(This is a reader gun review contest entry, click here for more details — enter by December 19th!)
By Nathanael
GLOCK officially introduced the 30S in 2013, but it has existed much longer. The original versions of this pistol were cobbled together by GLOCK enthusiasts who would put the slide from a GLOCK 36 (a single-stack .45 ACP) onto the frame of a GLOCK 30 (a double stack .45 ACP). The result retained the 10+1 capacity of the G30 while shedding weight and slide width. GLOCK eventually recognizing a good thing when it saw it, began producing this mix-and-match pistol as the 30S and had an immediate hit. The 30S provides an outstanding option for those who want to a .45 caliber pistol for concealed carry, and it does so with more capacity and a lower price than a 1911 . . .
Comparing the 30S to other variants of the G30 (like, say, the G30sf), it might seem that the thinner slide is just a gimmick: losing about 3.5 ounces and 1/8 inch off the slide may not seem significant on paper. However, when compared side-by-side with other versions of the GLOCK 30 (which I was able to do when buying) the difference is significant. Sleeker and lighter is the way to go in a gun that will be tucked inside your waistband or hanging off your belt all day.
I’ve had my G30S for the better part of a year now and have carried it frequently. It is is a year-round gun as it is small enough to be a valid option for summer concealed carry, especially with the 9-round magazine. I can carry the pistol and a spare mag all day in reasonable comfort, and it has become my go-to gun for road trips. The holster options are extensive, but I tend to stick to a simple Blackhawk! IWB nylon holster. It just works for me.
Functionally, the 30S is like almost all other GLOCK pistols: it has the same good, but not great 5.5 pound “safe action” trigger, same lack of an external safety, same easy takedown, same stock sights (usually the first part to be replaced), and so on as all GLOCK models. If you love GLOCK pistols, you’ll love it; if you hate them, you’ll hate it. If you’re somewhere in the middle and are looking for a good concealed carry gun in a heavy-hitting caliber, give the 30S a shot.
Out of the box (which is GLOCK’s usual foam-lined, hard-plastic offering) the 30S comes with two 10-round magazines that extend past the bottom of the grip and have a built-in grip extension. The grip itself is that of a Gen3 30SF (short frame), which makes holding a double-stack .45 caliber pistol more manageable for shooters with smaller hands. The 30S also has an accessory rail, so you can stick a light and/or a laser on if you like, though it might stick out past the muzzle. One complaint is that GLOCK’s .45 ACP magazines tend to be stiff and your thumbs may get a workout filling them to capacity, especially at first.
However, GLOCK uniformity has its benefits. In addition to the 10-round magazines that come standard with the various GLOCK 30 models, GLOCK also makes 9-round magazines that sit flush with the bottom of the grip and provide an even smaller profile (these were scarce for a while, but now seem to be readily available). Furthermore, the 13-round magazines made for the full size .45 GLOCK models will fit in the G30 models, and aftermarket grip sleeves can be used to provide a full, comfortable grip (13-round magazines not available in states where the Constitution is seen as expendable).
With these magazines you have the capacity of a full-size GLOCK .45 available for your 30S. Compared to their less-capacious brethren, the 13-round magazines significantly increase the profile of the pistol; however, they are only slightly harder to conceal as backup magazines. Also, with a light/laser combo and a 13-round magazine the 30S becomes a very potent home defense pistol.
Like every GLOCK pistol, the 30S is highly customizable. I recommend putting night sights on if you’re going to use it as a carry gun—if you have to face bad guys in the proverbial dark alley a quick and bright sight picture may save your life. Other than that, you can modify it as much or as little as you like, with a cornucopia of aftermarket parts to choose from. One knock on the 30S is that, unlike other GLOCK 30 models, the slide design has prevented easy conversions to other calibers. Instead of simply buying an aftermarket barrel, you’ll need to buy a whole new slide as well.
My first-ever shot with this pistol was dead center, and while I haven’t always shot that well, that isn’t the gun’s fault. For this review I took it to the range with a box of Herter’s 230 grain brass-cased ammo, slapped an 8-inch target on a cardboard box, and took my first three shots from a bench at about 10 yards. They clustered close to each other (see below).
After those, I stood up and took my shots in a variety of ways from 10-12 yards: slow single shots, rapid strings of 4 or 5 shots, double-taps after bringing the gun up from a low ready, and even a few from the bench again. Most of my shots were on the target, and of those that missed, a majority were within an inch or two of its edge. This was not great shooting, but hopefully it will be good enough if it ever matters, and it is consistent with my skill level. The flyers came in two distinct ways: 1. A few high shots while firing rapidly; and 2. Shots that missed down and left while using the 9-round magazine.
In the latter case, I noted that the magazine wasn’t perfectly flush, and that my little finger, as it tried to hang onto the baseplate, was getting pinched, causing me to pull shots in anticipation. I didn’t have this problem with the stock 10-round magazines nor with the 13-round magazines with the grip sleeve, even though they too leave a small gap between the bottom of the grip and the magazine grip extension. Such problems are dependent on hand size and grip, so I can’t make any predictions as to what, if any, difficulties others may have with fingers getting pinched in the gap, except to note that it’s a possibility. However, the problem is not severe enough that I’ll stop using the 9-round magazine when I need the pistol to have a slightly smaller profile.
The recoil is quite manageable for a compact .45. While heavy, it seems to mostly push back up the arm toward the shoulder, thereby reducing muzzle flip. Although a .45 will always be too much for some shooters, the 30S mitigates the recoil very well for a pistol of this size. The recoil spring assembly has been upgraded to a Gen 4 style, which also helps alleviate the kick of shooting .45 from a light pistol. While I prefer the G30 Gen4 grip, I find the Gen3 grip of the 30S to be adequate, and for those who wish to modify it, there is no shortage of aftermarket options.
As for reliability, this gun goes bang every time I pull the trigger. I can’t recall a single failure out of the hundreds of rounds I’ve put through it. Whether it’s Herter’s aluminum-cased nylon-jacketed rounds or Blazer brass or Federal Hydrashocks or Hornady critical defense, it eats them all. There might be something out there that won’t cycle in this gun, but I haven’t found it yet.
Overall, this is an excellent pistol that I highly recommend to anyone who wants a compact .45 as their carry piece. With all due respect to the venerable, beautiful, and often very expensive 1911 design, guns like the GLOCK 30S are guns for the people. The 30S provides reliable firepower in a compact, accurate and affordable package that conceals easily and shoots well.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Model: GLOCK 30S
Caliber: .45 Auto
Magazine capacity: 10 (stock), 9 and 13 available
Materials: Stainless steel slide and barrel, polymer frame
Weight empty: 22.95 ounces
Barrel Length: 3.77″
Overall length: 6.96″
Sights: Plastic, Dot in a U
Action: Striker Fired
Finish: Black
Price: $545-600 ($550 via Brownells)
RATINGS (out of five stars):
Style * * *
It’s a GLOCK. Its style is found in looking exactly like what it is: a good, reliable pistol.
Accuracy * * * * 1/2
It shoots better than I do. It may not have the mechanical accuracy of a custom 1911, but it’s all you’ll need in a $600 carry pistol.
Carry * * * * *
This is about as comfortable as it gets to carry 10+1 in .45, and there are a lot of holster options available.
Ergonomics * * * *
The grip is comfortable (even if I prefer a Gen4 grip) and the recoil is very manageable for such a lightweight .45. Shooters may find that some magazine configurations suit them better than others. It would have been nice had GLOCK included the Gen4 magazine catch, and the magazine springs are annoyingly stiff as well.
Reliability * * * * *
I don’t think I’ve had a failure yet from this gun. There is no break in period; it works right out of the box.
Customize This * * * * ½
There is a thriving market for GLOCK aftermarket pistol accessories and modifications. I’m deducting a half star for the lack of caliber conversion barrels.
OVERALL * * * * 1/2
This is an outstanding self-defense pistol. It’s powerful, accurate, reliable, customizable and affordable. Only a few quibbles keep it from a full 5 stars.
Nice write up, I’ve been wanting to purchase a 30s (just ordered a 19 a few days ago). My 1911 is fun, but sits in the safe most of the time and I have a crapload of .45 sitting around. Good to hear the 30s is a good carry gun.
Suggestion for your holster: you may want to look at the Comptac Infidel IWB holster. I plan on getting one for my Glock when it arrives.
I use the infidel for my Glock23 and Sig229. Few of my buddies have it also. Most comfortable IWB I’ve owned. My father also uses one for his 23.
Funny timing for this write-up. I sold my 23gen3 to my father. He loves that gun and shoots extremely well with it. I went to get a 30S but when holding it, it was really uncomfortable. I’ve got smaller hands and noticed the trigger guard was rubbing hard on the top of my knuckle. Tried the 23gen4 with the small grip, that was gone. The sizes of the two were almost identical, biggest differences are the size of the grip and the 30 is about 2mm longer. I really wanted the 45 since my employer gives me unlimited 45, but had to settle with what was comfortable and I know I am very accurate with the 40.
I too found that the stock 30S was uncomfortable on my middle finger knuckle. I hit the net and did some DIY research, and found several successful undercut techniques that will not affect the integrity of the G30S.
I went ahead and did it, and the difference is really night and day.
What about those of us who live behind a “gun rights iron curtain” or the East Berlin of the U.S. in states like NY? If I won, I am banned by my state government under the pain of imprisonment from taking possession of my prize.
I will hold it for you and keep it safe in my safe. . . . when not at the range.
Somehow, no matter how thoughtful that sentiment may (or may not) be, the thought of not being able to claim my prize still stings…hold on a minute, I need to wipe the condensation off the window again so I can see what freedom looks like for those on the “other side” of the iron curtain…
Thanks for the great review! I really like the idea of the Glock 30s but can never for the life of me figure out why they didn’t put it on a Gen4 frame. The G36 width slide on the Gen4 G30 would be nirvana, but as it is the standard slide is just too wide, it works ok on the G21’s I have handled but feels weird for a smaller gun. That may be the only reason I wont get one right now. I have tried but cant make myself like the Gen3’s of any size, the texture always feels slippery in my hands and the grip is a hair too wide. Even with the medium backstrap on my Gen4 Glock 22 (supposedly same circumfrance as the Gen3 grip) I still feel a lot more confident with the texture.
I think Glock might release a Gen 4 version, but it may take a while. I am sure if we bug them enough, they’ll listen and get on it, haha…
Had you thought about decal grips, such as traction grips or Talon grips? I’ve got tractions on mine, makes a world of difference and they are around 10 bucks.
My EDC is an older G30 that is bone stock and it is a bit bulky but a fantastic gun. I can easily hit milk jugs at 50 yards and for fun routinely tag silhouetes at 75. It holds nice groups firing fast too. My only gripe is the slide release is junk but that is fixable. It is reliable, accurate, and an all around awesome gun.
Love my 30S. And… surprisingly, my wife likes it better than any of the “larger” Glocks – larger than her G42. She shoots the 30S better as well. My favorite EDC just about all the time.
Absolutely love my 30S. Note that aftermarket barrels for the G36 will fit the 30S slide. Nice write up!
Hymmnm Glock, is a lilttle to late for this one!…. Having Glocks, as well as a few different models of Handguns, i’ve found the Taurus PT-145, [in .45 caliber, Double Stacked, in the handle,heavier, thus, more Accurate, than their PT – 745, 6 shot] to be a better, extremely, small, lightweight, and comfortable in the hand,more reasonably priced, and without the extended grip, due to a 10 shot magazine!…
Now, i can hear the comments on this Brazilian, “Saturday Night” Special!… No longer the Case!…. Since Taurus bought the Brazilian Factory off “Berretta”, Every part of the Guns is made by Taurus!…. Nothing “Subbed Out”, for production; Supervised under extreme Scrutiny!…
By making all their own parts, they can Warranty their Guns, for life!…[Selling the Gun, the Warranty goes With the Gun!…]. Repair turn around is about 2 weeks!…[Having sent my PT-745 back, i got it back in 13 days!…. Since switching to the PT-145.
Which other companies, Warranty their Guns?….[Certainly “not” Glock!…]. Compare both Guns!…. You do the Math?…
Your love-affair with punctuation makes it almost impossible to read your comment.
Or in terms you might better understand
“Your”! {Love}_~- affair?,,,, \/\/ / punctuation; “‘makes’ it almost” Impossible!? To* your….. comment, .
*read
Your random Capitalization and enthusiasm Makes this really Hard to Read, man.
tmp; dr
You should look into a modern modem where the phone line plugs into the modem itself. They’ve been around since the mid-80’s.
Your text looks like the days of acoustically coupled 300 baud modems and someone playing disco music in the background. A little more punctuation, and I’m going to start having TECO flashbacks.
I had a Taurus 111 millenium pro in 9mm . it went back to Miami 3 times. They never got it right My Taurus 745 was equal junk. They received the ban saw treatment. A Glock 36 was sold to a dealer who wanted it. I could never get it to run. Neither could anyone else. These 3 guns all fit well in my hand. They were ideal ccw. But they were all lemons. My favorite is an old police Glock 17 Gen 2. No finger grooves. The grooves can be removed btw. I look forward to purchasing a Glock 30 S this month.
I carried a Glock 30 CC for almost 13 years before graduating to OC.
Appendix carry with an IWB holster; I could wear a T-shirt and shorts and no one would know I was armed.
Great gun. I still have it for when I CC.
I have been carrying a Glock 30S for the last two years after retiring from 30 years in LE via southern California.
I love this gun.
Because I have to return to California annually to qualify for my 50 state CCW permit, and because I can no longer carry the gun (with proper mags) my agency gifted me upon my retirement (a Glock 22), I can carry and use my Glock 30S (with 10 round mags) during my travels from Oregon back to California legally.
I love the fact that I can carry hi-cap 13 round mags in my home state and convert to legal mags when traveling in a slave state.
As an added, but unintended bonus, a Glock 19 safely fits most inside / outside the waistband holsters designed for the Glock 30S (but not vice versa).
Buy the 30S holsters for multi-use.
Know little about Glock pistols. Safety wise, it it a DA only, or have a manual safety?
Would like a glock.. hopefully I’ll be able to afford one in the near future…
Great write up thanks..
No manual safety. It has a trigger safety, a striker block, and a drop safety. It only goes off if the trigger is pulled. Carry without a holster that covers the trigger is not recommended by anyone. The trigger pull itself is fairly unique, it doesn’t feel anything like a DA or SA, and is the same for every shot. There’s slack, then a little take up (as the trigger cocks the last little bit of the striker) then a fairly clean break and some smooshy overtravel. Reset is short, positive, and somewhat loud. It’s very functional for fighting/self defense but anyone who competes with one will want to improve it.
Sian, Can you expand on your comment that it is not recommended to carry the G30s without a holster that covers the trigger? Why is that important? I have recently bought the 30s and I am considering various methods of concealment. Being the owner of dozens of holsters of various configurations, I have a tendency to go back to sticking them in my belt.
The recommendation to make sure the trigger is covered in all your holsters is to prevent the accidental discharge of the weapon. The trigger in the gun is the safety. It has a lot of take up until you reach a crisp break break over and a bit more travel. Snagging the trigger going in our touching the trigger taking it out requires 5 to 5-1/2 pounds of force to break over and fire. It is possible to have an unintended discharge but this is no different than any other glock made. Good luck.
Had a 30s, eventually sold it and bought a 30SF. Granted, my wrist is held together with parts harvested from other areas of my wrist, but it was just wasn’t pleasant for me to shoot. The extra little bit of weight on the regular 30 slide makes enough of a difference for me.
Good write-up, and info. I’ve been looking at getting an easily concealable .45acp.
Good review. My problem, I had a G36. First two times I shot it I’d get a blood blister from the dippy mag joined with the short grip. Why Glock, a different grip/mag from all you other guns? I got wise an wore a Band-Aid on my pinky until I just gave up and gave it to my brother.
The 30S looks like a great EDC, but does it come with the pinch like the 36?
As I mentioned in the review, I had some pinch with the 9-round magazines, none with the others. It’s a possibility, but it seems dependent on how grip and hand size interact with the gun and magazine, so I can’t predict how it will be for anyone.
Any idea if the reliability problems from the Glock 36 are translating to the 30S?
Great review. I’m with Captain George. My next gun will be a Taurus pt ,140g2. $248 at Buds. I would get a 45 if they made ’em g2. And I NEVER had a failure with the 1st gen. 9 or 40. Whatever…
I’ve got a 19 and a 30s. I find that I shoot the 30s better. I love the gun. I also have a 21 and I can’t tell a difference in recoil between the two. Both are soft shooters.
I also have a G21, a 30s and a G19. They all shoot well but I like the 30s best of all…smaller than the 21 for carry and nearly as accurate, especially with the pearce grip extension and a modified G21 backstrap added to fit my oversize hand. Easily makes the 30s the best fitting gun to my hand. Can’t say enough good about it.
Nice review, Nathanael! But I’m just curious as to how many rounds you’ve put through the gun before the review. It’s not like I doubt the Glock reliability or anything 🙂 I just wanna know.
Good point, I think he was in a hurry to enter the contest. Takes about 100,000 rounds to break in a Glock.
Heh. I’d estimate I’ve put 500 rounds through this gun, but I haven’ really kept track, since I had no idea I’d be reviewing it until about a week ago. I put at least 100 rounds downrange when I bought it, and have probably taken it out often enough to have broken the 500 mark by now.
Thanks Nathanael! 500 is a little bit under 100,000 though…
Any idea if there’s any consideration of doing the 30s treatment to a Glock 29? Why did they make the .45 and 10mm guns so chunky anyways?
The G29 Gen3 has identical overall dimensions as the G30S, except the G29 is 9mm shorter, 75g heavier when loaded, and delivers 1.5-2x the muzzle energy. You’re saying the G36/G30S slide is trimmer than the G29’s? Too bad they don’t call out that dimension in their specs. http://us.glock.com/products/compare?g1=g29&g2=g30s
I’ve never held the two to compare, because although I’m allowed to buy a G29, the G30S is not safe enough for us mere mortals in Kalifornia. And it never will be, under our current repressive regime. But GLOCK gets it: http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8IcO1ehweFs/RxLcnKJ8iwI/AAAAAAAABfY/5UDu5V_DEaM/s1600/Glock-Microstamping.jpg
All the rest of Saint Gaston’s fine products have only one more year before they become too hazardous for us to be allowed to buy, unless GLOCK continues to pay the Lawful Commerce Bribe to keep them grandfathered into safety. http://certguns.doj.ca.gov
What company makes the grip sleeve that you are using on the G21 mag?
X-Grip: http://www.glockmeister.com/X-Grip-Magazine-Adapter-for-GLOCK-20_21-Mags-in-29_30/productinfo/XGGL29-30/
Nice review Nathaniel. If I hadn’t been so lazy this is the gun I would have reviewed. It is all of the things you describe with great balance and just feels and shoots with the characteristics of a fine defensive combat pistol. So far on holsters I have used and liked a simple belt clip kydex IWB like the Cook’s, also reviewed on TTAG. Comfortable even for my size, short fat and squatty, all ass and no body.
Nice review. Thanks.
Bought a G30 waaaaaaay back after seeing the write-up
in SOF…yes that old 8-] This is a good review of a very
good gun. Chunky and a little heavy ? Yeah…but the
performance and reliability of this platform make it all
tolerable. I use the 10 rounders and the oversize
floorplate is OK for my average sized hands. Recoil
is tolerable and reliability with my favorite defensive
ammo…100%.
For my last SSE acquisition in CA I ended up with a Glock 30 Gen4 with the intention to put a 36 slide on it for one of my future ccw guns. Out of the 12 HGs in my stable this other than a Dan Wesson Valor will be my only and first Glock that I own, the rest are CZs. I have read of G30 G4 owners that have made their FrankenGlock with this combination and reported reliability. When I was at the LGS counter I had the G30S, G30 G4, and a Larry Vickers G19 G3 in front of me. While I was tempted to get the Vickers G19 it would be impractical for me as I have many pre ban standard cap mags for my CZs. While I could have just saved money and bought the G30S, I like the features of the Gen 4 such as the wide mag release, improved grip texture, shorter LOP just like the G30SF, and modular back straps.
I love the way my block 30 shots with my 13 round mag it shoots wonderful in fact I’m thinking about getting another one so I’ll have twins I recommend this glock to any one looking for a small compact gun with a big punch ……
How does this compare to an XDS in terms of size? I have an XDS now and love the size as I prefer to use a pocket holster but would really like the enhanced capacity of the 30s. I’ll admit I’m not a Glock fan but if there was ever one I’d consider, it’s this.
I actually found something this little guy won’t eat. O.A.T.H. Tango 165 grain .45ACP. Primers were too hard. Had to get an Extra Power striker spring.
I have a G19 and a 21. For some reason I am a better shot with the 21. I am thinking of getting a 30S. These reviews have helped. I like the .45 I will look into a IWB holster also.
Im new to glock but im a big 40 and 45 guy and the glock 30s is the best feeling one I have ever owned
I recently bought a 30S and a Springfield Government 1911 (planning on Wild Bunch shooting). Quickly followed a friends advice and installed a trigger upgrade. Now the trigger is just like my 1911. I chose The Skimmer and love it. Wish I could shoot to the level that this gun is capable.
I started out with a S&W scandium alloy frame .357 for EDC. I had a HK USP .45 for CC if I thought I might be someplace where I was more likely to need the extra firepower, just in case. Then I moved to the People’s Democratic Socialist Republic of New York with their ridiculous gun laws so I pawned those firearms before the move. I moved back to Viginia and ended up puchasing the Glock 30s.
Really, If I could have only one handgun I can’t beat the versatility of this piece. I had the same experience the author did with accuracy. At about 8 ft. my first round was a bullseye…practical accuracy is definitely more than adequate. During the second magazine I encountered a stove pipe FTE malfunction which I attributed to limp wristing. With a compact pistol…especially one with a lighter slide than the standard g30, maintaining a firm grip at all times is important. I think I was having so much fun shooting that I must have gotten complacent with the grip, causing the malfunction. Since I am medium framed and over 6ft. deep concealment in a pocket is no problem. I ordered the only pocket holster I could find online for the 30s from Alabama Holster (www.alabamaholster.com). It’s hand made of kydex and sturdy. I purchased the mag carrier which goes in the other pocket. Believe me, it will probably take 8 to 12 weeks from the time you order to receive them but is worth the wait. I couldn’t be happier. At the time I ordered mine the g30s wasn’t on their website as an option. So I selected the g30 holster and sent them an email stating that I needed for the g30s. Within a few days they got back to me stating they had changed my order to the 30s.
So, in short, I love the setup with this kit. If I could criticize the g30s it would be the lack of forward slide serrations. Get one and you’ll see what I mean. That double captive recoil spring is no joke, especially since it must compensate for the missing 3.5oz. of reciprocating mass in contrast to the standard g30 slide. When I owned the USP .45 there was more real estate on the slide to grab hold of and it just seemed easier to rack the slide despite the double captive recoil spring of the HK. I’ve seen some skateboard tape style strips for sale online that enhance the traction for slide manipulation. I think that would probably be a good purchase YMMV.
Just got one and wow love it. Very soft shooting for a 45. I have a 19 for carry and after making the measurements between the 19 and 30s I believe I can owb carry the 30s as well as the 19. Time will tell.
I am new to guns, I bought a gluck 30s gen4 , I have a question about the 45 ammo, can I use 45 gap?
Carol, I believe the Glock 30s is chambered for .45 ACP, the manual that came with the pistol will tell you. The two rounds are slightly different, and although the GAP may fit into the chamber of an ACP pistol, it is different, and the fit is such that it could cause problems. It is a shorter round and I don’t believe it would seal properly with the front of the chamber in a .45 ACP pistol. I wouldn’t put 45 GAP in a 45ACP pistol.
45ACP is an excellent round, and is more common than the GAP making it less expensive to manufacture and less expensive to buy, so you are better off with the .45 ACP anyway.
Thank you
Is recoil painful and how Much Is it compared to the Beretta 92?Is the slide easy to rack and Is the grip confortable.Thanx to all
My Glock 30s did have more recoil than most of the pistols I have shot. I would guess that it has quite a bit more recoil than the Berreta 92 as it is a lighter pistol. Although recoil is somewhat on the heavy side, I consider the recoil acceptable as it is a trade off with a light pistol that is easier to conceal and carry. I don’t remember it as being harder to rack than other pistols.
My complaint about the G30s is one that affects some users, that being that the angle of the grip pushes my trigger finger down into the trigger guard and attempts to wear a hole in my finger, and it is uncomfortable to shoot. The G19 I had caused the same problem. I have now sold both guns and will not have another Glock. Interestingly, the problem with the finger in the trigger guard could be solved by putting a concave curve in the trigger as other manufacturers have done.
Roy Clagg,
I realize that this is an older post that you made, but if you are still looking at this thread I would ask you to give the 30S another try. If that was your only problem with the 30S, there are a few very useful and helpful fixes.
1. Try and OC drop-in Trigger with contoured Safety ($40 – $55) – I have on in my range toy G19- love it
2. If you want stock only – change to an OEM G21 smooth-faced trigger ($15)
3. Give the trigger guard undercut a shave – this will help your grip angle significantly
Overall, your issues with the G19 and G30 sound like they have been limited to their stock grooved triggers (I hate them too). This is a very easy and inexpensive fix. Good luck, and I hope you have another try.
I love my Glock 30S. I find that it has more of a push as opposed to a snap in the recoil. I shoot it pretty well for a novice.
Thank You.Which gun have You used the first time?
The Berreta 92FS http://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/2015/01/daniel-zimmerman/gun-review-beretta-92-fs-compact-l/9mm was the first gun I ever fired.
Never could reliably hit the broadside of a barn with a 1911. A friend told me about the g30. Tried one on the local range and after 50 rds only 3 fliers. Bought the g30s, it is my everyday carry now. I have put a large number of rounds through this gun with a variety of brands of ammo without any major issues.
Have one, and a SIG P250 compact in 9mm and .45. The 30S is a bit shorter than the 250’s, weight about the same, carry/carry concealed not much difference although I can tuck the 30S a bit better on super scorcher days, I give it to the 30S, .45 to .45. Both are dead ringers, but if I want to carry a .45 for whatever logic I decide upon, I go to the 30S. Cooler weather, I always go to my SIG P250 (grew up shooting revolvers and love the double action revolver esque trigger) in 9 mm. But if I’m choosing between carrying anything but just my J frame to the Dollar Store, and I want one of my .45’s, this takes it everytime.
I love my Glock 30S, and I’m really not a Glock guy. I recently was shooting my 30S, my Remington 1911 Commander, and my Beretta PX4 .45. My best groups were with the Glock, even though I just get my third finger on the 10 round magazine.
Recoil is more than the others- but not bad- the darn thing just works. No problems ever (I’m probably past 500-1000 rounds now). Good to have an EDC gun that is powerful, accurate and reliable.
Mastro,
I have tinkered with all my Glocks, but I have tried to leave my 30S as stock as possible because I carry it often enough. The one thing that has made a big impact on its felt recoil is adding a heavy tungsten guide rod. I changed the trigger to an OEM G21 smooth faced trigger, slightly undercut the trigger guard, and I added the heavy tungsten guide rod – and that is it for tweaking it. These 3 things have made a world of difference in the 30S shooting enjoyment.
Like you, I have a full sized Government Colt 1911, a Sig P220 Carry with tac-light, and the G30S that all shoot 45 ACP, and I just like shooting the little Glock 30S the best. I don’t shoot the P220 very often (it sits in my nightstand safe) but with all these firearms it is funny how the smallest one has the biggest round capacity.
Stiff magazine springs??? Bought you’self a Maglula Uplula mag loader. Makes loading mags mere child’s play. STIFF springs included.
I have the 30s 45acp and LOVE it. It works for me. However I want to know if there is anything available for this such as the roni or any other type of carbine stock unit for it? I just want to make it more usable in different applications. Also the salesman said i could simply put a 10mm barrel on it for a woods gun but that doesn’t appear to be the case with the S. Anyone have any experience with turning the 30s into a 10mm?
Enjoyed the review, well done. I am an old Marine and grew up on 1911A1’s. Wanting to stay with 45ACP in a smaller, lighter and higher capacity weapon I recently purchased a G30S. I don’t know about other Glocks but this little sledgehammer is near CCW PERFECTION in 45. It shoots softly, experienced NO mag pinch ruining 10’s or 13’s. I carry it in an Alien Gear “Cloak Tuck 3.0 IWB” with 10+1 and a 13 round mag in backup. I carry all day, everyday even at home and hardly realize it’s on my hip at 3:30 position. My 1911’s are pulling full time safe-queen duty now. I love my G30S, she’s sweet and she’s a keeper.
Will a Glock 30 Gen 4 with a 23 lbs. guide rod spring fire a Federal 165 grain bullet in .45 ACP?
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