Gen 4 Glock 21 vs. Glock 21SF

February 16, 2012
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Back when I was picking up a Glock for Project CDP, I had the opportunity to buy either a Gen 4 Glock 21 (which was my ultimate decision) or a Glock 21SF. Since the project’s been underway, I did pick up a 21SF as well which is set up to almost the exact same specs as my Gen4.

Side by side, there aren’t a lot of differences between the guns. The two big differences are the recoil spring system in the Gen 4 is the Gen 4 dual-spring system, and of course you can add the backstraps to the Gen 4. The grips on each gun are the same size according to Glock; the SF and the Gen 4 sans backstraps will occupy the same amount of space in a shooter’s hand. If you’re stuck on the decision between the Gen 4 Glock 21 and a Glock 21SF, I’d probably recommend the SF just because you can change the recoil springs out easier than you can with the Gen 4.  Currently, if you want to change the recoil spring in a Gen 4, your options are either buy a replacement set up from Glock, or buy an adapter and use aftermarket Gen 3 springs and guide rods.  My problem with that is as you’d imagine, I’m not in love with the idea of adding a part to the recoil spring system, because if someone goes wrong in there it’s very difficult to get the gun running properly again.  So if you’re into reloading and want to load light, I’d recommend the Gen 3 SF model, but if you’re just going to mostly shoot factory ammo, I’d say go for the Gen 4.

This entry was posted on February 16, 2012 at 10:19 and is filed under Glock, Project: CDP. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.

7 Responses to Gen 4 Glock 21 vs. Glock 21SF

  1. jimmy_crack_corn on February 16, 2012 at 14:11

    I solved that problem, kept my old 21 too :0) Can’t have too much of a good thing!

  2. Tim on February 16, 2012 at 14:37

    I picked up a Gen 3 21SF RTF2 for shooting CDP last month and I love it. I went with the Gen 3 for parts availability mainly but I’m sure the Gen 4 is just as good.

    Tim

  3. Erik on February 17, 2012 at 07:31

    There’s not a snowball’s chance in hell you can convince me to buy a Gen 4. I’ll stick with my Gen 3 G21s and G20s.

    K.I.S.S.

  4. Skevlar on February 18, 2012 at 20:31

    Big hands & long fingers made the Gen II 20 & 21
    the desired ones due to noticeably longer trigger-reach…….

  5. Lance on February 19, 2012 at 05:38

    Who’s holster is in the pic?

    • Caleb on February 19, 2012 at 11:01

      The red holster is a Comp-Tact Speed Paddle, and the black holster is a Kytac belt holster.

  6. S. Crenshaw on February 27, 2012 at 14:36

    When will the GEN421 slim frame be available if ever? Nice article! Thanks and Thanks in advance