Polymer-and Steel-Frame 45s: Glock 41 Vs. Springfields R.O.

    Glocks new Model 41 is long but light and easy to shoot. The Springfield Range Officer is slightly more accurate. Both are Grade A guns, so choosing between them is no easy task.

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    While the 1911 pistol has ruled the roost for many years, the Glock has made significant inroads, despite long-slide Glock pistols with good shooting characteristics being available only in 9mm Luger and 40 S&W chamberings. This has changed with the introduction of the Model 41, which is chambered in 45 ACP and is about the same size as a full-size 1911. The Glock 41 long slide has been awaited with some anticipation, mainly among those who have wanted a polymer gun that competed head-to-head with one of the better 45 ACP 1911s.We collected both guns and ammunition for a face off to see which one best employed the qualities of the original Colt National Match pistol, a go-anywhere do-anything 45 with hardy fixed sights and a carefully fitted barrel. The handguns tested are much in the same vein, what we hoped were solid, reliable pistols that are not specialized.

    The Glock is intended to offer a handgun to meet the long-slide 1911 on its own ground, but in the end it is closer to a standard Government Model in heft and size while offering an advantage over the Glock 21. We would see how the recoil and control felt compared to a steel-frame 45 shot side by side with several types of loads. Unless you have a Brinks truck full of money following you around or a big-name sponsor, you will be cranking up the Dillon and using handloads if you shoot a lot. Not surprisingly, the ammunition shortage has put a crimp into component supply, but we were able to put together a standard handload for test purposes. This included a 185-grain Montana Gold JHP bullet and enough Hodgdon Titegroup for 1000 fps. This is a useful all-round competition load for plate shooting and even pins. Next, we wanted an accuracy loading. We chose the ASYM 230-grain Match load. This ammunition is earning a good reputation for accuracy and quality control. Next, we chose a defense ammo. The Black Hills 230-grain JHP has proven to have a good balance of expansion and penetration in testing and usually delivers good accuracy.

    Because the long-slide Glock also claims to achieve higher velocities with a given load compared to other handguns, we added a +P load. We were able to secure the Speer Gold Dot 200-grain +P. During range testing on steel plates and during combat drills, we also used standard ball ammunition, including the Black Hills 230-grain FMJ in the remanufactured line, steel-cased ammunition, including Wolf 230-grain FMJ and the Hornady Steel Match, and also an alternate handload using the Hornady 230-grain XTP over a heavy charge of Unique powder for 900 fps. This would make for a thorough and painstaking test of the capabilities of the handguns.

    The test procedure included firing from a solid braced benchrest position under the most favorable conditions to measure the accuracy potential of each pistol. We also fired the pistols at steel reaction targets in rapid-fire drills and fired at man-sized targets in combat-style shooting at 7, 10, and 15 yards. Finally, we fired at an InnovativeTargets.net steel reaction target at 50 yards.

    In head to head shooting with raters firing and then swapping guns, it was obvious that both pistols are excellent performers. All the raters waiting in line had to do was watch the steel gongs swing with hardly a miss from either pistol. The fit and feel of these pistols are very different, but each works for a skilled shooter. When firing at steel plates and man-sized silhouette targets, the Springfield proved to have the edge in control, our shooters said. While the Glock gave good results, the Springfield would finish off a run on steel plates slightly faster, and combat groups on the X-ring targets were better centered. However, the Glock would have 13 holes in the target — and there’s no ignoring that important advantage. When performing speed-loading drills it was a draw. Even raters with plenty of 1911 shooting under their belts commented on the excellent geometry of the Glock for rapid reloading. The new-style magazine release and the tapered high-capacity magazine contributed to this speed.

    The Glock was comfortable enough to fire; however, after long sessions, the laws of physics showed us the felt recoil of the lighter polymer 45 will wear on the shooter. When firing at the 50-yard steel plate, the two pistols did very well, with each hitting the 8-inch gong on demand in the hands of skilled shooters. At this range, the superior trigger action and sights of the Springfield began to show an advantage, but for the price, the Glock might be fitted with aftermarket steel sights for a better sight picture. Here’s how each pistol performed in more detail:

    Glock Model 41 45 ACP, $775

    Our counter price for the Glock Model 41 was $700. The Glock G41 is intended to give Glock shooters a pistol that will be a match for the 1911 in competition. We feel that it is a good bet for the Glock shooter and a good all-round choice for IDPA and IPSC. For shooters who don’t mind a full-size carry gun, it would be an excellent choice for that as well.

    The Glock demands a close examination to understand the design and principle behind the pistol. The G41 is based upon the G21 Generation 4 platform. The Gen4 was introduced with a different grip texture than the RTF. The RTF (Rough Texture Finish) introduced a few years ago proved unpopular. This has been changed to a stippling that affords good adhesion but which is more comfortable to fire and carry. A rough texture would be uncomfortable in extended practice sessions for those who train and practice hard. In our view, this is a good change.

    The pistol was supplied with four alternate grip straps. They are not inserts, but rather a pin is removed from the frame and the overlapping straps are pinned to the frame. We did not test every strap, but one of the raters, a long-time shooter with average to small hands, was very pleased to finally have a Glock 21 variant he could use well. He did not add a strap. He pointed out that it is one thing to fire and use a handgun in informal practice but another to control and retain the pistol in difficult drills. He now has a Glock big bore he can use well. These straps were definitely an aid in handfit. However, the Springfield grip frame fit all hands well as issued.

