Requesting Comparisons and Experiences With Glock G30 and G30S

[JonInWA]

While I've got a perfectly serviceable G21 and an adequate supply of magazines, the new Washington magazine capacity law limiting new magazine acquisitions to 10 rounder has me considering a G30 or a G30S. I'm interest in hearing thoughts and experiences on either, and which is preferable.

Best, Jon

[T Smith]

I can't help with the 30S but I've had a Gen 3 G30SF for about ten years. After a short (two magazines) break in, it's run flawlessly and has just under 5000 rounds through it with maybe 1000 rounds of various hollow points. It's one of the most accurate Glocks I've ever owned - used it in a local GSSF match several years ago and came within one shot of cleaning the course while picking up a win in Am Major Sub. It's very soft shooting, (subjectively) more so than my 1911 with the same 185 or 230 ball ammo. From my perspective, you can't go wrong with it.

[HeavyDuty]

Following with interest. I had a G36 years ago (awful) and have been waiting to see what Glock does with large frame Gen5s before I decide if I need a 30S.

[gruntjim]

I've owned both, and the 30S is my choice, without question. I say this after owning a Gen3 G30. Great pistol, but too large in the hand for weak hand work. The 30S reduces the trigger reach a bit, and it presents a lot faster.

It is snappy with anything overloaded, but standard pressure HST is fine. Critical Duty +P had a bit more flip, but nothing compared to some lesser brand stuff that was flattening primers. It does have more oomph than the 9mm, and you know it, but I actually shoot it better than a 19 (my day for heresy, I know).

It's a dream to carry and conceal, especially with a nine round magazine. It can be easily concealed in a pocket holster in tac trousers.

In sum, I'd say it wins on everything but ammo cost.

[Duces Tecum]

Following.

[JAH 3rd]

I personally like the grip texture of a Gen 4 Glock 30. Helps me hold a more secure grip compared to my Gen 3 21 which has less texture. Now I do like the narrower slide on my G41 (1") as compared to the G21 (1.12"). It's a noticeable difference and makes the 41 seem more svelte?? These slide widths were from the Glock website.

[JonInWA]

I personally like the grip texture of a Gen 4 Glock 30. Helps me hold a more secure grip compared to my Gen 3 21 which has less texture. Now I do like the narrower slide on my G41 (1") as compared to the G21 (1.12"). It's a noticeable difference and makes the 41 seem more svelte?? These slide widths were from the Glock website.

My understanding is that the G41 will fit in a G34 holster, too. While I'm sure that's the case with a leather/horsehide holster with it's inherent flex, I'm curious if a G41 will also fit in a kydex G34 holster.

But I digress (Squirrel!)

It's looking like I'm narrowing things down to either a Gen4 G30, or a G30S if I decide to go this route.

Best, Jon

[45dotACP]

I have a gen 3 G30 with ameriglo CAP sights. It needs a 6 o clock hold and even so still shoots a bit high.

But it is every bit the equal in accuracy to most any factory 1911 extant.

It's phenomenal.

Seriously buy one if you can.

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[BK14]

Having only briefly played with the 30s and Glock .45s in general before I decided to stick with 9s, I’d suggest a different route. I personally disliked the 19 size, but 26 length grip. My plan at the time was to get two 21s, and chop one down to a 30 magazine length, but replacing the baseplate on the 30 magazine with a 21 baseplate. So the 21 frame length would be similar to a 19 length at that point. First saw the idea from Bowie Customs.

[newyork]

How about an HK45c ?

[HeavyDuty]

I'm curious if a G41 will also fit in a kydex G34 holster.

I asked Tony just this question the other day - I haven’t carried either my 34 or 41 in awhile, long enough ago that the holster I have is a PJ IWB that works for both. He confirmed his OWB2 works with either.

[TC215]

I’ve had a Gen4 30 since they were released, and got one of the first G30S’s when they came out. The regular 30 is much more pleasant to shoot.

