Transitioning from 1911 to Glock 21

[Guy]

All,

I just got a new job with a Police Department that issues a Glock 21 to all officers. At my previous LE jobs I've carried both a Springfield 1911 and Kimber 1911 .45. I've never specifically trained on a double action handgun (other than firing a couple different glocks to try them out). I was proficient with my other guns and want to make sure I can become just as proficient with the Glock.
I've got about 3 weeks until I start so I was wondering if anybody could give me some tips or share experiences on making this transition smoothly. I think the biggest obstacle will be two different trigger pulls and I think the Glock is a lighter gun so I'm curious if the recoil will be larger. I would love to get some range time in before beginning at the department but I don't want to spend the money on my own Glock since I will be issued one.

Thanks,
Guy

[gaboy]

Guy,
Not to over simplify things here but shooting is shooting. Chances are you will either shoot a little bit better or maybe just a little bit worse, but likely your scores will remain close to what they are now. While the pistols are a little different, the fundamentals in shooting them are the same.

The glock 21 is larger gun. The grip is thicker because the magazine is double stacked. While the frame may be lighter, the added bullets will make up the weight. The 21 is very reliable and accurate right out of the box. The only issue I would have is the grip size. This does not come in to play while shooting it for me, but during reloads, I do have to reposition my right hand to drop the magazine. Not really a problem, just something that I know I will have to do.

Bottom line is, I think you are going from one terrific gun to another.


PS recoil is not an issue.

[dmclark]

Any chance of a 21SF? I just held on the other day and I like the grip SO-OO much better than the standard G21. You'll have no transition issues and after a hundred rounds or so, you'll have the trigger down cold.

Great weapon. Your department is on the ball with this one!

[TheGreatGonzo]

Any chance of a 21SF? I just held on the other day and I like the grip SO-OO much better than the standard G21.


Amen. I got to shoot one a couple of weeks ago and it fits my hand so much better than the standard G21. I liked it so much I might have to go out and buy one. :)
Gonzo

[ronin100]

I have both a glock (mod23 .40), and a springfield .45. Would love to carry the Springfield (its just fun to shoot), but agency does not allow single action. Love them both and the mod 21 you are getting is also an outstanding pistol. If I had to choose a particular model to carry as a duty weapon it would more than likely be the 21. Only issues I have seen with new glock shooters is the manipulation of the slide release in reloads. It is rather small. Fine motor skill loss under pressure being what it is for some, I have observed some folks miss the release. There is an after market extension that can be installed if your dept. allows the modification, and of cousre you find it to be a problem. Otherwise, my solution is to use my support hand to rack the slide back after inserting the new mag. Slide is of course locked back, I tell shooters to pull back solidly like you were trying to rip the slide off. This insures that a new round is chambered. I don't mean using your index finger and thumb to pull back, but "cup" your hand over the rear sights (palm on one side, finger tips on other) and strip. As with anything, practice makes it a smooth movement.
As to fundamentals, like gaboy said, they are the same. If you were used to resting your thumb on the safety lever of your 1911, and miss the feel, there is an after market thumb rest available for the glock as well. Go to "top glock" I think they sell it.

[dmclark]

Good advice Ronin. As a Southpaw, the Glock slide release is a dream for me. I learned early on to come over with the cupped hand and release that way. No problems encountered and it's easy.

TRY the Glock 21SF if you can!!

[FedRich]

Otherwise, my solution is to use my support hand to rack the slide back after inserting the new mag.

Racking the slide after reloads was advocated at the Glock Instructor Workshop I attended, and it was made clear both in the instruction and the armorer's handbook that it was a slide stop, not a slide release. Something else to keep in mind is that racking the slide in the overhand method uses "gross" motor skills vice the "fine" motor skills needed to use your thumb to press a button.

I have found that the extended slide stop interferes with the thumbs forward grip, causing the slide to lock back unintentionally. I have since switched to the stock slide stop.

The G21SF is a good addition to the line-up. I really like how the Slimline G36 feels. Anyone know if the G21SF is comparable in width?

[Time Traveller]

Amen. I got to shoot one a couple of weeks ago and it fits my hand so much better than the standard G21.

Gonzo. . .it's because you have little girly hands :D

[TheGreatGonzo]

Gonzo. . .it's because you have little girly hands :D

Sad :( ...but true. I do have small girly hands. That is why I love my Sig P239 in .357Sig so much. And my Kahr K9. Both are a perfect fit. Now, if I could just get past the shame of having to buy my mittens in the Children's Section at J.C. Penny...;)
Gonzo

[SPDL41]

Actually there is not two different trigger pulls on a Glock. Same amount of pressure for each squeeze of the trigger. I grew up with Beretta and carry the Glock for work. Love them both. You will have no problems with the Glock. I have to admit that I like not having anything to worry about like a safety, decocking lever or such on the Glock. Point and shoot it does not get any easier then that.