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Just can't decide between these two

3K views 57 replies 37 participants last post by  Handwrecker 
#1 ·
Hey guys. Another "what should I buy" thread.

I currently own a G23 and G43 and carry them both, mostly the G43. Been saving for a .45. Had the money and spent it on a new muzzle loader. Now saving again. I've wanted the G30S for quite some time and always said it'll be my next pistol for sure. Lately though the .357 SIG had really intrigued me. I've never shot one though. From what I've read, ammo is pricey, it's got quite a bit of recoil, and it's loud as hell. However I've also heard it's got an insane amount of power and is very accurate.

Now I'm debating, do I stick with getting the .45 or go in a different direction and go with the .357 SIG?

I would carry this gun IWB in a rotation with my other two guns. And although I appreciate the advice, I'm not much for doing the whole barrel swap thing with my G23.

I have smaller hands but am not recoil sensitive.

Right now I'm slightly leaning towards the G30S because I have a feeling if I get the .357 SIG I'll keep going on about how I need to get the .45. I can't buy both and I also can't buy a new gun every month with my budget.

And to add, if I go with the .45 it WILL be the G30S.


Can anyone push me in the right direction?

Thanks everyone
 
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#36 ·
You have to figure out what it is you want the round to be able to do! Line up all the pros and cons of both cartridges, and then decide from there: (I think I have these right, im no expert in these cartridges)

45 ACP
More common
Slightly cheaper
Less range
Doesn't shoot as flat
Doesn't penetrate as well
Slightly lower capacity

357sig
Less common
Slightly more expensive
Longer range
Shoots flatter
Penetrates better
Slightly higher capacity

To ME personally, the only thing I worry about between these two, is less capacity with less over-penetration, vs. more capacity with more over-penetration. I wouldn't worry too much about anything else. Because I live in a very rural area, I would choose 357. If I lived in a more densely populated area where I was more worried about over penetration? I would maybe go with the .45.

Nobody can answer this for you :D
 
#39 ·
You have to figure out what it is you want the round to be able to do!
I want it to be able to be accurate, reliable, easy to carry, and fun to shoot. I won't be shooting anywhere past 25 yards, and even 25 is pushing it.

I think even more so based on what help I've received I am leaning towards the .45 Before this thread I had no interest in doing a conversion barrel but it's gotten my interest now, especially if it's only gonna cost me $100 plus ammo.

Although the .357 had more capacity, I don't think the 10+1 is necessarily a low capacity especially considering the round and the smaller package it comes in.
 
#37 · (Edited)
I have held the 30S several times and it fits great in my hand. Never held any of the .357 SIGs but have previously owned a G26 and G27 (G33 frame comparison) and currently own the G23 (G32) and it fits my hand great also.

And yes I am collecting somewhat but also plan on carrying it.

Although I've said I didn't want to do the barrel thing, after I bought a $100 barrel do I have to do any other changes or will my G23 mags work for .357 sig ammo?
Your mags should work with 357 sig ammo. The 357 sig is based on the 40 case and is loaded to the same overall length and your extractor and ejector will both work with either cartridge. The only limitation on the conversion is that Glock does not recommend converting older G23's to 357 and I don't know what the cut-off date is(EDIT: serial CNX### or later) is its easy conversion to the most excellent .357 SIG. except that it might be Gen 2 G23's that are the problem because they don't have the reinforcing pin above the trigger pin. But you would need to find that out before you did the conversion.

I have a G23 that was a police trade-in and came with an old (post '94) "Law Enforcement Only" magazine. And both that magazine and a new G23 mag and another new G22 15 round mag all work with 357 Sig. using PPU 125 grain FMJ and Speer gold dot ammo. The PPU ammo is loaded hot. They claim something like 1540 fps but that's from a long barrel. But it feels hot when you shoot it.

