Glock 21 vs. XD-45

[magnanimous_j]

So I’ve been kicking around the idea of getting a full frame .45 as my bedside gun and SHTF sidearm. Both the Glock 21 and the XD-45 seem to get good reviews. I think they’re both kind of ugly, but ultra-reliability, indestructibility and capacity is the main concern here. They both have 13+1 mags and a standard rail for a Tac light (the main accessory I’d want to get).

Anyone have a preference? Good or bad experiences?

[Biggerhammer]

I own both, I'm a die hard Glock guy but I purchased a XD 5.25 in .45 and the handgun is a laser. Points well, extremely accurate, grips excellent and has functioned flawlessly. I don't have a single complaint when it comes to the XD. Other than my passion for Glocks, you would be well served with either. My 21 is a SF, so it fits my hand well and has the picatinny rail.

[magnanimous_j]

That's an idea. The 5inch XD is a quite a bit more expensive, right? Do either have any trouble with +p loads?

[h20hunter]

I have the two tone XD like BHammer has pictured.....that is my favorite to carry as a side arm in the woods as well as shoot at the range. It eats anything I've ever fed it. Great gun.

[hillbilli]

the XD is a single action, so will have a better trigger. (with or without a powder river aftermarket trigger). If you plan to shoot reloads you'll need to change the barrel on the glock, but you wouldnt on the XD. The Glock is easier to detail strip if you ever get it full of water, etc where you need to detail strip it. I know the finish on the XD's has improved since mine was built, but I still think the corrosion resistant finish on the glock is better. The XD has a secondary safety (grip safety), and it is easy enough to practice placing your thumb on the back of the slide when reholstering- this ensures the grip safety is not engaged and that if something gets in the way of the trigger on the way back in the holster you are still ok.. 

[Mongo Hunter]

IMHO Glock, but that's mainly because of my experience shooting them, I don't have any with the XD. I think they are both fantastic firearms and either will serve you well. However if you are looking for a SHTF gun I would recommend a 9mm over a 45. 9mm is pretty much everwhere around the world were the .45 is mostly a US round. being the 9mm is so universal in a SHTF scenario the odds of "finding" more ammo is higher than the .45. just my 

PS. I like the .45 more for self defence than the 9mm, but the 9mm IS more available.

[Fuzzy]

I own both, I'm a die hard Glock guy but I purchased a XD 5.25 in .45 and the handgun is a laser. Points well, extremely accurate, grips excellent and has functioned flawlessly. I don't have a single complaint when it comes to the XD. Other than my passion for Glocks, you would be well served with either. My 21 is a SF, so it fits my hand well and has the picatinny rail.

WHAT?!?! no fixed bayonet on the Glock??


I have a gen2 glock 21 and i love it. the grip is a bit blocky but its a hell of a shooter

[Bofire]

  I was forced by deparment policy to switch from my 1911 to a glock 21 for about 7 years. (I am retired) but then we got a new chief and I could carry my 1911 again, I felt MUCH better. The 21 felt like a club, it worked, was reliable, and I hated it, MUCH slower to get on to the first round, for me, wobbled in my grip for repeat shots. I say try them both, and others, then decide, forget everyones opinion. buy the gun YOU shoot best.
Carl

[mountainman]

I was forced by deparment policy to switch from my 1911 to a glock 21 for about 7 years. (I am retired) but then we got a new chief and I could carry my 1911 again, I felt MUCH better. The 21 felt like a club, it worked, was reliable, and I hated it, MUCH slower to get on to the first round, for me, wobbled in my grip for repeat shots. I say try them both, and others, then decide, forget everyones opinion. buy the gun YOU shoot best.
Carl

 

[blacktailcody]

 

[Austrian Hunter]

I own both, I'm a die hard Glock guy but I purchased a XD 5.25 in .45 and the handgun is a laser. Points well, extremely accurate, grips excellent and has functioned flawlessly. I don't have a single complaint when it comes to the XD. Other than my passion for Glocks, you would be well served with either. My 21 is a SF, so it fits my hand well and has the picatinny rail.

I second that!! 

[thinkingman]

As I spend a fair amount of time behind a 1911 and a Buckmark, the grip angle of the Block just doesn't work for me.
Muscle memory is critical in a SHTF situation, and the adjustment to the Block is a penalty.
Buy the XD.
The grip safety is an added bonus.

[mountainman]

In my hand, it would be the S&W M&P. Owned both Glocks and XD/XDM's and shot them both pretty good, but am more accurate and fster on point with the Smith and Wesson.  All comes down to individual fit.

[Jim the Plumber]

Which ever you decide on, spend the money you would have on the latest lazer, light, etc, buy ammo and practice.
 All the crap in the world hanging off your firearm won't make you a better shot.

[JoeE]

Both are great guns. I prefer Glocks and have been carrying a Glock 21 for years.