Glock 36 good?

[DefiantDad]

Hello. I am considering a Glock 36 (pending my decision whether to go with a .357 S&W 686, which is being discussed in the Revolver section).

Wondering if anyone here has a 36 and has anything negative to mention, or any gotchas, to keep in mind?

I already have a Glock 19. Wanted more stopping power in a holstered/carried platform, just as a backup (from a long-gun).

Thanks.

(No offense to 1911 folks but I have tried and do not like the 1911, at least not right now).

 

[Texshooter]

Mine was not what I expected.

Did not like the recoil. Just totally different than my G30's.

 

[tomrkba]

Glock 36: little gun, big cartridge, more stout recoil. It's like the difference between shooting a 1911 with 5" barrel and 3.5" barrel. The shorter barrel and slide makes for amplified recoil.

Stick with the Glock 19. Revolvers are more difficult to shoot fast. Reloads require more steps.

 

[DefiantDad]

Thanks all. Interesting. Problem is, I can't shoot a 36 to try out at the range because they don't rent the 36. I shot a larger .45 Glock and could handle it (not as well as the 9mm but do-able). I was thinking to practice more with the .45 once I got it, but your comments regarding the recoil and the difference between the 36 and the longer barreled .45s makes me wonder. I do love my Glock 19 but would really feel better carrying a larger caliber. The 40 S&W just seems neither here nor there, in between 9mm and .45

 

[rskent]

It’s a great gun. It carries very easy in a super tuck holster. Once I figured out that it likes 185 grain XTP’s very accurate.
The only downside I see is capacity, but compared to a revolver I guess it’s moot.
Steve

 

[jehicks87]

I own, carry, and love my 36. When I was first getting used to it, I would have several failures to return to battery each range session. I tightened up my grip (no stranger to pistols, mind you) and that solved the issue. I was really surprised. The 36 you have to learn.

Another thing about the 36 is the recoil is stout, but not unmanageable. Even with the factory sights, I can hit dead center on a silhouette target first shot, every time out to 20m. Unless I'm quickly dumping rounds, I tend to wander off the target after that... sight re-aquisition is tough on this pistol, but with practice you make due. I'm better with firing rapidly because of muscle memory, worse with slow cadenced shots because, well, idk.

But for a concealed carry weapon, I think you're hard-pressed to beat the 36 with regular practice. But again, practice IS key.

 

[george d dennis]

love my glock 36, i put on some night sights and its my carry gun over my g27 or g23.
never had a problem with it.

 

[Pete D.]

36

G36. Nice gun. I have never regretted buying mine. It has proven accurate and reliable. Recoil? It's a .45........it recoils, no big deal.
Easy to carry. Easy to shoot.
Pete

 

[EBShooting]

I didn't ind the recoil on my 36. But the bottom corner of the frame always hit my palm funny. But it was accurate and easy to carry.

 

[TonyT]

I purchsed a G-36 shortly a number of years ago and carried it for several years. In my expereince it was a nice comfortable and controlable small 45. Currently I believe the Karh 45 pistols are somewhat smaller but they were not available when I purchased the G-36. I find the compact 45's easier to control than 40's since the 45 has a shove while the 40 has a sharp sanp. I still keep the G-36 in the car.

 

[GCBurner]

The main benefit of the G36 over the G30 is enhanced concealability with the single-column magazine. I decided that, for me, greater magazine capacity won out, and went with the G30. I put Pierce +1 floorplates on the mags, which increases capacity to 11, plus 1 in the chamber, and can use a 13-round G21 magazine as a spare, for a total of 25 rounds of .45ACP.

 

[saltydog452]

H&G # 68 in the 36

The paper cutter edge on the H&G 68 wadcutter can occasionally stutter on the front lip of my magazines.

That, and the fact that its a ggglock and mostly plastic are its only drawbacks. The power of the Dark Side is strong.

salty

 

[Teachu2]

I debated between the 30 and the 36, and spoke with guys I know who have owned both. I had originally intended to buy a 36, but the 30 fits my hand better, has less percieved recoil, is more durable (I tend to shoot my CCWs a lot!), holds more rounds than a 1911, and is both accurate and fun to shoot. The 36 is easier to carry, and fits smaller hands better.

The 30SF is a third choice - slightly smaller grip if you need it. My hands work best with the standard 30, but try both if possible.

 

[Dr_2_B]

I own both the 30 & the 36 (as well as the 21sf). In my experience, the 36 has been the least useful. Its recoil is comparably uncomfortable...kinda feels like a 40 cal. It also sacrifices 4 rounds of capacity to the marginally larger 30, as well as the ability to carry a g21 high capacity reload. It does conceal well though... with the right carry rig, its like a second skin.

I agree with a previous poster. For my subcompact 45 needs, im probably gonna go with a kahr.

Dont get me wrong... I aint selling my 36. im not crazy.

