The big draw for me is Glock's reliability.

I checked out Springfield's XD in .45ACP. The grips felt like a 2X4. Oddly enough, the big Glocks fit my hand just fine (but not as nicely as my 1911 or Blackhawk).

Should I get a Glock 21 since I already have a 1911? Should I get a Glock 20 and tool up for the 10mm? I'm an experienced handloader so ammo prices/availability isn't an issue.

Your opinions and experiences please.

TIA,

Mark

The big draw for me is Glock's reliability.

I checked out Springfield's XD in .45ACP. The grips felt like a 2X4. Oddly enough, the big Glocks fit my hand just fine (but not as nicely as my 1911 or Blackhawk).

Should I get a Glock 21 since I already have a 1911? Should I get a Glock 20 and tool up for the 10mm? I'm an experienced handloader so ammo prices/availability isn't an issue.

Your opinions and experiences please.

TIA,

Mark

I cracked up when I read your post! I love my Glock 22, it fits so naturally in my hand. I wanted to get a big-bore Glock, too. Since I was set up for loading and shooting .45 ACP (have a couple of Colt 1911s) I decided on the Glock 21. The thing was accurate as h***... easily outshot my Colts. But the grip just didn't feel right and it started to bug me. When talking about it with shooting buddies, I described the Glock 21 as feeling like holding on to a 2x4. :rolleyes:

It became the only pistol I ever sold. I really wish it DID fit me like the Glock 22 or my CZ-75. I would have loved to have a Glock in .45.

Anyway, I think the Model 20 has some extra "cool" factor. I wouldn't buy a 10mm if I didn't handload. The typical factory loads are nothing like they used to be. Handloading can really bring out the performance potential of the 10mm.

Good shooting,
desmobob

I have the Glock 20. I like 10mm, but at the moment, it doesn’t seem to be very popular with anyone else. I didn’t care for the grip and sent it to Robar for their grip mod. It is better, but not as nice as a 1911, at least for me. I also have a couple of 1911s.
You have a choice: go with the 21 and use the same ammo as your 1911, or go with the 20. More powerful load, but the added expense of setting up to load another caliber.

Thanks for the replies, guys.

My first "real" handgun was a Belgiun Hi Power. I shot it well, but didn't know a good grip until I got the 1911. Even so, I had to train myself to grip it properly. I avoided Ruger's single action handguns because the grip frame is so radically different from that of a double action. But I became very interested in the 45 Colt, so I caved. It took a little longer to get used to the Blackhawk, but now I prefer it's grip frame to the 1911's.

I've become interested in the 10mm. Likewise, I like the Glock's reliability and capacity. And from what I've read, it can stand up to the 10mm as well as any other, so I'll probably learn to handle the G20's large grip. I might even like it.

I have no problem buying new dies. I'll buy some factory ammo (Double Tap, etc) and also load some rounds to SAAMI spec. From that research, I'll determine if I want to swap the barrel/springs and load hot.

Gotta have something to do when I'm not at work. :rolleyes:

One caveat about glock if your hand loading.They only recomend jacketed bullets for there stock barrels for they have a hammmer forged rifled barrel.But you can buy after market barrel that will handle lead bullets.

Being a handloader, Id get the 10mm. You can load it to a power level that would be ok for hunting. Glock has a 6 and 1/2 inch barrel for that purpose. And then you could post some reports on your loads. The 45acp is nice but the Ten is different. I might have to get one.

Sounds like you are another one to go over to the dark side by getting involved with the .45 Colt NMBH. I shot a 1911 for years and thoroughly like it. Then I decided to get into CAS and got .45 Blackhawks. At first, they felt very unnatural, but as I got used to them, I came to prefer them to the 1911. At the moment, I hardly shoot the 1911, but shoot the Blackhawks a lot.
I have several 10mm autos, a 1911, a S&W 1006, and Glock 20. The 1911 is probably the least robust for the cartridge, and the Glock is probably the most robust. I should really take them all down and weigh the slides. In this case, the heaviest slide wins. While I like them all, I haven’t shot them much lately due to CAS.

I'd go with the horsepower of the 20. I've got the 29 (the 20's "baby brother") and LOVE it!!! The 45's time-tested and all......I know all the arguments. But the 10mm's the real deal if you want to put some serious smack-down on target. Heck, Nugent even stoned a cape buffalo with his Glock 20!!!!

I dont know if they are doing it for the G20 but Glock is comming out with a G21SF. The SF stands for Special Forces. Why the name? I dont know but it is the same profile other than they reduiced the grip size it still uses the standard 13 round magizines. They had them on display at the shot show. They would not state a specific date but the grape vine says twords the end of this year.

I dont know if they are doing it for the G20 but Glock is comming out with a G21SF. The SF stands for Special Forces. Why the name? I dont know but it is the same profile other than they reduiced the grip size it still uses the standard 13 round magizines. They had them on display at the shot show. They would not state a specific date but the grape vine says twords the end of this year.


