[teejhot]

I looking to buy a new Glock .45. This isn't my first handgun nor is it my first Glock. I am looking for a compact .45 to carry. Recoil is not a huge issue but I have never shot a .45 that small and light. I do own a glock 38 (.45 GAP) and love it. I like the 30's mag capacity but also the 36's slimness. Does anyone who owns or has shot eithier one of these weapons have any feed back. I am really on the wire here and any feedback would be great.

[John Wayne]

I have the G30 with about 300 rounds through it. It is my first Glock, and first .45 ACP.

I honestly believe it's about the smallest .45 Auto that you can still enjoyably shoot all day. It is admittedly a bit thick, but the wide frame spreads the recoil out, and I've found it's actually starting to feel comfortable. The G30 also lets you use G21 mags and has more accessories available than the G36.

From what I've heard the G36 has had a somewhat bumpy track record, and doesn't really feel all that slim to me.

[blktie8]

My 36 is easy to carry and has been flawless

If I'm not carring the 36 it is the PF9

Good luck

[LeonCarr]

I have read that the 36 is the least reliable Glock, and the 30 is the most accurate Glock.

Just my .02,
LeonCarr

[chicharrones]

I own a G36. I just put some more rounds through it this afternoon at an indoor range. So far, mine has been a flawless feeder, firer, and ejector. For a Glock, it is thin. The factory specs of 1.13" are only at a couple of wide points (slide release, thumb rests). The actual thickness of the slide and most of the grip frame is right at 1".

The only advantage the G36 has over the G30 is the thinness which also relates to grip size. The grip fits my hand very well compared to a G30. I also don't worry about the 6+1 capacity. In that regard, it is very close to a 1911 pistol and there are a lot of people in this world that are satisfied with single stack 1911s.

Recoil is brisk, but feels like any other pistol in this size and weight class whether it is .45 ACP or .40 S&W. Recoil is really no big deal unless you are recoil sensitive. I have an alloy frame snub nose revolver that has more felt recoil than the G36 when shooting .38 +P ammo in the revolver.

I shoot this G36 weak hand, strong hand, and both hands. I only really notice recoil when I shoot weak hand just because my weak hand is, well, weaker. ;)

For the way my G36 fits my hand, it is a natural point shooter. It shoots to point of aim with 230 grain ammo and I can free hand shoot 4" groups at 20 yards, like I did today. One handed double taps are easy at closer ranges which is satisfying.

I've only had my G36 for 7 months, but it is one of my favorite handguns. :cool:

[hawk45]

Never shot the 36 b/c I love my 30 too much. It is a brick but conceals fairly well. Not as well as my G19 but it sure feels nice to have 11 rounds of .45 acp in such a small package.

And I agree with the poster above about being able to shoot it all day long. Fits my hand perfect and I wear L-XL gloves.

I do think the 36 had issues when it first came out but I belive they resolved them. But not 100% sure so don't quote me. I've also heard of some guys doing a G36/G30 hybrid putting the G36 slide on the G30. Again I thought I read that or guys were just wishing. Anyway, some things for you to research.

Good luck

[Gary A]

I haven't owned a Glock for several years until very recently. I looked at both the 36 and the 30 SF. My previous experience with a Glock 30 was that it was a great and soft shooter but a bit thick in the grip. The Glock 30 SF grip while no thinner, is shorter front to back than the 30 and for my hands it makes a world of difference. The thickness difference between the 30 and 36 is, to me, not worth the loss of 4 rounds. The 30 is significantly heavier, especially loaded. Those things, coupled with the reported reputation of both models, tilted me in favor of the Glock 30 SF. I have not had a chance to shoot it yet but unless it's a lemon, it may well become one of my favorite handguns (and I'm a single-action revolver guy). Knowing how I am, I'll probably get another Glock one of these days. Another .45. Probably a 36. ;) but maybe another 30 SF (you know, just in case...lol).

[distra]

I own both and carry both about the same frequency. The nice thing about the 30 is it take the 21 mags so you can have the 10rd mag in it with a 13rd reload. The 36 is thinner and little bit easier to carry, but with reduced capacity. Not a huge deal for me, but more often than not these days I find myself grabbing the 30 for CCW. Both are accurate and Glock reliable. You really can't go wrong with either.

