Glock 21 VS. 1911
- Thread starter LUCKYDOG
- Start date
I choose the 1911
it fits my hand better and Im pretty darn familiar with mine
as well as it being a proven design and reliable.
If a glock fit my hand better and i had purchased one way back when, I may have said glock its also proven to be very reliable
Pretty much boils down to those reasons for me, but more often than not I carry a revolver lol.
it fits my hand better and Im pretty darn familiar with mine
as well as it being a proven design and reliable.
If a glock fit my hand better and i had purchased one way back when, I may have said glock its also proven to be very reliable
Pretty much boils down to those reasons for me, but more often than not I carry a revolver lol.
OldTurtle
Moderator - Deceased
Quote:I know a lot of cops carry Glocks..There is a considerable difference in Glock models...
You are correct that they are the issue weapon of many departments, but the frame and grip size of the model 20 (10mm) and the 21 (45acp) is much larger than the other "full size" frames and most departments issue the more 'standard' size in 9mm, .357 Sig, and .40 S&W calibers...
Each of those calibers has compact and sub-compact models as well...The models 20 & 21 each have their sub-compact models, but the grips still require a larger hand to hold them securely...
From my personal perspective, I've owned just about every model and size, but currently only own a full size 9mm, but own at least three 1911s in various calibers..
You are correct that they are the issue weapon of many departments, but the frame and grip size of the model 20 (10mm) and the 21 (45acp) is much larger than the other "full size" frames and most departments issue the more 'standard' size in 9mm, .357 Sig, and .40 S&W calibers...
Each of those calibers has compact and sub-compact models as well...The models 20 & 21 each have their sub-compact models, but the grips still require a larger hand to hold them securely...
From my personal perspective, I've owned just about every model and size, but currently only own a full size 9mm, but own at least three 1911s in various calibers..
Tjkiller
Well-known member
Age old arguement, its really hardto compare the two. Since you have to ask: Im going to say Glock. The Glock is a safer pistol, 3 safeties but you dont have to defeat any of them to draw and fire the gun. The 1911 is a single action pistol. NDs went down by 50% when they decomissioned it in the military. The 1911 is not a beginners carry gun. THe main reason is with the 1911 you can get a great pistol or a flawed pistol. In its original form, it was a reliable gun, nowadays, there are so many variations in design, quality, and reliabity its hard to say what you will get. Ive seen the kimbers jam just like the garage kit guns (many times). Its a high maintenance gun that you have to carry locked and cocked(but its still awesome). With the Glock you know what your getting: a reliable, simple, accurate,low maintenance, and affordable gun. A friend once told me (one time National Law Enforcement firearms instructor of the year) " Tommy, I love my 1911's more than any other guns, but drop me off on the moon and I want a spyderco and a glock 17." Another combat instructor told me " I have half a dozen different 1911s and they are all great guns, but I carry a Glock,,,,because work. They tried to make em not work, and they still work."
Last edited:
Originally Posted By: OldTurtleQuote:I know a lot of cops carry Glocks..There is a considerable difference in Glock models...
You are correct that they are the issue weapon of many departments, but the frame and grip size of the model 20 (10mm) and the 21 (45acp) is much larger than the other "full size" frames and most departments issue the more 'standard' size in 9mm, .357 Sig, and .40 S&W calibers...
Each of those calibers has compact and sub-compact models as well...The models 20 & 21 each have their sub-compact models, but the grips still require a larger hand to hold them securely...
From my personal perspective, I've owned just about every model and size, but currently only own a full size 9mm, but own at least three 1911s in various calibers..
If the Glock 21(or G20) is too big for your hand, they make a smaller version called the "SF". The "SF" version is also available in the compact G29 and G30 as well. There does not look to be a lot of difference but I can grip the SF versions much better with my average size hands.
You are correct that they are the issue weapon of many departments, but the frame and grip size of the model 20 (10mm) and the 21 (45acp) is much larger than the other "full size" frames and most departments issue the more 'standard' size in 9mm, .357 Sig, and .40 S&W calibers...
Each of those calibers has compact and sub-compact models as well...The models 20 & 21 each have their sub-compact models, but the grips still require a larger hand to hold them securely...
From my personal perspective, I've owned just about every model and size, but currently only own a full size 9mm, but own at least three 1911s in various calibers..
If the Glock 21(or G20) is too big for your hand, they make a smaller version called the "SF". The "SF" version is also available in the compact G29 and G30 as well. There does not look to be a lot of difference but I can grip the SF versions much better with my average size hands.
The 1911 are easier to conceal than a glock. I own a glock 30sf and its hard to conceal just because its a little bulkier. I had to do some modification to my glock handle to make it so it would fit my hand better. The one thing I don't like about a glock is there is no safety on em.
Rustydust
Active member
Not just because I have a fine shooting 1911 Series 70, but to my eyes a Colt .45 auto 1911 just looks right. It looks like it should and there is nothing on it that it doesn't need. It has proven itself thousands and thousands of times over the last 100 years and I know that I can count on mine if push ever comes to shove.
And John Wayne would never look right holding a Glock either!
And John Wayne would never look right holding a Glock either!
The question posted by the OP was about the G21 vs the 1911. That would be a hard choice for me! I've been shooting USPSA matches for the last 22 years with some configuration of 1911, and have carried 1911's in the past, but I'm still uncomfortable carrying cocked and locked with the muzzle basically pointing in the general direction of my right butt cheek
So, I carry Glocks.....but maybe a G27, G23, G30, or G36 on any given day, most days it's the G27. I've always thought of the G21 and G20 as having an alternative use as a boat anchor, being large and clunky, but they darn sure work!
