Posted: 2/15/2009 8:41:32 PM EDT
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I have my sights set on a G21 and at the same time I find myself interested in shooting some USPSA / IDPA matches. I am not looking to make this an eternal quest for the best score but at the same time I am a competitive individual and want to at least go out, train, have fun but not get my ass handed to me too badly. I only have funds for one new toy and was wondering if the G21 was a common sight out on the courses? My other choices are limited to a G19 and a USP45C.
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The G21 is a fine gun, but not necessarily optimal for any particular game division.
In IDPA you could shoot it in: - Stock Service Pistol (against other DA / striker-fired guns in 9mm & .40 S&W) - Enhanced Service Pistol (against DA/SA or SA guns in 9mm & .40 S&W) - Custom Defensive Pistol (against other guns in .45 ACP; tends to be mostly 1911s) In USPSA you could shoot it in: - Production (very few gun mods; all hits are scored as minor [9mm], so no advantage to the larger caliber) - Limited/Limited 10 (requires at least .40 S&W caliber) - Open ("space guns" with lots of mods, including optics) All else being equal, the Glock 19 would probably be a better choice for competition, as you wouldn't be handicapped by shooting a larger caliber than necessary against others in your preferred division. 9mm is also cheaper to buy and cheaper to reload, and if you get into competition shooting ammo costs add up in a hurry. On the other hand, you should buy what you like, shoot it to the best of your ability, and have fun in doing so. 
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I was in a very similar position when I first got into USPSA shooting. I owned a G21 and did not have the funds to go out and buy something else that might be better fit for matches. That being said this gun was GREAT in Limited 10 and I used it to eventually get my B card (after just a year of shooting) while also getting high D and high C in my first two level III matches. I did add a few things to it ie. brass mag well, tungsten guide rod and a nice set of FO sevigny sights. Bottom line, if you spend some time practicing, this gun can be very competetive. I know I beat MANY guys using $3,000 custom guns.
I have now upgraded to an open gun but every now and then I still break the ole 21 out of the safe and run it through its paces in a local match or two. My advice would be to not worry so much about what gun you have, and more on spending time and money on getting good with that specific gun. |
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Quoted: It may just be me, but it seems that everyone is referring to the G21 as a 9mm in this thread. That being said, the G21 is 45 ACP and it's NOT limited to SSP. You can shoot in CDP as well. Come on over here for good discussions on IDPA. www.idpaforum.com   No one even mentioned SSP except to list that you can shoot SSP, ESP, and CDP with it. |
Oh biteme wolfboy...it was 4am....so I can't see or read clearly at that time of the morning.....LOL 
Now as a folllowup, I hope to get a G21SF this year to use for CDP. The only 45ACP I currently own is an HK USP45F and that pistol while a great service gun, is not made for competitions. I shoot a G34 in IDPA and USPSA and would prefer to stay with the Glock style guns. Cody, did you shoot at the Ohio State IDPA Championship last year? |
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Quoted: Oh biteme wolfboy...it was 4am....so I can't see or read clearly at that time of the morning.....LOL Now as a folllowup, I hope to get a G21SF this year to use for CDP. The only 45ACP I currently own is an HK USP45F and that pistol while a great service gun, is not made for competitions. I shoot a G34 in IDPA and USPSA and would prefer to stay with the Glock style guns. Cody, did you shoot at the Ohio State IDPA Championship last year? Yep, I believe I took 4th in SSP EX, might have been 5th though. I've blown my gun budget for this year but next year will definitely have a G21 or G21SF for CDP. I've been toying with a dedicated 1911, but when all I compete with is glock, why change the grip for a division I'm not even really serious about? Hoping to shoot the Ohio match again this year, I have another project that same weekend, but might make the trip instead. Right now I'm planning on shooting the IL state match, the Southern Regional, The tri State Regional, The WI state match, and the MI state match. If I can squeeze a few more in I will. |
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Quoted:
Yep, I believe I took 4th in SSP EX, might have been 5th though. I've blown my gun budget for this year but next year will definitely have a G21 or G21SF for CDP. I've been toying with a dedicated 1911, but when all I compete with is glock, why change the grip for a division I'm not even really serious about? Hoping to shoot the Ohio match again this year, I have another project that same weekend, but might make the trip instead. Right now I'm planning on shooting the IL state match, the Southern Regional, The tri State Regional, The WI state match, and the MI state match. If I can squeeze a few more in I will. I'm sure you didn't finish in 4th for SSP EX because that's where I finished. LOL My son and I both shot the Ohio State Match....He got 2nd SSP SS and was promoted to EX so he's now my competition! He also got "High Junior" too so he brought home two trophies bigger than mine.
You and I must be thinking exactly alike. All I really shoot are Glocks with the exception of shooting my HK USP45F in the last regular match at PCSI, but I really want a G21SF for CDP also. Hope to see you at the Ohio match this year. I'll be the short fat guy smoking a cigar with the tall skinny son at my side. 
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| Thanks for the replies guys. I found a "local" range that has a full size G21 for rent so I will likely head down there and try it out. It is also home to IDPA & USPSA indoor matches. My next obstacle is finding a G21SF for sale. I called a couple of places that I have used before and they gave me some good prices but said that any Glocks are hard to come by. |
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Quoted: your right, I finished seventh. Thats the problem with shooting a bunch of major matches, it's hard to rmember just how many people beat.Quoted: Yep, I believe I took 4th in SSP EX, might have been 5th though. I've blown my gun budget for this year but next year will definitely have a G21 or G21SF for CDP. I've been toying with a dedicated 1911, but when all I compete with is glock, why change the grip for a division I'm not even really serious about? Hoping to shoot the Ohio match again this year, I have another project that same weekend, but might make the trip instead. Right now I'm planning on shooting the IL state match, the Southern Regional, The tri State Regional, The WI state match, and the MI state match. If I can squeeze a few more in I will. I'm sure you didn't finish in 4th for SSP EX because that's where I finished. ...snip... |
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Well back on topic .......
Drake....I'm sure you can't go wrong with the G21 or the G19 for that matter. As mentioned earlier, it will cost more to keep the G21 feed as apposed to the G19. My PD gun is a G19 w/ Trijicon NS and I kept telling myself to shoot it at a match or two last year, but never did. That will change this coming season even though I'll need to get use to the Warren Tacts. w/ FO front sight that I put on my G34 over the winter. 
HK's really are not meant for competition. Good Luck! |
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Quoted:
Well back on topic .......
Drake....I'm sure you can't go wrong with the G21 or the G19 for that matter. As mentioned earlier, it will cost more to keep the G21 feed as apposed to the G19. My PD gun is a G19 w/ Trijicon NS and I kept telling myself to shoot it at a match or two last year, but never did. That will change this coming season even though I'll need to get use to the Warren Tacts. w/ FO front sight that I put on my G34 over the winter.
HK's really are not meant for competition. Good Luck! Not true. I know of a few master class limited 10 shooters who shot HK's and did very well with them. The price might be prohibitive but there is functionally nothing from with using them for competition. |