There are a lot of small arms on the world arms market using a wide variety of ammunition. However, according to experts, the intensive development of short-barreled specimens occurred after the appearance of the Glock 21. Until that moment, only single-row magazines containing only 7-8 ammunition were provided for all pistols. In addition, most of the 45-caliber models were designed according to the "Colt M 1911". According to experts, this is a good gun, but due to the large size and weight it was impossible to carry it covertly. On the other hand, too compact a weapon has less ammunition and is unstable during operation. As a result, the shooter from strong recoil quickly gets tired. These nuances were taken into account when creating the Glock 21. Information on the device, modifications and technical characteristics of the gun is contained in the article.
Acquaintance with the Austrian gunshot model
Glock 21 is a self-loading rifle unit manufactured by the Austrian company Glock. In 1991, the 17th model began to enter the arms markets.
The 21st, according to experts, is almost the same pistol that was structurally adapted for firing 45 acp rounds. These ammunition is also used in the compact Glock 30, subcompact 36th, and the target "Glock 41". Unlike the 17th, 21st model is extended by 0.5 cm. Also its weight is increased by 210 g. The capacity of the store in Glock 21 is reduced by 4 ammunition and is 13 rounds.
What are the design features?
Unlike pistols of the 25th and 28th models, in which the automatics operate using the principle of a free shutter, the Glock 21 functions due to recoil in the short course of the barrel. The breech of the gun has a special curly groove that interacts with the body. Thus, the shutter opens after a vertical skew of the barrel. The shutter is locked after the rectangular breech block enters the window for the extraction of the shot cartridges. Glock 21 is equipped with a trigger mechanism, which is characterized by a partial cocking and pre-cocking before each shot. For the manufacture of pistol frames using polymeric materials. There are no protruding elements in the body of the gun, making it convenient for hidden wearing. Functions of sights are performed by the front sight and rear sight of the open type. They are contained in special grooves, which are called "dovetail". The gun flies are equipped with luminous dots, and the rectangular slots of the sights are framed by luminous frames.
About the fuse box
According to many owners, the gun is good and safe enough to operate. The 21st model is equipped with three automatic fuses. The location of one was the trigger. As a result, the hook cannot move back, and is released only after pressing it directly. In the event that the firing pin broke, shooting is excluded due to the presence of a second fuse. The third is responsible for blocking the drummer, which is released after pressing the trigger. There are no manual fuses in this shooting unit.
Expert Score
The clips of this self-loading pistol are equipped with 13 cartridges. Unlike other shooting units in the lineup, the 21st model has an original profile and pitch rifling. According to experts, when shooting with American ammunition 45 acp compared to other modern compact pistols, the 21st Glock has the highest stopping effect. Austrian weapons have a high operational resource and are reliable enough in harsh conditions. During the testing of this infantry unit, more than 120 thousand shots were fired. After inspecting the weapons, there were no mechanical breakdowns, and the main parts were in excellent condition. Since 4 m is considered the optimal distance in a real combat collision, it is desirable that the pistol be maximally adapted for high-speed and high-precision shooting. In addition, the bullet must have a large stopping effect. “Glock 21” with weak and soft recoil, with a low location of the barrel axis relative to the back plate in the handle, according to experts, meets the above requirements.
About the performance characteristics
- The 21st glock is a self-loading pistol.
- Country of origin - Austria.
- Available in two versions, each weighing 835 and 1900.
- The total length of the pistol is 20.9 cm, the barrel is 11.7 cm.
- The weapon has a height of 139 mm, a width of 32.5 mm.
- Shooting is conducted by American ammunition 45 ASR.
- The caliber of the 21st model is 11.43 mm.
- With an empty ammunition pistol weighs no more than 830 g. The mass of a fully equipped weapon is 1085 g.
- Ammunition is contained in a box magazine designed for 13 rounds. There are also clips of 10 ammunition.
- The pistols work due to the short stroke of the trunks with their vertical distortions.
Variations
The 21st glock is available in two versions:
- 21C. For the Austrian pistol at the muzzle end, a compensator is provided, which consists of two holes in the upper part of the barrel and a slot in the bolt shield. Due to the presence of a muzzle compensator, the powder gases exiting the openings act on the weapon with less reactive force. As a result, during firing, the jumping of the trunks of this modification is minimized.
- 21SF. This variant is equipped with a double-sided button for a clip. The handle is characterized by a reduced width and the presence of a universal Picatinny mount, thanks to which the Glock 21SF can be equipped with a tactical flashlight and a laser target designator. This modification has been produced since 2007.
Glock 21 Gen 4
This rifle unit is the fourth-generation Glock 21 model. The pistol grip has a separate replaceable part, which is also called the “back plate”. This name is due to the fact that it is located at the rear of the handle. The weapon is also equipped with two additional parts medium (M) and large (L), which, if desired, the owner can replace the standard Shot frame. This is resorted to if the shooter has long fingers. With part M installed, the distance to the trigger increases by 0.2 cm, and with L, by 0.4. Replacement is carried out by removing the fixing screw with the special tool that the gun is equipped with. Glock 21 Gen 4 with larger and more convenient store latches. The gun is structurally adapted for left-handed people. The owner only needs to rearrange the button on the side he needs. For this reason, Austrian fourth-generation pistol stores are equipped with a second window located on the right side, which includes the latch tooth. The clips from previous generations of rifle models for Gen 4 are only suitable if the button is located on the left side of the gun.
About design
In Austrian pistols, which belong to the fourth generation, one return spring is replaced by two with different diameters. They are installed on one guide rod. Due to this design feature, during the shooting there is a uniform load distribution on each of the springs, which significantly prolongs their operational life. In addition, the return becomes less tangible. Unlike pistols of previous generations, in the fourth rifle units are issued with the corresponding marking. Today, the 21st model of the Austrian pistol is produced in two versions: SF and Gen 4.