For anyone who's a fan of the 357 Dig, here's a website that I just now found that has 50 round boxes of the Speer gold dots for $20 bucks that might be worth looking into to see how much they charge for shipping.

http://ammunitionstore.com/products/357-sig-ammo-125gr-gdhp-speer-gold-dot-54234-50-round-box.html
 
#38 ·
Gun Firearm Trigger Gun accessory Ammunition
Thanks for all the help guys, some good info here
Well I'll admit that I have (1) 30s, I had three and gave 1 each to each Grand Daughter. They have been able to hit a 4" circle at 25 yards 50% of the time and prefer it to the 26. I'll submit a picture here of the last 30s I have left, by the way I can pocket carry this as I'm 6-4" and 235 and not a slave to fashion. The 30s is a great shooter.
Ps their father is holding them till the girls come of age, they are 12 and 15.
 
#42 ·
I jumped on the .357sig band wagon a couple years back. Expensive to shoot though online pricing has come down quite a bit. For some reason or another I never warmed up to it and ended up selling all but one of my pistol's chambered in .357sig, I am now more of 45acp fan. The 30s is a great choice.
 
#43 · (Edited)
Hey guys. Another "what should I buy" thread.

I currently own a G23 and G43 and carry them both, mostly the G43. Been saving for a .45. Had the money and spent it on a new muzzle loader. Now saving again. I've wanted the G30S for quite some time and always said it'll be my next pistol for sure. Lately though the .357 SIG had really intrigued me. I've never shot one though. From what I've read, ammo is pricey, it's got quite a bit of recoil, and it's loud as hell. However I've also heard it's got an insane amount of power and is very accurate.

Now I'm debating, do I stick with getting the .45 or go in a different direction and go with the .357 SIG?

I would carry this gun IWB in a rotation with my other two guns. And although I appreciate the advice, I'm not much for doing the whole barrel swap thing with my G23.

I have smaller hands but am not recoil sensitive.

Right now I'm slightly leaning towards the G30S because I have a feeling if I get the .357 SIG I'll keep going on about how I need to get the .45. I can't buy both and I also can't buy a new gun every month with my budget.

And to add, if I go with the .45 it WILL be the G30S.


Can anyone push me in the right direction?

Thanks everyone
Hey guys. Another "what should I buy" thread.

I currently own a G23 and G43 and carry them both, mostly the G43. Been saving for a .45. Had the money and spent it on a new muzzle loader. Now saving again. I've wanted the G30S for quite some time and always said it'll be my next pistol for sure. Lately though the .357 SIG had really intrigued me. I've never shot one though. From what I've read, ammo is pricey, it's got quite a bit of recoil, and it's loud as hell. However I've also heard it's got an insane amount of power and is very accurate.

Now I'm debating, do I stick with getting the .45 or go in a different direction and go with the .357 SIG?

I would carry this gun IWB in a rotation with my other two guns. And although I appreciate the advice, I'm not much for doing the whole barrel swap thing with my G23.

I have smaller hands but am not recoil sensitive.

Right now I'm slightly leaning towards the G30S because I have a feeling if I get the .357 SIG I'll keep going on about how I need to get the .45. I can't buy both and I also can't buy a new gun every month with my budget.

And to add, if I go with the .45 it WILL be the G30S.


Can anyone push me in the right direction?

Thanks everyone
I have the 30s and carry IWB, It shoots like a dream and took one magazine to become my favorite Glock. I alternate it with the 43. The gcode Ingog holster makes carrying it easy
 
#46 ·
I too researched the .357 Sig due to interest. I learned the caliber was primarily developed for LE due to penetration capabilities. I have seen penetration demonstrations on You Tube vs. other common calibers. The .357 Sig will penetrate through objects further that 40 S&W and 9mm in these tests. (Iraq888 has a great demonstration involving car doors and another simulating home interior walls). The point I'm driving home here is, this round could be more of a liability as a CCW due to the round's capabilities. My opinion, definitely stick with the .45 ACP as you will all the capabilities of the .45 with no over penetration issues. The .45 in the G30s. Nice.
 
#47 ·


You have a 23, just buy a 357 barrel. It's the same thing. If you are going to buy something new make it something different.
 
#48 ·
I like the 40 round, a little more than the 9mm or 45acp.
I have carried my G-23 more than any other pistol I have.
I don't know much about the 357, I have only shot 6-8 rounds from one, back several years ago. It seems like it was about the same difference from 40 to 357, as the diff between 9 & 40
The only problem with getting a 357, is the ammo costs more, and is harder to find.
I had a G-30s one time, I liked the feel of in my hand, not real happy with the magazine. When I fired it, the trigger guard hurt my social finger. I had a couple of holsters that it would fit in, just a tiny bit wider frame, that stopped it.
 