    The pistol features a long, flat magazine release that all commented favorably on. It does not protrude too much and is positive in operation. The trigger action will be familiar to Glock shooters. Compression and reset are unremarkable; however, the trigger was heavier than specified at 6.0 pounds even. The sight picture was identical to that of the fixed sight Glocks, but the G41 came with a plastic adjustable sight. It isn’t as high quality as the Springfield, but it did not break and offered some adjustment.
    The Glock G41 actually weighs a little less than a Glock 21. This is accomplished by using a thinner slide.

    The slide is the same width as the Glock 34 chambered in 40 S&W. The long slide and barrel do not incorporate an accompanying long recoil spring guide and spring. There is no need. The recoil spring guide is the modern dual spring that is similar to custom recoil reducers. There is one spring inside the device and the other rides over it. The Glock 21 has often been described as a soft-kicking pistol. The combination of a backstrap that spreads recoil energy around a larger area and the geometry of the pistol are ideal for firing the low-pressure 45 ACP cartridge. And despite the soft perceived recoil, the Glock delivered the most energy of the test with the Speer 200-grain Gold Dot +P, turning in an impressive 498 foot pounds. This compares to the 464 foot pounds from the Springfield with the same load.

    To see how it carried, we put the Glock in a PinkPistolHolsters.com belt slide unit designed for the Glock 21. The holster offered good fit and retention, due in part to its stiffness, a result of excellent double stitching. We probably would not wish to take a chance on sitting down with this duo because the long-slide Glock could be pushed up out of this holster if the pistol contacted a chair or bench.

    Springfield Range OfficerNo. PI9128LP 45 ACP, $1015

    We bought the Springfield for a counter price of $849. The R.O. featured adjustable target-grade sights and a ramp post front sight. The pistol was finished in a dull matte blue that wasn’t unattractive, but neither is it highly polished. It was simply serviceable. The pistol featured a fitted match-grade barrel. Upon examination, we found the fit of the barrel hood to the barrel, the lugs to the slide, and the barrel bushing to the barrel to be excellent. The barrel bushing was tight enough to demand a bushing tool for disassembly, so we used the Perry Competition ($30, PerryComp.com) tool to make things easier. This tool supplies plenty of leverage for the tightest barrel bushing.

    The Range Officer does not feature a checkered front strap, but the mainspring housing and checkered grip panels gave our shooters good purchase. The grip panels were particularly well turned out and offered excellent adhesion. The pistol was supplied with two seven-round magazines, a plastic holster, and a plastic dual magazine carrier. These additions were nice to have, particularly when we realized that there were few holsters readily available for the long-slide Glock. The Springfield came with its holster in the box.
    The Range Officer featured good fitting in the slide lock safety, which showed good indent and positive function. The grip safety properly released the trigger through about one half of the grip safety’s travel.

    Trigger compression was a smooth and consistent 4.75 pounds. The trigger was free from creep or backlash. While a dedicated competitor may wish to pay for a trigger job or a high-grade trigger set, the trigger was usable as issued. If the pistol is used as a carry gun for personal defense, the trigger-pull weight was ideal, we think. The skeletonized hammer was designed to make for faster locktime. It seemed to perform the task as designed. The sights were adjusted during the test program to confirm their utility. They worked as advertised with positive adjustments. It was relatively simple to move the point of impact to coincide with the point of aim. These sights are similar to the now-out-of-production Bo-Mars. All in, we graded them as excellent adjustable sights and one of the high points of the Range Officer. In our estimation, the Range Officer isn’t a GI Model with a fitted barrel. It may be more aptly described as a Trophy Match without the nice finish.

    Our Team Said

    There is no tie breaker on this one. Both pistols are ‘A’-rated. Neither suffered any type of failure to feed, chamber, fire, or eject. Each performed well with superior accuracy. For the price, the Springfield Range Officer is impressive. Springfield seemingly spent its time fitting the barrel instead of polishing the pistol, we believe. The Glock is likewise accurate and reliable and affordable. The Springfield came with two magazines, the Glock three. The Springfield and the Glock both come with a cleaning brush and small tools, while the Springfield throws in a range holster and a magazine carrier.

    Which to buy? We are not going to brush off the reader by saying “whichever you prefer, the Glock or 1911,” because that isn’t enough. Many of you have not fired either type and would like a rational way to make the final cut. So:

    If you want cocked-and-locked carry, the Springfield wins.If the ability to mount a combat light on the pistol is important, the Glock wins.If you have a bullet casting outfit and like to use economical cast bullets, the Springfield wins. The polygonal rifling of the Glock is not lead friendly. Jacketed or plated bullets must be used in handloads for the Glock pistol, or order an aftermarket barrel. We are not certain if the barrel makers are up and running for the Glock 41 as yet.

    The Springfield demands a more difficult field strip and also is desirous of lubrication, so the Glock wins if you must have easy maintenance.On counter price, the Glock wins by about $150.For target and practical competition use, the Springfield wins.For personal defense, home defense, and tactical use, our team would choose the 13+1 Glock.

    Written and photographed by R.K. Campbell, using evaluations from Gun Tests team testers.

    glockmodel41.pdf

    springfieldrangeofficer.pdf

    rangedatamay141.pdf

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