the trigger is deliberately pulled.

9. Is the Glock 21 used by law enforcement or military organizations?

Yes, the Glock 21 is used by various law enforcement agencies and military units around the world, appreciated for its reliability, capacity, and the effectiveness of the .45 ACP cartridge.

10. How does the Glock 21 compare to the Glock 17?

The Glock 21 and Glock 17 are similar in size and ergonomics, but they chamber different rounds; the Glock 17 is chambered in 9mm. The Glock 21 offers higher stopping power with its .45 ACP rounds, while the Glock 17 provides a higher magazine capacity and less recoil.

Remember, the true value of a firearm lies not just in its design or history, but in the skill and responsibility of the one who wields it. Stay safe, stay trained, and let every shot fired be a testament to the respect we hold for the power in our hands.