The Glock 21: A Full-Size Legend
The Glock 21, chambered in the formidable .45 ACP cartridge, holds a special place in the hearts of handgun enthusiasts and professionals alike. Known for its reliability, robust design, and straightforward operation, the Glock 21 has become a trusted tool for self-defense, law enforcement, and sport shooting. This article delves into a comprehensive comparison of two prominent generations of this iconic pistol: the Glock 21 Gen 5 and the Glock 21 Gen 4. We’ll explore the key features, design differences, performance aspects, and suitability for various users, ensuring you have the information necessary to make an informed decision.
Understanding the Glock 21 Gen 4
The Glock 21 Gen 4, introduced to the market, represents a significant advancement from its predecessors. This iteration brought several enhancements that solidified Glock’s commitment to evolving its designs. One of the notable features was the integration of the Rough Texture Frame (RTF), intended to improve grip security, especially under wet or adverse conditions. This texturing, though perhaps a matter of personal preference, contributed to better control during rapid firing sequences.
Another key feature of the Gen 4 was the Dual Recoil Spring Assembly (RSA). This design aimed to reduce felt recoil and enhance the overall reliability of the pistol. By mitigating the impact on the frame, the RSA contributed to the longevity of the firearm. The Gen 4 also introduced the ability to customize the grip size through interchangeable backstraps. This feature catered to shooters of varying hand sizes, providing a more comfortable and secure grip for optimized control. The magazine release button was redesigned, and slightly enlarged. The Gen 4 version had a reputation for reliability and its widespread adoption within law enforcement and among civilians underlined its performance and durability.
Introducing the Glock 21 Gen 5
The Glock 21 Gen 5 builds on the strengths of its predecessors, ushering in a new era of refinement and features. From its external appearance to its internal components, the Gen 5 represents an evolution of the Glock design philosophy, further enhancing the shooting experience. The Gen 5’s introduction marked another step in the Glock’s commitment to providing top-tier handgun performance.
The Gen 5 features a notable change in the form of front slide serrations, which aids in manipulation of the slide for press checks or disassembly. The ambidextrous slide stop lever, a welcome addition, caters to both left-handed and right-handed shooters, enhancing the pistol’s versatility and ease of use for a broader audience. The Gen 5 also incorporates the Glock Marksman Barrel (GMB), designed for improved accuracy through refined rifling and a more precisely machined crown. The frame’s design changed too. Gen 5 removed finger grooves, a design choice that aimed to create a universally comfortable grip profile. The magazine release was redesigned. All these elements coalesce to create a firearm that is both familiar and refined.
Frame and Grip: Exploring the Contours
One of the most immediately noticeable differences between the Glock 21 Gen 5 and the Gen 4 lies in the frame and grip design. The Gen 4 utilizes finger grooves, which, for some shooters, fit the hand perfectly, providing a natural and secure grip. Others, however, find that the finger grooves don’t align well with their hand size, potentially hindering grip comfort. The Gen 5 addresses this concern by eliminating the finger grooves altogether. The result is a grip that is more accommodating to a wider range of hand sizes.
The Gen 5 also features an updated frame texture. Both generations feature a textured grip to help ensure control, but there are differences in how the texture feels. The Gen 5’s texture feels more aggressive than Gen 4 in many opinions, further adding to the feel of control.
Slide and Sights: Enhancing Functionality and Control
Examining the slide reveals further differences between the Glock 21 Gen 5 and the Gen 4. The Gen 5 incorporates front slide serrations. These serrations are a welcome addition that significantly aid in slide manipulation. Whether performing a press check to confirm a loaded chamber or disassembling the firearm for cleaning, the front serrations provide added grip and control, especially in situations involving wet hands or gloves. The Gen 4, by contrast, has no front serrations, which can make slide manipulation slightly more challenging in certain conditions.
The finish of the slide can vary slightly between the two generations. The exact finishes can vary, but Glock is always looking to improve the slide coatings. While the basic sight platform remains largely the same – a fixed sight system – shooters have the option to upgrade to aftermarket sights on either generation. This opens the door to enhanced visibility and accuracy, accommodating personal preferences and shooting styles.
Barrel Performance: The Glock Marksman Barrel
The barrel plays a crucial role in the performance of any firearm, and the Glock 21 Gen 5 and Gen 4 differ in this critical component. The Gen 5 features the Glock Marksman Barrel (GMB), a design optimized for enhanced accuracy. The GMB boasts refined rifling and a precisely machined crown, which work together to promote tighter groupings and greater shot-to-shot consistency. This barrel design has been lauded by many as a significant improvement. The Gen 4 has a standard Glock barrel.
