glock 21 vs 21c

blu_rhino · September 12, 2002, 10:00 AM

Iam looking around and doing research on my first handgun purchase. My basic use will be protection when camping and some home protection. I have had revolvers recomended to me as a first buy, but I am also interested in the ease of a semiauto.
I saw that glock makes a .45 and that it has a converted style....to reduce recoil and such.
Does this converted style have much effect on the quality of the gun?
Other comments or recomendations?

Edit***sorry..the model is compensated ...not converted***

AndABeer · September 12, 2002, 10:04 AM

dunno that standard .45 loads generate enough pressure to make the ports do their job, prolly have to go with +Ps or Supers

My 21 is pretty soft shooting as is.

Kermit · September 12, 2002, 10:12 AM

Had a 21c. 1st off, you probably won't generate the pressure necessary to get the porting to really be an advantage. The 45 acp is a very low pressure round. 2ndly, to me the biggest disadvantage is all the crap the spews from the ports.

Blackhawk · September 12, 2002, 11:00 AM

Glock barrels are set lower relative to your wrist, so their tendency to have recoil flip them is less than with most other .45s anyway. So, a ported barrel gives you no "real" benefit, flip wise.

In low light conditions, flash from a ported barrel is MUCH more noticeable, distracting, and even blinding. So, that's not good.

Resale of a compensated Glock is lower because demand is lower because I wouldn't buy one (and others feel the same way).

A last word about recoil from a .45.... What recoil? IOW, if recoil from a .45 bothers you, your next choice for less recoil is probably a steel .32 or a .22....

Good luck!

BucksDC · September 12, 2002, 11:47 AM

First off, Glock 21 is one of the sweetest shooting handguns that I have ever shot. 21 and 21C has no real noticable difference. 21C will cost more new. BUT, a used 21C will cost less than a used 21. I love my 21C and will buy all glocks with the C option. Why? I think the ports on the slide look cool, and I can buy a factory barrel for 100.00 ( can't buy ported for anywhere close to that). There is no noticable or abnormal flash from the ports with any ammo I have used, and I use cheap target ammo. The first thing I did when I got this gun is shoot in lowlight and dark conditions. It did NOT blind me or make me lose the target(although target wasn't moving). I will always recommend the C models, and try to find one used. But, as a side note, the last gun show I was at a vendor offered me a 17C NIB for less than the NIB17. Try the C!! Good luck, your on the right track for a great 45 target/defense gun.

BucksDC · September 12, 2002, 11:52 AM

The main disadvantage of the C models is cleaning the barrel ports. Gunk tends to hang up in the ports wich adds about 5-15min extra cleaning time. Still doesn't take near the time it takes to clean my sig.

Chipperman · September 12, 2002, 03:37 PM

If you use a "C" model, be careful of shooting while in retention. The hot gases can burn you if you do not cant the ports away from your body/face.

blades67 · September 12, 2002, 06:13 PM

The biggest disadvantage I see is the loss of muzzle velocity because of the ports.

faustulus · September 12, 2002, 06:43 PM

how important is your follow up shot in low light?

Bob Locke · September 12, 2002, 07:48 PM

I'm not a fan of compensated ANYTHING, personally, and with a G21 (which I own) it just isn't necessary. The .45 ACP is a low-pressure round, and with the low bore axis on Glock's pistol a compensator makes even less sense than it does on other makes of handguns.

Get the G21, uncompensated, and LOVE IT!

HCKJMN · September 12, 2002, 10:53 PM

I have a 21c with adjustable sights. It's a wonderful shooter! You can add a non comp barrel and have the best of both worlds. I like mine just like it is. Get the C!!

Tom B · September 13, 2002, 05:54 AM

I own the G23C and have never shot the 21C so I don't know about the 45cal and porting. The G23C does have reduced recoil and I have shot mine in very low light and there are no blindness or high flash issues. I didn't even notice the flashes from the ports. From the testing that I have read velocity loss is very little. I clean my G23C after each range visit and it is a little harder to clean but I have no build up on anything. I shoot FMJ ammo. The front sight gets a little dirty. Urban legends abound in regard to porting so I suggest if possible you shoot one for yourself. I most certainly prefer the C model in 40cal.

AndABeer · September 13, 2002, 06:10 AM

.40 operates at a higher pressure than .45

Tom B · September 13, 2002, 07:52 AM

I have also owned a G17C that I traded for used and it did have much build-up around the ports but I suspect a lack of proper cleaning as the culprit. By the time I obtained it the build-up was so hard that I would have had to file it off. My G23C has now been to 5 range visits and cleaning after each visit has kept all build-up off the barrel and slide slots. I could tell very little difference in recoil between the G17 and G17C in 9mm so I would say that IMO the 9mm is not a good candidate for porting. Some I am sure will disagree.

Onslaught · September 13, 2002, 10:22 AM

Quote:

In low light conditions, flash from a ported barrel is MUCH more noticeable, distracting, and even blinding. So, that's not good.

