45 Compact: Glock 30 versus M&P 45c from S&W?

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foxmoor

foxmoor

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I'm considering a .45acp compact pistol, mostly for CCW use. I have a Glock 26 (9mm) that I like, so the Glock 30 is a logical one to consider as a .45, but I've also heard good things about the new S&W M&P 45c pistol. It's a bit more ergonomic, but only has 8+1 versus 10+1 for the Glock, though that's not a huge issue for me. Is the M&P 45c more shootable than the Glock 30, though I've heard great things about the G30 in terms of accuracy and shootability. Thanks in advance!

Foxmoorcz
 
My glock 30 is THICK.. don't even think of IWB that beast... its FAT... and then for target practice its stubby..

Its a wierd class to be in IMO...

JOe
 
I think it is a matter of fit. The G30 has a girthy grip so you would have to see if you like it. Lots of people have issues with the G21 and G30 due to their smaller hands, others love it. Ive got gorilla hands and the gun fits my hand real well. The G30 is one of my favorite glocks to shoot. In fact before shooting it I was not a fan of Glocks at all.
Then again the 30SF is too small for my hands, but may fit yours like a glove. Try before buying.
 
It is all a matter of what you like better. I have a G30 and find I can get my hands around it just fine. I did own a G21 and never felt it was too big. (still like my full size 1911 better)

I also do not mind packing the G30. Now I am currently only using a Yaqui Slide, but have carried the G21 in the past in a IWB holster.

I have held the the S&W, but have not had a chance to shoot one. I went for the G30 because I knew from personal experience the Glock works.

And yes, the G30 is a very accurate handgun.
 
It's all about what fits your hand best--I think they are both excellent pistols. I own a full size M&P 45, and love it; very accurate, easy to clean, simple to work on. Too big for a CCW piece, though.
Go down to your range, rent them both and shoot them both during the same session. Then go out and buy the one you like!
 
Yeah it all boils down to how it fits your hand.
I started with a Sig 228 but found out it had bulky grips and I was never comfortable shooting it and carrying IWB.

I traded for a Glock 23 and its been perfect for me. Sometimes I carry my slim frame Russian makarov and its nice and comfortable . I have an extra ammo pouch containing two extra mags loaded. I shoot very well with this pistol and confident to put the bullets right there. Small package but deadly accurate. Used by the Russians so can t go wrong , right ?

Now the Glock 30 would be my next choice once funds permit. I held one new in the gunshop and it wasnt that bad .
 
Go with the M&P45c.

There's nothing wrong with the Glock 30, but the M&P is just so comfortable and I think it would be a bit easier to CC than the G30. Seriously though, that gun fits my hand like a glove.

My 45c has never had a hiccup, although I would venture to guess that the G30 is equal in reliability. I don't think you'd have a bad gun either way, but my vote goes to the M&P.
 
Is this just for fun /adding to the collection? Because I don't think either one gives you a meaningful tactical benefit over a G26.

I've shot a friend's G30 100's of times, and it's a very nice gun. Inherent accuracy is great and recoil is mild. It is thick and fat though. It can be concealed, just like a CZ-75 or USP can be concealed, but is going to be more bulk than your existing G26.
 
I own both the G30 and M&P 45c. They both conceal about the same, both take higher capacity mags from their full size brothers, both actually fit in the holster. I tend to carry the G30 over the M&P. I do shoot them about the same, but I shoot the G30 the best of the two. Reliability is about equal with my reloads and factory loads. The only issue was the M&P45c was missing a pin that holds the take down lever in the sear block when I bought it. I like them both and shoot them well. If I had to choose, I'd go with the G30. Just my personal preference. Either one you'll be happy with.
 
go with the S&W.
This is America, you derserve the CHOICE of SA and DA versus the DOA offered by glock. just my opinion
Click to expand...

Uh, the S&W M&P45c is a DAO design virtually identical to the Glock. In fact it's closely related to the Sigma series, on which Glock successfully sued S&W for infringing Glock's patents.

Thanks for playing though. Maybe you're thinking of S&W's revolvers that once used the "M&P" name.
 
