Glock 21 vs USP 45 controls

[Vicissitude]

So i got the opportunity to shoot both of these last week. As far as i am aware these are the only double-stack polymer handguns in .45, which is what im looking for.

So heres the issue, i must have some short-*** thumbs because i cannot actuate the mag release on the glock 21 one handed, i have to use my supporting hand, though i can hit the slide release fine. On the USP i can hit the mag release and the decocker/safety but i cant get to the slide release with my grip-thumb.

Im a first time firearm owner, i grew up shooting guns but i literally just started my 10 day wait on a different handgun. Eventually i plan to buy a .45 but im not sure how much of an issue the controls are going to be. So i was hoping some owners might have some insight on workarounds or mods that might be helpful.

In addition if anyone has ever gotten the trigger mod on the usp45 how does it compare to say a SIG da/sa trigger?

[semilin]

Glock 21 SF

[Tere_Hanges]

S&W M&P 45

Or HK45, but since this is CA...

I have/had both, love the USP45, definitely get one if you cant get an M&P45 or HK45.

I do like my Glock 21sf and think everybody should have one.

You really cant go wrong either way. Just get an extended mag release for the Glock, I do with all my Glocks, and an extended slide stop too.

[USMCmatt]

I love my G21 SF. Slide release is definitely stiff though.

[Vicissitude]

Thats odd, i dont see an m&p 45 on the roster, much less a mod 2 m&p

[tbc]

Use the slingshot technique to release the slide. You don't have to use your thumb.

[The Shootist]

Either one is a fine choice! Get the one that fits your budget and your needs....that being said I have them both and like them both. I’m not a fan of a particular brand like some I’m a fan of them all. The one you scoop up now will be followed by the other one if your anything like half the calgunners here one is simply put not enough to satisfy your appreciation of firearms. Good luck with your choice you can’t go wrong.

[Quiet]

Polymer double-stack .45ACP pistols listed on the Roster of Handguns Certified for Sale:
Glock 21SF
Glock 30SF
H&K USP-45
H&K USP-45 Compact
H&K USP-45 Elite
H&K USP-45 Expert
Springfield Armory XD-45 (4")
Springfield Armory XD-45 (5")
Springfield Armory XD-45 (4") Compact

Polymer double-stack .45ACP pistols that are not listed on the Roster of Handguns Certified for Sale:
Beretta Px4SD
FNH FNX-45
FNH FNX-45 Tactical
Glock 21 Gen 4
Glock 30 Gen 4
Glock 41 Gen 4
H&K HK-45
H&K HK-45C
H&K USP-45 Match
Ruger American Pistol 45
Ruger SR-45
SIG P-320
S&W M&P-45
S&W M&P-45 M2.0
Springfield Armory XD-45 Mod 2 (3.3)
Springfield Armory XD-45 Mod 2 (4.0)
Springfield Armory XD-45 Mod 2 (5.0)
Springfield Armory XDM-45 (3.8)
Springfield Armory XDM-45 (4.5)
Springfield Armory XDM-45 (5.25)
STI 2011
Walther PPQ 45

[Thanatos2203]

I think it is pretty normal for people to not be able to actuate a slide stop with their dominant thumb, as stated above, use the slingshot method and you will have more reliability and consistent results with any handgun. The USP is a big gun and and definitely requires big hands or long fingers to be most comfortable with. I have long fingers and love it, my friends have shorter fingers and prefer Glocks and M&P's. On the flip side I can't get my finger onto the trigger of my Glock without interference from the frame. I do run an extended mag release but can only use a standard slide stop if I want the gun to actually lock open on the last round.

The USP DA/SA trigger also smooths out as you shoot it. They take a little getting used to at first but feels better with a few hundred rounds down the pipe. I love mine as is and much prefer it over the clicky and abrasive trash triggers that they put in Glocks. You can also purchase the match trigger and which I don't have any personal experience with but have only heard good things about.

https://www.hkparts.net/shop/pc/HK-USP-USP-Tactical-Match-Trigger-Conversion-Kit-446p1039.htm

My recommendation would be, if possible, to rent/borrow them both and actually shoot them. Holding them in the store doesn't tell the full story.

[TKM]

At the risk of being that guy. That is not a slide release.

Some of us can release the slide by manipulating it but it is a slide lock.

[Tere_Hanges]

At the risk of being that guy. That is not a slide release.

Some of us can release the slide by manipulating it but it is a slide lock.

Yup, its a slide stop. And its not even supposed to be used to release the slide when chambering a round, thats probably why no normally proportioned human beings can reach it with their thumbs. The "correct" procedure is to rack the slide to load.

I just gave up trying to correct people. Same thing with "clips" and pistol "upper receivers".

[omega]

I do have a Tango Down Vicker's Tactical extended slide stop in my spare parts box that I plan to install on my G21 SF just in case I ever needed to use the slide stop, but I usually just rack the slide over the top , and rarely use the slide stop

the G21 SF is a excellent choice

[Erichp]

While it may be a slide stop, and some will look at you with horror and disgust for not following the in vogue slingshot only thinking, reality is most auto loaders work just fine using it to drop the slide after a reload when their design supports it.

I bet these guys would even more horrified that many of the owners manuals instruct you to use that slide stop for chambering. Oh the sacrilege of it all !!! How could the big firearms makers be so wrong and not agree with the tactical panted man beard Youtube guy.

But in seriousness, I am not sure how folks got to be rabid about this when it use to be the manual of arms and both were trained. At some point in modern training, someone decided teach a single muscle memory item for simplicity sake. Clearing malfunctions has you do it, and it works to chamber....keep it stupid simple.

I get it, but its silly to get on anyone using the stop as a slide release when its just fine.

Its like anything, times change. Whether it be stances or grips methods. End of the day day, if its designed to work and it works for you, go with it.

I wonder why slide stop purists don't get all flustered by the AR bolt catch being used the same way given its essentially the same thing?

[michaelthepsycho]

I bet these guys would even more horrified that many of the owners manuals instruct you to use that slide stop for chambering. Oh the sacrilege of it all !!! How could the big firearms makers be so wrong and not agree with the tactical panted man beard Youtube guy.

I get it, but its silly to get on anyone using the stop as a slide release when its just fine.

Its like anything, times change. Whether it be stances or grips methods. End of the day day, if its designed to work and it works for you, go with it.

I agree.

Just cause sling-shotting is the tacticool thing these days doesn't mean it's correct. Use whatever method's most reliable for you.

[Tere_Hanges]

"Sling-shotting", thats the first time I ever heard of that. I guess some people really keep up with all the tacticool videos on youtube.

I had no idea it was a new thing.

I've been racking the slide to load way before youtube ever existed.