A Legacy Forged in Polymer
The Glock 21 Gen 4. Just the name itself often conjures images of reliability, unwavering performance, and the authoritative “thump” of a .45 ACP round. For those seeking a pistol that delivers both stopping power and Glock’s legendary reputation, this handgun remains a compelling choice. This review will delve into the specifics of the Glock 21 Gen 4, assessing its features, performance, advantages, and disadvantages to help you determine if it’s the right firearm for your needs.
To truly understand the Glock 21 Gen 4, we must briefly touch upon its lineage. The Glock story began with Gaston Glock, an Austrian engineer who revolutionized the firearms industry. His vision was simple: to create a reliable, lightweight, and highly durable pistol. The result was the Glock 17, which quickly gained traction due to its polymer frame and innovative design. This polymer frame was a departure from traditional steel-framed handguns, contributing to its lighter weight, while also making it resistant to corrosion.
Following the success of the Glock 17, the company expanded its product line, introducing various models chambered in different calibers. The Glock 21, introduced in the mid-1990s, was Glock’s entry into the powerful .45 ACP caliber. It quickly became a popular choice for law enforcement agencies and civilians alike who were looking for a handgun offering significant stopping power and the simplicity and reliability that Glock was known for. The Glock 21 Gen 4, represents an evolution of this classic design, incorporating key upgrades for improved performance and ergonomics.
Decoding the Gen 4 Distinction
Before we dive into the specifics, it is important to understand the core feature set that the Glock 21 Gen 4 brings to the table. The “Gen 4” designation signifies the fourth generation of Glock pistols. This iteration brought several notable improvements over its predecessors, refining the user experience.
One of the most significant changes is the inclusion of modular backstraps. This allows shooters to customize the grip size to better fit their hand size and preferences. The Glock 21 Gen 4 ships with different backstraps that can be easily installed to increase or decrease the grip’s circumference. This is a major advantage for those who find the standard grip size either too large or too small, providing for a more comfortable and controlled shooting experience.
The second major innovation is the implementation of a dual recoil spring assembly. This refined design reduces felt recoil, improves the pistol’s durability, and contributes to a smoother shooting experience. The dual recoil spring helps to manage the force generated by the powerful .45 ACP round, mitigating muzzle flip and aiding in faster follow-up shots.
Finally, the Gen 4 pistols also feature a rough texture frame. This textured grip surface provides a more secure and reliable purchase on the firearm, especially in wet or adverse conditions. This feature enhances the shooter’s ability to maintain control and helps to prevent the handgun from slipping during operation.
Examining the Structure: Design and Ergonomics
The Glock 21 Gen 4’s design embodies Glock’s commitment to simplicity and functionality. The frame is constructed from a high-strength polymer, known for its durability and resistance to environmental factors. The polymer construction also contributes significantly to the pistol’s overall weight, making it surprisingly manageable despite its substantial caliber. The frame features the familiar Glock design, with a streamlined appearance and minimal external controls.
The slide is machined from steel and coated with Glock’s proprietary finish. This finish provides excellent resistance to corrosion and wear, ensuring the pistol maintains its functionality and appearance over time. The slide also features forward and rear serrations to aid in manipulation, especially when racking the slide.
The grip is one of the most important aspects of any handgun, and the Glock 21 Gen 4 offers a well-designed grip. The previously mentioned modular backstraps, included to customize the grip to the user’s hand size, offer substantial versatility. Whether the goal is to increase or decrease grip size, the backstraps are simple to install and offer an immediate improvement. The rough texture frame further enhances grip, providing a positive hold in various conditions.
The controls of the Glock 21 Gen 4 are intuitive and well-placed. The magazine release is located on the left side of the frame, easily accessible for both right- and left-handed shooters. The slide stop lever is positioned on the left side of the frame above the grip and can be easily reached with the thumb. The trigger is a defining element of the Glock experience. It features a consistent pull weight, contributing to accuracy and predictability. It is worth noting that the Glock trigger operates with a safety trigger system, designed to prevent accidental discharge.
The overall ergonomics of the Glock 21 Gen 4 are generally considered to be very good. The pistol feels comfortable and balanced in the hand. The grip angle, a hallmark of Glock design, allows for a natural point of aim. The weight distribution feels balanced and doesn’t feel overly front or back-heavy, even when loaded. The modular backstraps mean that the Glock 21 Gen 4 can be adapted to fit most shooters, allowing comfortable and confident operation, improving the experience for all users.
On the Range: Assessing Performance and Shooting
The true test of any firearm is its performance on the range. To evaluate the Glock 21 Gen 4, we put it through a series of tests using a variety of .45 ACP ammunition. These tests encompassed accuracy, reliability, recoil management, and trigger feel.
