Handgun Data Information

Tuesday, March 06, 2007

Glock 21 SF “Short Frame” Information

The Glock 21SF is a modified version of the G21, which is a 13 round 45 ACP handgun. Due to the double stack magazine, the only complaint was the wide grip circumference. Since Glock could not narrow the grips any further, they narrowed the width by 3mm, thereby making it easier to hold. The handgun was modified further to compete in the Military Joint Combat Pistol contract that was cancelled in 2006. Below are the new attributes to the G21 SF…

  • Shorter Grip Size (back to front)
  • Ambidextrous Magazine Release
  • Choice of light rails - Reps from Glock say customers will be able to choose between the standard Glock light rail or a new Piccatiny rail like on the Sigs.

The new grip feels much more like a Glock 17/22 frame than a standard 21 frame. The best way to describe it seems to be “somewhere in between” the two frame sizes.

Glocks feature Browning-type locking system with barrel interlocking with slide via ejection port. All Glocks feature patented "Safe action" striker-fired trigger mechanism. After the each cycle of the slide the striker is set to half-cock position and is safely blocked by internal safety. When shooter pulls the trigger, he disengages the trigger safety first, then cocks the striker to the full-cock and then fires the gun. This results in constant trigger pull (adjustable from 2 to 5.5 kg) and, unlike the traditional DA or DAO pistols, unavailability of the "second strike" option in case of the misfire.

All Glocks feature polymer frame, steel slides made by precision molding process and had Tenifer heat-treatment to increase rust and wear resistance. Modern variants have finger grooves on the front strap of the grip, and ambidextrous thumb rests.

The weapon is considered to be very durable, reliable, accurate, and easy to maintain. The simplicity of the Glock design contributes to this reliability, as it contains a relatively small number of components (nearly half as many as the typical handgun) making field maintenance and repair easier.

The targeted availability will be available sometime in March 2007.