I’ve been out in the field, testing two of Glock’s popular models, the Glock 36 Vs Glock 30.
I’ve had the chance to really see what these guns are all about. Let’s dive in and see which one might come out on top for your needs.
| Feature | Glock 36 | Glock 30 |
| Caliber | .45 Auto | .45 Auto |
| Magazine Capacity | 6 rounds | 10 rounds (standard) |
| Barrel Length | 3.78 inches | 3.78 inches |
| Weight (Empty Mag) | 22.40 oz | 26.28 oz |
| Overall Length | 6.97 inches | 6.97 inches |
| Slide Length | 6.77 inches | 6.77 inches |
| Overall Width | 1.18 inches | 1.38 inches |
| Slide Width | 1.0 inch | 1.12 inches |
| Height (Incl. Mag) | 4.72 inches | 4.80 inches |
| Trigger Pull | 28 N | 28 N |
Glock 36
The Glock 36 packs a punch in a compact size. It’s a .45 Auto, single-stack pistol designed for power and convenience.
Specs
- Caliber: .45 Auto
- Magazine Capacity: Standard 6 rounds
- Barrel Length: 3.78 inches
- Weight (Empty Magazine): 22.40 oz
- Trigger Pull: 28 N
- Overall Length: 6.97 inches
- Slide Length: 6.77 inches
- Overall Width: 1.18 inches
- Slide Width: 1.0 inch
- Height (Including Magazine): 4.72 inches
Glock 30
The Glock 30 is a beefier counterpart to the G36, offering a higher capacity in a slightly larger frame.
Specs
- Caliber: .45 Auto
- Magazine Capacity: 10 rounds standard, with 9/13 optional
- Barrel Length: 3.78 inches
- Weight (Empty Magazine): 26.28 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: Glock 36 VS Glock 30
1. Magazine Capacity and Comfort
Glock 36
The Glock 36, with its single-stack design, holds 6 rounds of .45 Auto. It’s slimmer, making it more comfortable for carry and grip.
The G36 felt easier to handle during my testing, especially for those with smaller hands. Its slim frame made it less bulky and more discreet when carrying inside the waistband.
Glock 30
The G30, on the other hand, is a double-stack, offering a standard 10-round capacity. It’s bulkier compared to the G36, but this extra size offers a reassuring heft.
The G30 felt more substantial during field tests, giving a sense of greater firepower due to its higher magazine capacity.
Winner
The G30 takes the lead for magazine capacity, offering more rounds before a reload is necessary. However, when it comes to comfort and ease of carry, the G36 shines, especially for those who prioritize a slimmer, more concealable firearm.
It really boils down to what you value more: capacity or comfort.
2. Recoil Management
Glock 36
The Glock 36’s lightweight design does have a flip side: increased recoil. In my testing, the G36’s recoil was more noticeable compared to its heavier counterparts.
This isn’t necessarily a deal-breaker, but it does require more practice to master, especially for those not used to the punchier recoil of a .45 ACP in a lighter frame.
Glock 30
The G30, with its added weight, manages recoil better. This increased heft helps absorb some of the kick from firing .45 ACP rounds.
In the field, the G30’s recoil felt more manageable, making it easier to maintain accuracy during rapid firing sequences.
Winner
In terms of recoil management, the G30 excels compared to the G36. Its added weight makes a noticeable difference in handling the recoil of .45 ACP rounds.
For those who might find the kick of a .45 ACP challenging, the G30 offers a more controlled shooting experience.
3. Concealability and Carry Comfort
Glock 36
The Glock 36’s slim profile makes it an excellent choice for concealed carry. Its narrower frame and slide mean less bulk between your body and your clothing.
During testing, the G36 was more comfortable to carry for extended periods and less likely to print through clothing.
Glock 30
The Glock 30, while not excessively bulky, is thicker than the G36. This does make it a bit more challenging to conceal, especially for those with smaller frames or when wearing tighter clothing.
In field tests, the G30 was still concealable but required more careful clothing choices to avoid printing.
