G19 or G30 CCW?

[ScottJames]

Basically I'm torn between which one of these I would have as my third carry option (assuming one day I can conceal carry in this state).

I have my G26 and Shield 9mm as the first two.

If we could have standard mags I would no question pick the 19 based on capacity. But since both weapons are limited to 10 rounds (or 9 with the flush fitting G30 mags) which would you choose? 10 rounds of 9mm or 10 of 45?

Btw I own both and shoot both equality well. The 30 is thicker but smaller with the flush fitting mags.

Thanks!

[003]

No question, the Glock 19. While some of the others may be a bit smaller, size is not the only consideration. Which do you shoot better? Unless you for some reason need the smallest gun available, go with the one that will provide the best personal protection.


Before you make the final decision answer the following question.

Why are you going to carry a concealed weapon?

A. To make a fashion statement?
B. Because you can?
C. Because it's cool?
D. For legitimate self defense considerations?

If you answer is anything other than D, it does no matter what you carry. If your answer is D, then carry the one that will work the best for in an actual self defense situation.

For most folks the one that is a bit larger and more comfortable to shoot is the correct choice.

[ElDub1950]

Since you shoot both equally well, it only matter if you want to stock and train with a 2nd caliber .. both range/training rounds and SD rounds.

I can't dispute the wisdom of have a choice when ammo is scarce (I have 9 & 40) but stocking a single caliber has advantages too.

[ls2monaro]

Would you rather get shot by a 9mm or a .45?

That should answer your question. G30 w/10 round mag and 13 round g21 mag as a reload has been my ccw for over 5 years now.

[tal3nt]

The person you may have to end up shooting will most likely also have a gun, and your first shot may very well miss your target. Even if it hits your target, unless it's a brain or heart shot, in which case caliber wouldn't matter, he/she won't drop instantly.The g30 is going to be snappier than the 19 which would translate into slower follow-up shots, even if only by fractions of a second. Doesn't mean much when shooting rathole groups on paper at an indoor range, if that's what you mean by shooting both equally well, but in a defensive situation it means a whole lot. Considering that, I'd choose 9mm

[WETP]

G30 as long as you are willing to constantly spend the money on training ammo.

[glock7]

It all depends on what you are comfortable and what you train with.

[Squidward]

If it were me, Id choose the G19. The ammo is cheaper, yet with today's loads nearly as effective as the .45. The G19 mags also fit in the G26 and many holsters are compatable between the G26 and G19. Although larger than the G30, the G19 (IMO) is easily concealed.

But if you REALLY want to go with a .45, I'd suggest the G36.

[den888]

G19, easier to carry

[Mr357magnum]

My G19 is my most favorite handgun. If I could only have one gun, it would probably be that. I have other handguns too, but I always come back to the 19. I shoot it very accurately, fits perfectly, never fails, just no reason for me to pick another gun.

The 30 is a nice gun, I've shot one a few times, but for any sort of duty/carry setup Id go with the 19

[nikki#2]

I have my G26 and Shield 9mm as the first two.

Two excellent choices! But let's analyze your third choice...

1) What exactly does a G19 buy you over your G26 (specifically for concealed carry)? Same caliber, same capacity, only a larger gun... Isn't that going the wrong direction? When and why would you choose the G19 over the G26?

2) The G30. OK, subcompact like your G26, only a little larger and in .45acp. Hmmm... I suspect you may not completely comfortable with the 9mm's ballistic stats? Do you really foresee circumstances where you would select
the .45 over the 9mm (in basically the same size gun)? If the answer is yes, I might suggest replacing your G26 with the G30.

For your third choice, I would suggest going smaller. There will be times when you are running late or 'just simply in a hurry to get out the door'. In those cases (and yes, they will occur), a gun that you can grab and stuff in your pocket
WILL be the difference between being armed and not... Doesn't do you any good at all if your gun is back at your house.

[Kolo589]

If it were me, Id choose the G19. The ammo is cheaper, yet with today's loads nearly as effective as the .45. The G19 mags also fit in the G26 and many holsters are compatable between the G26 and G19. Although larger than the G30, the G19 (IMO) is easily concealed.

But if you REALLY want to go with a .45, I'd suggest the G36.

I actually went with the G36 for a dedicated CCW gun. All my pistols are .45 and I didn't feel like stocking another caliber of ammo, but the toss up between 30/30sf and 36 was really thinking about how I would possibly ever use it. The 36, for me anyway, is not an offensive fighting gun. It's not the gun I'd grab for home defense. It's not the gun I'd use if I had to carry one for duty somewhere. It's a last resort defense, extract myself from a bad situation, get to a larger weapon should the need arise gun. For those types of situations I didn't see the 6+1 and (a spare mag or two) capacity as too much of a negative and the smaller size is an advantage.

If you can choose what you bring to a gunfight, bring a long gun and a friend with a long gun.

[ElDub1950]

Shoot a target that can be scored under a timer with each of your proposed carry handguns. Pick the one you shoot the best.

Just extending the thought ...

Find a range that allows you to practice 'rapid fire', most don't it seems.

Practice shooting timed follow ups - 4-5 rnds minimum - if you can't do very good follow shots, rethink your gun choices and consider additional training.

The only wrong gun is one you're not effective with.

[phase1]

10 rounds of 9mm or 10 of 45?

Thats a trick question, i pick 15rds of 9mm,

[Oceanbob]

You already have 2 nines. The G 30 is a perfect 3rd choice. Very accurate and fun to shoot as well.