Glock 21 vs 21SF vs gen4 21

[fishnbeer]

I am in the market for another Glock. Looking at a full size in .45 . I have shot glocks in just about every size and caliber other than .45 and, yes, I will go out and rent them before I buy. I was not aware until recently the gen 3 G21 also could come in 'small frame' g21SF. That had me thinking about grip size.

The sf has me intrigued. I would not say I have small hands but also I do not have big hands. I am not sure if I would need a small frame. Is the 21 grip size significantly bigger than other models? I did some searching but could not determine if gen 4 comes in a 'small frame'. Anyone care to share experiences with the 21s?

Also was curious if there were any kind of issues with 21s, like any mag issues of problems feeding hollow points.

[billped]

Even big guys find the G21 too big. Get a Gen4 or an SF.

Gen4 has replaceable backstraps so you can make the grip size what you need.

I have a gen4 G20 - same grip size, I believe.

[KrisDSA]

Big Bore Gen4 seem to hold up better from what I have seen n rebuilt

[ElvenSoul]

Gen 3 SF

[SandHill]

I am in the market for another Glock. Looking at a full size in .45 . I have shot glocks in just about every size and caliber other than .45 and, yes, I will go out and rent them before I buy. I was not aware until recently the gen 3 G21 also could come in 'small frame' g21SF. That had me thinking about grip size.

The sf has me intrigued. I would not say I have small hands but also I do not have big hands. I am not sure if I would need a small frame. Is the 21 grip size significantly bigger than other models? I did some searching but could not determine if gen 4 comes in a 'small frame'. Anyone care to share experiences with the 21s?

Also was curious if there were any kind of issues with 21s, like any mag issues of problems feeding hollow points.

I have a G20SF, which is 10mm but has the same frame size as the .45. I have fairly large hands. I have an M&P with interchangeable backstraps and I use the largest. I like the Beretta 92/96 grip which is too large for most people. But but I like the Gen 3 "SF" frame size. The SF is the same size as the Gen 4 with the smallest backstrap on it. I have held the Gen 4 G20 with the larger backstraps on them and don't like them as much as the 20SF or the Gen 4 with the small backstrap. Apparently lots of other people feel the same way, because they discontinued the Gen 3 regaular size but kept making the SF size.

YMMV of course, and you just have to see what feels good in your hand.

[rydt2dagrnd]

I have owned both gen 4 21 and gen 3 21sf. I like my 21sf better.

[559BearDown]

Gen 3 SF. I have smaller than average hands and it's not too much for me.

[cvigue]

I got a Gen3SF - love it.

[buymenow00]

Another vote for G3 21SF! I love mine which I turned into a longslide with a 6" barrel and slide from Lone Wolf. So cool, fun gun!

[E92335i]

I also have a G21-SF. Awsome gun. No problems/malfunctions at all.

[Smitherines]

I wear a size "L" glove and the Gen 3 21SF is just right for me. I'd recommend the SF unless you have pretty large hands.

[L-2]

Unless exempt from the roster, the likely available .45Auto caliber Glocks are:
G21SF (in Glock circles, more commonly thought to mean "short frame")
G30SF
G36
Even though on the roster, the G21 and G21C aren't made any longer.
Any Glock Gen4 models are not on-roster, but may be found at likely-inflated prices via private party transfer.

If you do find a regular, older G21, then yes, gripping the gun will feel larger.
If you find a G21Gen4, that Glock should come with additional backstraps which can be added onto the rear of the grip to make it larger.

If one finds the G21SF too small, there are aftermarket products to increase the grip size, such as a Hogue "Hand-all" or a GripForceAdapter.

[Carcassonne]

You will have a hard time finding a standard Gen 2 Glock 21 because they don't make them anymore. Your choice for a new 21 is either a Gen 4 or an SF model. If you live in California, and you don't have an exemption, you are stuck with the SF - unless you buy a used one.


You should not have a probllem with a Gen 3 Glock 21 unless you start changing things (springs, trigger, etc).

[MrFeetZ]

I had both a 21sf and a gen4 21. Not much shooting difference between the two and you will pay premium for gen4. To me, not worth it to pay the extra for the gen4, but YMMV.

I sold both and got another DW 1911

The glocks were a dark period in my past that neither I or my family like to talk about much. Therapy helped.

[Intel0116]

Be a man, Get a 1911. Glocks are for kids.