The SF stands for "Short Frame".

My 1911 is the gun I grab when I go into town, but the BH is what I reach for if the dogs go ballistic at night. I shot my 1911 last Friday and I can still hit with it. Great design! But I spent the next twenty minutes chasing brass. And I know...the G20 will toss brass even further. Maybe I'll duct tape an old sock to the ejection port. :p

I'll get a light to fit under the frame if I decide to get the G20. More compact than the shotgun and less intimidating if I hold it behind my leg. I will also have to decide if an aftermarket barrel and spring set is in order. I'd be able to shoot cast bullets and hotrod the heck out of the cartridge, but I suspect Glock's reliability would suffer.

The big difference I can see with the SF is the Picatinny rail under the frame. Glock's 3rd gen already has provision for mounting accessories, so I don't see the benefit of the SF. I'm probably missing something.

Thanks for the replies, guys.

Mark

The SF stands for "Short Frame".


AHH!

I stand corrected that would make more sence.

I say get the glock 21 and buy a 400 corbon drop in barrel.

They you can have the best of both worlds!

Even better, you can drop that barrel into your favorite 45AUTO and achieve 10mm power.

I say get the glock 21 and buy a 400 corbon drop in barrel.

They you can have the best of both worlds!

Even better, you can drop that barrel into your favorite 45AUTO and achieve 10mm power.

Doesn't the G20 have a heavier slide? Might reverse your suggestion (G20 w/ .45ACP barrel).

I own both the Glock 21 (45) and the 20 (10mm). I like them both for their own reasons.

What are you intending to do with the gun? If hunting with your handgun is an option, I would go with the 10mm. You can load the 10 to rather impressive velocities.

The 45 Glock on the other hand is the softest recoiling 45 acp I have ever fired. It was my primary duty gun for years.

Determine what your intended purpose is for the pistol and it may help you make a more informed choice.

I own both the Glock 21 (45) and the 20 (10mm). I like them both for their own reasons.

What are you intending to do with the gun? If hunting with your handgun is an option, I would go with the 10mm. You can load the 10 to rather impressive velocities.

The 45 Glock on the other hand is the softest recoiling 45 acp I have ever fired. It was my primary duty gun for years.

Determine what your intended purpose is for the pistol and it may help you make a more informed choice.

Naaw... Wouldn't be for hunting. I have an Encore in .270Win for that.

The G20 would be fitted with a light and would be good medicine against problem black bears, dogs, and smugglers. My 1911 and Blackhawk don't have a rail for fitting a light, and I don't want to use duct tape. While my Mossy has a light, it's too big to grab while I'm trying to get out of the tent at night in a hurry.

I'm also thinking the 10mm loaded with 180gr or 200gr FMJ would be a better choice against black bears than a 45ACP, and the Glock is light enough to carry all the time. Besides, it gives me an excuse to buy another gun/caliber.

Mark

Blackhawk - If you like the the 1911 frame but want a "double action" auto, look at a Para Ordanance. It has one of the smoothest "double action" triggers imaginable. Size and contour of the grips is a "subjective" thing; I love my .45 XD and don't like the Glock's grip, but with some after market "do dads" on it I could be very happy with either. The 10MM is the only caliber Glock labels as a "hunting" caliber; a Glock "Armorer" friend of mine says it is also the most accurate of all the Glocks. I too like the .45 Colt Blackhawks and have one with an extra .45ACP cylinder. So many choices, ain't America great?

Blackhawk - If you like the the 1911 frame but want a "double action" auto, look at a Para Ordanance. It has one of the smoothest "double action" triggers imaginable. Size and contour of the grips is a "subjective" thing; I love my .45 XD and don't like the Glock's grip, but with some after market "do dads" on it I could be very happy with either. The 10MM is the only caliber Glock labels as a "hunting" caliber; a Glock "Armorer" friend of mine says it is also the most accurate of all the Glocks. I too like the .45 Colt Blackhawks and have one with an extra .45ACP cylinder. So many choices, ain't America great?

Yeah! America is GREAT! But we all gotta keep it that way!

Double action is a big plus. I wonder what the mag capacity is.... I'll check out PO's offering. Thanks for the tip.

In my mind, some big selling points for the Glock:
- Reliability
- Capacity
- Caliber
- Trigger pull
- Simple to operate
- Weight (or lack thereof)

I doubt if I'd ever hunt with a semi-auto handgun though. Just doesn't seem right. And IIRC, The Nudge put that 10mm round in the animal's head from a few feet away after it had already been downed. Even then, it wasn't a through-and-through.

The BH in 45 Colt rocks! I love mine.

Mark

I dont know if they are doing it for the G20 but Glock is comming out with a G21SF. The SF stands for Special Forces. Why the name? I dont know but it is the same profile other than they reduiced the grip size it still uses the standard 13 round magizines. They had them on display at the shot show. They would not state a specific date but the grape vine says twords the end of this year.