#49 ·
I appreciate all the advice everyone. I think it's been decided I'll probably go with the .45 and later on buy a barrel for my G23 even though earlier I said I wouldn't do that. For more of a trial anyway. Been wanting this gun for like 2 years then got a big interest in a new muzzleloader and spent about $1k on one where I could darn near have 2 Glocks for what I paid for that. S O B

Oh well, at least it's a heck of a nice muzzy.
 
#50 ·
View attachment 317341

Well I'll admit that I have (1) 30s, I had three and gave 1 each to each Grand Daughter. They have been able to hit a 4" circle at 25 yards 50% of the time and prefer it to the 26. I'll submit a picture here of the last 30s I have left, by the way I can pocket carry this as I'm 6-4" and 235 and not a slave to fashion. The 30s is a great shooter.
Ps their father is holding them till the girls come of age, they are 12 and 15.
Awesome Grandfather right here. They're nicely set up once they're old enough.
 
#53 ·
Hey guys. Another "what should I buy" thread.

I currently own a G23 and G43 and carry them both, mostly the G43. Been saving for a .45. Had the money and spent it on a new muzzle loader. Now saving again. I've wanted the G30S for quite some time and always said it'll be my next pistol for sure. Lately though the .357 SIG had really intrigued me. I've never shot one though. From what I've read, ammo is pricey, it's got quite a bit of recoil, and it's loud as hell. However I've also heard it's got an insane amount of power and is very accurate.

Now I'm debating, do I stick with getting the .45 or go in a different direction and go with the .357 SIG?

I would carry this gun IWB in a rotation with my other two guns. And although I appreciate the advice, I'm not much for doing the whole barrel swap thing with my G23.

I have smaller hands but am not recoil sensitive.

Right now I'm slightly leaning towards the G30S because I have a feeling if I get the .357 SIG I'll keep going on about how I need to get the .45. I can't buy both and I also can't buy a new gun every month with my budget.

And to add, if I go with the .45 it WILL be the G30S.


Can anyone push me in the right direction?

Thanks everyone
The 30 S, is the same frame as the 30,_except it is slightly thinner, I've owned the 30, 30s and also the 30sf, plus 3- 21s, all in .45acp. I personally recommend goi g to the 30, although they all will fit the same leather holster, there is a problem with them fitting the same composition holster, unless it is for the 30, the others have slow slimmer slides.
Plus the 30 types, although 10 rd mags, will accept the 13 rd mags if the model 21.
 
#55 · (Edited)
I have held the 30S several times and it fits great in my hand. Never held any of the .357 SIGs but have previously owned a G26 and G27 (G33 frame comparison) and currently own the G23 (G32) and it fits my hand great also.

And yes I am collecting somewhat but also plan on carrying it.

Although I've said I didn't want to do the barrel thing, after I bought a $100 barrel do I have to do any other changes or will my G23 mags work for .357 sig ammo?
1st to answer the magazine question, no issue using the 23 mags work.
I have both a G30SF and a G33. Both are 3rd gen. You can not tell the difference side by side or grip feel. I like the performance of the 357sig. I loved my 357 mag for many years! I use the magazines from a G22 in the 33 often. The G30SF in .45cal is comforting to carry since everyone has .45 ammo! My 1st Glock was a G31 gen 4. Grip wise and the fact I can operate the magazine release with my trigger finger easier than with thumb make it my favorite Glock so far! Hoping to find G30SF or G33 in gen 4 and trade the gen 3s some day soon!
 
#58 ·
I have Glocks in both .45 ACP and 357 SIG. A .45 1911 was my first centerfire pistol and what I learned to shoot. Despite that, I've come to prefer the 357 SIG and my .45s have been collecting more dust.

Great ballistics, decent capacity, burns much cleaner than any .45 load I've found (commercial or handload). However, if you're not a handloader/reloader then you probably won't enjoy 357 SIG nearly as much. Cut the cost from an avg of $0.40/rd for factory FMJ to $0.14/rd for FMJ.
 
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