I know one of the LAPD SIS detectives that pushed for the creation of the 30S…it didn’t even last long with those guys (I think they were shooting 230 gr +P ammo).

[Lester Polfus]

It's like you are reading my SW Washington mind...

I've also considered the Glock 36, although some might balk at the magazine capacity. Also on my list to consider are the 4" .45 M&P Shield and the 3.3" version.

I have 1700 large pistol primers, but currently don't stock a caliber that requires them.

[okie john]

I know one of the LAPD SIS detectives that pushed for the creation of the 30S…it didn’t even last long with those guys (I think they were shooting 230 gr +P ammo).

What did they end up using?


Okie John

[TC215]

What did they end up using?


Okie John

Just a few guys using .45’s now. The majority are using Glock 17/19/45’s. A handful of guys running Staccatos.

[GJM]

I would revisit this thread next week.

[Totem Polar]

Following with interest. I had a G36 years ago (awful) and have been waiting to see what Glock does with large frame Gen5s before I decide if I need a 30S.

The 36 is a steaming POS. JMO.

:D

[Lester Polfus]

The 36 is a steaming POS. JMO.

:D

Would you kindly elucidate?

[Totem Polar]

Would you kindly elucidate?

The one I owned was a Jam-o-matic, and absolutely ate RSAs for lunch. A fresh RSA would pass the Glock RSA test, but 2 boxes of ball would have the gun failing to return to battery during the same test.

I mean, aside from the reliability and maintenance headaches, it was pretty cool. For a thick, 6-round gun.

:)

[WobblyPossum]

I would revisit this thread next week.

Why? What’s happening next week? If you happen to know about some plans to release Gen5 G21s and G30s, you have to tell me. It’s the law.

[JonInWA]

Yeah, play fair, George. Spill. Best, Jon. (like that'll work, but it was worth a shot)

[paherne]

I'm thinking this law is unconstitutional and you should just wait until the full impact of Bruen v. NYSPRA is settled in the 9th Circuit when Duncan v. Bonta is decided. You and I took multiple oaths to protect and defend the Constitution of these United States. I trust you will do the right thing.

[Lester Polfus]

The one I owned was a Jam-o-matic, and absolutely ate RSAs for lunch. A fresh RSA would pass the Glock RSA test, but 2 boxes of ball would have the gun failing to return to battery during the same test.

I mean, aside from the reliability and maintenance headaches, it was pretty cool. For a thick, 6-round gun.

:)

I think the fact that it is a six-shot gun that is the same size as a Glock 19 puts it at the bottom of the list for me, for sure.

Your RSA experience is identical to the one I had trying to make a Officers model 1911 run, longer ago than I'd care to admit.

[PNWTO]

I would revisit this thread next week.

I’ll believe you more than I’ll believe Reddit.

95648

I’ve always thought a G30 in some flavor would be a good field pistol for my needs (thanks, Lost River) and now, in a 10rd state, it’s even more attractive. Albeit a G26 is first in line.

[Mitch]

My Glock 30 is no joke probably my favorite pistol. The Glock 30S is noticeably snappier to me and I noticed no difference carrying it IWB vs the 30 (frame is still the same width). I had a 30S for a few months before I sold it. I like my 30 so much that I bought another one.

[1slow]

I carried GL 30s for 5+ years starting about 1998 and shot 10,000 rounds a year through them. Reliable, very accurate, easy to carry.

Only downside is that backstrap is too short and transfers recoil to thumb because it does not stick down far enough to recoil against heel of gun hand.

If I were doing it over I would fabricate a grip plug that extended the backstrap down to the bottom of the magazine.

If I were shortening a GL21 grip I would leave the rear long enough to reach the bottom of the magazine.

I think these modifications would help.

I have arthritis in my thumb joints that the short backstrap of GL30s probably contributed to.

[HeavyDuty]

I would revisit this thread next week.

Ears perk up.

[HeavyDuty]

The one I owned was a Jam-o-matic, and absolutely ate RSAs for lunch. A fresh RSA would pass the Glock RSA test, but 2 boxes of ball would have the gun failing to return to battery during the same test.