Yes, the G21SF still uses 13 round mags, but not the same mags as the standard G21. The 1st/2nd/3rd Gen G21's can use the SF's mags, but the SF can't use the older mags.

If you are interested in one and your local shop doesn't have them, Mark at Summit Gun Brokers has them in stock now. Here's a link to his ad:

http://www.summitgunbroker.com/1685880.html

I tried the 10mm thing for a while. I recently traded my 1006 for a G21 .45acp. Sure, the 10mm is fairly powerful, but not the cannon that everybody says it is. Look at the ballistics. It's still less powerful than a .41mag.

No matter what Glock you choose, if you plan to shoot any reloads, cast or jacketed, invest in an aftermarket barrel. The factory Glock barrels are seriously lacking chamber support, and if a case cracks (which happens to my brass a lot after it's used several times), the Glock will NOT contain the pressure of the detonation like every other brand handgun out there. It will KB!

Don't take me wrong, I'm not bashing Glock. I've owned many Glocks in the past, but now, I just have my 2nd Gen G21, 2nd Gen G19, 2nd Gen G17 and a 1st Gen G17. 9mm's aren't a huge concern with reloads, but in any caliber larger than that, invest the $90 in a Lone Wolf barrel and play it safe. It's a lot cheaper doing that than KB-ing a pistol!

I'm very impressed with my G21. Accuracy is excellent, and recoil is absorbed very well. I can shoot it faster on target than any 1911 I've ever owned, or even a heavy 4506.

Yes, the G21SF still uses 13 round mags, but not the same mags as the standard G21. The 1st/2nd/3rd Gen G21's can use the SF's mags, but the SF can't use the older mags.

If you are interested in one and your local shop doesn't have them, Mark at Summit Gun Brokers has them in stock now. Here's a link to his ad:

http://www.summitgunbroker.com/1685880.html

I tried the 10mm thing for a while. I recently traded my 1006 for a G21 .45acp. Sure, the 10mm is fairly powerful, but not the cannon that everybody says it is. Look at the ballistics. It's still less powerful than a .41mag.

No matter what Glock you choose, if you plan to shoot any reloads, cast or jacketed, invest in an aftermarket barrel. The factory Glock barrels are seriously lacking chamber support, and if a case cracks (which happens to my brass a lot after it's used several times), the Glock will NOT contain the pressure of the detonation like every other brand handgun out there. It will KB!

Don't take me wrong, I'm not bashing Glock. I've owned many Glocks in the past, but now, I just have my 2nd Gen G21, 2nd Gen G19, 2nd Gen G17 and a 1st Gen G17. 9mm's aren't a huge concern with reloads, but in any caliber larger than that, invest the $90 in a Lone Wolf barrel and play it safe. It's a lot cheaper doing that than KB-ing a pistol!

I'm very impressed with my G21. Accuracy is excellent, and recoil is absorbed very well. I can shoot it faster on target than any 1911 I've ever owned, or even a heavy 4506.

Hawgleg,

I guess I've already decided on a G21. You're right on about the 10mm's ballistics. I won't be using it as a hunting gun.

The lack of chamber support is one of the players in Glock's ability to feed anything. On the other hand, since I don't buy factory ammo, it would be in my interest to go with an after market barrel. This is one area I'm definitely waffeling over. FTF is a reliability issue. But so is KB.

For now, I'd like to run with the OEM version and see what it does to my brass. I don't plan to exceed any of my manuals' recommendations, but if I get the smiley faces with those loads, I'll probably install an aftermarket barrel posthaste. The Wolf is a drop-in, isn't it?

Have you noticed any reliability issues since you changed barrels? I imagine better chamber support would allow hotter loads.

You're another one who says the G21 is quicker to put on target than any other .45ACP. Hmmmm. I wonder if I also picked up a G21 and marked it so it was clearly distinctive from the G20....

Man's gotta have a hobby, but one step at a time.

Mark

Another option that hasnt been mentioned yet. If more power is desired the 45 super round can be used in a 1911 by just changing the recoil and firing pin springs. This brings the 45 pretty close to 44 mag performance. I havent tried it, but I read an article on this over on the gun zone awhile back.

Another option that hasnt been mentioned yet. If more power is desired the 45 super round can be used in a 1911 by just changing the recoil and firing pin springs. This brings the 45 pretty close to 44 mag performance. I havent tried it, but I read an article on this over on the gun zone awhile back.

Thanks for the info.

Impressive ballistics from a 1911! But I'm afraid converting to 45 Super would destroy my Springfield's slide/frame. Also, 45 Super brass is almost identical to 45 ACP, and so if I made the conversion, I'd be pretty much be stuck with the 45 Super (which I guess wouldn't be a bad thing). And I'd have to trash all of my 45 ACP brass....

RealGuns has a pretty good write up on the cartridge/1911 conversion.

http://www.realguns.com/archives/020.htm

Regards,

Mark