Of all the people who tag this onto posts (usually a LOT more emphatically) I'm thinking BH, you're probably going to be the most likely candidate to have ACTUALLY FIRED a compensated pistol in low light, rather than just speculating or spewing somebody elses re-hashed, uninformed opinion.

So... Have you ever fired a ported pistol in low light with premium defense ammo? Is it that much different from, say, a revolver in low light?

Usually, guys who say "don't do it, IT WILL BLIND YOU" always answer "no, I don't own one, haven't shot one, but my buddy has". Whereas guys who say there's no difference, and that the compensated "blinding" effect is BS are always the ones who answer "yes, I own 3".

But of course, I'll gladly give you the benefit of the doubt, and await your answer...

Quote:

If you use a "C" model, be careful of shooting while in retention. The hot gases can burn you if you do not cant the ports away from your body/face.

Sorry, don't know you yet, so I'll be blunt... Have YOU ever ever fired a ported pistol "in retention"? How can this be any more serious or painful than, again, a revolver who's cylinder gap goes at least 80% around the entire pistol?

another okie · September 13, 2002, 04:44 PM

I have never fired a ported Glock. I do have a ported Taurus 85, which I have fired in low light. Ammo made a huge difference. Target ammo was blinding, Pro-load and Cor bon were fine as far as the muzzle and porting flashes were concerned. I suspect the whole porting thing is overstated as far as fear of flash. If the muzzle flash of a particular load is low, it will probably be OK in a ported weapon as well.

schild · September 13, 2002, 05:25 PM

My 21C is the lightest recoiling(and favorite to shoot) of all my .45's and that list includes four 1911's, a Sig, and an HK Mk.23.

OutLaw · September 15, 2002, 11:09 PM

I don't think that a Glock21 needs to be compensated.A standard Glock 21 has less recoil than my Colt 1911.

Onslaught · September 16, 2002, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Ammo made a huge difference. Target ammo was blinding, Pro-load and Cor bon were fine as far as the muzzle and porting flashes were concerned. I suspect the whole porting thing is overstated as far as fear of flash. If the muzzle flash of a particular load is low, it will probably be OK in a ported weapon as well.

Exactly!!!

Found this too:
http://www.ammolab.com/muzzle_flash.htm

Quote:

I don't think that a Glock21 needs to be compensated.A standard Glock 21 has less recoil than my Colt 1911.

Different strokes...

September 12, 2002, 10:00 AM	#1
blu_rhino Junior Member Join Date: September 9, 2002 Location: MI Posts: 6	glock 21 vs 21c Iam looking around and doing research on my first handgun purchase. My basic use will be protection when camping and some home protection. I have had revolvers recomended to me as a first buy, but I am also interested in the ease of a semiauto. I saw that glock makes a .45 and that it has a converted style....to reduce recoil and such. Does this converted style have much effect on the quality of the gun? Other comments or recomendations? Edit**sorry..the model is compensated* ...not converted***

September 12, 2002, 10:04 AM	#2
AndABeer Senior Member Join Date: April 9, 2000 Location: Lakeland, TN Posts: 1,622	dunno that standard .45 loads generate enough pressure to make the ports do their job, prolly have to go with +Ps or Supers My 21 is pretty soft shooting as is. __________________ "The key is to not pull the trigger but to squeeze it." Evil Emporer Zurg "You are entitled to your own opinion, but you are not entitled to your own facts." Unknown

September 12, 2002, 11:47 AM	#5
BucksDC Member Join Date: July 12, 2002 Posts: 51	have shot both and bought 21C First off, Glock 21 is one of the sweetest shooting handguns that I have ever shot. 21 and 21C has no real noticable difference. 21C will cost more new. BUT, a used 21C will cost less than a used 21. I love my 21C and will buy all glocks with the C option. Why? I think the ports on the slide look cool, and I can buy a factory barrel for 100.00 ( can't buy ported for anywhere close to that). There is no noticable or abnormal flash from the ports with any ammo I have used, and I use cheap target ammo. The first thing I did when I got this gun is shoot in lowlight and dark conditions. It did NOT blind me or make me lose the target(although target wasn't moving). I will always recommend the C models, and try to find one used. But, as a side note, the last gun show I was at a vendor offered me a 17C NIB for less than the NIB17. Try the C!! Good luck, your on the right track for a great 45 target/defense gun.

September 12, 2002, 11:52 AM	#6
BucksDC Member Join Date: July 12, 2002 Posts: 51	Also The main disadvantage of the C models is cleaning the barrel ports. Gunk tends to hang up in the ports wich adds about 5-15min extra cleaning time. Still doesn't take near the time it takes to clean my sig.

September 12, 2002, 06:13 PM	#8
blades67 Senior Member Join Date: April 22, 1999 Location: Chandler, Arizona, USA Posts: 6,014	The biggest disadvantage I see is the loss of muzzle velocity because of the ports. __________________ Guns cause crime like spoons cause Rosie O'Donnell to be fat! I hunt, therefore I am.

