CCW: Airweight V Glock 30

[T.A.Sharps]

BTW, I'm posting this in the revolver HOPING to keep people objective and avoid some Glock nuts.

Right now I am considerring the Glock 30, or the S&W Airweight 38's.

I have a one time shot amount of money to buy a specific CC weapon, so I am wanting a one gun for all seasons and attire. I don't like mouse guns.

The airwieghts look to be perfect, accept for 5 rounds, and being only .38, not that it wouldn't work. (I don't really want a caliber of choice debate here)

The Glock 30 is perfect, but I really want a pistol that I can throw in my pocket, or in my coat, and not have it weigh it down to one side. My concern with the Glock 30 would be weight and muzzle flip through a shot. Also, concealability, it is pretty bulky, and really, length dosen't seem to be a factor in concealment IWB.

I don't want a pistol so light with so much recoil that a fallow up shots would be wild. Not sure if this is possible though given my objective.

Anyone have experience with either of these firearms to report how they are?

 

[Hammerdown77]

I have a 642, and have shot a G30. They are just two totally different beasts.

The 642 is truly a anytime, anywhere carry gun. Drop in a pocket, in the waistband with or without a holster, it's just super easy to always have on you.

The .38 ammo is really good nowadays. The Speer Short Barrel +P Gold Dot 135 grain is the stuff I carry. It's perfectly controllable, with practice, in the 642. Another good one, if you want penetration without as much emphasis on expansion, is Buffalo Bore's standard pressure gas-checked 158 grain wadcutter load.

That being said, a J frame is one of the hardest guns out there to shoot well. You will need to practice, practice, practice.

The G30 is a holster and belt gun, period. The weight looks favorable on paper, until you put 10+ rounds of .45 in it. Then it's heavy. And it's THICK. Like a 2x4. Probably gonna have to get a bigger set of pants/belt if you want to carry IWB. That being said, the G30 is one of the sweetest shooting guns Glock makes. The muzzle flip is not bad at all for a gun that size, and it's very easy to shoot well. I would not be at all concerned about recoil with that gun. Frankly, the 642 is harder to shoot with some of the +P loads out there. I found out real quick that if you don't have the proper grip on that 642, you'll end up with a swollen hand the next day.

 

[BossHogg]

I have a S&W 638 that can be carried in my front pocket year round. My favorite carry is a Glock-36. The g 36 is to big for pocket work , but is great for carry with a cover garment. I shoot the Glock better that the 638,but I can shoot the 638 well enough for self defence range. Follow up shots are faster with the g-36 not much muzzle flip for a 45.

 

[Big_John1961]

I feel perfectly well armed with my 442 and its paltry 5 rounds. Glocks are very good, but the 30 is simply too large for my carry needs. The 442 is perfect.

 

[InkEd]

The S&W 442/642 are the best choice for your purpose. The little Glock pistols are all heavy and bulky. If you want a semiauto of similar weight then checkout the Kahr CW9.

The .38spcl and 9mm calibers are wonderful. They have served for decades without a problem and will continue.

If a person can have only one ccw gun it should be an S&W snubnose. Reliablity and versatility are second to none. Also, you can shoot a revolver from
inside a pocket without malfunction.

 

[S&Wfan]

The J frames are the most perfect handguns ever made for mating concealment with effective caliber. Nothing conceals like a J frame.

The Airweights are the perfect compromise of light weight AND controllable shooting, and the steel framed versions are a tad faster to shoot yet are still excellent to carry as concealed weapons!

First, my "always" gun, a Model 37 Airweight. It is ALWAYS on me, and no one ever knows.

Next, the same type gun but with a steel frame, a Model 36. Also a wonderful concealed carry gun but the extra few ounces tame the recoil more for faster followup shots if necessary.

Also, THESE ARE VERY ACCURATE GUNS! Sure, the sights are closer together but if you develop excellent shooting techniques you can expect groups of five shots this tight (standing/unsupported) at ten yards . . . and at a little 1" black square target . . . GREAT ACCURACY INDEED!

 

[duns]

The J frames are the most perfect handguns ever made for mating concealment with effective caliber.

+1 to that. My J-frame (M&P 340CT) is in my pocket daily and I forget it's there (DeSantis Nemesis pocket holster). It doesn't make much more of a bulge than my wallet that rides in my other pocket.

I have a Walther P99C that's similar to a Glock 26 (i.e. smaller than a Glock 30) but I've only carried it a couple of times. It only works IWB in my extra large pants and it feels like a brick.

But then there are people who carry 1911's IWB and those who say a J-frame is too big and they need an LCP.

But I would be 95% sure that you would find the J-frame the best compromise between convenience and fire power. Which only leaves the question of 5x38 compared with 10x45. Here you have to do your own risk assessment. If you knew you were going to a gunfight you would take the Glock (with another one as a backup). However, for most people, it's incredibly unlikely they will need a gun at all, and statistically most gun fights only involve 2-3 shots. That's not to say you couldn't find yourself facing multiple armed attackers but its unlikely. In fact, most times I hear that drawing the gun does the trick and you don't have to fire it at all. Like I said, you must do your own risk assessment.