For accuracy testing, we fired groups at a target set at fifteen yards. We used a variety of different types of ammunition, ranging from target loads to hollow points, and the results were consistently impressive. The Glock 21 Gen 4 proved capable of producing tight groupings. With the right ammunition, the pistol could achieve impressive accuracy.
Reliability is a core strength of the Glock platform, and the Glock 21 Gen 4 certainly lives up to its reputation. During testing, we fired hundreds of rounds through the pistol without a single malfunction. The Glock 21 Gen 4 consistently cycled and ejected spent casings, demonstrating its robust and reliable operation. It performed flawlessly with a variety of ammunition, from basic FMJ target loads to high-performance self-defense rounds. This reliability is a crucial factor, especially for those who intend to rely on their handgun for self-defense purposes.
Recoil management is important, especially when handling a powerful cartridge like the .45 ACP. The Glock 21 Gen 4, with its dual recoil spring assembly and ergonomic design, does a commendable job of mitigating felt recoil. The pistol is easy to control and allows for fast follow-up shots. The heavier weight of the handgun itself also contributes to recoil reduction. The balance of the gun prevents excessive muzzle rise.
The trigger pull on the Glock 21 Gen 4 is consistent and predictable. The trigger pull weight of the Glock is around 5.5 pounds. It has a short reset, which contributes to rapid follow-up shots. The trigger is not the best trigger in the market, but is a good one for defense and range shooting.
The Advantages of Ownership: What Makes the Glock 21 Gen 4 Stand Out
There are several compelling reasons why the Glock 21 Gen 4 continues to be a popular choice. The Glock 21 Gen 4’s advantages are extensive.
Reliability remains at the forefront. Glock’s reputation for near-flawless operation is well-earned, and the Glock 21 Gen 4 lives up to it.
The .45 ACP round provides substantial stopping power, making it a formidable choice for self-defense. The round has a proven track record of stopping a threat.
Simplicity is another of Glock’s strengths. The Glock 21 Gen 4 is easy to understand, maintain, and operate. The design includes a minimal number of parts, reducing the likelihood of malfunctions. This simplicity also contributes to the ease of maintenance and cleaning.
Durability is another key benefit. The Glock 21 Gen 4 is built to withstand rigorous use. The polymer frame, steel slide, and robust construction make it resistant to harsh environments and daily wear and tear. The rugged nature ensures that the Glock 21 Gen 4 is ready when it is called upon.
The aftermarket support for Glock pistols is extensive, with a wide array of customization options available, including sights, triggers, grips, and more. This allows shooters to tailor the pistol to their specific needs and preferences.
The Glock 21 Gen 4 offers excellent value for the price. Glock has a well-established reputation for reliability and performance, and this allows the Glock 21 Gen 4 to be available at a reasonable price point.
Considerations and Potential Challenges
While the Glock 21 Gen 4 has many strengths, there are also a few potential drawbacks to consider. The grip size might not be ideal for all shooters. The large-caliber and high capacity are combined with a bulky design. The standard configuration has a grip that, while able to be customized, might be a little too large for those with smaller hands.
The trigger feel is subjective, but some shooters might prefer a lighter or more refined trigger pull. Although the trigger pull is consistent, the length of the trigger pull is a subjective matter. The lack of an external safety might be a concern for some. While Glock pistols have a safe trigger system that prevents accidental discharges, some shooters may feel more comfortable with a manual safety.
The slide finish, while durable, may show wear over time with frequent use. The finish is designed to be tough, but heavy use may take its toll.
Comparing the Competition: Exploring the Alternatives
The .45 ACP market is competitive, with several other excellent handguns available. When comparing the Glock 21 Gen 4, it’s worth considering other options, such as the Sig Sauer P220, which is a popular .45 ACP handgun and a favorite choice among professional shooters. The 1911 is also a classic handgun, well known for its reliability, stopping power, and long-time use. The most suitable handgun depends on individual preferences.
Conclusion: A Confident Choice
The Glock 21 Gen 4 remains a highly capable and reliable handgun. The .45 ACP cartridge is powerful and offers a strong stopping power. The Gen 4 enhancements, including the modular backstraps and the dual recoil spring assembly, improve the overall user experience.
For those seeking a reliable, accurate, and easy-to-use .45 ACP pistol, the Glock 21 Gen 4 is an excellent choice. It is well-suited for self-defense, law enforcement, and recreational shooting. While there are other great handguns available, the Glock 21 Gen 4 delivers a compelling combination of features, reliability, and value. It is a solid and dependable firearm.
