Alright, range report time. Keep in mind that while this is the first gun I have owned, I have extensive weapons training from the Army, to include Expert certification with the M9 (which is not as hard as it may sound). This is my first time firing a .45 (or anything larger than 9mm).
So a friend and I headed out to Bullet Trap in Plano. He had purchased a G27 the same time I bought the G30. We got a lane and got ready to rock. First mag (all mags 10 rounds unless otherwise stated) was full of Monarch .45 230 grain FMJ. Target was at about 7 yards. All rounds were within a 1.5" group with the exception of 1 round that was way low, but still in the red. Recoil was about what I anticipated. For having never fired a handgun larger than 9mm, there was good sized punch to it, but pressing forward with my firing hand ensured that the muzzle dropped right back on target after each shot.
Next mag was full of more Monarch rounds and I moved the target back to about 15 yards. Grouping was slightly farther apart, even accounting for the distance, but my confidence was growing and I was firing a lot faster, maybe a little more than a second a round. All rounds punched through the red in the target (which is about 4 inches wide).
Next mag (still Monarch .45s) we went out to a full 25 yards. First 5 in the red, then the next 2 low and to the right, the next one in the red, then the last two low and to the right. I am sure that the distance was a big factor, but I think that I was getting complacent. In hindsight, I think that 5 rounds at a time would be better than 10 so that my focus is a little stronger.
Next mag of Monarchs was at 15 yards again. Firing at a faster rate now, less than a second per round. Had a good 4 inch group with 2 errant rounds low and to the right. I think I must have been jerking the trigger.
Final mag of Monarchs to finish off the box was back at 7 yards. Started to get sloppy and there were even a couple of rounds outside of the red. Definitely was over confident and the range was closing in a few minutes so maybe I can use the excuse that I was a little rushed. No, just over confident. The fact remains that although it wasn't one ragged hole, whoever the bad guys was, he had 10 .45 rounds in him and that makes for a very bad day.
Almost time to leave, I load up 3 of my Hornady 230gr. +P JHPs. These are for home defense and what is always in the gun outside of the range. The recoil was not noticeably greater than with the Monarch FMJs and was the hole in the paper target was smaller than the hole made by the Monarchs. That was unexpected. The 3 rounds flew straight and true, all within 1" at 7 yards.
Overall impressions:
I fired my friend's G27 and the recoil was similar to the G30. I think that this is due to the fact that although the G30 fires a larger round, the gun itself is larger as well. It is a compact whereas the G27 is a subcompact. I have standard fixed sights on the G30 and will eventually put Meprolight orange/green sights on, though that will have no impact in the brightly lit range. I am extremely satisfied with the performance, accuracy and reliability of the G30. No misfeeds, jams or other incidents. I have fairly good form and maintain a tight grip on the gun and follow through. I am not sure if I could create a misfeed through limp-wristing, though I hope to always have 2 hands on the gun when I fire.
Next trip to the range will be with the wife so that she can be comfortable with the gun as well (she was a Sergeant in the Army, so I know that she will pick it up easily). I will also practice one handed firing and tactical reloads.
Anyone looking to buy a compact .45 can have a recommendation for the Glock 30 from me. As far as comfort of carrying, I am taking the CHL class next month and ordering a Bridage M11 to carry with. Hopefully it will take less than a year to get here. In the interim, I will buy a cheap IWB holster and once I have my permit, I can report on the level of comfort wearing the G30 all day.
Again, thanks to everyone for the advice prior to my purchase and let me know if there are any specific questions I can answer.
