The Glock 21 Gen5 is one of the most sought-after handguns on the market, known for its reliability, performance, and the latest innovations introduced by Glock. In this detailed review, we’ll explore everything there is to know about the Glock 21 Gen5, from its design and features to its performance in real-world conditions. Whether you’re a law enforcement professional, a seasoned shooter, or a beginner, this review will provide insights into why the Glock 21 Gen5 should be on your radar.

The Glock 21 Gen5 is a full-sized .45 ACP pistol, known for its durability and superior firepower. With the latest improvements brought in by the Gen5 series, the Glock 21 stands out as a go-to weapon for many. Whether you’re using it for personal defense, tactical operations, or recreational shooting, the Glock 21 Gen5 promises reliability with every shot.

The Glock 21 Gen5 inherits the legacy of Glock’s precision engineering but builds upon it with enhanced ergonomics, improved barrel design, and added features that appeal to a wide audience. Its chambering in .45 ACP provides a powerful punch, making it a preferred choice for those who prioritize stopping power.

Glock has a storied history that began in the early 1980s when the company first introduced its line of polymer-framed pistols. Over the years, Glock has consistently refined its pistols, with each generation offering advancements in reliability, ease of use, and safety.

The Evolution to Gen5

The Glock 21 was originally introduced as part of Glock’s larger caliber models. The Gen5 variant builds on over 30 years of engineering with improvements that elevate the user experience.

The design of the Glock 21 Gen5 stands out for its clean lines, ambidextrous controls, and rugged durability. Glock has maintained the same polymer frame that has made its pistols famous, but with refinements that include a smoother trigger pull, better texturing on the grip, and the removal of finger grooves to accommodate a wider range of hand sizes.

•Barrel Length: 4.61 inches

•Overall Length: 8.07 inches

•Weight (with magazine): 38.48 oz

These specifications make the Glock 21 Gen5 a formidable choice for those who require a powerful sidearm without sacrificing control.

One of the standout features in the Glock 21 Gen5 is the new Glock Marksman Barrel (GMB). It improves the accuracy with enhanced rifling and a better lock-up between the slide and the barrel. This ensures better groupings and more consistent shots, even at longer distances.

1. Ambidextrous Slide Stop Lever

Glock has made the Glock 21 Gen5 more user-friendly for left-handed shooters by introducing an ambidextrous slide stop lever. This small change makes a big difference in how the firearm handles and ensures smoother reloads.

2. Flared Magwell

The flared magwell enhances the speed and ease of reloading, especially under high-stress situations. This is a crucial feature for both law enforcement and tactical users, where every second counts.

3. No Finger Grooves

Unlike previous generations, the Gen5 does away with the finger grooves on the grip. This might seem like a small change, but it allows for a more comfortable and secure grip for shooters of varying hand sizes.

4. nDLC Finish

The Glock 21 Gen5 boasts Glock’s new nDLC finish, which makes the gun more resistant to corrosion and wear. This is particularly important for those who carry their Glock in harsh conditions or expose it to the elements.

5. Improved Trigger

The Gen5 trigger system has been improved for a smoother pull and a crisper break. This translates to greater accuracy, especially in rapid-fire situations.

6. Modular Backstrap System

This feature allows users to customize the grip of their Glock 21 Gen5, ensuring a better fit for different hand sizes. With interchangeable backstraps, you can adjust the grip to your comfort level.

At the range, the Glock 21 Gen5 excels in delivering precise shots, with its new barrel design significantly improving accuracy. The .45 ACP caliber also provides a hefty punch, making it ideal for both self-defense and professional use.

Despite the power of the .45 ACP, the Glock 21 Gen5 manages recoil effectively, thanks to its well-designed grip and weight distribution. Shooters report that follow-up shots are quicker and more controlled, which is crucial for both competitive shooting and defensive scenarios.

Glock has a reputation for reliability, and the Gen5 is no exception. Whether exposed to mud, sand, or rain, the Glock 21 Gen5 continues to perform without a hitch.

Design Differences

The most noticeable design difference between the Gen4 and Gen5 is the removal of finger grooves on the grip of the Gen5. This change, along with the addition of an ambidextrous slide stop, makes the Gen5 more versatile.

Trigger Improvement

The Gen5 trigger is also smoother compared to the Gen4, with a more refined pull and reset. This improvement is one of the most significant upgrades users will notice.

Magazine Compatibility

Both generations use the same magazines, so if you’re upgrading from a Gen4 to a Gen5, you can still use your older magazines.

1. Superior Accuracy

With the Glock Marksman Barrel and improved trigger system, the Glock 21 Gen5 offers enhanced accuracy for both beginners and experienced shooters alike.

2. .45 ACP Power

For those who prioritize stopping power, the .45 ACP round is hard to beat. The Glock 21 Gen5 provides the right balance between firepower and control.

3. Proven Reliability

Whether in self-defense situations or in the field, the Glock 21 Gen5’s reliability is unmatched. Its ability to function under the harshest conditions gives it a clear advantage over many competitors.

Safety Features

1. Safe Action System

Glock’s Safe Action System includes three built-in automatic safety features: trigger safety, firing pin safety, and drop safety. This ensures that the gun will only fire when the trigger is intentionally pulled.

2. Loaded Chamber Indicator

The Glock 21 Gen5 includes a loaded chamber indicator, allowing users to quickly and visually check whether a round is chambered.

3. Improved Sights

The stock sights are made for quick target acquisition, but many users opt to upgrade to night sights or fiber optic options for enhanced visibility in low-light conditions.

•Extended Magazines: For those who want extra firepower.

•Red Dot Sights: Improves target acquisition and accuracy.

•Tactical Lights: A must-have for home defense or law enforcement.

•Suppressors: The Glock 21 Gen5 is suppressor-ready, making it a great option for those who want to reduce noise.

•Holsters: Whether you’re looking for concealed carry or tactical holsters, there are plenty of Glock 21 Gen5-compatible options.

Pricing and Availability

As of 2024, the Glock 21 Gen5 retails between $600 to $700, depending on the seller and included accessories. It’s widely available across the U.S. in both physical and online stores. For those interested, make sure to check local regulations regarding ownership and transport.

Pros:

•Enhanced accuracy with the Glock Marksman Barrel.

•Ambidextrous slide stop for versatility.

•Comfortable grip with customizable backstraps.

•Reliable performance in adverse conditions.

•Improved trigger system.

Cons:

•Slightly heavier than some competing models.

•.45 ACP ammo can be more expensive and harder to find than 9mm rounds.

•Some shooters may prefer the finger grooves of previous generations.

Conclusion

The Glock 21 Gen5 is a powerful, accurate, and reliable handgun that brings