G17RTF2 vs G21

**Nephrology** · 04-24-11, 19:21

So I currently own a G21 with a pair of Ameriglo Hackathorns on it that I like very much. However, my budget for firearms is looking pretty tight in the future, so I am thinking about consolidating to 9mm. I also own a G19.

My buddy owns a G17RTF2 with stock plastic sights that we have been talking about swapping for. I am very much on the fence.

On the one hand, 9mm is much cheaper and I have a good OWB holster that would fit it already. I could also share mags with the G19 for the range. I also like the RTF frame, and have a rear sight (Warren competition) that would fit on the 17 as well. 9mm would also allow me to practice more as it is cheaper, and like I said, my gun budget is going to be tight for the foreseeable future.

On the other hand, I *do* like .45 and the 21, and could probably pick up .45 cheap now and then (Tula and Wolf and such I have seen for ~14/50rds online). It also makes a great house gun. Additionally it is worth more than the 17 and has a really good pair of night sights on it that I wouldn't be able to swap out. I also am not sure if the 17 will shoot much differently than the 19, and am thinking it might just be worth it to shoot the casual IPSC/IDPA match with the 19 and become more proficient with that and wait to buy a 34 instead, and enjoy the 21 at the range from time to time, as well as carry it during the winter OWB for a powerful OWB carry piece.

any thoughts?

**malignantbum** · 04-24-11, 19:37

Start reloading and you can shoot more. I wouldn't make the trade myself. Then again maybe you could ask for the gun and cash to make up the difference.

**ActiveShooter** · 04-24-11, 20:14

Originally Posted by Nephrology

I also am not sure if the 17 will shoot much differently than the 19, and am thinking it might just be worth it to shoot the casual IPSC/IDPA match with the 19 and become more proficient with that and wait to buy a 34 instead, and enjoy the 21 at the range from time to time, as well as carry it during the winter OWB for a powerful OWB carry piece.

This is what I would do. I shot IDPA regularly with my 19, even qualified expert with it.

**Guns-up.50** · 04-24-11, 20:53

I have a g17rtf2 and i love it. A nice thing is you would only need to buy one cal of ammo. 9mm with good ammo is a respectable defensive round The sights may be an issue like it was said previously maybe he can flip you some cash. Depending on the conditions of the guns i would make the trade.
goodluck!

**mashed68** · 04-24-11, 21:12

Stick with the manly G21. .45 ammo is not that much more exspensive for typical pistol shooters [not shooting 10,000+rds a year]

**Nephrology** · 04-24-11, 21:13

Originally Posted by Guns-up.50

I have a g17rtf2 and i love it. A nice thing is you would only need to buy one cal of ammo. 9mm with good ammo is a respectable defensive round The sights may be an issue like it was said previously maybe he can flip you some cash. Depending on the conditions of the guns i would make the trade.
goodluck!

He seems a little resistant to the idea of "sweetening the deal" and so I have been a little resistant to making it.... but I do agree, 9mm across the board would be really convenient.

Technically I am closer to consolidating on 45 (I own an RIA tactical 1911 too) but I don't really shoot it much anymore ,except with its .22 conversion kit.

To be fair the RIA has run like a top - nearly 1k rounds of .45 with only 1 hiccup in the first mag - but it's not a serious use gun, so it probably won't get any more .45 through it any time in the future.