Glock 22 or Glock 21?

Question

Which pistol would be a good home self defense pistol and just a good pistol to take to the shooting range. The .40 cal Glock 22 or Glock 21 .45 cal? Please limit your answer to these 2 pistols only dont tell me about another pistol.

Answer 1

Either one is great for the purposes you have stated.  I think I'd favor the Glock 21 because the frame is exactly like my Glock Model 20 (10mm) and it just fits my hand right.

H

Answer 2

I have shot all full size Glock semi-auto handguns except 10mm and extended barrel versions. I like Glock 21 a lot better than most other Glock models. I really like how the gun handled especially when you fire it very rapidly. All Glocks could be fired pretty accurately but good accuracy seemed easier to obtain with the 21. Personally, I think Glock 21 is the best out of the box handgun for rapid firing. Please keep in mind that I could only speak for myself. I know many people who shot a Glock 21 don't really like it. Glocks aren't the easiest handgun to handle and Glock 21 really isn't the most user friendly gun. I could only give you my opinion based on my personal preference. The best way to find out which Glock is better for you is to shoot one. Call some local shooting ranges and ask if they have Glocks for rent; they aren't hard to find.

Answer 3

Are you going to use it as a CCW ?If so I would not get the Glock 21 it is way too big,I used to have a 21 and I got rid of it because it was too big.I got a Glock 30 45acp,it is good for winter carry,but it is too big for summer carry.I am looking into the Glock 30 SF or the Glock 36 for next summer.The Glock 21 is a good weapon with lots of stoping power.

Answer 4

I'd get the one that feels best in the hand, fits your hand the best considering the size difference.  I have no problem with either but some find the 21 a bit big.  Don't worry about the caliber other than that possible savings in buying cheap 40's over 45's (not sure there is that much difference.  All premium ammo (STX, Gold Dot, Golden Sabre, etc) is expensive in any calibre, but be sure to pick one that is proven and make sure it works well in your gun for self defense....keep the cheap stuff for practice

Answer 5

I do not like the recoil of the .40 calibers. I own a .45 (not glock) and think it is much more smooth compared to .40s.

I would go with the 21 but I am not a Glock guy either...

Hope that helps...and good luck.

Answer 6

Both are great guns. The 21 has a much larger feel to the frame of the handgun.  The grip will be noticeably larger than that of the 22.  If this bothers you and you still want to get a .45 look at the 21SF. It has a reduced frame size making it much more comfortable.

Other than that your question comes down to the ballistics of the two rounds. The .40 is a snappy loud round. The .45 tends to have a smoother recoil rise and less of a concussive noise. The .40 will hold a few more rounds in an equal size package and will cost less per shot.  Both are good defensive rounds.

So .40...  Loud, snappy, less expensive, more shots.

And .45...  Smoother, (in recoil and noise), more expensive ( $5 or so dollars per 100 for target ammunition), less rounds per standard size magazine.

Answer 7

They both have enough power to kill somebody