 

[DefiantDad]

Thanks for the continued responses. At least I am glad I have my 9s sorted out while I figure the rest out. I do like my Glock 19 better than my Beretta 92, mind you. I picked the Glock, but I feel I was sold the Beretta by the LGS. I did want a (mostly) full metal backup 9mm though (and besides, it is the official service sidearm).

This may sound strange but I don't actually envision the 36 for anything except last-resort protection. That is, because of its smallish size (and relatively more powerful cartridge compared to the Baby Glock) it might be the sidearm that I have to pull out when I am surprised by an attacker 6 feet away. So shooting at 20 yards is not something I aim (no pun intended) for, with the 36. So that's the purpose I envision this potential purchase for (comparing it versus the reliability of a S&W 686, absent the internal lock issue).

 

[jfrey]

I got my G36 back in 2000 when they first came out and it is still one of my favorites. It is basically the same size as my G19 and holsters work for both. Yes, it does recoil, but what do you expect from a .45? It isn't uncontrolable at all. I carry both guns on an alternating basis and both are accurate.

 

[Mot45acp]

Had a G36, traded for a G23.

To compensate for the shorter barrel, you carry lighter ammo in the 185gr flavor. The G23 is the same size and carries exactly double the capacity of 180gr moving at the same velocity.

This comes from someone who dislikes the .40 because its not a .45. But in a carry package it just made sense.

And it doesn't pinch my pinky when I fire.

 

[CDR_Glock]

Thanks for the continued responses. At least I am glad I have my 9s sorted out while I figure the rest out. I do like my Glock 19 better than my Beretta 92, mind you. I picked the Glock, but I feel I was sold the Beretta by the LGS. I did want a (mostly) full metal backup 9mm though (and besides, it is the official service sidearm).

This may sound strange but I don't actually envision the 36 for anything except last-resort protection. That is, because of its smallish size (and relatively more powerful cartridge compared to the Baby Glock) it might be the sidearm that I have to pull out when I am surprised by an attacker 6 feet away. So shooting at 20 yards is not something I aim (no pun intended) for, with the 36. So that's the purpose I envision this potential purchase for (comparing it versus the reliability of a S&W 686, absent the internal lock issue).

I have 4 Glocks, 3 1911s, 5 357 Magnums.

I have the 30 and 36 in 45 and 23 and 27 in 40. The 23, 27, 36 have the same width. They fit the same holster. The 30 is thicker and heavier but carries 10+1. The 40 caliber carries 9+1 or 13+1. With the right ammunition, there is no problem with efficacy. The 165 grain is highly effective.

I carry the 36 or 27 during the warmer months, these days. The 36 is accurate and easily hits 10" plates out to 25 yards, single or controlled pairs. I have no problem shooting strong or weak handed. It's an excellent gun. People tend to concern themselves with recoil, snap, whatever. You will learn to adapt. For its size, it's one of the most reliable 45 ACPs of its size. It's an accurate gun. The only negative is that no other magazines fit it.

As for your choice in revolvers, the S&W 627 Pro Series or Performance Center have 8 round capacities. They do utilize the larger L Frames. With the right holster you can conceal it. It does use moonclips which is not as easy to reload, nor is it as easy to carry.

 

[Robbins290]

i had the 36, i have the 30sf. i got rid of the 36, only becausw there werent alot of after market parts for it. just a personal prefernce

 

[TonyT]

The S&W627 uses the large N-frame which is an issue to conceal. I don't believe they were ever meant for concealed carry. In terms of performance the S&W627's are superb - I have shot more than 10,000 rounds through mine without a hiccup.

 

[00blkgt]

Great CCW!

 

[Coltdriver]

At 26 ounces loaded the 36 is easy to carry.

 

[WYO]

I have a 36 and a 30SF, and the 30SF is much easier to conceal if I use the optional 9 round magazine in the 30 that sits flush with the base of the grip. The decrease in height more than makes up for the width difference if carried IWB. I keep reading on Glock Talk that that 9 round G30 magazine was discontinued and is subject to stock on hand in most places, so I ordered a few to play it safe.

If they made a flush-fit magazine for the 36, it would win. But, the 30 is easier to shoot.

 

[DefiantDad]

Concealed carry is not important for me for this decision. Carrying is. Open or whatever. It just has to be on me.

Well, looks so far like I can't go wrong with EITHER gun.

 

[Teachu2]

Concealed carry is not important for me for this decision. Carrying is. Open or whatever. It just has to be on me.

In that case, buy what fits your hand best. I'm so happy with the way the 30 fits me, I'm actually planning to get a <gasp> 21 - that's from a guy that's carried and shot 1911s and S&W revolvers for 30+ years....

If concealed doesn't matter, get the most comfortable to shoot. You'll enjoy it more and shoot it more.

BTW, I have a 686+ Pro 5", and it's a very nice gun, too!