Glock G21 Gen5 MOS
Glock Ges.m.b.H. · Pistol · In Production · 2023
Also known as: G21 Gen5 MOS, Glock 21 Gen 5 MOS
Overview
The Glock G21 Gen5 MOS is a semi-automatic pistol chambered in .45 ACP, produced by Glock Ges.m.b.H.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 735 g (25.9 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 1095 g (38.6 oz) |
| Overall Length | 205 mm (8.07") |
| Barrel Length | 117 mm (4.61") |
| Height | 140 mm (5.51") |
| Width | 35 mm (1.38") |
| Sight Radius | 176 mm (6.93") |
| Action Type | Short Recoil |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Safe Action |
| Trigger Pull | 26 N (5.8 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 13 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 260 m/s (853 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 477 J (352 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1500 m (1640 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 400 mm (15.75") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Polymer |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Finish | NDLC |
Calibers
- .45 ACP · primary — also known as .45 Auto, 11.43x23mm
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Trigger Safety, Firing Pin Safety, Drop Safety
- Features: Optics Ready, Modular Optic System, Polymer Frame, Safe Action Trigger, Polygonal Rifling, Accessory Rail, Ambidextrous Slide Stop, Reversible Mag Release, Flared Mag Well, Marksman Barrel, Rough Textured Frame, No Finger Grooves, Front Slide Serrations, Modular Backstrap System
Base model
Service history
Operators
- U.S. Law Enforcement (various agencies)
- Austrian Bundesheer
Production
Production years: 2023-present
Gen5 MOS variant production began 2023. The G21 platform has been in production since 1991.
Origin
Country of origin: Austria
Designer: Gaston Glock
Notes
The G21 Gen5 MOS arrived in 2023, matching the Gen5 MOS treatment given to the G20 (10mm) the same year. Weight without magazine is 735g (25.93 oz), making it slightly lighter than the Gen4 at 745g. The width increases to 35mm (1.38 inches) due to the MOS slide cut compared to 34mm on the Gen4. Sight radius with the MOS configuration is 176mm compared to 172mm on the Gen4. The nDLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) finish replaces the Tenifer finish of earlier generations, offering superior hardness and corrosion resistance.
Background
The .45 ACP has been the quintessential American fighting cartridge since 1911, and the Glock 21 Gen5 MOS represents the latest chapter in a long rivalry between polymer-framed striker-fired pistols and the venerable 1911 platform. While 1911 purists may scoff at a plastic .45, the G21 offers nearly double the magazine capacity (13+1 vs. 7+1 or 8+1) at roughly half the weight. The Gen5 MOS variant adds optics capability that most 1911s still lack from the factory, continuing to push the boundaries of what a .45 ACP service pistol can be.