Glock 21 vs. Glock 21 SF

[DArBad]

Glock afficionados,

I'd like to compare these two models. But on a few LGS I visited, if one is available, the other is not.

Are the internals the same? Meaning, if I upgrade the recoil spring guide rod, or other slide internal parts, the parts size should be the same?

I know the magazines are different. Which of the two do models do you prefer?

Thanks.

[utc]

only difference is the frame from front of grip to rear of grip. I was under the impression the original G21 was no longer produced. But i'm wrong all the time. if you have big hands, it's moot. I have a buddy with the original G21. I shoot it just as well as the SF, if you have smaller hands (I didn't say small,) get the SF.
also, same mags. no difference either.

[Erion929]

The SF is supposed to be about 3/16" shorter reach to the trigger, measured from where the web of your thumb sits. So it just depends on how large your hands are.

There are several vids on YouTube that compare the two

[Corpus]

just wanted to second that the internal parts and mags are the same for both models, though the mags are out of stock alot

[Rhyyke]

The SF has a shorter frame from front to back. I think it's generally more comfortable to hold unless you have USP-sized hands.

I believe the frame parts are all the same.

Edit: Sidebar, but how cool would it be if Glock made a single stack .45...

[Lumpia is sarap!®]

The biggest difference is one feels like a brick and the other is a thin brick.

I prefer the G21SF. Even though I'm selling mine.

[DRTYLUVN]

i have first hand experience with the g20/g20sf, they are identical to the g21 i believe but in 10mm

i have the g20sf and my buddy has the regular g20, though it may not look like a big difference from looking at it or on paper it made a huge difference for me.

for me the infamous glock hump is smaller on the sf and my grip is better more comfortable, my buddy has larger hands then i do but he too prefers the sf over his regular g20, he shoots both fine but does like the sf more.

i would recommend you try and see if you can handle both at the same time if possible, like i stated the g20/g20sf i believe are identical in frame width as the g21 see if those 2 are available for you to handle

[Chunky_lover]

I held both in my hands years ago
could not tell any difference visually or by feel
but the standard 21 was cheaper in price

[DDM4556]

I've fired both and prefer the SF. I have big hands.

All parts are the same.

[Munny$hot]

The SF is more comfortable to hold and all the parts interchange although the aftermarket upgrades you mentioned are not needed. IMHO your money is better spent towards metal sights, more mags and a Grip Force adapter. The company slogan is "Glock Perfection" and they weren't just making it up.

[Bill Steele]

Glock afficionados,

I'd like to compare these two models. But on a few LGS I visited, if one is available, the other is not.

Are the internals the same? Meaning, if I upgrade the recoil spring guide rod, or other slide internal parts, the parts size should be the same?

I know the magazines are different. Which of the two do models do you prefer?

Thanks.

I believe they have discontinued the Gen 3 G21 and only offer the G21SF, which probably tells you all you need to know about which is preferable.

In the Gen 4 they just call it a G21, but the grip size is the same as G21SF. The Gen 4 does come with the Modular Back Strap so you can customize the grip.

[Bullitt01]

The magazines are not different...same, same!

[Teachu2]

I own both the G21 and G21SF in Gen3s. All parts are interchangable. I wear large gloves, and shoot them equally well - but slightly prefer the SF. In the G30 and G30SF, I prefer the larger frame.

If you want to come up this way, I'd be happy to let you shoot any and all.

[Tri750]

The mags will not totally interchange. It gets tricky.
If you have say, G2 mags they won't lock in.
The G3 and 4 will lock onto a G2 though.
It's the "window" in the front of the mag.
To cornfuse things, I have an early G3 21SF with ambi mag release and a pic rail so it takes a proprietary holster in a Serpa .
It's in the window, man.

[neomedic]

^^^ How rare are those early Gen3 G21SF with ambi release and pic rail?