G30 v. G36 for CCW?

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mach1.3

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I know the difference in mag capacity but what of the overall demensions and weight. Does the "SF" model make the G30 more desirable as to CCW?
Anyone with experience carrying these handguns? I presently carry an MP9c or a Kimber Pro CDPII. I don't like the polymer contrast sights on the Glocks and didn't like my G27 b/c it would bite my pinkie when firing. Plus I like the
.45ACP. Any suggestions?

As an aside, I just bought the tutone Sig 1911 C3 and love it but even with the officer size frame it's still a little heavy for CC.
 
I just recently picked up a 36 after spending a bit of time comparing it to a 30 in the shop. The extra 4rounds in the 30 are nice, but for me the grips of the 36 just felt better, plus the slightly narrower slide is a little more comfortable IWB.

Certainly I would not hate having a 30 for CCW, but for me the 36 just seemed to "fit" a tiny bit better. ;)
 
Our agency recently purchased 17 of the Gen 3 Model 36s. Of that number 11 were initially issued and all 11 had multiple FTE issues. Approximately 15 different officers (five of whom were firearms instructors) experienced the problems. We were consistently having around 5% malfunctions per 100 rounds.

In researching the problem we found that Glock had been sued and lost on this particular model over the same issues.

http://g36mf.blogspot.com/

They did send a factory rep up to visit the problem and gave us Model 30SF(s) to replace all the Model 36(s) we had.

Not sure what the issue is caused from - but the 36 seems to be Glock's problem child. All the Model 30(s) have performed to what we have come to expect out of a Glock.
 
I had a 30sf, and it was a great shooter. However it was very thick, and I can conceal a full size G17 or G22 much better. The weight was not a problem, the thickness was.

I'd get a G36.
 
The 36 really offers nothing over the 19/23/32. Same overall size, and less than half the capacity. So any time anyone asks about the 36, I'm inclined to point them towards a 19/23/32 or 26/27/33. The trade off in capacity just is not worth it to me.


The 30 is great. Utilizes 21 magazines, and you can get flush baseplates to make it the same height as a 26/27/33, and just a tad longer and thicker. For ME, the grip is the biggest issue with carry, so I like that. The length and width doesn't make much difference. The SF means there's less material on the back strap (2mm). It makes the gun much more comfortable for most people, but makes no difference in how it carries.

Just my opinion, YMMV.
 
Our agency recently purchased 17 of the Gen 3 Model 36s. Of that number 11 were initially issued and all 11 had multiple FTE issues. Approximately 15 different officers (five of whom were firearms instructors) experienced the problems. We were consistently having around 5% malfunctions per 100 rounds.

In researching the problem we found that Glock had been sued and lost on this particular model over the same issues.

http://g36mf.blogspot.com/

They did send a factory rep up to visit the problem and gave us Model 30SF(s) to replace all the Model 36(s) we had.

Not sure what the issue is caused from - but the 36 seems to be Glock's problem child. All the Model 30(s) have performed to what we have come to expect out of a Glock.
This is very interesting. Thanks for sharing. I've been tempted by the Glock 36 several times, but it's stories like this that make me stay away from it.

Do you happen to know if these 11 defective guns were from the same serial number range? Also, do you have any idea at all when one or more of these guns was manufactured? Just wondering if maybe there is a serial number range to avoid.

The lawsuit story is really kind of crazy. I just find it hard to believe that Glock really can't take measurements at critical areas of the gun to determine whether or not everything is within spec. If it's in spec, it should work, right? Doesn't seem to be the case sometimes, but I still find it crazy that 11/17 guns were defective when they checked out just fine and other people can run their 36's all day without a hiccup. At any rate, I need to get my hands on a 36 one day so I can shoot it for myself and see how I like it.
 
I had it narrowed down to the G36 or the Sig P245 and was about to go with the Glock when I laid my hands on this Springfield XDs.

Compared to the G29 (same size as the G30):
GunComp1.png

GunComp2.png

GunComp3.png


Sorry, but I don't have a G36 to sit it next to!

