Compensated Glocks

[Honor Bound]

I've owned quite a few Glocks but never any compensated models.

I'm more of a believer in the primary use of my guns is for self defense. If the same gun is well suited for competition, then that's a bonus.

So a friend just bought his first semi-auto handgun. It's a G21C. He plans to use it for home defense.

I understand the theory behind the ports in the barrel and the slide that release gas to counter act the muzzle flip caused by recoil.

The consequence of this, seems to me, would have two negative effects in a self defense scenario, 1- the vertical flash between your eyes and your target, and 2- the reduced pressure in the barrel, which would yield slower bullet velocities.

I would love to hear some comments from those with experience with compensated Glocks.

How effective is the "compensation" in regards to felt recoil?

How much is the shooters ability to stay on target affected, especially at night, by the vertical flash?

How are the bullet velocities affected?

And the money question...

Can my friend buy a normal, non compensated barrel, drop it in and his gun will shoot like a normal G21?

Please feel free to comment on anything else that I may be missing in this discussion.

Thanks for your input.

HB