Glock 30S vs 30SF

[farm23]

I have always carried 1911's but am thinking of getting a Glock. What is the difference between a 30S and a 30SF? I thought the 30S was suppose to have a slide like the 36 but do not see that on the Glock site. Much of my family carry a Glock 19 but I like big holes so I will stay with the 45. All input is appreciated.

 

[CNobbe]

The 30S does indeed have the slide of the 36 on the SF frame. A friend of mine carries a 30S on duty and likes it a lot. It shot well for me the few times I got to try it out.

 

[Osageid]

What he said^^^. 30SF has the regular sized slide on a SF and the 30S has the on 36 slide on the SF - they both have double stack mags. I have the 30S myself.

 

[bluecollar]

You will like the 30s. Plenty of firepower in a manageable package.

 

[farm23]

So the 30S has the slide of the 36
The 30SF has the thicker slide of the 30
I wonder why the 30SF is listed as having an optional 13 round magazine but the 30S only a 10. Does the slide have something to do with 30S being limited to 10 rounds [10 rounds is enough] but I am curious.

 

[JR24]

So the 30S has the slide of the 36
The 30SF has the thicker slide of the 30
I wonder why the 30SF is listed as having an optional 13 round magazine but the 30S only a 10. Does the slide have something to do with 30S being limited to 10 rounds [10 rounds is enough] but I am curious.

You are correct on the slides. Both have the same frame so both will accept the 9, 10, 13 or 25 round mags.

When I carry my 30S I always use a 21 13-round mag as a backup.

Personally I prefer the 9 round mag and a Pearce mag plate, easier to conceal than the stock 10 round mag and still very comfortable to shoot.

 

[L-2]

Here are the links on Glock's website for the subject Glocks mentioned:
Glock 30S: https://us.glock.com/products/model/g30s
Glock 30SF: https://us.glock.com/products/model/g30sf
Glock 36: https://us.glock.com/products/model/g36

I didn't understand what "that" was in the OP:
"...do not see that on the Glock site."

 

[PabloJ]

With introduction of the 30S the reasons for existence of other compact 45ACP Glocks have ceased to exist.

 

[corton93]

I carry my 30SF with me daily, and as much as I love it, I also have to say go with the 30S.

My 30SF has been flawless, but my one complaint is that I shoot with my thumbs high and tight, which presses them right up against the slide serrations, and after alot of shooting it will start to chew my thumbs up. I dont have this problem while shooting my buddies 30S.

 

[greenlion]

The 30s recoils more, offers no advantage in barrel length, and doesn't conceal any easier. I would go with the Gen4 G30. Better grip texture, bigger mag release.

 

[71velle]

I friend carries a 30s and had a gen4 30. I shot them back to back and the 30s is enough smaller and lighter to make a real difference for carry imo, but the recoil is notably more. He carried it with a 10 round mag and it printed a bit and surprisingly the 9 round made a big difference. If you want to carry it a lot I think you need to hold them side by side before making a decision.

 

[greenlion]

The grip is no smaller on the 30s, and that is always the hardest part to conceal for me. The tiny amount of difference in slide width didn't make a difference I could feel inside an IWB holster, but the increased recoil was noticeable. If I wanted thin, the G36 is thinner in grip as well.

 

[DHart]

The regular width slide on the G30, G30SF, and G30 Gen 4 makes the pistol a very soft-shooting, controllable .45. I would gladly take the beefier slide and benefit from softer-shooting than the slightly thinner slide that kicks a good bit more. My G30 has been an exceptionally enjoyable, reliable, and capable pistol. I always use the 10 rnd magazines for 10+1 = 11. I have no problem carrying and concealing it.

The G21SF is an awesome .45, as well. These are two of my favorite Glocks.



No problem carrying and concealing the G21SF either


Duluth t-shirt conceals it easily

 

[guyfromohio]

I've had both. Both shoot well, but I like the SF better. S looks goofy to me.

 

[farm23]

Thanks for all the replies. I was thinking the 30S would conceal better but the grip is the same for the 30S and 30SF and the grip is what if above the pants. I did not think there would be much difference is recoil between the two but evidently there is a difference. I understand the 30S came about because many people were putting the slimmer slide on a 30SF. Does the .01" make that much difference?

 

[DHart]

Farm... If I were you I'd get the G30 Gen 4 and never look back. They shoot so nice and in my view a tiny bit thinner slide makes no significant difference whatsoever as compared to gaining a better shooting pistol. As you know, .45auto is a pretty stout load for a small gun, but the G30 handles it amazingly comfortably... In part due to the weight and the wide grip spreading the recoil over a wide area of your palm.

 

[farm23]

I am not very recoil sensitive but less recoil is always better. I have shot and carried a 1911 for many years. My carry gun is a very old 1911 and while it is still dependable I am thinking it may need to retire. My children and many of their children like Glocks and I can get a 30 something for about 1/2 the price of a good 1911. It may be time for old this dog to learn something new.

 

[DHart]

I am not very recoil sensitive but less recoil is always better. I have shot and carried a 1911 for many years. My carry gun is a very old 1911 and while it is still dependable I am thinking it may need to retire. My children and many of their children like Glocks and I can get a 30 something for about 1/2 the price of a good 1911. It may be time for old this dog to learn something new.

I'm a bit of an old dog myself, Farm. And a long time lover of the 1911. I think you would really enjoy that G30 Gen 4 (or a G21 Gen 4). They are very enjoyable to shoot and handle the stout .45auto with ease!

Perhaps it's time to let that long serving 1911 take a rest and treat yourself to the Glock or an M&P while there's still time!

Another polymer .45auto that is really nice, and I think you would enjoy very much, is the M&P45 Compact!

My G30 and M&P45C together:




You can get the M&P with or without the thumb safety. If you get it with the thumb safety, it can be removed easily if you don't want it.


And if you don't happen to like the trigger on the particular Glock or M&P that you get, that can be easily remedied, as well.

 

[blue32]

I've been carrying and shooting my 30SF for eight years now. It's my favorite shooter although its a brick to tote around.

 

[burk]

To me and I own a 30SF, the only advantage of the SF is the ability to switch out to 10mm to knock down some big predators with 220 grain hardcase.

But if I wanted a Glock .45 to carry it would be the 30S, the extra 1/8" is huge inside the waistband. And Glock .45s are all pretty good on recoil (I think the polymer frames absorb it some what). My 30SF is better for recoil than my 5" 1911 Kimbers were.

 

[edmo01]

I've owned a Gen3 G30 (not a S or SF) for years.

It is a chubby little gun with the full width slide, but it is a shooter... Accurate with a very smooth recoil impulse.

Of my eight various GLOCKs, my G30 is likely the most accurate.

Edmo