Some people hate practicing with the J-frames. I love them. At 7 yards, I shoot was well with a J-frame as anything else. If you feel 38 Special is too puny, have you thought about 357 magnum in the Gold Dot short barrell (SB) flavor? The 357 mags even in SB version rub the skin off my thumb after about 5 rounds so the gun gets covered in blood but I don't think I'd notice that in a life and death encounter. I do most of my practice with 38 special, shoot 5 SB magnums each range visit, and when concealed carrying, I stoke the J-frame with SB magnums.

 

[rebobo2]

+1 on the snubby being easier to conceal than the G30. Not to muddy the waters here, but have you considered the G26 or G27? Both excellent hideout guns, if you take the time to get the right holster and get used to their slightly bulkier size than the snubby.

I like the idea of the 9mm and .40's better ballistics than the .38, but they may not be for you.

All the best in your search,
Steve A.

 

[motorcycle-charlie]

count me in for the j frame. conceals the best in many different locations. iwb appendix carry, pocket of your pants, pocket of your jacket, ankle carry ect... you will always have options no matter what you have to wear for the day. the glock might be a little too big for that. i had a glock 27 at one point and ended up selling it. i much perfer the j frame for everyday carry. throw a speed strip or 2 in your pocket and you can have about 15 rounds at your disposal in a small lightweight package.

 

[jon86]

This doesn't really seem to be a fair comparison. Maybe you should compare a glock 36 or 27/26.

Glock 30: Is HUGE. Much more difficult to carry and conceal than a 5 shot airweight. It also is much easier to shoot well. It still is a terrific gun though. The capacity is wonderful for how small the gun really is. Being accurate with it is easy.

Smith and wesson 642/442/638: These are a dream to carry. You can get proficient at shooting and reloading with some practice.

If I could only have one carry gun, it would be a j frame.

 

[T.A.Sharps]

I should throw in this one factor that is in my mind as comparrison.

My normal carry gun is a XD45TAC, that is a 5" 45 with 13rnds of 230gr. Only because it is the only semi auto pistol I own.

If you knew you were going to a gunfight you would take the Glock

This is true, of the two.

The dilemma in my mind is, essentially, you ARE taking it to a gun fight. Just might be a while until you get there, if you do.

To me, the Glock would be the perfect choice if it were only a little lighter, MAYBE not as fat. I'm a believer in the 45, I like the simple design of Glocks, and I like the capacity. It may feel like a dream for carry compared to my XD. But like my XD, it may come to that I just don't feel like lugging it around, maybe on the wrong day.

Like everyone had said here, the Airweights are truly anytime, anywhere, anything you are wearing. Though may not be the best shooter, and the rare possibility in a rare situation of being out gunned with 5 shots.

I looked it up, and these are the weights in comparrison
Glock 30= 1.5 lbs (unloaded) and 2.25lbs (loaded)
S&W 638= .9 lbs SW
XD 45 Tac = 2lbs (unloaded) and has to be over 3lbs loaded

 

[Doug S]

avoid some Glock nuts

If I like my Glocks, does that make me a "Glock nuts"? What is a "Glock nuts", anyway...

Regardless, where the Airweight shines is as a reliable, up close and personal, pocket gun. In just about every other way the Glock is superior (easier to shoot accurately, follow-up shots, recoil, firepower/ammo capacity, durability, finish, etc).

If ease of carry is your primary concern, the Airweight is the better choice. If you are "looking for one gun for all seasons", the Glock is the better choice.

Personally for CCW, I think the G30 is too big, I'd go with the Airweight...does that make me a "S&W nuts"?

 

[frankge]

My wife carries a 442 hammerless airweight (pink handle of course) and I carry a Glock 36. I think if you want small and a .45 then the G36 is for you. 6 rounds single stack and 1 in chamber. I had a XD9c also a good gun but thicker than the G36, although the G36 was 1/2" longer. I think that the 442 has more recoil than the G36 but the 442 is definately the most concealable and the G36 and XD-Sub9 are way more accurate.

 

[David E]

I really want a pistol that I can throw in my pocket, or in my coat

To be blunt, how serious are you going to be about this?

Do you view the gun as a talisman or as an essential life saving piece of equipment?

"Tossing" a gun in this or that pocket, etc, isn't a very good way to go about being armed.

Be consistent. When seconds count in a life-or-death confrontation, it would suck to reach for the waistband when the gun is in your coat pocket.

Given your parameters, I'd go with a Kahr P-9, carried in a good IWB holster, like the BraveHeart from KyTac. It's easier to shoot, carries more ammo, easier to carry, faster to reload, etc.

 

[1KPerDay]

Short answer: The G30 is not a pocket gun by any stretch of the imagination. Unless you wear clown pants.

The j-frames or similar are concealable in a pocket. I carried my 37 for a year or so before I got my LCP. Now the 37 feels +HUGE by comparison. But it is certainly doable as evidenced by many many people pocket carrying them.