Back to the original question: if I had to choose one or the other, it would be a Para 1911 in DAO, with a trigger job! I know, I still twisted it a little, but that's just a rough question
F1
So, I carry Glocks.....but maybe a G27, G23, G30, or G36 on any given day, most days it's the G27. I've always thought of the G21 and G20 as having an alternative use as a boat anchor, being large and clunky, but they darn sure work!
Back to the original question: if I had to choose one or the other, it would be a Para 1911 in DAO, with a trigger job! I know, I still twisted it a little, but that's just a rough question
F1
It's a tough call. The 1911 is a tried and true, proven performer, and I have used many different ones. It is a good feel and a good design.
Having shot Glocks in competition, and putting them through a lot of punishment, the Glock has never given me anything but the best performance.
I think that EITHER one will serve you well. It mainly comes down to what you like the best, can operate and shoot the best, and is the most comfortable carrying. The Glocks can be a little big for some, the 1911 can be a little sensitive to cleaning and ammunition choices.
Go to a range and rent them both and see how it goes.
Having shot Glocks in competition, and putting them through a lot of punishment, the Glock has never given me anything but the best performance.
I think that EITHER one will serve you well. It mainly comes down to what you like the best, can operate and shoot the best, and is the most comfortable carrying. The Glocks can be a little big for some, the 1911 can be a little sensitive to cleaning and ammunition choices.
Go to a range and rent them both and see how it goes.
Jeepdude1987
New member
Why shoot a Glock when you can get an XD with a better trigger and generally more comfortable grip. If you prefer the Glock grip style then good for you. Most folks I talk to prefer the XD over the Glock. I have only met one person that liked the Glock more and that was yesterday.
If you like the 1911 buy it if you can conceal it carry it. Some people have a hard time concealing what I would call pocket guns. 1911's are my favorites, but I don't think I would be able to conceal one very much except in winter with coats and/or heavy clothing.
If you like the 1911 buy it if you can conceal it carry it. Some people have a hard time concealing what I would call pocket guns. 1911's are my favorites, but I don't think I would be able to conceal one very much except in winter with coats and/or heavy clothing.
jlutcher51
New member
It's all in what fits you and your needs better. For me its glock I like not having to fumble around with external safeties. My glock 23 fits my hand perfectly and sights line up nicely when I pull it up. I have had my glock for 2 years and have fired about 1500 rounds through it and never had a jam. I like the looks of 1911s and they are a tried and true.
If at all possible handle both guns, shoot both guns and see what works for you. Either way you chose you will be getting a good reliable pistol.
If at all possible handle both guns, shoot both guns and see what works for you. Either way you chose you will be getting a good reliable pistol.
Squeeze
New member
As you can see, many own both. Me, too. I don't have a G21,
but I do have a G20SF(same pistol as the G20 except in 10mm
with a short frame). And I have a heavily customized Springfield
1911-A1. I love my 1911, and I could easily conceal it if
I wanted 2 lbs of stainless steel hanging on my butt. I
too carry a G27(lighter dress days), or a G30SF(jacket, sweat
shirt, etc). But I sleep with a Springfield XD-45c. I don't
need night sights, because I point and shoot, and it hits
what I am pointing at. So my point is try a few different
pistols, pick the one that suits the most of the situations
you want it for, and start plotting your next pistol purchase.
It is an addiction.
Squeeze
Originally Posted By: Merritt79The 1911 are easier to conceal than a glock. I own a glock 30sf and its hard to conceal just because its a little bulkier. I had to do some modification to my glock handle to make it so it would fit my hand better. The one thing I don't like about a glock is there is no safety on em.
Not true about the Glock and it not having a safety. While the Glock may not have an external safety lever, they actually have 3 internal safeties. The trigger safety, the firing pin safety, and the drop safety. If you do not want the Glock to fire, don't pull the trigger.
Not true about the Glock and it not having a safety. While the Glock may not have an external safety lever, they actually have 3 internal safeties. The trigger safety, the firing pin safety, and the drop safety. If you do not want the Glock to fire, don't pull the trigger.
GC
Well-known member
Originally Posted By: getfoxyFor carry IMO both full size models are awfully big. But to answer your question I'd pick the glock. There's a reason so many police departments use them
I do like 1911s awfully well though. Hard to go wrong with either
The reason is price point per unit. Accountants make these decisions, not street cops.
I do like 1911s awfully well though. Hard to go wrong with either
The reason is price point per unit. Accountants make these decisions, not street cops.
Tjkiller
Well-known member
Originally Posted By: Merritt79The 1911 are easier to conceal than a glock. I own a glock 30sf and its hard to conceal just because its a little bulkier. I had to do some modification to my glock handle to make it so it would fit my hand better. The one thing I don't like about a glock is there is no safety on em.
the glock has 3 safeties :1) the trigger safety, 2) the firing pin safety, and c) the drop safety.
the lack of a sefety lever is a good thing, the trigger has to physically pulled from to the rear, it is a very safe gun. Of course someone that runs around with their finger in the trigger guard doesnt have gun issues, he or she has lack of trining issues.
If this is gor concealment, neither is a great choice but the 1911 will hide easier, not they both cant be hidden.
the glock has 3 safeties :1) the trigger safety, 2) the firing pin safety, and c) the drop safety.
the lack of a sefety lever is a good thing, the trigger has to physically pulled from to the rear, it is a very safe gun. Of course someone that runs around with their finger in the trigger guard doesnt have gun issues, he or she has lack of trining issues.
If this is gor concealment, neither is a great choice but the 1911 will hide easier, not they both cant be hidden.
Last edited: