My friend I graduated with a few years ago asked me which first gun he should buy. He was looking at the 19 (can't go wrong with that) but since he lives in upstate NY (10 round limit) I did suggest for him to check out the 30 because might as well make each of those 10 rounds count. Also, he lives in an area which he can actually get a conceal carry permit so I also suggested the 26.
I'd get the 30. Same capacity but bigger bullets right? Also the mag base adds a little extra space for your little finger. Recoil on a 45 is more of a push backward rather than the muzzle flip of 9mm. Lover barrel for better accuracy too. As long as it doesn't seem too thick for him to conceal. It's really not much thicker though in reality.
Of the two the G26 will probably be a bit less expensive to shoot which might lead to more shooting which, coupled with some decent instruction really seems the best way to improve skills.
For me, I shoot the 26 slightly better than my 30S. The 26 also carries easier, the 30 carries more like the Glock 19 than the 26. Which of course is not saying it is hard to carry, just harder (by a little).
I've owned 9mm,40,and 45 Glocks. I've had two G30 a generation 3 and 4. I live in upstate NY as well. However, I'd probably opt for the G30 even if I lived in a normal State. I've always loved the 45 acp. I don't know why but besides my 1911 the G30 has been the only other handgun I shoot very impressively with as far as accuracy. I really like my gen4 G30. I'd not hesitate to recommend this model to your friend.
Both guns are great, but I believe the G30s longer grip gives it an advantage.
At self defense distance, it really would be a personal preference as to which gun shoots better.
I don’t know anything about the reliability of 10 round magazines in a Glock 19, but, assuming they work the same as normal capacity magazines, I would not discount a Glock 19 just because people who live in other places get to carry more ammo. 9mm self-defense ammo is pretty good these days. For a first gun, I think it is a good pick. I’ve got a 19, 30SF and 26, and they all are fun to shoot, but the 19 is the easiest.
For a person who does not reload, .45 ACP ammo costs a lot more than 9mm factory ammo. For a person who does reload, my 30 will not feed 200 grain lead semi-wadcutters, but my 9mm Glocks feed anything I feed them.
If CCW is a possibility, the 26 is the best pick of all three. But, it’s not really the best pick for a first gun.
Here's where power factor numbers can help you considering both guns weigh virtually the same (less than 2oz diff) and are nearly the same size (G30S grip is a little fatter and has mag extension). It's a close comparison to an all steel 9mm 1911 verses all steel 45acp 1911, really. PF for plain ol' 9mm is around 137. 45acp is around 195. That's a heck of a difference and you will feel it. The G26 will definitely be easier to get an accurate follow up shot/shots.
For a first gun, previous comments about ammo cost and recoil are spot-on. Much as the .45 has some appeal for outdoor use, the nine simply makes a better trainer.
Get the 26.
BTW, for outdoor use, my 9mm Glocks will cycle snakeshot.
What are the rules in NY for pre-ban mags, or mags from free states? I thought the new SAFE act demanded 7 rounds max?
Moon
After 20 years owning the same G26 its well broken in and feels great. But I bought a G30 G3 over the summer. I have to say with some more rounds down range, the G30 has become the leader of the pack. I do love how it shoots.
The Glock 26 is easier to shoot because of the lighter recoil. But I would rather have the Glock 30 because of the larger caliber and Mas Ayoob says the G30 "may be the most accurate pistol that Glock makes." I can live with that.
Have and love both, but for new carriers and shooters it would have to say the 26 first. 1. Cost of ammo which allows for more practice 2. Get used to carrying then after that by all means get the 30.
Or he could say srew you old farts (myself included) and get the 29, which I have been enjoying carrying lately.
I live in upstate NY, my daily cc is a G30 since 2008. I've shot it much more then my G26 (only bought the 26 last month), so it is faster and more accurate for me. Can't go wrong with either. Capacity will be the same 10+1 either way.
Both come with 10 round mags. I assume you're using extended mags in the the 26. OP in question is limited to 10, might as well make them bigger.
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