First Glock & First .45: 30 or 36?

[Corbin Dallas]

I will be purchasing my first .45 caliber handgun this week, and have decided that I also want my first Glock. Not too interested in the full size 21, so I'm leaning strongly toward getting the 30. I like the capacity it offers and the option of using the Glock 21 mags when I'm in a free state. The 30 seems very versatile as bedside or car gun. However, the reviews I've read say it is fairly chunky, and doesn't make the best CCW piece. I'm heading down to Arizona this summer to give them some well deserved vacation money, and want a good CCW, which leads me to the Glock 36, which is thinner than the 30 but has less capacity. Apparently the recoil on the 36 is pretty strong, as well. Also heard of some reliability issues with the 36. But, man, is it ever small! So my question for the good people of Calguns, what are your thoughts on the 30 vs 36 debate? Have you CCW'd either of them, particularly IWB, which is how I plan to carry in Arizona. Which would you recommend?
Cheers!

Mmmmm... Summer carry in AZ...

I'll spare you all the details and give you the raw data of my carry experience in AZ in the summer.

My rigs:

Milt Sparks VM2 for G19/23/32/36
Milt Sparks VM2 for Dan Wesson Commander Bobtail

-----

1 - Glock 26/27 with OEM pinky extensions

Pro - 26/27 VERY concealable even with extensions wearing shorts & a t-shirt
Pro - HIGH round count. 26 = 13 / 27 = 12 + one mag (12/11) = (25/23)

Con - Semi heavy weight due to amount of ammo (unless you use Blazer Aluminum)

-----

2 - Glock 23

Pro - Concealable (little less than G26/27)
Pro - High round count 14 + 1 mag = 27 rounds

Con - Semi heavy (again, Blazer aluminum helps)

-----

3 - Glock 36

Pro - VERY concealable (slightly more than G26/27 above)
Pro - Light weight (even more with Blazer aluminum)

Con - LOW round count 7 + 1 mag = 13 rounds

-----

4 - Dan Wesson Commander Bobtail

Pro - VERY concealable (about the same as G36, maybe a little better)
Pro - Decent round count 9 + 1 mag = 17 rounds

Con - VERY HEAVY



Now with that said, I'm not a big boy. I'm 6' and about 205. All these conceal pretty good for me even with a t-shirt but be aware, any movement forward and you'll probably show or print your weapon.

CCW in the summer is NOT fun. The reason I have the Milt Sparks VM2 is because the holster is extremely comfortable, does not chafe your skin and holds the weapon tight against your body and deep in the waistband.

I have worn my G27 for nearly 14 hours one day all while driving, shopping, eating, walking and playing with the kids. Not once did my weapon fall out or become uncomfortable to wear.


When chosing a firearm for CCW, there are a few considerations you want to make before committing to it.

1 - What is your body type? Larger people can conceal larger weapons better. Slimmer/Smaller people need to consider the thickness of the firearm as it may print easier.

2 - Holster type. I prefer leather over kydex as it seems to work better for me. Also, I recommend a 2 point attachment on your belt over a single point. I found the single points to move around too much and I ended up adjusting the holster constantly. (BTW, nothing draws attention more than you fussing around with a hidden holster on your side)

3 - Round count! MOST altercations result in 0 shots fired. Just the presentation of the firearm is usually enough to thwart the attacker from continuing. However, if shots are fired, studies show most self defense shootings result in 2-3 shots are fired on average (Tom Givens). Massad Ayoob stated that NYPD officers on average fired 5 shots from a revolver and 9 shots from a semi-auto. This should give you a good perspective on what you need in a gunfight.

4 - Round size. I know there are a LOT of people who believe "Bigger is Better". If this were true, then everyone would be carrying around a S&W 500 or a Desert Eagle 50AE right? So why not? Well, you also have to consider round count, recoil and concealability. Can you CCW a S&W500? Probably, but it would be heavy and only holds 6 rounds. A DE 50AE? Maybe not... In modern times, the 40S&W and 45ACP will do the job very effectively as long as you get your shots on target.

5 - Weight! For me this is a huge consideration. I don't want my belt weighted down by 5lbs of gun & ammo. This is why you will find me carrying my G27 or G32 topped off with an extra magazine on my belt. I'm sure I will never need to use it, but if I do I want to make sure I have enough. (There are times I have also carried my G32 357SIG. Same round count as the G23 but better ballistics IMHO and lighter in weight. Also more costly for rounds)



Last thought - As a CCW holder there are a couple of things you should also consider.

1 - How accurate are you with your firearm. Remember rule #4, know your background. You own each and every shot fired. If you miss, you will be taking responsibility for where it goes. Whatever you decide to carry, practice practice practice. I also suggest joining a club like IDPA or IPSC so you can get practice while drawing and moving. The square range is fine for punching holes but when it comes down to it, can you make it happen?

2 - Mindset. Will you be able to pull the trigger if need be? Cardboard doesn't fight back so it's easy to shoot at stationary targets. People are unpredictable and as such you need a plan and a backup plan. What will you do if you're alone, with family, at night, etc...

3 - Training and more training. Remember, when the buzzer goes off (Fight/Flight) the brain goes to - ZERO - . You are only as good as the lowest amount of training you have gone through. In a SD shooting, accuracy and speed will save your life. Yes, #1 is accuracy, #2 is speed. As I said before, ANYONE can miss fast, not EVERYONE can be Accurate AND Fast.



If you're a big boy, go for the G21 or G30. If you're trim and slim, you may want to consider the G36 with +1's and carry 2 extra mags.