Cut down handles in autos - is there a reason?

[JTQ]

Why do they do that? Just to have a G19 with a shorter grip?

Glock G19 or G17 size 10 round mags apparently aren't very reliable. The G26 mags are very reliable.

If you're limited to 10 rounds, and like the Glock, the G26 size gives you a more reliable option. Cutting the grip gives you the longer sight radius of the larger guns, and the reliability of the G26 mags.

 

[JTQ]

Relating these last few comments to the OP and his G30, while I don't know my way around the Glock line-up that well, I'm pretty sure there isn't a Glock .45 Auto mag that is shorter than the G30 mag, so there would seem to be no reason for somebody to "cut down" a G30 frame for a shorter mag.

It would seem the OP is talking about the factory length, shorter grip, of the G30. Yes, it's shorter. It is Glock's "subcompact" pistol in .45 Auto. With that size reduction comes a reduction in grip length.

 

[toivo]

Why people would buy a smaller gun, and then start making it bigger by putting the extensions on them never made any sense to me, and is just counterproductive.

Extensions don't make the gun bigger -- they make the magazine bigger. You can swap magazines in less than a second. Long grip, short grip -- you have a choice.

I have two holsters for my Kel-Tec P32: a pocket holster and a belt holster. If I'm carrying in the pocket holster, I use a flush mag. If I'm carrying in the belt holster, I use one with an extension. It's all about having options.

 

[trackskippy]

The extensions I put on my 26 when first trying the out made the overall size of the gun bigger.

And I did choose to swap them out for the factory floorplates as they do make the gun smaller, and are more comfortable to shoot with.

We all have different options I guess. I normally carry my 26's as back ups to my 17's. In those rare instances I cant carry my 17, and only the 26, I still only use a 10 round mag, with either a 17 or 27 round reload.

 

[Tallball]

I've been similarly curious about this one. Tanfoglio apparently put a full-sized barrel and slide on a pistol with a shortened grip frame. Probably to use up leftover parts, or to save money by using the same grip frame for two different pistols?

I dunno. It shoots fine, but the small piece that covers the gap can pinch my hand a little.

TanfoglioWitness45acp

• Tallball
• Dec 24, 2018

 

[CDW4ME]

Glock G19 or G17 size 10 round mags apparently aren't very reliable. The G26 mags are very reliable.

If you're limited to 10 rounds, and like the Glock, the G26 size gives you a more reliable option. Cutting the grip gives you the longer sight radius of the larger guns, and the reliability of the G26 mags.

There is also the principle factor.
Glock 19 & 17 were originally designed for more than 10 rounds, using a 10 round mag in them is like taking a knee to gun control, can't do it on principle.
Glock 26 was designed for a 10 round mag, carrying that with a 10 round mag doesn't infringe on principle.
I carry a Glock 17 and like it a lot; that said, I'd carry a 1911 before I'd carry the 17 with a 10 round mag, just can't/won't do it.