I mean, aside from the reliability and maintenance headaches, it was pretty cool. For a thick, 6-round gun.

:)

Pretty much my experience too, with the added fun of constant BTF.

[Lost River]

I would revisit this thread next week.





https://i.imgur.com/MOURj25.gif


The standard Gen 3 Glock .45 ACP is already so exceptionally accurate, I am curious as to what Glock will bring to the market.

[45dotACP]

https://i.imgur.com/MOURj25.gif


The standard Gen 3 Glock .45 ACP is already so exceptionally accurate, I am curious as to what Glock will bring to the market.Gen 3 Glock .45 ACP:


The original marksman barrel.




Gen 4 model 21 was pretty dang accurate too.

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[HeavyDuty]

My wife’s 21.2 is a frickin’ laser.

[SwampDweller]

I found the G30 to be noticeably more pleasant to shoot than the G30S. The heavier slide really soaks up more of the recoil. The G30S was pretty snappy.

For some reason, I am more accurate with the G21 and G30 than with a G17/19. Split times are slightly greater, but not enough to make a difference in any serious use situation. I'll take the ability to call my shots 100% of the time over slightly faster split times.

if I lived in a 10rd state I'd be tempted to either chop my G21 grip to take G30 mags, or just go with a G30. That is, if I didn't carry a HK45 or HK45c.

[psalms144.1]

I used to own both, now own neither. As others have noted, the G30 shoots noticeably softer than the 30S, but the 30S "carries" better - especially if you're carrying IWB. All that being said, unless you're getting .45 ACP for free, I don't see what either does that a G26 doesn't do better.

Of course, if Glock were to produce the large frames in Gen5 (no finger grooves, improved texturing) I'd be hard pressed not to buy a 30 and/or a 30S as a "shooter/carry" combo - because Fo-tay-fahv!

[Supercruise]

I purchased a G30SF a bit over a decade ago for a Pacific NW roadtrip that involved spending a bunch of time camping in northern CA. I needed something with 10rd capacity and wanted 45 in case of big 4 legged critters. I shot it enough to vet it and discovered that for me (someone with small glove size hands), it was a bit of a handful. I had no reliability issues, but it was very chunky to carry and I struggled to shoot it as well as my 9mm Glocks; I parted with it after about a year.

I recently moved to WA just before the mag ban went into effect, and am also considering a native 10rd pistol as I want to preserve all my standard (ahem, high) capacity magazines. I rented a Glock 48 at a range and found it to be boringly easy to shoot and the slim dimensions pretty awesome for my small hands. I will be picking up of these to fill the 10rd compliant niche as the factory MOS and ability to add a WML adds a lot of versatility over at G26 in my mind.

[Crow Hunter]

I used to own both, now own neither. As others have noted, the G30 shoots noticeably softer than the 30S, but the 30S "carries" better - especially if you're carrying IWB. All that being said, unless you're getting .45 ACP for free, I don't see what either does that a G26 doesn't do better.

Of course, if Glock were to produce the large frames in Gen5 (no finger grooves, improved texturing) I'd be hard pressed not to buy a 30 and/or a 30S as a "shooter/carry" combo - because Fo-tay-fahv!

I have the same feeling. (Although I have never shot a G30S)

I still have 3 boxes of .45 ACP ammo with no home from when I got rid of my G30 that I bought as my first CCW in 1998 right after getting my permit. If they did a Gen 5 treatment, I might just have to get one to shoot it up. :)

[L-2]

I currently have a G30SF.
I didn't buy & try the G30S. I'd only read or heard about the G30S being "snappier" due to the thinner/lighter slide of the G30S. I didn't care about lighter or thinner slides. It was also unclear to me whether there were any extended slide-stops which would work.

Even though not specifically stated, I new the #1034 extended slide stop would work (even though Glock parts list doesn't list the 30SF for this part, only the 30).