XDS4.png

Grip.png
 
I really don't see the point of a G36 now that the XDs is out. Between the G30 and G36 I have to go with the G30 because honestly, the G36 doesn't offer much. Now if you're talking about the G30 or the XDs that's harder, extra capacity vs smaller length/width.
 
I'm always skeptical when I hear of people having numerous issues with the Glock 36. I have two and never had a single problem with either.
 
I went with the 30 - it's actually fun to shoot, and fits my hands well. The 36 didn't inspire me to move off the 1911 platform for my carry gun, but the 30 did.

The rangemaster where I shoot loves the 36 - but he trades them off after 1000 rounds or so. He claims they develop problems in the 3-5k range.

The 30 is a chunk, but it's still easy for a guy my size to carry. If I lived in a hi-cap state, I'd probably carry a G19 - but here in CA, 10+1 of 45 beats 10+1 of 9mm for me. It also beats 8+1 (or less) in a 1911.
 
Notice the "XD glove" in the above picture - and shoot a XD or three before you buy. I REALLY wanted a XD, until I shot one.
 
I've owned a 36 for about 4 years now, maybe 4500-5000 rounds
through it. It's had no issues with me, my wife had a few "stovepipes"
when she first started shooting it, since resolved with a stronger
grip. She likes it better than the 17 and 19 I have due to the
smaller grip.
I carry it in a MTAC, it's my daily carry, well sometimes I carry
a LCP. It's held up well to sweat, being banged into things, wet
dirt etc.
Dave
 
Do you happen to know if these 11 defective guns were from the same serial number range? Also, do you have any idea at all when one or more of these guns was manufactured? Just wondering if maybe there is a serial number range to avoid.


They were an LE state contract purchase. All were built after the order was placed, recent manufacture. All were consecutive numbers.
 
I have both the G30 and 36. I purchased the G36 in 2004 and have not had a single non-operator issue with it. However, the G36 will not reliably feed conical hollow points like the Hornady XTP. So, I just went with Remington Golden Sabers.

I actually went out to purchase the XDS and ended up with the G30. I liked the XDS, but there really was not enough of a diffence in the size as compared to the G36 to warrant the purchase. Weight is not that much of an issue with me. Now, if I didn't already have the G36?

I purchased the G30 for its versatility. There are plenty of aftermarket barrels, lights, sights, and magazines available for this model that just are not available for the G36. I also didn't like the feel of SF version. The fatter grip just felt better. Whether the SF or regular version, I can't imagine that one would carry any better than the other.
 
Personally I checked out a G30 at my LGS, and it's just too fat for my hands - difficult to get a good grip on for me.

I prefer a single stack G36 (actually looking for one currently).
 
I have about a dozen .45 pistols.

If I had to sell 10 of them, my G36 would be one of the keepers. I've carried in on-duty as BUG and off-duty, no hesitations. Found it used, LNIB, with holster/NS and 300 rds of ammo. for $450. Designed in Austria, built in U.S.A..

Always looking for comparable deal on a G30 as I have about 30 mags for my G21s...:D (addicted)
 
I have a G30SF and a G36 and have carried both in Crossbreed Supertucks. The blocky Glock slide of the 36 hides better under a polo shirt than that of the 30 because it’s narrower. Using the 9 round magazine in a 30 makes it slightly shorter than the 36 with the standard 6 round magazine, giving it an edge over the 36 in concealing the height. It’s splitting hairs as to which one conceals better. The 36 is slightly more comfortable to carry IWB. It is about 6 ounces lighter (loaded) and thinner. On the other hand, I carry 2 spares for the 36 and only one for the 30, so the overall weight of the total package winds up being the same. The overall weight of gun and ammo balances better with the 36 because it is divided more evenly. Both guns function flawlessly with 230 grain Blazer and Gold Dots. Either one works for CCW. Six rounds of .45 isn't exactly slumming.
 
I carry the Glock 23 and it conceals just fine for me . So why not the Glock 23 , carries twice the ammo of a Glock 36 and .40 sw is as good nowadays with modern loadings and bullet selections? Right now i loaded mine with Hornady Critical Duty 175 gr with flexlock or whatever they called it.
 
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