1911 vs glock 21

[BigDogatPlay]

ean909... sent you a PM.

[1911su16b870]

If you are used to shooting 45ACP and have big hands G21. Otherwise G17.

[tacticalcity]

I agree with the Glock 17 comment. The academy is going to require you to qualify doing some pretty intensive combat style shooting. Things you cannot even imagine at this point. A lot of cadets struggle signicantly to pick this up in the time alotted, and going BIG on your caliber is going to magnify the difficulty times ten. It's like running a marathon with your shoe laces tied together. It just doesn't make sense.

Buying a Beretta 92 would be like saying...PLEASE FAIL ME. You're not used to its action, you're used to 1911s and Glocks (an asumption I admit but you say you already own gear for them so I assume that means you've owned them before), which are easier to master. Especially for the kind of shooting you will be doing during the course. It would be like duck taping your legs together and trying to run that same marathon mentioned above. It would be one thing if it was the platform you had mastered and knew like the back of you hand and you were not comfortable with the Glock of 1911. But it's not. So in your case there is zero logic to run it.

As much as I love the 1911 platform, and I do love it, it is just not the right platform for what you are trying to do. Too large a caliber, too low a capacity, translates to lots of fatigue when you are already exhausted and need things to be easier if at all possible. The academy is not a gun competition where you got to get plenty of rest and the only stressor is your own performance running a course style you had months and months to train for. You will be beatup mentally and physically and pushing yourself to your limits doing a totally new style of shooting with less instruction than you desire, being judged the entire time and expected to perform flawlessly. It is doable with both, but it is smarter to make life as easy as possible on yourself. They will let you give yourself a legup by using a very easy to master 9mm. Take advantage of that fact. Help yourself.

So I say low caliber, high capacity, on an action that is considered the easiest to master by instructors around the world - ie Glock 17. Once you are more experienced, if you want a high caliber, go for it then. But not for the academy.

Also, money is not a logical argument againsts the advice above. We are talking about less then $600. And resale value you here in California is in excess of 95% if in decent shape. So its not like you will be stuck with the gun for the rest of your life should you decide that as an officer you need more stopping power. Your goal right now needs to be graduating the academy. That is your sole concern.

[tacticalcity]

Good Intel big dog. Ya carrying a single action hammer up has always made me nervous. Even a glock cocked makes me cringe. Ya 57 would b fun but rounsd r too expensive and ya its not really a LE type weapon. I'm not too worried about the glock getting beat up. It's pretty durable .

You will not feel that way about either after you finish the academy. Those are common concerns by people with limited training and experience. Once you get a significant amount of training on Glocks and 1911s, like you do at the academy, you realize there is nothing to be concerned about. The exact same concerns exist on every other gun. Your argument assumes it is OK to touch the trigger when your not planning to fire...which it is not. Your argument assumes you won't be able to be disciplined not to touch the trigger when you are not supposed to...which also is not true. All you need is lots and lots of training and trigger time and you will feel extremely comfortable with the Glock and/or 1911 carried as intended.

I say that because I used to feel as you do. I belived down to my core that a manual safety and hard double action pull where wise choices in a defensive gun. I thought I was an experienced shooter. I thought that my level of training had nothing to do with my concerns. Once I got some really high end professional training, I realized my concerns were born out of my lack of proficiency and competence. I didn't want to admit that to myself. But it was true. I just needed more training and practice to gain the skills and proficiency to be comfortable carrying a 1911 cocked and locked or a gun like a Glock without a manual safety. I also realized that all those things I wanted for extra safety to make me feel more secure, actually were limiting my effectiveness as a shooter. They did little to nothing to keep me safer, and hurt my effectiveness. It is a hard pill to swallow...but one proven time and time again at shooting courses around the world.

[ean909]

Great info tactical. If I had the money. Yes I would definatly go with a smaller caliber. I don't think I was very clear about being nervous about carrying a single action. I'm mostly worried about the hammer falling not necessarily trigger pull. But I know that firearms go through extensive drop testing to make sure that dosnt happen. But in all actuality your right. I should try to look for a g 17. My hands are pretty big. Long and thin mostly. I'll definatly keep my options open. Thanks for the input.

[bohoki]

i own a glock 21 and it is a large grip you probably should use a 22 or 23

i really like the look feel and weight of the 23 but maybe that is just the grass is greener feeling everybody has about what they don't have

i have a 1911 as well and come on 8 rounds you might as well have a revolver

[ean909]

I do have a glock 23. I didn't really think about using it because its a compact and not full size. Being left handed is kind of a concern for me too. But I'm use to it and can manipulate my 1911 and glock 21 and 23 very fast and effectively.

[ean909]

I'd like to add too that I like the feel of my 23 also.

[oddjob]

I go with the Glock 17 crowd. Ammo is cheaper and plenty of accessories all over the place. I'd borrow a friend's Glock 17. Your 23 is fine too.

[TRICKSTER]

Go with the Glock. It's easier to clear and get back up and running during the malfunction drills that you will be taught. Also less reloading.

[ean909]

Actually ammo would be more expensive for the 17 because I reload 40 cal and 45s. But i think the 17 might be more practical.

[Falconis]

Go with the full size. Just my opinion probably, but you want real estate when doing weapons manipulations. It's easy when you'r not stressed, but with someone yelling at you and the timer going, that's a lot of stress.

Also, if cost is an issue, just use what you have. Looks like you may as well just use the 21 you have. Either way, you're spending money (another gun or ammo).

[ean909]

Yes. I just might go with my 21. The academy isn't till august so i still have time to possibly buy a weapon and start practicing. My wife told me she would buy me one in another month or two if I really needed it. I have too many guns but i definatly still need it.Haha.

[ckim34]

I do have a glock 23. I didn't really think about using it because its a compact and not full size. Being left handed is kind of a concern for me too. But I'm use to it and can manipulate my 1911 and glock 21 and 23 very fast and effectively.

I'm left handed too and I'm right eye dominate. I can manipulate all my weapons without issues so if you are use it already its not something you should be concerned about.

[tahoetarga]