As a professional shooter, I’ve had the unique opportunity to test out two of Glock’s renowned models: the Glock 23 Vs Glock 30.
Both these guns have their fan base, and rightly so. They’re designed for different purposes, yet they overlap in many areas, especially regarding self-defense and concealed carry.
Let’s dive in and closely examine each model, focusing on their specifications, handling, and overall performance. By the end of this comparison, we’ll see which stands out as the winner in the field.
| Feature | Glock 23 | Glock 30 |
| Caliber | .40 S&W | .45 Auto |
| Magazine Capacity | Standard 13 rounds | Standard 10 rounds |
| Barrel Length | 4.02 inches | 3.78 inches |
| Weight (empty magazine) | 23.81 oz | 26.28 oz |
| Trigger Pull | 28 N | 28 N |
| Overall Length | 7.28 inches | 6.97 inches |
| Slide Length | 6.85 inches | 6.77 inches |
| Overall Width | 1.26 inches | 1.38 inches |
| Slide Width | 1.0 inch | 1.12 inches |
| Height (incl. Magazine) | 5.04 inches | 4.80 inches |
Overview of Glock 23
The Glock 23, a more compact sibling of the G22, is designed for concealed carry and everyday use. It’s a favorite among those who need a reliable, compact firearm without sacrificing power.
Specifications
- Caliber: .40 S&W
- Magazine Capacity: Standard 13 rounds
- Barrel Length: 4.02 inches
- Weight without magazine: 21.34 oz
- Weight with empty magazine: 23.81 oz
- Weight with loaded magazine: 31.39 oz
- Trigger Pull: 28 N (approximately 6.29 lbs)
- Overall Length: 7.28 inches
- Slide Length: 6.85 inches
- Overall Width: 1.26 inches
- Slide Width: 1.0 inch
- Height including Magazine: 5.04 inches
Overview of Glock 30
The Glock 30, falling into the subcompact category, is a powerful handgun in the .45 Auto caliber, offering impressive capacity in a small frame.
Specifications
- Caliber: .45 Auto
- Magazine Capacity: Standard 10 rounds (Optional: 9/13/10)
- Barrel Length: 3.78 inches
- Weight without magazine: 23.81 oz
- Weight with empty magazine: 26.28 oz
- Weight with loaded magazine: 33.69 oz
- Trigger Pull: 28 N
- Overall Length: 6.97 inches
- Slide Length: 6.77 inches
- Overall Width: 1.38 inches
- Slide Width: 1.12 inches
- Height including Magazine: 4.80 inches
Features comparison of Glock 23 Vs Glock 30
1. Size and Concealability
Glock 23
The Glock 23 strikes a balance between size and functionality. It’s compact enough for concealed carry but still offers a comfortable grip.
It felt just right in my hands, allowing for a firm hold without feeling too bulky. Its dimensions make it a versatile choice for open and concealed carry, catering to various users. The size also contributes to its balance, making it a steady firearm.
Glock 30
The Glock 30, being smaller, excels in concealability. It fits snugly in most holsters and is less likely to print under clothing. However, its smaller size means a tighter grip, which can be uncomfortable for those with larger hands.
In my experience, the Glock 30 is ideal for those prioritizing discreet carry-over grip comfort. Its compactness is a significant advantage for covert operations or personal defense where discretion is key.
Winner
The winner in this category depends on individual preferences. If concealability is your top priority, the Glock 30 is better. Its compact frame makes it easier to carry discreetly.
However, if you’re looking for a balance between size, comfort, and versatility, the Glock 23 is the way to go. It offers a more comfortable grip without compromising much on concealability. For my purposes, the Glock 23 edges out as the winner due to its better handling and versatility.
2. Recoil and Control
Glock 23
The Glock 23, with its .40 S&W caliber, has a noticeable recoil, but it’s well-managed. The larger frame helps absorb some of the kick, making it easier to control.
During my test, I found that the recoil did not significantly affect my accuracy, and follow-up shots were relatively easy to line up. The grip design and weight distribution contribute to this control, making it a suitable option for those concerned about handling the snappier recoil of a .40 caliber.
Glock 30
The Glock 30’s recoil, influenced by its .45 Auto caliber, is more pronounced compared to the Glock 23. Despite this, the gun’s design compensates well, and the recoil is still manageable.
For a subcompact firearm, it performs admirably in maintaining control during rapid fire. My experience on the range showed that while the recoil is noticeable, it doesn’t overly disrupt aim, and the gun quickly resettles after each shot.
The smaller size, however, might make it a bit harder to grip firmly for those with larger hands, impacting control slightly.
Winner
In terms of recoil and control, the Glock 23 comes out on top. Its larger size helps better recoil management, making it more comfortable for extended use. The .40 S&W is a powerful caliber, but the Glock 23’s design makes it easier to handle.
While the Glock 30 also performs well in this regard, the increased recoil of the .45 Auto in a smaller frame can be more challenging to master.