Winner
When it comes to concealability and carry comfort, the G36 is the clear winner compared to the G30. Its slim design makes it more comfortable to carry, especially inside the waistband, and less likely to print through clothing.
4. Practical Accuracy
Glock 36
With its compact size, the Glock 36 maintains commendable accuracy, sufficient for self-defense and practical shooting. During my tests, I found the G36 to be reliably accurate at typical self-defense ranges.
Its Safe Action® System ensures consistent trigger pull, contributing to its precision.
Glock 30
The Glock 30 also demonstrates impressive accuracy, comparable to the G36. Despite its slightly bulkier frame, during field tests, it did not hinder its accuracy performance.
The consistent trigger pull and the stability provided by its weight contribute to this.
Winner
When it comes to practical accuracy, both the Glock 36 and Glock 30 perform admirably, each excelling in their own right. The G36’s lighter frame does not detract from its accuracy, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize a lighter gun.
Meanwhile, the G30’s slightly heavier frame provides stability that can aid in accuracy. Both are reliable, so the choice comes down to individual preferences in weight and size.
Pros & Cons of Glock 36
Pros
- Lighter weight for ease of handling (22.40 oz with an empty magazine).
- Slimmer profile (1.18 inches wide), enhancing concealability and comfort.
- Sufficiently accurate for self-defense purposes.
- Less bulky for inside the waistband (IWB) carry.
- Easier to handle for individuals with smaller hands.
Cons
- There is more noticeable recoil due to lighter weight.
- Less surface area on the grip for larger hands.
Pros & Cons of Glock 30
Pros
- Higher magazine capacity (standard 10 rounds, with 9/13 optional).
- Better recoil management due to increased weight (26.28 oz with an empty magazine).
- Offers a more substantial feel and grip.
- Compatible with higher capacity magazines for flexibility.
- Sufficient accuracy for self-defense and practical shooting.
Cons
- Heavier, which can be tiring for extended carry.
Similarities between Glock 36 & Glock 30
- Both are chambered in .45 Auto.
- Feature the same barrel length (3.78 inches).
- Utilize Glock’s Safe Action® system.
- Similar overall length (around 6.97 inches).
- Both are designed for self-defense and practical shooting.
- Use double captive recoil springs for consistent performance.
- Share similar height dimensions, affecting concealability.
Differences between Glock 36 & Glock 30
- Glock 36 is lighter (22.40 oz) compared to Glock 30 (26.28 oz).
- Glock 36 has a slimmer profile (1.18 inches wide) than Glock 30 (1.38 inches wide).
- Magazine capacity of Glock 36 (6 rounds) is less than Glock 30 (10 rounds standard).
- Glock 30 offers more magazine interchangeability options.
- Glock 36 is better suited for smaller hands due to its slimmer grip.
- Glock 30 has better recoil management due to its increased weight.
- Glock 36 is more concealable and comfortable for IWB carry.
- Glock 30’s heavier frame may offer more stability during shooting.
Final Verdict
After extensive testing and comparison between the Glock 36 and Glock 30, it’s time for the final verdict. Both guns have their unique strengths, catering to different preferences and needs.
However, in my experience, one model slightly edged out the other in most comparisons. It
proved to be the more versatile and practical choice for a variety of situations, especially considering factors like ease of handling, concealability, and overall user comfort.
FAQ’s
Will a Glock 30S fit in a Glock 36 holster?
No, a Glock 30S will not fit properly in a Glock 36 holster due to differences in slide dimensions and frame size.
How many bullets can a Glock 36 hold?
The Glock 36 can hold six rounds of .45 Auto ammunition.
Is Glock 30 or 36 bigger?
The Glock 30 is bigger than the Glock 36, with a thicker frame and higher magazine capacity.
Can a Glock 36 take an extended magazine?
Yes, the Glock 36 can use an extended magazine with a +1 magazine extension.
Is A Glock 30 accurate?
Yes, the Glock 30 is known for its excellent accuracy, reliability, and ease of use, despite its compact size.