September 12, 2002, 10:12 AM	#3
Kermit Senior Member Join Date: February 6, 2001 Location: California Posts: 3,020	Had a 21c. 1st off, you probably won't generate the pressure necessary to get the porting to really be an advantage. The 45 acp is a very low pressure round. 2ndly, to me the biggest disadvantage is all the crap the spews from the ports.

September 12, 2002, 11:00 AM	#4
Blackhawk Senior Member Join Date: November 4, 2001 Posts: 5,040	Glock barrels are set lower relative to your wrist, so their tendency to have recoil flip them is less than with most other .45s anyway. So, a ported barrel gives you no "real" benefit, flip wise. In low light conditions, flash from a ported barrel is MUCH more noticeable, distracting, and even blinding. So, that's not good. Resale of a compensated Glock is lower because demand is lower because I wouldn't buy one (and others feel the same way). A last word about recoil from a .45.... What recoil? IOW, if recoil from a .45 bothers you, your next choice for less recoil is probably a steel .32 or a .22.... Good luck!

September 12, 2002, 03:37 PM	#7
Chipperman Senior Member Join Date: January 31, 2000 Location: Live Free or Die, Baby! Posts: 1,550	If you use a "C" model, be careful of shooting while in retention. The hot gases can burn you if you do not cant the ports away from your body/face.

September 12, 2002, 06:43 PM	#9
faustulus Senior Member Join Date: August 25, 2002 Location: Middle Tennessee Posts: 160	how important is your follow up shot in low light? __________________ God made all men, Samuel Colt made them equal. ultima ratio regum quis custodiet ipsos custodes? neca eos omnes. Deus suos agnoscet

September 12, 2002, 07:48 PM	#10
Bob Locke Senior Member Join Date: December 19, 1999 Location: Greeley, CO Posts: 2,518	I'm not a fan of compensated ANYTHING, personally, and with a G21 (which I own) it just isn't necessary. The .45 ACP is a low-pressure round, and with the low bore axis on Glock's pistol a compensator makes even less sense than it does on other makes of handguns. Get the G21, uncompensated, and LOVE IT! __________________ "When the people fear the government, there is tyranny. When the government fears the people, there is liberty." - Thomas Jefferson

September 12, 2002, 10:53 PM	#11
HCKJMN Member Join Date: October 2, 2000 Posts: 87	I have a 21c with adjustable sights. It's a wonderful shooter! You can add a non comp barrel and have the best of both worlds. I like mine just like it is. Get the C!!

September 13, 2002, 05:54 AM	#12
Tom B Senior Member Join Date: February 16, 1999 Location: GA Posts: 1,836	I own the G23C and have never shot the 21C so I don't know about the 45cal and porting. The G23C does have reduced recoil and I have shot mine in very low light and there are no blindness or high flash issues. I didn't even notice the flashes from the ports. From the testing that I have read velocity loss is very little. I clean my G23C after each range visit and it is a little harder to clean but I have no build up on anything. I shoot FMJ ammo. The front sight gets a little dirty. Urban legends abound in regard to porting so I suggest if possible you shoot one for yourself. I most certainly prefer the C model in 40cal.

September 13, 2002, 06:10 AM	#13
AndABeer Senior Member Join Date: April 9, 2000 Location: Lakeland, TN Posts: 1,622	.40 operates at a higher pressure than .45 __________________ "The key is to not pull the trigger but to squeeze it." Evil Emporer Zurg "You are entitled to your own opinion, but you are not entitled to your own facts." Unknown

September 13, 2002, 07:52 AM	#14
Tom B Senior Member Join Date: February 16, 1999 Location: GA Posts: 1,836	I have also owned a G17C that I traded for used and it did have much build-up around the ports but I suspect a lack of proper cleaning as the culprit. By the time I obtained it the build-up was so hard that I would have had to file it off. My G23C has now been to 5 range visits and cleaning after each visit has kept all build-up off the barrel and slide slots. I could tell very little difference in recoil between the G17 and G17C in 9mm so I would say that IMO the 9mm is not a good candidate for porting. Some I am sure will disagree.

September 13, 2002, 04:44 PM	#16
another okie Senior Member Join Date: November 11, 2001 Posts: 273	I have never fired a ported Glock. I do have a ported Taurus 85, which I have fired in low light. Ammo made a huge difference. Target ammo was blinding, Pro-load and Cor bon were fine as far as the muzzle and porting flashes were concerned. I suspect the whole porting thing is overstated as far as fear of flash. If the muzzle flash of a particular load is low, it will probably be OK in a ported weapon as well.

September 13, 2002, 05:25 PM	#17
schild Senior Member Join Date: February 17, 2002 Location: Illinois Posts: 344	My 21C is the lightest recoiling(and favorite to shoot) of all my .45's and that list includes four 1911's, a Sig, and an HK Mk.23. __________________ Schild HK's, Glocks, Colts, Walther, Sig, Benelli, Ruger, NAA, Cz, etc.

September 15, 2002, 11:09 PM	#18
OutLaw Senior Member Join Date: September 15, 2002 Posts: 174	I don't think that a Glock21 needs to be compensated.A standard Glock 21 has less recoil than my Colt 1911.

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