[Sapper771]

I use to own a G30SF. It was a very good shooter and recoil was not that bad. My primary carry was a G21SF at the time and the G30 worked well with it.

I bought my father an older G36. I shoot it more than he does. I started having some feed issues with it, about two FTFs out of 100 rounds. I was thinking that it may have been my reloads that I was using (short COAL). I got some 230gr ball ammo and the FTFs went away. I went ahead and polished the feed ramp and chamber. It has not had any FTFs since.

My personal recomendation would be the G30. It is fat, but it has more going for it than the G36 IMO. YMMV.

Good Luck.

[GLOOB]

I would go for the G30. Because if you need to go smaller, why not a G27 with 3 more rounds in a caliber that is more efficient out of a stubby barrel?

[MikePaiN]

I chose the G30 over the G36 for my hiking/woods gun. At first I liked the slimmer feel of the 36 but the cap. of the 30 won the day....and I'm damn glad it did :) the Glock30 is my go to gun now and an absolute pleasure to shoot.
In the gun store a G30 does feel odd(compared to some others), but once you're shooting and that fatness settles into your hand....it is all good from there.

[CDW4ME]

I had a 36, didn't like it. My pinky would get pinched between the frame and oversize magazine base. I don't know why Glock cut the frame short then compensates with a oversize base.

I have a 30 SF and like it. Yes, it has a oversize base too, but my pinky doesn't get pinched. Also, 9 round flush fitting magazines are available so at least there is a reason for the frame to be cut short.

Here are comparison pics showing my 30SF, 23 and XD45 compact.
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=519427

The 30SF is more pleasant to shoot than the 23 (40 S&W). The 23 is the same size in the frame as your 38.

[saltydog452]

Why would a single stack be more, or less, reliable that a double wide tapered down to single round presentation?

sd

[John Wayne]

I've also heard of some guys doing a G36/G30 hybrid putting the G36 slide on the G30. Again I thought I read that or guys were just wishing. Anyway, some things for you to research.

There is no way a G36 slide will fit on a G30 frame and actually work. Even trying would probably result in several broken parts, at best. Assuming you could find a way to make it work, it would still be pointless because the gun is only as narrow as its widest part (which in this case is the frame, which would still be as wide as a normal G30).

Why would a single stack be more, or less, reliable that a double wide tapered down to single round presentation?

Because there is no chance of the rounds binding because they didn't get staggered correctly. Generally speaking, double-stack mags require stronger springs as well.

Quality single and double stack mags are equally reliable. Junk mags aren't reliable in either form, but the single stack is probably more forgiving.

[1KPerDay]

Why would a single stack be more, or less, reliable that a double wide tapered down to single round presentation?

sd
Nobody really knows why, but in the case of the glock, the 30 is generally considered as reliable as any other glock (that is to say, very) and the 36 has been known to have some problems on occasion. Perhaps because it was originally a double-stack design that was shrunk down. Or something. :)

[Strahley]

I've shot both, own the G36. G30 is too chunky for me

Both were accurate, super reliable (no malfunctions with either) and soft shooting. I could easily go shoot several hundred rounds through either and not be tired of shooting them. Both were a lot more comfortable than shooting a G27

[1KPerDay]

There is no way a G36 slide will fit on a G30 frame and actually work. Even trying would probably result in several broken parts, at best.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awzPqE-Teh4

[DustyVermonter]

I owned the G36 and I really, really regret selling it. If you plan on having the compact .45 as your primary carry piece, I would say get the G30, as it has supperior capacity as opposed to the G36, but seems how you already have a full size glock .45, I would say that the G36 would be the way to go, as its an absolutely superb backup weapon and you will have an easier time concealing it. I don't know what your body frame is , but my G36 just vanished on my waist and was an awesome backup piece. You can hardly even feel it resting on your ass cheek. I also added the peirce plus one extension to one of the mags it came with, and it didn't affect the concealability at all, plus I had just as much firepower as a 1911, in a tiny little package. Long story short, get the G36, you won't regret it.

