Glock 21 Vs. SA XD (full size in 45 ACP) Vs. SA 1911 (loaded version)

[finisher]

With recent events, I am like many in the buying mode. I am approaching this purchase in the frame of mind that this could very will be the last semi auto pistol that I will be able to buy.


I guess you could say that I'm looking for the "AK-47 of 45 autos in regards to reliability, durability, availability of spare parts and all the other attributes for which AK's are preferred.


I already have a Sig 220 and love it. I'ts all the double action I need and that's why I didn't consider the H&K USPs.


I sold my one SA 1911 to a friend in need and I'm kind of regretting it.


The only reason I am considering the Glock and the XD is for capacity. All fit my hand great, but I have never fired the latter two (except for my Glock 19 which I also love.
My main concern with the polymer pistols is muzzle rise due to the lighter weight of the gun. How do they compare to the 1911 in handling? And again, durability.


Any input please.

[Savage]

I guess you could say that I'm looking for the "AK-47 of 45 autos in regards to reliability, durability, availability of spare parts and all the other attributes for which AK's are preferred.

You just described the Glock. Legendary reliability and durability. Spare parts, both factory and aftermarket parts available from multiple sources at low prices.  Simple design, any and all parts easily replaced by anyone with nothing more than a nail.

No brainer!
Savage

[SHOOTALL]

My main concern with the polymer pistols is muzzle rise due to the lighter weight of the gun. How do they compare to the 1911 in handling? And again, durability.


Any input please.

Well the trigger is much different as you know from the G19. The size is much different the Glock is shall we say more hand filling. Depending on rounds in the the Glock can be a tad more muzzle heavy. Also the plastic gives a bit more than the steel of the 1911 and may help felt recoil  . The mag should insert easier in the Glock bigger hole. As for hiding the gun on you the Glock is bigger and blocker. The Glock handles wet better . As for service life the 1911 is over 100 years old the Glock less than half that.

[bulletstuffer]

Finisher,


Get the one that fits you best and you feel most comfortable with.  Considering the cost of ammo it is very unlikely that you would wear any of them out    High capacity is good!  That is why they are talking about taking high cap magazines away from the public.


Good luck and Merry Christmas!


Bulletstuffer

[Savage]

Don't think "feel" is even an issue here. If one pistol platform is worthy of being called the "AK of Pistols" it's got to be the Glock! From the tone of the OP, he is interested in a hicap pistol that can be owner maintained from an almost endless supply of parts, both aftermarket and factory, not to mention the MANY currently in service. (Also a source of parts)  All of which may become critical factors in the very near future. For that duty, he already has what many consider the perfect choice, the 9mm Glock. Lots of 9mm ammo being manufactured and in inventory these days.
Savage

[SHOOTALL]

yep ! but is starting out ne would get a G23 and add a 9mm bbl. even more ammo shoice.

[bulletstuffer]

Don't think "feel" is even an issue here. If one pistol platform is worthy of being called the "AK of Pistols" it's got to be the Glock! From the tone of the OP, he is interested in a hicap pistol that can be owner maintained from an almost endless supply of parts, both aftermarket and factory, not to mention the MANY currently in service. (Also a source of parts)  All of which may become critical factors in the very near future. For that duty, he already has what many consider the perfect choice, the 9mm Glock. Lots of 9mm ammo being manufactured and in inventory these days.
Savage

My comment on feel is actually how the gun fits your hand and your ability to hit what you shoot at reliably.  If there is a concern for a parts malfunction then order them now because if there is ever a real shtf scenario they will likely be very hard to come by in a hurry    


Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and keep your fingers crossed for our Country!


Bulletstuffer

[SHOOTALL]

Don't think "feel" is even an issue here. If one pistol platform is worthy of being called the "AK of Pistols" it's got to be the Glock! From the tone of the OP, he is interested in a hicap pistol that can be owner maintained from an almost endless supply of parts, both aftermarket and factory, not to mention the MANY currently in service. (Also a source of parts)  All of which may become critical factors in the very near future. For that duty, he already has what many consider the perfect choice, the 9mm Glock. Lots of 9mm ammo being manufactured and in inventory these days.
Savage

nothing beats a matched pair  and police trade ins are enomical .


My comment on feel is actually how the gun fits your hand and your ability to hit what you shoot at reliably.  If there is a concern for a parts malfunction then order them now because if there is ever a real shtf scenario they will likely be very hard to come by in a hurry    


Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and keep your fingers crossed for our Country!


Bulletstuffer

[finisher]

yep ! but is starting out ne would get a G23 and add a 9mm bbl. even more ammo shoice.

***********
I bought my Glock 19 right when the second generation came out and it was not yet widely available in the 40 SW otherwise , I may have been all over the conversion option.
 I have been considering a 40 but it would just be one more caliber to add to what I have kept strictly old service cartridges like 308, 30-06, 9mm Luger, 357 etc.


Thanks.

