Rugged and lean, the Glock 30 brings to the table form and function while providing a wonderful daily carry with stopping power and precision. In this article, we'll explore the Glock 30 and compare it with similar models in the Glock line of sub-compacts.
What Is The Glock 30?
Designed in 1988 as a sub-compact version of the Glock 21, with over 1" of overall length reduced and a barrel length over half an inch shorter than the Glock 21, the 30 is a formidable weapon in the sub-compact sphere of the industry. The 4th generation of the 30 has improved on its original design with a reversible magazine well and a new dual recoil spring assembly system. This makes it one soft shooting gun, which not only reduces kick on the shooter and wear and tear of the firearm, but it's limited recoil also allows for better accuracy even with the shorter barrel.
Carrying on in Glock tradition, like its predecessors, the Glock 30 is made from the same high-quality polymer that revolutionized the handgun industry and has solidified the Glock design as one of the most respected and sought after handguns in the world. With endless accessories and modification possibilities, the Glock 30 is a handgun that shooters of all skill levels and experience will appreciate.
Product Specs
By numbers, the Glock 30 is a powerful .45 ACP round with standard clip capacity of 10 + 1 in the chamber with an option to a 13-round upgraded magazine. With a barrel length of 3.8", a height of 4.8", and an overall length of 6.9", the Glock 30 is a perfect sub-compact for those looking for a smaller concealment without compromising power.
For women and men with smaller hands, the reduced height and a width of 1.27" makes this firearm a breeze to handle, and with an unloaded weight of 26 ounces, this Glock is light enough for anyone to carry comfortably. The Glock 30 uses Glock's patented 3 part safe-action system making trigger safety, firing pin safety, and drop safety some of the most effective and reliable safety features on the market.
Pricing
Keeping up with the Glock's reputation for value, the 30 can be found in the $520.00-$600.00 price range new, with used in the $399.00-$499.00 price range. Most all major big box outdoor carriers such as Cabela's and Bass Pro Shops carry this weapon in-store or can have it shipped, and many online outlets specializing in tactical firearms will sell the Glock 30 online and ship to a local authorized gun dealer. Here are a few online retailers that are offering the Glock 30 new and used, many with free shipping.
- https://www.tombstonetactical.com
- https://www.glockstore.com
- https://www.budsgunshop.com
- https://www.sportsmansoutdoorsuperstore.com
How It Compares
We picked a couple of similar products available on the market to see how they compare.
Glock G36
Glock 30 SF
Glock 39
Glock 30
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Ease of Use
With a new dual recoil spring assembly, the 30 is surprisingly comfortable to shoot. Even with its scaled-down frame and shortened height, it is still a reasonably good handling gun even if your hands are on the large side. To make it more comfortable, you may need finger extensions. Also, a reason we gave the Glock 30 a 4 out of 5 is the lack of a night sight, but this is easily remedied with multiple accessorizing options.
Assembly Time
Breakdown of the 30 couldn't be simpler. With only 2 internal parts that come out and a slide assembly that comes easily with a couple of takedown levers on each side, like most Glocks, is a dream to maintain.
Design Quality
Aside from specific preferences by some people, the design of the 30 overall is great. With the ability to add grip extensions, expanded magazines, and a whole host of accessories, the 30 will be the perfect gun out of the box for many and can be made into the perfect gun for most which is why we gave it a 5 out of 5.
Warranty
The 30, like all Glock pistols, comes with a Limited one-year operation warranty which guarantees the gun against defects in materials and workmanship that adversely affect the operation of the gun, but this warranty is only effective if the original purchaser completes and returns a warranty card included with the pistol within 30 days of the purchase day. It should be noted that like all Glock pistols, reloaded or hand loaded ammunition will void the Glock 30 warranty which may be an issue to some consumers.
PROS
CONS
Glock G36
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Ease of Use
The Glock G36 is a great gun for conceal carry and compared to the metrics of the 30; they are very similar with one big difference, the single stack magazine which lends itself to a considerably thinner grip. At 1.10" in thickness, it is almost 15% thinner, and 3.5 ounces lighter than the 30.