[GRIZ22]

I like the 30's mag capacity but also the 36's slimness.

The only advantage the G36 has over the G30 is the thinness which also relates to grip size.

The 36 is only about 1/8 of an inch slimmer that the 30. That's not significant to me. I compared both side by side and bought a 30.

[jonboynumba1]

I need a pearce grip extender/+1 to shoot the 36 well....so it's the size of a commander at that point...I have a G21 SF I love...but I carry a 23 mostly lately...the 36 is about the size of a 23...so if you are going to IWB carry then that's pretty well your choice...OWB you may as well go 30 IMHO

for IWB I'd rather have a KHAR PM45 though...just right size wise for IWB warm weather CCW/.45 comfort!...even if it's $100 more than it should be! I'd just go to a 19/23 myself. -Unless you can shoot the 36 well without the +1 on it..but my hands like the 30 better...it is wide...but it's a dang good wide .45!

[jake75]

I have a G30SF. It's the easiest shooting .45 I have had. It's worth the money.

[m2steven]

I picked up a 36 on wednesday and shot it yesterday. 100 rounds of winchester fmj. Flawless and pretty comfortable. I'm not sure what Glock did
with the trigger on this model but it was a tad stiffer than my other Glocks, but acceptable nonetheless.

Very easy to control followup shots and utterly reliable. This could replace my current carry gun in most situations.

One side note, the 45 is quite noticeably heavier than my Glock 26 when empty. At least it felt that way. Great pistol though.

[Seven For Sure]

I put the 30SF/36 together and I can tell you it works perfectly and feels very well balanced also. Ive got a very short list of what I consider the four best carry 45ACP's and it goes in order of small to large: Kahr PM45, Kahr P45, Glock 30SF/36 and S&W M+P45c. The 30SF/36 wins in capacity and is'nt even the biggest gun on the lsit.

The Kahr P45 is slimmer, lighter, shorter in length of slide even though having exact same barrel length. Same capactiy and has full three finger grip. Has factory seven rd. mags for spares. That is what it has over the 36. The 36 is a piece IMO and I'm a longtime Glock fan.

If you were to consider a .40 Glock, the 23 is very close in size to the 36 and has 13+1 rds. The 27 is much smaller and holds 10+1 with the factory looking Pearce +1 extensions.

[gym]

I have a 30 since 1996 ish, it's a great little 45. I have been thinking about the 36, but I think it would need 1 more round to make me feel comfortable. I am sure you can buy an extension piece for it. One of my requirements is the weight must be under 28 ozs. empty, any heaver and I will end up not carrying it. So double stack is tricky as the ammo often weighs more than the pistol.

[tehweej]

I have a 36 and love it. A buddy of mine just bought a 30, and comparing them side by side, I do prefer the grip thickness of the 36 for ccw. The lighter weight also helps. I have not had a chance to shoot both guns and compare the recoil yet. For me, the 36 just feels good in my hand. The 30 is nice too, little bit more meat to hang on to. It always comes down to what feels best in YOUR hands. I do not feel undergunned with 6+1 and a spare 6.

For reliability- I had 2 FTE's early on, and a double-charge that sent mine back to the factory, and when I got it back, I put about 250 rounds through it that day with no issues. This 36 was purchased December last year. I have heard about the reliability problems, but have not seen any problems with mine except right after I got it.

[1KPerDay]

A double-charge? Yours or a factory ammo mfg?

What'd it do?

[tehweej]

Reload. Cracked the frame, I lost the mag catch, broke half of the trigger plastic off. Destroyed magazine. Couldnt feel my hands for 5 minutes, but otherwise, no bodily harm :)

[1KPerDay]

So you sent it back? Did they replace the frame on their dime??

[Purgatory]

I don't think many would disagree that the G30 is, quite uncannily, one of the very softest shooting .45's for its size and weight. It is very comfortable to shoot and equally accurate with a nice capacity.

To those who believe there is NO noticeable difference in the....carry-ability ( not just concealability) of the G36 vs the G30, you just might be ill-informed. If not, fine and good, but most would agree that the 36 is much more comfortable to carry -when you even notice it's there.

