Glock 21, or Smith 586...

[BruniX]

I finally got my green leaf!
Not the one for work in your beautiful country , but the one that is essential to make a request for the possession of handguns or long weapons, semi-automatic, with the authorities.

It is issued by the sports club, after several shots control, and a long patience ... (two years for me ...)
Tuesday I'm going to the gunsmith to decide which handgun I choose, for shooting.

I have two candidates left:
The 586 from Smith & wesson, which has always made me dream, but also, although very different, the 21 from Glock in 45 ACP.
After testing the glock in the range during a presentation of all glock models , at range by a gunsmith, I was amazed by the ease of use, and the 45 ACP is a fabulous caliber...

I have been shooting for a year with a colt python 357 loaned by the club, very nice...
and the special 38 is soft on the wrist and inexpensive to reload ...

In addition, here, the smith is worth $ 1,400 while the glock is $ 750
The choice will be difficult!

[leverjc]

Tuff decision but I think I would go with the Glock so I could spend the other $750 on ammo.

[Travlin]

If you are planning to reload the cartridges for your handgun, then the revolver should be given great consideration. I have three semi autos in .45 A.C.P. including a pre-war Colt National Match. I rarely shoot them because of the lose of brass scattered all over the ground. Not so with a revolver.

[markiver54]

If concealment is not a concern, I would go with the 586. I think it would be more accurate and dependable.
Ammo is affordable as well. I own a 686, ( only difference is the 686 is stainless steel ). I love it. 357 is a very potent round.
Good luck making your choice BruniX.

[North Country Gal]

Resale value greatly favors the 586, all the more so if it is an early version and it will hold its value, possibly even appreciating over time. From an investment standpoint, I think it's the better choice. As for target shooting, the 586 will definitely have the better trigger.

[BigAl52]

Decision would be easy for me. Glocks do not fit me and I dont care for the grip angle at all. They have a large following and are very dependable. But Im not one who follows them at all. Owned one and will not ever buy another.

[Hatchdog]

No debate what-so-ever. If you are shooting this future handgun for pleasure not for personal protection then the 586 wins hands down. The revolver will be more accurate and have less recoil (38 special) than the Glock. If you reload and plan to shoot 38 specials mostly you might consider using 357 length brass and loading it to 38 special velocities. This will reduce the carbon ring that forms in the cylinder.

Either way congratulations on receiving your green leaf!

[brettitt41]

I have a G21 and while I have no doubt it will do what I ask it has the personality of and feel of a block of wood. Well more like a lump of plastic. My Smith's become part of me when I'm shooting them and one day I hope they are handed down to my children. Besides if you get the 586 your already invested in the cartridge so getting a BBC in .357 is a natural progression.

[Ernie]

I would go with the 586 as I do not care for the Glocks.

[Travlin]

I would not be too worried about shooting too many .38's in an S&W .357. I have had a Colt trooper .357 since 1969. It is basically the same gun as the Python that you have been shooting without the rib on the barrel. I have shot thousands of .38 reloads and never gave it more than a regular cleaning. I have had zero problems with the so called "carbon ring" and could chamber a full length .357 round whenever I wanted after shooting .38's.

[Travlin]

A further note on the Colt Trooper, I still have the factory target that is one ragged hole shot with .38 wadcutters.

[clovishound]

If you like the .45 ACP caliber, and this will be a range weapon, have you considered a 1911?

Don't know what the situation is in regard to availability of guns in your area, but 1911s are very popular here in the US, and for good reason.

Given the two you suggested, I would go with the Smith. The Glocks have a loyal following, but I've never shot one I liked, and several that I absolutely hated shooting. I do understand the reluctance of spending the extra. I have a Smith model 10 and it is a gun that gets lots of time at the range. I have a polymer frame, striker fired gun that sits in the safe most of the time. It's not a Glock, but a similar design that suits me better, but it still doesn't get the love that my 1911 or revolver do.

[Ernie]

Wondered about a 1911 myself. That would be my choice of a 45 ACP.