Glock Talk banner

Glock compact 45acp???

14K views 179 replies 93 participants last post by  TNRonin 
#1 ·
Why hasn't Glock produced a compact sized 45acp pistol?
The 30/36 grip isn't really long enough(not enough rounds too) and the barrel is too short IMHO.
A 4inch barrel and a compact size just makes way too much sense to me.
 
#45 ·
The G-30 always seemed to be top heavy to me.
The G-30s was a great combo to me, almost the same size as the 19/23, and with so many different size mags in 45acp,
From 9 rounds to 13 rounds something ought to fit.
I carried a 9 round, and a 13 or two extra.
 
#50 ·
If the 19/23 and others the same size are Compact, and 26/27 are Sub-Compact. The 30/30SF/30s is the same size as the other Compacts, Why would they be a Sub-Compact?
Even the G-36 is just a single stack frame, Compact.
I would rather the frame was a solid, three finger grip, than shorter with the extra large magazine.
I had a G-30s and didn't like the grip on it when I shot it.
I traded it off for something else, because I didn't want to grind off the finger bumps on a new pistol. I may go back to looking for another one used, and file off the bumps, and the side of the frame, so it will fit my G-23 Holsters.
 
#51 ·
Certainly if one has both a G30 and a G19 and handles them side by side it seems evident that they are very close to each other in size. And if one compares the G30 to the G21 at a height of 4.8" versus 5.5" and a 3.8" versus a 4.6" barrel splitting the difference would give a gun that is different in height of .35" or less with the ten round G30 magazine and a difference in barrel length of .4". I have to guess they may not see a good reason for a gun less than a half inch different than something they already make. I am not sure how well Glock knows their market but they do seem to sell about every one they make at full capacity and they do seem to command a fairly strong portion of government contracts. They may think they know their market adequately.
 
#52 ·
Glock does not classify any of its .45ACP or 10mm pistols as compact. You have only:

SUBCOMPACT - 3.78-inch barrel - G29 G29SF G30 G30SF G30S G36
STANDARD - 4.61-inch barrel - G20 G20SF G21 G21SF
COMPETITION - 5.31-inch barrel - G41
LONG SLIDE - 6.02-inch barrel - G40

It would be odd to term the G29 and G30 as COMPACT, when they have barrels that are almost a quarter-inch SHORTER than the 4-inch barrels of the COMPACT G19/23/32/38 models.

Until the G36 and G30S, Glock's .45ACP models had slides that were significantly oversized for the relatively weak .45ACP in all its loadings. That's because the G21 and G30 were just quick and dirty modifications of the G20 and G29, which need the size for 10mm Auto. Only the G36, G30S, and G41 have slides whose weight and size are actually optimized for .45ACP.

Glock attaches their own names to their products. IMO, those names are NOT always the most accurate or pleasing. Trigger with Trigger Bar vs. Trigger Assembly, Firing Pin vs. Striker, Compensated vs. Ported, Extractor Depressor Plunger vs. Extractor Plunger and other terms come to mind. But whatever the Maker calls his Creations is the proper term to use...thus the G30 is definitely SUBCOMPACT, regardless of what I would call it. :)
 
  • Like
Reactions: Dave T and Toby196
#61 · (Edited)
I had a 30s, but I sold it after picking up a cheap 38. I agree with a lot of the other posters here, the 38 is the way to go. For some, including me, the difference in grip size of the 30 and 38 make the 38 easier to shoot accurately. I see a lot a comments about cost of 45 Gap ammo, but I routinely buy mine online for the same cost as 45acp. The 19/23/32/38 frame size hits the sweet spot for me. Ymmv.
 
#63 ·
I see where the OP is coming from, if the 30/30s would have the grip length of the 19 and have a more flush floorplate like the 19 it would be more to the OP's liking
And I totally agree
And when I say grip the same length as the 19, I mean the frame not part of the magazine baseplate

I would buy one today if glock made one
I'm also in agreement with the OP. I've been hoping for such a gun since I bought my first G30 a decade ago.

Somewhat recently, I thought I found a perfect solution when I bought a police trade-in Mid-Size M&P45 (it has a full length grip, 10+1 capacity without the use of mag extensions, and a 4" barrel). But, while I was happy with its size and really liked the ergonomics of its grip, unfortunately the trigger (and trigger reset) was awful, even after I replaced most of the trigger components with Apex parts. So I sold it off and put the money towards a new G30SF which, despite my complaints (and desire to see improvements), is still a great gun.

Anyway, all I want is a .45ACP Glock built to roughly the same general dimensions as a Midsize M&P45 (in other words, a G19/G23 length grip and barrel, but slightly wider/thicker to accommodate a capacity of at least 10 rounds). Is that too much to ask of Glock?
 
#67 ·
I've considered it in the past, but I prefer to stick with a common caliber (one which is cheaply and easily available in virtually every brand and style of cartridge- whether target FMJ's or defensive JHP's), and not lose 2 rounds of capacity.
 
#66 ·
All good Guns and all good points. As a custom 1911 builder told me when the G36 first came out, he said he was fearful of the day when Glock introduced a G36L; an 8 shot, 4-4.25" barreled, single stack 45acp pistol. He pontificated that it would put 80% of the custom 1911 builders out of business.

Oh; and despite my love of the G43 and G19's. I'll buy several of them...
 
#99 ·
This! I've always thought a single stack Glock .45 as described here would be about perfect. To me the Glock .45s are about like holding a 2x4. I had a Glock 36 for a short while. Didn't care for the stubby grip and my finger kept getting pinched between the grip and magazine. Got rid of it pretty quick. The .45 GAPs are a non-starter. If Glock ever makes a G36L I'll buy one.
 
#68 ·
I have Glocks in 9mm and .40, I don't have one in .45 acp or 10mm. While I'd love to have one of each, the 20 and 21 are too big, and I don't want or need a pistol with a 2 finger grip.
When (if) Glock makes a 45acp/10mm with a grip the same length as a 19/23, I'll be in line to buy one of each.
 
#76 ·
I thought about getting the 36. The 30's grip is a bit too fat for me to EDC. I compared the 36 and the Shield 45. The thinner grip of the Shield 45 felt much better to me, and the price was right. So, I went with the Shield 45. At some point I will be getting a Glock in 45 acp. Which model I'm not sure yet. It will be mostly used when I hit the woods. For EDC around town I like that thin Shield 45, and the 7 round mags aren't too bad.
 
#79 ·
MY first point would be to agree with a few posts in that I wish and hope Glock will introduce a G21S. I see no need for the 10mm size and weight slide for the lower pressure 45 ACP and the G30S and G41 handle so much better (for me).

As to the OP's idea, I agree to an extent. Most of what he wants could be accomplished by simply extending the G30S slide and barrel to and even 4". Then extend the grip frame to the same length as the current G30 with the 10 round magazine but in a flat floor plate, like the 9 round version currently offered. For a compact/sub-compact (call it which ever you like) I can't imagine 11 rounds isn't of sufficiency. OH, and get rid of the stupid, only fit some people's hand/fingers, finger groove bumps and make it a flat front strap.

I've come as close as I can with a 4" aftermarket barrel and a G36 slide to give me a Gen 4 G30S. The frame is at a smith's shop right now to have the finger lumps professionally ground flat.

Even with the gun I have, if Glock came out with a 4" G30 variant that had a full finger grip (not using the magazines for part of the grip) I would buy one immediately...along with that G21S I mentioned at the start. (smile)

Dave
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top