3. Accuracy and Range Performance
Glock 23
The Glock 23 impresses with its accuracy, especially at mid-range distances. Its 4.02-inch barrel provides a good balance between maneuverability and precision. I found that shots were consistently on target during testing, and the sight alignment felt natural.
The trigger pull is crisp, aiding in accuracy. The gun performs admirably in various shooting scenarios, from self-defense to target practice.
Its versatility in different range conditions is a significant advantage, making it a reliable choice for novice and experienced shooters.
Glock 30
The Glock 30, despite its smaller size, doesn’t compromise much on accuracy. The .45 Auto rounds pack a significant punch, and the gun’s solid build aids in maintaining steady aim. At closer ranges, it performs exceptionally well, with shots landing accurately.
However, the shorter barrel and sight radius become more apparent at longer distances, and maintaining precision can be more challenging.
Winner
When it comes to accuracy and range performance, the Glock 23 is the clear winner. Its longer barrel and better-balanced frame contribute to more consistent accuracy across
4. Magazine Capacity and Reloading Ease
Glock 23
The Glock 23’s standard 13-round magazine capacity is quite generous for its size. I appreciated this extra capacity during testing, especially in scenarios mimicking self-defense situations where more rounds could be crucial.
The slightly larger frame of the Glock 23 also made handling and changing magazines more comfortable, even with gloved hands.
Glock 30
The Glock 30 offers a standard 10-round capacity, which is impressive for a subcompact. The option for extended magazines is a plus, providing versatility for different uses.
However, I found the reloading process slightly more cumbersome due to the smaller frame size. The magazines still ejected cleanly, but inserting a new one required more precision. This might be a challenge for those with larger hands, especially under stress or when wearing gloves.
Winner
In terms of magazine capacity and reloading ease, the Glock 23 stands out. Its higher standard capacity is a significant advantage, providing more rounds before a reload is necessary.
The ease of reloading, thanks to its slightly larger frame, makes it more user-friendly, especially under pressure.
While the Glock 30 does well for its size, the Glock 23’s combination of capacity and ease of handling gives it the edge in this category.
Pros & Cons of Glock 23
Pros
- More comfortable grip for medium to large hands.
- Higher magazine capacity (13 rounds).
- Balanced size for both concealed and open carry.
- Better recoil management with .40 S&W caliber.
- Good accuracy and performance at mid-range distances.
Cons
- The recoil can be sharp, less comfortable for extended range sessions.
- Slightly bulkier than the Glock 30, potentially more challenging for deep concealment.
Pros & Cons of Glock 30
Pros
- Highly concealable due to its compact size.
- Powerful caliber (.45 Auto) in a subcompact frame.
- Manageable recoil for its size and caliber.
- Ideal for close-range defensive scenarios.
Cons
- Smaller grip may be uncomfortable for shooters with larger hands.
Similarities between Glock 23 & Glock 30
- Both are designed for concealed carry and everyday use.
- Similar trigger pull (28 N).
- Safe Action® system for consistent and safe handling.
- Durable and reliable construction typical of Glock handguns.
- Easy to maintain and clean.
- Wide availability of accessories and holsters.
- Suitable for both personal defense and law enforcement use.
Differences between Glock 23 & Glock 30
- Caliber: Glock 23 uses .40 S&W; Glock 30 uses .45 Auto.
- Size: Glock 23 is slightly larger and heavier.
- Magazine Capacity: Glock 23 holds 13 rounds standard; Glock 30 holds 10.
- Grip Size: Glock 23 has a larger grip, more suitable for larger hands.
- Recoil: Glock 23 has a snappier recoil; Glock 30 has a heavier kick.
- Barrel Length: Glock 23 has a 4.02-inch barrel; Glock 30 has a 3.78-inch barrel.
- Slide Width: Glock 23’s slide is narrower.
- Intended Use: Glock 23 is more versatile for different shooting scenarios; Glock 30 focuses more on concealability and close-range defense.
Final Verdict
After thorough testing and comparison, my choice between the Glock 23 and Glock 30 is clear. Both guns have their strengths and cater to different needs, but the Glock 23 emerged as the more versatile and adaptable option for a broader range of shooting scenarios.
Its balance of features ensures that it’s a practical choice and a pleasure to use in various conditions. The winning gun stands out as the best choice for its overall performance and adaptability.
FAQ’s
What is the primary difference in caliber between the Glock 23 and Glock 30?
The Glock 23 uses .40 S&W caliber, while the Glock 30 uses .45 Auto.
Which Glock model is more suitable for concealed carry?
The Glock 30 is more suitable for concealed carry due to its compact size.
How do the magazine capacities of the Glock 23 and Glock 30 compare?
The Glock 23 has a standard magazine capacity of 13 rounds, whereas the Glock 30 holds 10 rounds standard.
Which model is better for users with larger hands?
The Glock 23 is better suited for users with larger hands due to its larger grip size.
Is there a difference in recoil between the two models?
Yes, the Glock 23 has a snappier recoil with .40 S&W, while the Glock 30’s recoil is heavier but manageable due to its .45 Auto caliber.
