Glock 26 or Glock 30

[nsheepdog]

Hello, I am close to purchasing my first pistol for concealed carry. I've narrowed my search down to either the Glock 26 (9mm) or the Glock 30 (45). If you could add to my Pros-Cons list or give me general advice, I would appreciate it. Thank you.

Glock 26 Pros:
It could be fun and cheaper to shoot with the ability to use all Glock 9mm mags, including the huge 33 rounders. Very concealable. 13+rounds standard
Glock 26 Cons:
Smaller caliber for self defense

Glock 30 Pros:
10+1 .45 caliber in a very concealable gun
Glock 30 Cons:
Thicker gun. I read the .45 cal's effectiveness is reduced if shot from a 3.78in barrel.

 

[Rayne]

My personal preference is the Glock 26. I don't think the advantages of the 45 caliber for effective in self defense out ways the cost of the gun and ammo.

You need to practice with your gun often and if the cost of ammo keeps you from doing so, then it's definately a con on my list.

I know some people say a 9mm isn't big enough, but if you place your shot properly it only takes one and a 22 can stop a BG just as easy as a 45, so a 9mm should be sufficiant too.

I carry a Glock 26 so I am bias in this poll.

 

[gunman41mag]

Looks like you been doing your homework, go with the one that feels better in your hand, both will do the job, I like the 9MM cause it will recoil less, {so you'll stay on target} options of having 33 round mag is nice{I guess you'll call it GUN on a STICK}

 

[rich8483]

i personally will be purchasing a G30 next but what helped my decision was that i already have what the media would call a "cache" of .45 acp in stock (what some of you might call a weekend range trip amount)and a friend that will make hand loaded match grade for around 18 a box without me buying loading equipment.

without those two tidbits i would probably lean towards a metric gun. for the two reasons of cost and the ability to carry more rounds in the same sized package.

 

[rich8483]

Looks like you been doing your homework, go with the one that feels better in your hand, both will do the job, I like the 9MM cause it will recoil less, {so you'll stay on target} options of having 33 round mag is nice{I guess you'll call it GUN on a STICK}

jeff dunham fan?

 

[Buckaroo]

G26 for cheaper ammo that means you can practice more. Handgun rounds are all pretty weak sauce so more is better than bigger.

9mm will also be easier to shoot due to less recoil which should mean better hits.

Buckaroo

 

[OiRadio47]

26. Smaller, cheaper to shoot, less recoil.

Or consider a 27.

 

[youngda9]

I would get it in .40. if I were to get a Glock compact. Punch and capacity...best of both worlds.

I would also get the M&P compact...much better feeling firearm, just as reliable, and better looking to boot. The trigger can be made into something spectacular with a little work or Apex Tactical parts. 10+1 capacity with flat baseplate or pinky base plate supplied with firearm...can use full size 15 round mags as well if you'd like.

 

[OWGEM]

Not sure where you got the 13+ rounds as standard with the G26. Standard is 10+1. With +2 mag extension it is 13+1. And of course it will use the 15 round G19 mag and the 17 round G17/G34 mag.

As one who uses his G26 as EDC I may be a little biased, however the less expensive ammo and higher capacity compatible magazines sold me.

Whatever you do, consider taking a course in selfdefense. And pratice on a regular basis, it makes a hugh difference.

 

[cosermann]

OP, You do realize that the G30 is virtually the same size as the G19, right? Also, don't forget that the G30 will also accept 13 rnd G21 mags.

If this is going to be mainly a caliber decision on your part, that's the more comparible pair.

Frankly, I prefer the recoil impulse of the G30 over the G26 (or even the G19).

The biggest differences to me, with respect to "carryability" between Glock's 9mm and .45 line are the thickness and loaded up weight of the guns (the .45's being a little thicker and heavier than their 9mm counterparts). I carry either depending on the circumstances.

If you have access to the most modern HP designs, I wouldn't worry about the defensive effectiveness of the 9mm. If you don't (or want to plan for a day when you might not), the .45 makes the larger hole.

With respect to "short barrel" .45 performance (i.e. sub 4"), there are several loads that will give you at least 12" of penetration (and some up to around 14"), out of a 3.8" barrel. Longer aftermarket barrels are also available.

In the end, the difference between having either gun and no gun at all is far greater than having any of these. So, don't sweat it too much. Get what fits you and your needs best.

 

[BlueEagle]

I'd say the G26. Recoil on a G30 is going to be...appreciable, to say the least, and with such a small firearm accuracy is paramount. The G26 will give you that extra added control you might need to hit that critical target. In addition, the cheaper ammo and increased capacity will be nice.

 

[cosermann]

I'd say the G26. Recoil on a G30 is going to be...appreciable, to say the least . . .

Have you ever shot a G30?

 

[Don]

Odd, my g30 and g29 both have less recoil then my g19 even with +p in the pipe of the 30. Perhaps you guys need to take one for a test drive. It is still fun to shoot stuff though.

 

[Mike H]

I like my G30!

 

[BlueEagle]

Odd, my g30 and g29 both have less recoil then my g19 even with +p in the pipe of the 30. Perhaps you guys need to tak one for a test drive. It is still fun to shoot stuff though.

Perhaps my assumption was wrong; I have not shot a G30, I was just speaking from general knowledge; two guns that are the same size, it makes sense that the one in the larger caliber would have a bit more recoil. My apologies if this is not the case.

 

[cosermann]

I understand your assumption. Just looking at guns weights and calibers and stuff one might make that initial assumption. Other things do come into play however (ex. blowback vs Browning delayed blowback).

In the case of the G30, I suspect what softens the felt recoil is the telescoping recoil spring. It seems to be pretty effective at reducing the slide velocity near the end of its travel and thus it doesn't slam back as hard as you might thing. Whatever the reason, or combination thereof, the G30 is softest shooting 45 of it's size that I know of.

 

[Glocker39]

I have been thinking of a sub compact , in a glock carry, but I have not shot one, and I am not going to Dons guns to do so.
I need to go shooting this spring , and hope someone has one, and would be willing to let me shoot it.

 

[WOLFEMAN]

It's 50/50 for me. Got both models and love em' equally for
everyday carry. True the G30 produces more felt recoil but
what compact 45 does'nt. It's not about caliber, it's about
PLACEMENT.

 

[SMiller]

You can hate me for not answering your question but G19 all the way, it holds 16 rounds, fits perfect in the hand, and shoots well, carries just as well.

You will find it is the most popular Glock out there for a reason. I have owed a LOT of weapons, this is the one that worked. Get a Gen 3, they are the best!

 

[Cannon762]

Glock 26 with the Pearce mag extension is the absolute perfect size IMO. The capacity compared to the size makes it my perfect choice.