My .45 conundrum - Glock 30SF vs. 36 vs. 38

[Loosedhorse]

c'mon y'all...6+1 is enough for us civvies.

Well, according to the Brady campaign, you're right! But try telling that to LEOs. After all, they're "civvies," too--anyone operating under civil law is.

Do what you want, but I know lots of private citizens who not only carry higher capacity than 6, but back-up guns, too. I haven't met a single firearm self-defense instructor who has advised me NOT to carry a back-up. Civvies, indeed.

As to .45: I really like Glocks, but to me, .45 is a solved problem: some version of the 1911 platform. It's like .223: sure, you don't have to buy an AR-type...

.45s are the only caliber Glock US pistols that I don't own.

 

[legion3]

45 is a solved problem: some version of the 1911 platform

And there is my problem, not a big fan of the 1911 (blasphemy to many I know) and would prefer polymer for carry, and not a fan of the single action handguns for duty use.

The 1911 is a classic but its not for me, thus, I look for other platforms.

In steel I am fond of the SW 4506 and 4566

In polymer I like glocks over most other choices ( I do like the XD 45 Tactical but prefer the Glock for many reasons) thus I have to struggle with the rather large grips and bulkyness of the 21SF and 30SF or go GAP. Currently I do both but carry the G38 or G39.

 

[Kylaen]

Would y'all trust the GAP? The 38 might fit me very well, but I haven't heard too much on it, which may indicate a lack of popularity? I don't know. I've always loved the idea of revolvers, so a polymer double or single stack weapon is kinda like learning French for me. I may just go with an S&W 625 if these Glocks don't catch my fancy. Ever think there are too many gun models, too many options out there?

 

[postalnut25]

^^^^

I like the GAP round. It is loaded using the same bullets as the 45 ACP loads, and ballistically it is the equal of standard pressure ACP loads. It just fits in a smaller package. My only issue is availability, but rounds and reloading components can be found online.

 

[Effigy]

I never really bought into the idea of subcompacts in big calibers. If it were a good idea, full-size pistols would have gone extinct a long time ago. There is no free lunch, and the cost in this case is going to be nasty recoil (not to mention low capacity). I wouldn't go for anything larger than 9mm in a subcompact.

 

[SharpsDressedMan]

What nasty recoil? I have yet to see a .45 mini Glock jump out of anybody's hand. I shoot a G29 with smokin' loads, and it doesn't hurt at all!

 

[amd6547]

The Glock 30 has a reputation for being a soft shooter, and I found that to be true.
Oh, and Effigy...the G30 holds 10rds and can easily go 13....more than a full size 1911.

 

[legion3]

I never really bought into the idea of subcompacts in big calibers. If it were a good idea, full-size pistols would have gone extinct a long time ago. There is no free lunch, and the cost in this case is going to be nasty recoil (not to mention low capacity). I wouldn't go for anything larger than 9mm in a subcompact.

I have no trouble with the Glock 39 in 45GAP it has no "nasty" recoil. I cannot say the same about the Glock 27 in 40. That does have a lot of bark.

(my G39 can go 7+1 (with a Glock + 1) and even add 11 rounds if needed (G37 mag with a Glock +1))

And the Glock 30SF is not that bad unless its with +P 45ACP, then it can be noticable, but I still prefer it to the G27 in 40 cal.

 

[chicharrones]

My 36 has plenty of felt recoil, but it is nowhere as harsh as my alloy framed snubnose revolver firing .38 Special +P loads.

 

[Effigy]

A subcompact that holds 10 rounds of .45 is by necessity going to be thick. Thick is the opposite of what you want for CCW.

 

[amd6547]

Interesting...I carried mine tonight IWB concealed only by a shirt and never noticed it...you should give it a try, instead of opining in the theoretical.

 

[giggitygiggity]

I have a Glock 30SF. It is an awesome weapon. I have not had any trouble from the gun except for a primer that didn't go pop on a reload, but that was the result of a bad primer as evidenced by the fact that the firing pin dented the primer.

Accuracy is amazing. I can accurately hit a silhouette target at 75 yards. The thing about unsupported chambers and kabooms is BS and is nothing to worry about. Generally speaking, most kabooms are a result of nitwits not knowing how to properly reload or doing things that their guns are not designed to do. Regardless, the Glock 30SF in its standard configuration is accurate, reliable, and dependable.

Anyways, as far as carrying, the 30SF is too big to carry in a tee shirt and shorts. It does fine with an IWB holster and sweatshirt/jacket. It is still fairly heavy. 11 rounds of 230gr .45ACP adds up.

 

[2ndamd]

Hi Kaylean,

I felt compelled to reply. I too feel like there are too many good guns and not enough money to have/shoot them all. BUT, I have spent the last 21 years trying alot of handguns.

I have owned or do own various 1911's (Kimber, colt, springer), M&P, XD, Ruger, Sigs, G21sf and now the Glock 30 in the 45 caliber. I can tell you that the G30 is the best 45 I have owned and it is my EDC gun.

The accuracy, round count and compact size, not to mention the durability, parts availability and holster selection; all make the Glock 30 my choice. I spent years finding what was right for me. And, I found the perfect gun for me, in the G30.

That may not mean it is the perfect gun for you and only you can decide. But, if you write this looking for opinions? I can tell you the G30 was just perfect for me.

I must admit to never trying the GAP round. I do not see it as a round that will be widely available in the next 20 years. The 45 acp is America's handgun round. I have shot yotes with almost every handgun caliber you can name, the 45 has that KNOCKDOWN affect on yotes; even at a distance.

Good luck on the choice. Don't sweat it too much. You can try something and sell it to try something else later. No worries.

 

[NG VI]

Legion, I actually REALLY want a 38 and 39, the 26/27 are my favorite Glock models, and from what I've heard about the GAP models, they apparently all shoot very well and the subs are about the best shooting guns by size ever.

And yeah, the GAP tends to do a little better than the ACP in standard pressure, not by a whole lot, but I think it might be better suited for the shorter barreled guns by way of it's slightly higher operating pressures. I'm going to check BBTI and see if they tested the GAP.