I had an opportunity to shoot the new GLOCK 30S today. The subcompact .45 was designed as a backup gun for LEOs carrying G21 and G21SF sidearms. The idea is that it chambers the same round and can use the longer spare magazines if needed. The G30S uses a 10 round dual stack magazine so you can also run one in the chamber for a total of 11 rounds. Once again, the plus side is that it will accept the G21’s 13 round magazines. It incorporates the SF body of the G30 along with a slim slide of the G36. As you know, the G36 uses a special single stack magazine so it isn’t compatible with its bigger brothers.
However, the G30S remains a stubby, fat dual stack pistol. Even the SF variants of GLOCK pistols aren’t exactly thin. It’s great for what use as a backup but I don’t look at it as a primary weapon due to its size. For example, in spite of its subcompact size, GLOCK has adopted a familiar work around. In order to accommodate all three fingers on the pistol grip G30S magazines feature an extension. Then, you’ve got the shorter barrel and associated sight radius. It’s a niche weapon for a niche application and I’m glad they made it for those needing a primary sidearm compatible backup piece. It’s really designed to be paired with a G21(SF). It’s just not something I would expect everyone to go out and purchase for EDC.
How many people on here trust the latest version of the Gen 4 Glock? Is it finally up to speed with the Gen 3 in reliability?
I haven’t had a problem with my G26 or G27 or my girlfriends G26, all 3 are Gen4’s. As far as I know, the only Gen4 problems were with the G17 or G19 and it had to do with the recoil spring assembly being a little too stout for the 9mm. As far as I know, all that has been addressed and should no longer be an issue. As a matter of fact, the only hangup that I’ve had out of any GLOCK was with my G30SF (which is a Gen3), I had a failure to feed with range ammo the day that I bought it, but no issues in the 1500 or so rounds since then.
the G30S… this is a G30SF with a G36 slide. So close to what I want!! Now, if only I can convince them to create the “G30S XT”… as above but with a G23 length grip with a G27 style bottom. The gun would be no taller than it is now, it would create a better grip and get rid of the gawdawful mag lump.
I normally carry my G26 or G27, but when I do carry my G30SF, it is with a 9 round flush fitting magazine. I don’t really need my pinky finger on the grip. If you are accustomed to a full grip, it may feel odd at first, but it doesn’t take long at all to get used to it. On the other hand, my girlfriend struggles to control the recoil of her G26 without the +2 extension on as she needs somewhere to put her pinky. Everyone is different, but it is at least worth a try, considering the G30 is a pretty chunky pistol, so I want to shave as much off as I can where I can.