Controls: Ambidextrous Features and Enhanced Magazine Release
The controls on a handgun directly impact ease of use and functionality. The Glock 21 Gen 5 embraces ambidextrous design with the inclusion of the ambidextrous slide stop lever. This feature allows both right-handed and left-handed shooters to manipulate the slide stop lever with ease. This feature contributes significantly to the Gen 5’s versatility, making it a more user-friendly option for a wider audience.
The magazine release button also receives some attention. It is slightly redesigned to make it more accessible. This small detail streamlines reloading and contributes to faster and more efficient operation. The Gen 4 had the standard magazine release, which is still fine, but it lacks the ambidextrous capabilities of the Gen 5.
Recoil Spring Assembly: A Shared Foundation
Both the Glock 21 Gen 5 and Gen 4 utilize a dual recoil spring assembly. This design, which is intended to absorb recoil energy, has proven to be quite reliable in both generations. The dual recoil spring assembly contributes to the manageable recoil impulse of the Glock 21, allowing for quick follow-up shots and improved overall control. The dual recoil spring assembly contributes to both the performance and the reliability of the firearm.
Shooting Experience: Performance Under Pressure
The shooting experience with the Glock 21 Gen 5 and Gen 4 offers distinct characteristics. The Gen 5, with its enhanced grip texture, absence of finger grooves, and the GMB, often provides a more refined shooting experience for many users. The enhanced grip texture helps ensure a secure hold. Accuracy tests often show that the Gen 5 is capable of tighter groupings compared to the Gen 4, though both are very accurate for the intended purpose.
Reliability and Durability: Proven Track Records
Both the Glock 21 Gen 5 and Gen 4 have earned reputations for exceptional reliability and durability. Glock is renowned for its commitment to producing firearms that can withstand harsh conditions and constant use. Both generations have proven to be highly resistant to the wear and tear of regular shooting. However, like all mechanical devices, it’s important to perform regular maintenance.
Accessories and Customization: Tailoring the Glock 21
The Glock 21 platform, in both Gen 5 and Gen 4 variants, enjoys a vast aftermarket support network. A wealth of accessories, from upgraded sights and triggers to extended magazines and grip enhancements, allows shooters to personalize their firearms. Both generations are compatible with many accessories.
Price and Availability: Weighing Your Options
When considering a purchase, price and availability are key factors. Generally, the Glock 21 Gen 5 commands a slightly higher price tag than the Gen 4, reflecting its updated features and design refinements. The availability of both generations can fluctuate based on market demand and production cycles. The Gen 4 can often be found at a lower price than the Gen 5, but finding a new version can be tricky.
Pros and Cons: A Balanced Assessment
Glock 21 Gen 4 Pros:
- Generally, a lower price point.
- Finger grooves (potentially beneficial for shooters whose hands fit well).
- Extensive aftermarket support.
Glock 21 Gen 4 Cons:
- No ambidextrous controls.
- No front slide serrations.
- Barrel not optimized for maximum accuracy.
Glock 21 Gen 5 Pros:
- Ambidextrous slide stop lever.
- Front slide serrations.
- Glock Marksman Barrel (GMB) for potentially increased accuracy.
- No finger grooves (more universal grip profile).
Glock 21 Gen 5 Cons:
- Higher price point compared to Gen 4.
Which Glock 21 Is Right for You?
Ultimately, the best choice between the Glock 21 Gen 5 and the Gen 4 depends on your individual needs, preferences, and budget.
The Gen 4 might be an excellent choice for those who are budget-conscious or who prefer the feel of finger grooves. Its proven reliability, combined with its lower price point, makes it an attractive option.
The Gen 5, on the other hand, appeals to shooters who value the latest features and advancements. The ambidextrous controls, the GMB, and the refined grip design contribute to an enhanced shooting experience, making it a compelling choice for serious shooters.
Conclusion: A Continuous Evolution
The Glock 21 Gen 5 represents an evolutionary step forward. The improvements incorporated into the Gen 5 have further refined the Glock 21 platform. Both the Gen 5 and Gen 4 are capable, reliable firearms. The choice between them is a matter of personal preference and budget. The Gen 5 enhances the shooting experience with improvements to the barrel, controls, and grip. The Glock 21 is a legacy, a mainstay in the world of handguns. The future is bright.