Assembly Time
Like the 30, the G36 uses the same disassembly technique, and with minimal effort, can be disassembled and reassembled in under 30 seconds.
Design Quality
The design of the Glock G36, overall, is great. Like the Glock 30, comfort can be improved by accessorizing with grip extensions, but the 6-round magazine may be a problem for some, but for those looking for a more comfortable grip in the sub-compact market, the Glock G36 may be the best pistol in this category. This is why we gave this pistol a 4 out of 5.
Warranty
The Glock G36, like all Glock pistols, comes with a Limited one-year operation warranty which guarantees the gun against defects in materials and workmanship that adversely affect the operation of the gun, but this warranty is only effective if the original purchaser completes and returns a warranty card included with the pistol within 30 days of the purchase day. It should be noted that, like all Glock pistols, reloaded or hand loaded ammunition will void the Glock G36 warranty which may be an issue for some consumers.
PROS
CONS
Glock 30 SF
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Ease of Use
Essentially the same gun in every way as the Glock 30 Gen 4 except for the grip which is smaller and slimmer. This feature makes the Glock 30SF and ideal gun for those shooters with small hands. It will be more difficult to use for those with larger hands, even with grip extensions.
Assembly Time
Like the Glock 30, the 30SF uses the same disassembly technique, and with minimal effort, can be disassembled and reassembled in under 30 seconds.
Design Quality
Built for smaller hands, the Glock 30SF has a slimmer grip that is perfect for women looking for a reliable and powerful pistol. Along with the typical Glock innovations of easy disassembly and a polymer body, the Glock 30SF is an amazing sub-compact in the Glock family of firearms which is why we gave it 5 out of 5.
Warranty
The Glock 30SF, like all Glock pistols, comes with a Limited one-year operation warranty which guarantees the gun against defects in materials and workmanship that adversely affect the operation of the gun, but this warranty is only effective if the original purchaser completes and returns a warranty card included with the pistol within 30 days of the purchase day. It should be noted that, like all Glock pistols, reloaded or hand loaded ammunition will void the Glock 30SF warranty which may be an issue to some consumers.
PROS
CONS
Glock 39
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Ease of Use
Similar to the Glock 30, the size of the Glock 39 is very close to its counterpart, and is a slight bit shorter as well as 2 ounces lighter which makes concealing this gun a little easier. One downside for some shooters, and the primary difference, is that the girth is slightly bigger than the 30, which may make it more difficult for smaller hands.
Assembly Time
Like the 30, the 39 uses the same disassembly technique, and with minimal effort, can be disassembled and reassembled in under 30 seconds.
Design Quality
The design quality of the Glock 39 is typical of Glocks in this category with emphasis resting on individual preference. Hand size will largely be the determining factor in choosing which sub-compact Glock is right for a particular user, but overall, we gave the design quality of this pistol a 5 out of 5.
Warranty
The Glock 39, like all Glock pistols, comes with a Limited one-year operation warranty which guarantees the gun against defects in materials and workmanship that adversely affect the operation of the gun, but this warranty is only effective if the original purchaser completes and returns a warranty card included with the pistol within 30 days of the purchase day. It should be noted that, like all Glock pistols, reloaded or hand loaded ammunition will void the Glock 39 warranty which may be an issue to some consumers.
PROS
CONS
Conclusion
Overall, the 30 was a fantastic performer with a sleek design, lightweight, and very smooth action. Although some of the biggest complaints were underwhelming sights, especially at night, and a pistol grip length that may be too small for some, we give the overall score of the Glock 30 a 4 out of 5. If you are looking for a reliable, accurate, and comfortable pistol in the sub-compact market, you can't go wrong with the 30 and its many customizable features and its long-tested reliability and value.
Obviously, there isn't the perfect gun out there for everybody, but Glock makes a strong statement with its line of sub-compacts providing one of the most comfortable and functional handguns money can buy.
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Last update on 2022-12-30 at 06:47 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API