I previously owned a G30gen2.5 (sold in 2009) and a G30gen4 (sold in 2019). The G30gen2.5 was just too large for me to shoot one-handed. The G30gen4 developed a cracked frame; frame was replaced by Glock. I'd bought the G30SF in 2016 and kept it.

I did like the interchangeable back-straps and the Gen4 texture. If my frame didn't crack, I suppose I'd still have that Glock, but I'd lost some confidence in it and was reducing my .45ACP inventory anyway.

[Sensei]

I would revisit this thread next week.

OK, it’s next week…;)

[GJM]

OK, it’s next week…;)

I just checked and was told SOON. I would start checking the Glock Austria website in the morning. I have one inbound soon, too. :p

When you are searching, I would look in the bigger area.

[ECVMatt]

I have had a 30SF for many years. To vet it, I did the 2000 round challenge and it passed with flying colors. I bought it for many of the same reasons stated in this thread. It is one of my all time outdoors/rural carry guns.

https://pistol-forum.com/showthread.php?9-2-000-Round-Challenge/page55

[okie john]

Just a few guys using .45’s now. The majority are using Glock 17/19/45’s. A handful of guys running Staccatos.

Thank you.


Okie John

[Joe Mac]

I just checked and was told SOON. I would start checking the Glock Austria website in the morning. I have one inbound soon, too. :p

When you are searching, I would look in the bigger area.

I'm feeling the suspense here... I'm sitting on a stash of .45 ammo, but don't currently own a .45!

[Buckeye63]

96004

I didn’t like the thick slide on my 30 or 29

So I traded the 29 … sold the 30 .. bought a 30S
Great pistol …

[JPedersen]

Well … I have been trying to troll the Austrian Glock site like GJM recommended. No luck. Any word / updates. I read someplace else that a Gen 5 G21 was in the pipeline … I am guessing that is the announcement. The real question will be : will the Gen. 5 G21 fully support the case and cycle .45 Super ? Lol.


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[Sensei]

Well … I have been trying to troll the Austrian Glock site like GJM recommended. No luck. Any word / updates. I read someplace else that a Gen 5 G21 was in the pipeline … I am guessing that is the announcement. The real question will be : will the Gen. 5 G21 fully support the case and cycle .45 Super ? Lol.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Me too. I feel cheated. I too suspect that it will be a Gen5 G21. My hope is that it will herald the eventual arrival of an updated G30.

The next Glock that I buy will be a Gen5 G30 that hopefully has a slimmer profile than the Gen4. I’ll probably also get a Gen5 G21 for…reasons.

[45dotACP]

Me too. I feel cheated. I too suspect that it will be a Gen5 G21. My hope is that it will herald the eventual arrival of an updated G30.

The next Glock that I buy will be a Gen5 G30 that hopefully has a slimmer profile than the Gen4. I’ll probably also get a Gen5 G21 for…reasons.If a Gen 5 G21 can shoot better than a gen 3 or gen 4, then I may find myself in need of one.

Granted the current G21 and G30 are accurate enough to put to shame most every 1911 that isn't a Rock River or a Les Baer and above.

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[Lester Polfus]

I’d love a native 10 round capacity Glock .45 with the same slide and grip width as their 9mm platform guns, cut for an optic with a 4” barrel.

I have been repeating “do not add any calibers back into the inventory” like a mantra for years, but such a beast would tempt me to find a home for the 1700 large pistol primers that are currently orphans in my gun closet.

[HeavyDuty]

I’d love a native 10 round capacity Glock .45 with the same slide and grip width as their 9mm platform guns, cut for an optic with a 4” barrel.

I have been repeating “do not add any calibers back into the inventory” like a mantra for years, but such a beast would tempt me to find a home for the 1700 large pistol primers that are currently orphans in my gun closet.

So much this.

[Noah]

Any news on this?

[HeavyDuty]

Any news on this?

#fakenews (https://pistol-forum.com/usertag.php?do=list&action=hash&hash=fakenews)
#teasingtherubes (https://pistol-forum.com/usertag.php?do=list&action=hash&hash=teasingtherubes)