I have heard many G30 owners rave about that weapon, but complain about how tough it is to conceal and carry around 24/7.

The G36 is lighter and smaller, thus a little heavier recoil and just enough muzzle rise with 230's to make super accurate Double-taps challenging. Other than that it's very accurate, a dream to carry and will handle a close quarter situation beautifully with a plenty adequate caliber.

It just comes down to your priorities. I shot both, loved both, but at the time required a suit for work. So I wanted the smallest, lightest, easiest to conceal and carry, largest caliber, low maintenance, no levers or hammers, most reliable pistol I could find and afford.

Glock 36 it was. Nothin but great things to say about that gun. If you alter it from box stock, you're always askin for Murphy to pee on you. So, if it can be avoided.....ya no. If you want to add a +1 it's all good just make SURE you get wolff springs to replace the stock springs on any mag you put an extension on that adds capacity. This will keep Murphy at bay and is much easier to do than it seems, once you figger' it out.

So just decide what your priorities are and purchase away.

[tehweej]

I had to pay for the repair, it was only $47 to replace the entire frame (mag catch, slide catch, etc). I am very happy with mine.

[1KPerDay]

That was good of them. :cool:

[revjross]

When making my decision, I put the 30 and 36 side by side and although some may not think there is that much difference in size, I knew that when it came to carry, I would carry the 36 and would end up opting for a different gun to carry if I bought the 30. No regrets!! My 36 has been flawless and VERY accurate! I love it!

As for the difference in rounds, in all honesty, in real life situations, if you need more than 7 rounds (or 13 with spare mag) you are probably done for any way. I have carried 5 round revolvers and 7 round Kahrs most of the time up til now any way. --------- The 36 is very comfortable to carryl!!

[Gary A]

revjross, that's a good reply and some good thinking. What swayed me was if I were to have one of the two, and considering how I will use the pistol, I opted for more rounds. Still, I am very tempted to one of these days pick up a 36 for all the reasons you give plus the considerable difference in loaded weight.

[Taroman]

Gotta be what works for you. Happily I had the chance to fire a bunch of them at a "Glock-Fest" about 14 years ago. This one's been with me ever since. 50 rounds rapid fire at 10 yds with 230gr hardball. All I will ever need.
http://www.hverovhe.com/g30target.jpg

[revjross]

Thanks Gary A. BTW, I agree, the weight is another factor for carry..... My SIG P226 is my current night stand gun. I have thought about the G30 as a night stand gun. I do like it and the extra rounds are sure a big plus. Again, when it comes to carry, I knew I'd carry the 36 and the 30 would be just to wide and heavy (for me) to carry it........So hey, 36 = carry, 30 = night stand!!

[Purgatory]

I concluded the same thing about the 30, Revj. I also assumed I'd mostly only carry the 30 in winter. So, I thought, if it's gonna be a nightstand gun most of the time or carried only in winter, might as well be a 21. So that's next on my list. Accuracy and capacity A'Plenty!

-That's another thread.

[revjross]

Good point, Purgatory. The G21 would be a great night stand gun, although, I really do like my 226. BTW, went to the range this weekend and my G36 shot incredible. Honestly, not bad recoil and VERY accurate!! Love that gun.

[Gary A]

I had a chance to shoot my new Glock 30 SF today and was very impressed. I haven't shot a Glock in quite a while and found that the pistol tended to shoot a bit high at 15 yards for me. I also tried a Glock 21 magazine which worked flawlessly. I had purchased an A&G grip extender but decided I don't need it as the pistol performed flawlessly without it. I am not real crazy about the Glock trigger but that will probably be less of an issue with more trigger time. It breaks cleanly enough but seemed a little stiff and hard just before it broke. (I'm not very good at describing triggers.) Although I was shooting a little high, all shots were well-centered and the windage was dead on. The groups were, for me, quite impressive. I like it. A lot. And the longer I have it, play around with it, and now shoot it, the better it seems to fit my hand. Once I get the hang of lowering point of impact and more used to the trigger (more trigger time), I think I'm going to love it.