[SHOOTALL]

add a 23 now everything but the bbl and mags is the same

[finisher]

Don't think "feel" is even an issue here. If one pistol platform is worthy of being called the "AK of Pistols" it's got to be the Glock! From the tone of the OP, he is interested in a hicap pistol that can be owner maintained from an almost endless supply of parts, both aftermarket and factory, not to mention the MANY currently in service. (Also a source of parts)  All of which may become critical factors in the very near future. For that duty, he already has what many consider the perfect choice, the 9mm Glock. Lots of 9mm ammo being manufactured and in inventory these days.
Savage

My comment on feel is actually how the gun fits your hand and your ability to hit what you shoot at reliably.  If there is a concern for a parts malfunction then order them now because if there is ever a real shtf scenario they will likely be very hard to come by in a hurry    


Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and keep your fingers crossed for our Country!


Bulletstuffer

******************
All three fit my hand pretty comfortably. The most comfortable of which, I'd say was the Springfield XD.


I'm a little leery of it though because it is relatively new to the seen. I know Springfield makes a good product, but I have seen so many used XD's in the shops for prices lower than the used Glocks, and this got me into the "too good to be true" frame of mind.


I guess you could say that I'm more ergonomic than most guns  [size=78%].[/size]

[finisher]

The only experience I've had with a 45 in a light frame was with the old H&K.... I cant remember the model number, but it was a single stack with a weird cocking lever (not the squeeze cock model), and a European style mag release.


Good accurate gun but I was surprised at the amount of muzzle rise compared to my old 1911, my Sig 220, or even a friends Ruger that I was testing. I managed it fine but it just seemed excessive for a pistol that size firing standard target ammo.


My 220 feels like a 9mm with an after market spring and guide rod from Springco.


I guess to narrow it down, let's cut the 1911 out of the equation. We all know that it's rep is without question so now it comes down to the two hi caps.


The Glock seems to have an advantage as far as logistics, but other than that, I know nothing of the what it feels like to shoot either the it or the XD. I would imagine they are similar in shooting characteristics.


Anyone?


Thanks for your input gentlemen.

[Savage]

I don't think you'll find a .45 Glock, or any other service size polymer pistol, problematic to shoot. I've owned the 21 and 36. I've shot a few mags through the 30. None are difficult to get back on target quickly between shots.  I still have the 36. I've used it in an IDPA match a couple of times with not too shoddy results. For ETOWAWKI guns I have a couple of 40s with 9mm conversions (22&35). ShootAll has the right idea, guns that can use the two most common pistol ammo on the planet, 9mm/.40.
Savage

[finisher]

Thinking about it, the conversion does make  a lot of sense. As long as you've got ammo for at least one caliber you're ok. And with any luck, I could hopefully accumulate 40 Cal. from somewhere.


So, it seems that a Glock 23 may just be in the near future. That's a solid thirteen rounds. I get my punch with the capacity. Strength in diversity. 9mm, 40 Cal., and 45ACP.  Why not? 


So how much does a 40 to 9 conversion kit run? And is it all drop in?

[Savage]

The 23 won't handle .45. In Glocks you'd be limited to the 21/30/36 if you want .45acp.
Savage

[finisher]

The 23 won't handle .45. In Glocks you'd be limited to the 21/30/36 if you want .45acp.
Savage

************
Sorry, I meant another 45 pistol  .  I do like that single stack 45 that Glock has. Is it the 36 or is that the double stacker?

[Oldshooter]

Its a 36' I have one and I really like it for a pocket gun. The only problem is that it is the only glock that I have ever experienced stove pipe jam with. But it wasn't the arrow it was the Indian . I was limp wristing it. A bad habit I got away with shooting my 21

[SHOOTALL]

Thinking about it, the conversion does make  a lot of sense. As long as you've got ammo for at least one caliber you're ok. And with any luck, I could hopefully accumulate 40 Cal. from somewhere.


So, it seems that a Glock 23 may just be in the near future. That's a solid thirteen rounds. I get my punch with the capacity. Strength in diversity. 9mm, 40 Cal., and 45ACP.  Why not? 


So how much does a 40 to 9 conversion kit run? And is it all drop in? you need to buy a barrel from Lone wolf or other supplier . you get a conversion bbl for a G 23 to shoot 9mm. It will cost around 135 with shipping . Look in Sportsman guid the run then for less sometimes. If you want you can get it threaded . One other benifit with a lone wolf bbl is you can shoot lead where a Glock factory replacement bbl. you should not per Glock . Then pick up some magazines for a G19 ( G 17 and G18 mags also will work) about 29 bucks each . If you want get the 3.5 lb connector to get a better trigger and a better spring/guide replacement at the same time. I wold look for a nice used gun to cut cost and the gen 3 or before are easier to convert as the Gen 4 has some changes that will require adapter also marine caps for fireing spring is a good up grade . Then you can fire under water or with the slide full of water .

[finisher]

Thanks for all the input gentlemen. I am going to be getting into a 40 Cal. Glock with all the "sides" as soon as possible.


As for the 45 ACP, I've decided when I can, to get into an XD Tactical (full size). Just something I like about that thump and the bigger hole that comes with it.

[Graybeard]

btt