1911 or Glock 21

[Chopper7575]

I have an extra $500 laying around and want to get my first .45acp pistol. I'm torn on whether to get a 1911 ( either RIA or Para Ord) or a full size Glock. I would be using it for range gun and for self defense. Just really on the fence now and need to be swayed one way or the other.

[solrac7]

Do you own any Glocks now?

I love mine - 9mm G17 and G26, However, I love my 1911s (Kimber,Taurus, and Tisas) The Glock might be too thick for me in .45 but I've never shot one. My 17 and 26 have triggers almost on par with the .45's (albeit with a take up before the actual "click" ) I prefer the 1911 for the thin-ness and I enjoy dressing them up in different grips. Definitely get out and hold both before plunking cash down on them !

Cb

[dkf]

For your $500 price tag you would be better off with the Glock IMO. If you plan on carrying the gun you may want to consider the G30 or G30S.

[Emptymag]

I fear this question may cause the universe to implode.

[animalmother85]

I fear this question may cause the universe to implode.

I'm waiting for it as if it were the first bass drop in some crappy dub step song.

[smoke-wagon]

I've shot and owned both glock and a colt 1911 and I still own the glock. For $500 I'd go glock all the way, there is no better for the price range. I love 1911s and my used colt1911 was more expensive but was one of the most accurate pistols I've ever fired. the trigger and Wilson combat upgrades were part of the beauty and accuracy and you could spend more on 1911 upgrades than the price of a "ready to go" glock.

You can feel the difference between a high end 1911 and a budget one but a good glock already starts as a budget platform and upgrades are easier and way cheaper.

[bripro]

Flip a coin and don't look back, you'll be happy with either one.

[sgtmcbowflex]

If you ever plan on concealing it I'd check out the Glock 30. Much more compact and still gives you 10+1 which is only 3 less than the 21. Only thing I can say is do your due diligence on ammo selection to make sure SD rounds are going to perform adequately out of a shorter barrel. Unfortunately, I don't have much of a suggestion on this one since my 30 just sits in the safe until it's time to go to the range. My Glock 19 is my carry and nightstand gun.

[mike12_nguyen]

I have a glock 21, 21, 30, 30sf and a lot 1911s. I'm a smaller guy with some strength issues in my hands so if it was a range gun it would not be the glock 30s, too much recoil and low accuracy FOR ME. The 21 is manageable but I would go a budget 1911 for range purposes, I like the weight and recoil plus the sao trigger. For carry obviously the 30 any variant, but they are still very big for ccw. For sd I would choose the 21 because of the striker fire, safe action and magazine capacity.

Where it gets hard is you want an all around gun which the 21 IMO would be the better choice at that price. You don't have to clean it much, parts are very cheap and easy to install, it's reliable and accurate. Getting a budget 1911 is great but you might end up spending $500 upgrading it if you got crazy. If you have a sd, then go with the 1911 for fun and upgrade later.

[WVBob]

Get the 1911. You can dress it up or mod it in so many ways. If you get a Glock, it stays a Glock.