 

[ATAShooter]

I had a G36 for a while, the weight was too much after a while. I have a Jframe Mod 37 that belonged to my Dad. I shoot it real good single action, but not so good double. I bought a S&W 637...the factory oversize rubber grip, ( basically an imitation of a Tyler T-grip ) made it so I have great control shooting double action. I am very happy with the 637. Some can say what they want about a .38 +P, but it packs a friggin wallop.

 

[Andrew Wyatt]

have you considered the Glock 19 or the Kahr PM9?

 

[wrs840]

If you don't own a 642/442 you should, and, IMO, everyone should should have one high on their "must-have" list because it's one of the best all-around pocket-carry guns ever. That said, I more frequently pocket-carry a S&W 637 2-1/2"bbl these days, and prefer it to my 442. When I can carry IWB, I prefer a single-stack 9mm or a double-stack .40 (both S&W 3rd gen, again just my preference), depending on how I dressed. On those occasions when an airweight J-frame is "too big" for pocket-carry (in Summer-weight dress slacks, for instance) I carry an LCP. This covers the bases for me.

My .02,
Les

 

[augustino]

Okay so here's my .02 worth on this topic.
I own a SW 60-15 J frame 357 mag stainless that's a joy to behold. It handles the 357 mag round fine! Some say "no don't use 357 in a J frame...
I disagree. It's a sweet revolver, it shooths far more accurately than I'm capable of shooting, it fits my hand like a fine leather glove only better and it conceals beautifully.

I also have a Glock model 30. May not feel as good in my hand as the J frame, granted. But with 10+1 rounds of 45acp man o man that little sucker is like having TNT!! And in such a small package. It too is far more accurate than I'm capable of shooting. And it's always gone bang! Like the J Frame. But when I installed a clip darw deep concealment clip to that 30 I can conceal it as good or better than the J frame (don't talk bad about my J frame!) But that clip draw is stupendous when it comes to stashing a CCW. And you don't need to wear a belt either. It will clip to your pants without a belt, how great is that!

So.... J Frame or G30 for CCW???? Oh what the heck I'll carry them both!

 

[19-3Ben]

But when I installed a clip darw deep concealment clip to that 30 I can conceal it as good or better than the J frame

Clipdraw clip on something with a trigger as light as the Glock sounds like a recipe for a ND. You never know what little piece of cloth that trigger could snag on while you're tucking in the gun. If you want it, it's your butt (literally), but I wouldn't.


As to the OP, why specifically are you looking at these two guns and comparing them? It's really a comparison of apples to oranges.

Have you thought about Kahr? There, you get a HUGE difference in size and weight, but keep up firepower. Don't get me wrong, I just bought a 642 last week and I'm deeply in love with the thing, but my K40 bring 6+1 of .40cal to the table, and can be very quickly reloaded.
That's a huge difference in firepower. Comparing the K40 to the 642, Each round is lots more powerful (.40S&W > .38spl), and there are more of them(7>5).

 

[augustino]

Granted... There is a chance of a ND with a standard Glock since they don't have an external manually operated safety. But my G30 DOES. I had the Cominolli Custom safety installed by Mr. Cominolli himself! Great fellow, fair price, incredibly fine installation, couldn't tell it's aftermarket, as good as stock. So my G30 has an extrenal, manually operated safety. In fact in an article by Massad Ayoob about the Cominolli Glock Safety, he raved about it saying he found it as ergonomic as a 1911's safety. And Mr. Ayoob pretty much knows his stuff. Guess I should have included that.

But now time for a true confession... I've had 1 ND in my lifetime relationship with firearms, pistols particularly. It was with a SW revolver and I tell you my finger dang near didn't even get close to it and BAM! That thing sent a 38 special round into a wooden floor and made me almost drop a load in my own trousers. At first I was stunned. Then I was scared. Next I felt angry with myself and glad no one was around to see me do such a dumb, stupid thing. I still feel like a fool but learned a life long lesson.

BUT I still carry revolvers and love my 60-15 J frame. And yes it can take a diet of 357 loads for as much as I shoot them. But those 38 +P loads are plenty powerful enough to deal with things.

 

[19-3Ben]

Ahhhh... ok then. I'd feel more comfortable if I had a manual safety installed.

 

[duns]

I've had 1 ND in my lifetime relationship with firearms, pistols particularly. It was with a SW revolver and I tell you my finger dang near didn't even get close to it and BAM!

How did it happen with your finger nowhere the trigger?

 

[oldbanjo]

I don't like Auto's or safety's. I bought my girlfriend a Airweight, I used to carry a MD36, i now carry a SP101-357 Mag an have carried it about 10 years, I'm thinking about going back to the MD36 due to weight.

 

[harmon rabb]

If you don't own a 642/442 you should, and, IMO, everyone should should have one high on their "must-have" list because it's one of the best all-around pocket-carry guns ever.

I had one. Hated it. Trigger was laughably, wow I can't believe they actually put this on a production gun bad. The only stiffer, worse DA trigger I have ever experienced is that of my Nagant revolver. It wasn't that small. It wasn't that pocketable.

I get insulted every time I share my opinion of j-frames, but so be it.

I replaced it with a SP101, which is 10x the gun the j-frame was.