The Glock Model 21, Generation “2.5” .45 Auto

Our son Josh recently picked up a used Glock 21 from Terry’s Gun Specialty  The gun is in good condition and the price was very reasonable. I drooled over it awhile myself, but passed because I needed something better suited to concealed carry. At 8 ¼ inches long and 38 ½ ounces loaded, the Glock 21 is a BIG 45 Auto. The Model 21 was introduced about 1990, but this gun’s CKW prefix indicates September 1997 production. It is a Generation 2 1/2 gun with the finger-groove frame but no accessory rail, as seen on current Glocks. Its night sights have plenty of life left in them.

 


 

The gun’s only problem was that someone had installed a Ghost 3.5 # connector. The resulting pull was too light for a carry gun and to make matters worse, the second stage of the pull was mushy and unpredictable. This is Josh’s first Glock and he wasn’t comfortable carrying it IWB, so I swapped out an OEM connector. This improved the second stage immensely and added only a pound to the pull

 

Josh agreed to have his pistol reviewed for the Glock Files at  www.thesixgunjournal.net  This was accomplished on January 5th and range conditions were, well, ‘January in Missouri’. It was spitting an icy mix, the temp around 37 with a 15 mph wind insuring that you knew it was winter. I did not set up a chronograph but used loads that I’ve already tested.

 

At 25 yards I fired five rounds standing unsupported from a modified Weaver stance. I used my bulk .45 Auto reload consisting of Missouri Bullet’s 225 grain cast ‘Flathead’ over 5.4 grains of W231, loaded to 1.220” OAL with CCI primers. It averages 840.8 fps from 1911’s and shot pretty close to the sights; the left grouping was probably me milking the trigger.

 

 

At 50 yards I fired five rounds of Federal’s ‘Champion’ 230 grain FMJ economy load, which has proved accurate in every .45 Auto I’ve tried it in. Shooting was done from a canvas hunting chair, using my range bag for a rest. I called a low flyer, which ruined a nice group; but the four I didn’t screw up went into 4 ¼ inches. The group did print a little high.


 

Glock pistols have achieved an enviable reputation for reliability and the G21 lived up to it. About four more magazines of odd & end .45 ammo went down its bore and no malfunctions occurred. Like other Glocks I’ve tested, it possessed sufficient mechanical accuracy for 50 yard head shots. There is really nothing else to ask of a full-size service pistol.

 

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7 Comments

  1. Michael J. Juliana

    April 26, 2013

    I have a Glock 21 Gen 2…..import date is.. 3-1997
    Grips are textured with no finger grooves and no rail.
    Glock 21 Original had no texturing on the grips and no rail.
    Gen 3 has finger groves and textured grips
    Gen 4 Has textured grips, finger grooves, and rail.
    I haven’t heard of Glock Gen 2.5…but I am no Glock Expert, just own one.
    Interesting story.
    Thanks for sharing.
    Mike

    • Evan

      February 2, 2017

      21c is a gen 2.5 with finger grooves

      • Joe

        September 16, 2023

        scroll down and read bro.

  2. 30wcf

    February 19, 2014

    The LE Agency I serve is allowing us to carry a .9mm, .40S&W, or a .45acp…we’ve been a .40S&W only dept. So I found myself buying a slightly used Glock 30SF for duty…this is the most accurate Glock I have ever shot, and I really like the .45acp over the .40S&W. I also bought a G-26 (.9mm).. I hate to say it but I like it more than my G-27/23. I have no issue with the .40S&W (EDC/BUG for over 8 years), but bullet design is starting to erode it’s dominance in my part of the earth. Plus, that quick pressure spike of the .40S&W makes it harder for some to shoot well and according to our armorer it tends to break small parts more than the other calibers (that’s his opinion)–Glad you guys liked the G-21, nice gun, great caliber…

  3. kjbmx

    July 13, 2016

    I have a Gen 2 G-21 with no finger grooves and no rail. The gun has never been fired. Any idea if this would add to the value or should I just shoot it. Recently purchased from original owner.

    • Sarge author

      July 14, 2016

      To me, Glocks are all just shooters. Good snag on the old 21 though.

  4. Joe

    September 16, 2023

    21C the C stands for compensated. I had to argue with Glock and yes my Glock 21C is a Gen 2.5 the compensated barrel can not be overlooked If you hold it and see the cuts on both sides of barrel and even bigger twin cuts on the upper slide. I got a good deal on it is how I got it. .45acp 21C

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