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.
.45 Glock 30 or 36
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John Wayne
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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.
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.
LeonCarr
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I have read that the 36 is the least reliable Glock, and the 30 is the most accurate Glock.
Just my .02,
LeonCarr
Just my .02,
LeonCarr
chicharrones
needs more ammo
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.
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.
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
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
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).
but maybe another 30 SF (you know, just in case...lol).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
Member
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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Why would a single stack be more, or less, reliable that a double wide tapered down to single round presentation?
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John Wayne
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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).
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
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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.
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
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
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DustyVermonter
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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.
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.
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
Member
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!
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!
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.
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
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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.
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.
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
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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.
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.
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