Thanks for all the suggestions - very helpful. To throw in another factor, I'm also considering the HK USP compact .45acp. It's also an 8+1 gun, but reportedly very accurate and shootable. I can probably shoot a rental G30 before I buy but not the S&W or the HK. Thanks again.

Foxmoorcz
 
I have a G30SF. I considered the M&P compact before I bought it. The G30SF grip is fine for me, as I have big hands. The big turn-off for me with respect to the M&P was it's scratchy, gritty trigger pull. I tried several M&Ps, both compact and full size and they all had lousy triggers. Nevertheless, I wouldn't have a problem buying an M&P and relying upon it, but I've owned other Glocks and have been thoroughly satisfied. So that's what I went with. It has been 100% reliable and as light a shooting .45 as you can shoot.
 
Glock 36 is another option. Also I agree with Micro, I like the feel of the trigger pull better on the glock then M&P
 
The big turn-off for me with respect to the M&P was it's scratchy, gritty trigger pull. I tried several M&Ps, both compact and full size and they all had lousy triggers.
Click to expand...

Some dry-firing and some gun oil in the right spot will eliminate scratch and grit. But I'll admit the trigger is still somewhat funky after that treatment, feeling a bit like a toy gun's break.
 
I've had a G30 for years. Yes it is chunky but with the right holster it is not hard to CCW. It is as all the Glocks I've owned totally reliable. It is one of the most accurate guns I have ever owned period. Glock tough. Plus the ability to use 13 round G21 mags for back up. I've handled but not shot the M&P 45c. Feels excellent in the hand. Have shot the .40 caliber M&P. Very nice pistol. I would say also look at the H&K USP 45c. Mine is sitting next to me as I write this. You loose two rounds to the Glock but the grip is much smaller. Again the gun is totally reliable and very, very accurate. Plus you an order it with any type of trigger you can imagine. I have the Var. 1. You can carry it cocked and locked or DA/SA.
The Glock has a zillion aftermarket parts so you can really customize it. The down side to the USP is that the mags are very expensive. And I don't know
why you would want to but you can't do much in the way of customizing it. The Glock and M&P are of course cheaper. Smith backs their guns for a lifetime. And they will pay shipping both ways if you have a problem. Don't have much experience with Glock customer service which is a good thing.
To me the G30 is my camping, hiking, biking, out in the woods gun. You can't hurt it. It will work no matter what. And 10+1 rounds of .45 backed by a G21 13 round mag as back up is very comforting. Although it wouldn't be a problem to carry the H&K in the woods I wouldn't want to bang it H&K up. All fine choices. Just see which fits your hand the best. Any pf them will serve your purposes well.
 
I feel cheated... first you ask us... then you don't take our adivce and run to the "Gun Dudes"..

sheesh :)

Just playin

JOe
 
I have owned Glock 30's and 36's. They were really good guns. Worked all the time. I got my S&W MP 45 Compact 3 months ago and it's been my carry gun ever since. It feels much better in the hand. It carrys easier also. It's not as blocky as the Glocks. It shoots great and after more than 2,000 rds of asst ball and HP ammo, it has never malfunctioned.

I compared it to my Glock 19 and they look to be very close in size.

As far as HK. They're great guns if you can keep them running. However, should it break and require any parts replacement, you'll be on the 3-6 month waiting list for them.
 
Foxmoor,

You're looking at a couple of good guns there.

I'm a fan of the Glock 30. The gun's design has been around for approximately 20 years. That's a reasonable time for design deficiencies to arise. A simple review shows a good grade there. Time will tell if S&W's offerings enjoy such a favorable review.

Want some fun reading? Take a look at the abuse that was inflcted on a Glock in one of the after market Glock guides. The abuse they heaped on that weapon was simply astounding. What was more astounding was the shooting performance when completed.

I'd recommend a rental or borrowing guns for a lengthy shooting session with both. You'll find one that you simply like better. There's a mental confidence side to CCW work.

The key to CCW expertise is practice, practice, and more practice.

Let us know what you decide,
 
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