Glock 23 vs Glock 30

[CNobbe]

Local shop has some new Gen 4 Glocks that arrived today, and I've been thinking of getting another one. I've had the Gen 4 23, liked it but sold it off.

Been interested in 45s more, and was wondering if anyone here owns/or shoots a Glock 30 or 30SF. I've held both in my hands, and cannot really see a difference between them. Basically wondering if the 30 is uncomfortable to shoot in .45 being a smaller gun. Can't imagine its much different than a .40, but wanted to check them out.

 

[docnyt]

Been through G27, G30, G19 and G23. I really don't mind the recoil in any of them. The grip on the subcompact ones may be too short for some. The G19 and G23 feel more natural. I'm most accurate with the G30. I think you'll like it if you're used to the G23 recoil.

 

[CNobbe]

I think I'm leaning towards the 30SF at the moment. My LGS has both models, unfortunately no Gen 4s, I personally like the grip texture on them, but some talon sticky grios will surely do.

I always shoot 45s more accurately than 40s or 9mms. When I bought my first 1911, I started to feel a lot more confident as I can always shoot a nice tight group with it. Then, when I try a friends' P220, I seem to shoot low..lol

 

[SDGlock23]

I have a Gen4 G23 and Gen4 G30, and I've had several G30 SF's as well.

The G30 is definitely fatter and a tad heavier. Recoil wise, I'd say the G30 recoils less than the G23, in similar sized weapons the .45 usually recoils a little less. It's lower pressure and with typical factory loads, 230gr will do around 800 fps from a G30 where as a typical .40 will shoot a 180gr between 950-1000 from a G23.

I enjoy both of them, and would keep them both.

 

[Teachu2]

The G30 (I have a Gen3) is a very enjoyable gun to shoot. Recoil is moderate, and it's much more accurate than expected. I shot a rental for several hundred rounds when buying mine, and it was just as accurate as the new one I bought. It is my primary CCW gun.

I own seven Glocks, and the G30 is at the top of my list. If I could only own 1 handgun, the G30 would be it.

 

[RBid]

Everything about the 23 is awesome. For gosh sake, 23 was MJ's number! You know who wore 30? Lots of guys who weren't as good as Michael Jordan, that's who! Go 23, or go home without a ring.

 

[Teachu2]

Everything about the 23 is awesome. For gosh sake, 23 was MJ's number! You know who wore 30? Lots of guys who weren't as good as Michael Jordan, that's who! Go 23, or go home without a ring.

After reading this, I vote for a Ruger #1 rifle instead - after all, it's #1.....

 

[RBid]

It's all fun and games until your gun gets dunked on by the Glock 23. Boom! Poster!

The 30 is also great. These are two choices that are so close in utility and capability that they tie-breaker is basketball trivia. Really. Go with the 23, or wind up getting destroyed like Mel Turpin's self esteem after MJ put him on the wrong end of a legendary highlight. I bet if Mel Turpin were here right now, he would curl up in a ball on the floor, and sob for awhile. After that, when he regained his composure, he'd suggest the 23.

 

[CNobbe]

Well, after much thought, and having already owned a 23, I decided a .45 would be what I'd prefer.. Only I bought another 1911, not the Glock.

 

[ku4hx]

I've got both and they are fine for what they are ... combat weapons as opposed to target types.

I shoot them equally well but the 23 is a better fit for me all around. The 30SF is not difficult to shoot with recoil of the two being about equal with comparable loads. The 23 does have a round count advantage if that's important to you. The 30SF's .45" diameter bullet does cut a bigger hole. The 30SF's advertised empty weight matches exactly that of my KP90's empty weight so it's not really a small gun ... mostly just shorter in length and height.

As to on-target effectiveness, you can search and come up with a blue kazillion opinions pretty much evenly distributed on both sides of the argument as to which round is the best for self defense. If you do your job as to shot placement, either the 23 or the 30SF will serve you well; cartridge choice is mostly a personal choice sort of thing.

 

[YZ]

Been through G27, G30, G19 and G23. I really don't mind the recoil in any of them. The grip on the subcompact ones may be too short for some. The G19 and G23 feel more natural. I'm most accurate with the G30. I think you'll like it if you're used to the G23 recoil.

You mean the perceived recoil. The 40 is a smaller but much faster bullet. The whole meaning of .40 was originally to empower LEOs with smaller hands, as well as more rounds per mag. If those concerns aren't some of yours +1 for .45 absolutely.

 

[PabloJ]

I think I'm leaning towards the 30SF at the moment. My LGS has both models, unfortunately no Gen 4s, I personally like the grip texture on them, but some talon sticky grios will surely do.

I always shoot 45s more accurately than 40s or 9mms. When I bought my first 1911, I started to feel a lot more confident as I can always shoot a nice tight group with it. Then, when I try a friends' P220, I seem to shoot low..lol

I would have no problem with buying Gen III compact because those already have counter recoil spring system and grip texture plus ambi magazine with larger release button isn't worth the effort unless you want to convert for left handed shooter. If the gun was full size model then I would want nothing but Gen IV.

 

[YZ]

I would have no problem with buying Gen III compact because those already have counter recoil spring system and grip texture plus ambi magazine with larger release button isn't worth the effort unless you want to convert for left handed shooter. If the gun was full size model then I would want nothing but Gen IV.

I for one could not consistently feel the difference in recoil. It may be that the double captured spring will last longer, the rest being equal. As far as accuracy, don't worry about it now. You will amaze yourself after practicing whichever gun you choose.