Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rpi!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!sample.eng.ohio-state.edu!purdue!haven.umd.edu!mimsy!uunet.UU.NET From: wa3wbu!john@uunet.UU.NET (John Gayman) Newsgroups: rec.guns Subject: Glock 21 (.45 ACP) range results Message-ID: <35926@mimsy.umd.edu> Date: 23 Jun 91 20:00:23 GMT Sender: magnum@mimsy.umd.edu Organization: @ WA3WBU, Marysville, PA Lines: 80 Approved: gun-control@cs.umd.edu I just returned from a range session with my Glock 21. I took my Glock 17 along so as to make direct comparisons. I took a moment to weigh each pistol on my scales. Here are the results: Model Weight (pistol only) Weight of full magazine ----- -------------------- ----------------------- 17 20 oz. 10 oz (17rds 115gr FMJ) 21 24 oz. 13 oz (13rds 230gr FMJ) Overall I was very impressed with the performance of the Glock 21. I ran the following ammunition through the gun without incident: CCI Blazer 230gr FMJ Hansen 230gr FMJ Remington Shotshell PMC 185gr JHP Federal (AE) 230gr FMJ Federal 230gr Hydra-shock Reload 5.2gr Bullseye, 200gr LSWC All in all I put about 400 rds through the gun without a single malfunction. Unfortunately I did not have the use of my Outers Pistol Perch nor did I have inserts for my Ransom Rest. So my accuracy judgements had to rely on a steady, supported hand hold. As for general observations of the gun, recoil was very mild with all of the loads. It was every so slightly more noticable than that of the Glock 17 with 115gr FMJ loads. Obviously the grips are a tad larger but I found them quite comfortable even during one-handed shooting. My Glock 17 is one of the original models with the smooth grips whereas this newer model has the molded-in checkering. I thought the trigger on the 21 was much better than my 17. It broke a bit cleaner and with less effort. Both triggers exceed the 5 lb capacity of my trigger gauge so I couldn't make an accurate measurement. I find measuring the triggers on Glocks kinda difficult anyway with the safety mechanism. The magazines were quite easy to fully load by hand even though they do provide a loading device. I noticed that they wouldn't always drop out of the gun cleanly when empty, however they would drop right out when full. Just the opposite of the 17. Perhaps after some use they will free up. Every load I tried shot point-of-aim with the fixed sights. This was a rather pleasant suprise. I shot mostly at 20 yds. All of the above loads grouped around 2-3 inches. The PMC 185gr JHP and Hansen 230gr FMJ did the best at around 2 inches. Considering I had to resort to a hand-hold I was satisfied. I set up a standard IPSC target at about 30 yds and it was effortless to keep all the shots well within the A-zone and headshots were equally easy. Next I cleaned the bore and tried my 200gr SWC's that I use for IPSC. They performed well also. I was unsure how the polygonal rifling would handle cast bullets. I put around 200rds of these through the gun before heading home. Upon disassembly I found virtually no lead in the barrel. Very nice. My SIG P-220 leads terribly with these same loads. Overall I would rate it a success. I wouldn't trade my Wilson .45 for it but I wouldn't hesitate to tuck it into my belt for a tactical match. It is much more accurate than my 17. (In all fairness to the 17, my ammunition was limited to American Eagle 115gr FMJ). When Ransom has some grip inserts available I will strap this baby in for some serious tests. I hope some of you find this information helpful and I will welcome additional comments and questions. John -- John Gayman, WA3WBU | UUCP: uunet!wa3wbu!john 1869 Valley Rd. | Marysville, PA 17053 | Packet: WA3WBU @ WB3EAH