I have a Glock G21. It's been a problem-free Gen 3 gun, in the original-style (i.e., "big butt") I've fired the SF and Gen4 variants, and while they're good G21s in their own right, for me in particular they didn't seem to offer anything specifically overwhelmingly desirable that would compel me to switch from mine.
Although I shoot it decently enough, and certainly feel comfortable in using and carrying it both for defensive and recreational (IDPA, GSSF) purposes, out of all of my Glocks (G17, G19, G22, G34) it is the one that requires the most conscious effort for me to shoot well. I'd performed the following mods to it: Standard connector replaced with Dot connector, flat slide stop replaced with Glock extended slide stop/release; sights replaced-first with Glock steels (which worked acceptably well enough), and in the last year or so with Warren-Sevigny Carrys. For years I ran it with a segment of a mountain bike innertube to increase receiver gripiness, but I recently removed it after realizing vis-a-vis my Gen4 G22 and HK VP40 grip experimentation that for me, smaller is definitely better. The original triggerbar was replaced years ago with the now standard upgraded/improved OEM triggerbar, and I've added a butt plug to preclude foreign material from entering the heel cavity and potentially adversely affecting operation of the action components.
I felt that the gun shot slightly low-based on my GSSF and IDPA match experiences. Subsequently, I compensated by aiming slightly higher on a target to compensate. Annoyed by having to do this, after last weekend's GSSF match I was tempted to do an immediate hardware fix (i.e., going from a .215 high Warren front sight to the .245 higher one); I fortunately sensibly held off-and first did some square-range known distance zero confirmation drills with gridded targets.
Yeah, you've all probably guessed where this is going...Amazingly enough, the problem is NOT with the gun, or with the existing sights. It was with ME, and my triggerpull. I was yanking, or flinching, or yanking down reflexively on the trigger at the break point. When I properly aligned the sights, when I properly pulled the trigger, the gun literally tore the center out of the bullseye areas of the targets-and with various targets, both large and smaller, and at various distances (primarily between 10' and 50')-all using the center-hold POA/POI I prefer.
I've realized a couple of things: 1). Given that the frame is larger (and my index with it isn't nearly as effortless and instinctive as it is on my smaller-framed G17/19/34/22), I'm gonna intrinsically be more challenged-so I need to establish, and reinforce proper sight acquisition/alignment and shooting/triggerpull techniques, and
2).I've also decided to try something that on it's face might seem counter-intuitive: I've switched the lighter coil trigger spring (inducing a 2-stage triggerpull) for the heavier, but single-stage triggerpull of the NY1 spring-also with a more forceable, and discernible reset point. While it's heavier, the potential disadvantages are minimized by 1) it's somewhat rolling, surprise break characteristics, and 2) that it's heaviness is somewhat offset by using the Dot connector which also adds to the rolling and discernible trigger break point.
I'll see how this works, with both dry- and live-fire. If it doesn't, I may go back to the original coil trigger spring, with its lighter triggerpull, or reluctantly realize that the Gen 3 G21 just isn't totally ideal for me, and move to a Gen4 G21 (or away from the G21 platform period). Like it or not, this is really forcing me to objectively evaluate , experiment, and re-evaluate.
Similar thoughts, experiences, critiques appreciated.
Best, Jon
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Originally Posted by JonInWA
