Small frame Glock advice?

[k6dyc]

Isn't the 36 only an 1/8" or so narrower then the 30?

Robert, you are right, the 36 is only slightly slimmer than the 30, but since you mentioned that you are looking for something less bulky, I can tell you that the 36 is a great carry weapon. My wife has one and I find it comfortable even with my large hands. The only drawback is magazine size, but for the type of use you describe it may be a good choice. Stick with the .45 if you can, there is a reason for its popularity [not wanting to start a discourse on Hatcher scale, stopping power, gelatin tests, the Strasbourg goats, kinetic energy dump (or not), or light and fast vs slow and heavy].

 

[George2615]

Robert,
Also look into a Para Ord P-10.45. I picked one up since its much smaller to carry and conceal than my Colt 1991A1.

 

[cp1969]

[not wanting to start a discourse on Hatcher scale, stopping power, gelatin tests, the Strasbourg goats, kinetic energy dump (or not), or light and fast vs slow and heavy]

None of which matters nearly as much as placement.

 

[joes_427_vette]

I tried the Glocks and I'm just not sold on the composite construction combined with several metal parts. Reminds me of the first AR 15s. We sent them back after several hours of discovering no forward control on the bolt. The mud and dirt rendered them useless. I have carried a Smith 4506 for years and never had a failure. They are a bit heavy but the confidence more than makes up for the few short comings. I guess that is why they manufacture so many varieties.

 

[Robert_in_NY]

My experience with the Glock is that my 21 has been flawless. My friends who work in law enforcement carry Glock's. I figure if they trust their lives with them then they will work for me. As I said in my original message though, I have no bias against any other brand so I am considering everything that has been said on here and hopefully I will find one that suits my needs. Have fun.

 

[Dargo]

Does anyone know if the 30 uses the same mags as the 21?

Yes it does.

I own a few firearms and there are several small frame Glocks that are perfect for carry. As a matter of fact, I own at least one of every firearm mentioned so far in this thread and currently have 11 Glocks as well. The Glock 29 (10mm) and Glock 30 (.45ACP) are the same size. The Glock 27 (.40S&W) is the same smaller size as the Glock 26 (9mm). The latter two only feel right with the pinkey extension on the mags as far as I'm concerned. I prefer the Pierce extensions.

Many like the 1911 style .45's. Although they are okay in my mind (I have over 20 of them), they are not necessarily my favorite carry piece. If I were to carry a 1911 style .45 I'd most likely carry my Kimber Pro CDP II. The entire Kimber CDP (Custom Defense Package) line of pistols are very nice. They are chosen by the Navy SEALS and several Special Ops. I saw a piece where a gun dealer was advertising that they used the Para's, but that is not true. I have 4 Para Ordnance pistols, and like them just fine, (as well as the Wilson line), but prefer the Kimber in the 1911 style even over my numerous Colt brand 1911's. The closest Colt would be the Colt CCO.

Although larger, H&K also has several fine carry pieces as well as Walther; which is now jointly producing some firearms with S&W. I was at first hesitant to accept the "plastic" firearms, but I've long ago been converted as have most every gun manufacturer. They all are now on the polymer band wagon. My first polymer was an old Glock 17 followed by a Glock 21. These were the very first generation Glocks. I've fired literally thousands and thousands of rounds through each and have not had one single (yes, not even one) misfire or jamb. I feel the Glock is among the most reliable pistols made in the world for any price and are extremely accurate right out of the box as well once you get used to their odd trigger.

As far as a laser, the only way to go is with the LaserMax. I have several, mostly in Glocks. They are very accurate and I've never had one break. They are the only laser approved by NATO. The laser not only eliminates having to bring the weapon up to eye level to aim, but also produces a bit of fear itself when someone sees a blinking red dot on them. Personally, I mostly carry my Glock 29 and 27; both with LaserMax systems.

 

[gsganzer]

One last thing, are the laser grips any good? If I get a smaller frame Glock I would like to have a laser sight on it just for ease of use.

A buddy of mine has this style of laser site. They are very nice. Here's two links:
Glock laser sight 1
Glock laser sight 2

 

[cp1969]

(I have over 20 of them)

I cannot help but be reminded of a comment I read in Jeff Cooper's column a long time ago that went like this: Beware the man with one gun. He probably knows how to use it. Jeff Cooper passed away last September--another of the greats gone.

My friends who work in law enforcement carry Glock's. I figure if they trust their lives with them then they will work for me.

Anyone who carries a weapon (or chooses not to) is trusting his life in what he is carrying at the time. But for some law enforcement people, isn't what they carry specified by someone else, i.e., department policy? So in that case, seeing a cop carrying a Glock doesn't always mean he personally endorses that weapon.

That is not meant to run down Glock or any other brand. I've shot Glocks and found them to be very accurate but there was no advantage I could see over a double action revolver, at least not enough to make me want to buy one. That applies to all of these new automatics out there--I can't see how they outclass a 1911 except for magazine capacity and being a reloader I found it to be a nuisance to have to hunt down empty brass so I have been partial to revolvers for a long time.

But I am not, nor do I fancy myself to ever be, a gunfighter so whatever advantage the latest model combat automatic has to offer means little to me. Shooting paper, tin cans, and worn-out washing machines doesn't require the latest caliber, laser sights, ambidextrous safeties and double-row magazine. Those things are for the REAL Navy Seals--they might need them.

 

[RobertN]

I did not think about this yesterday... In the past I have referred people to the local range. Around here, a couple of the ranges rent guns; a great way to try something. They don't have a huge selection of rentals, but it may be worth checking out. Also, even if the range does not rent guns, you may find someone who will let you try thiers.

 

[texbaylea]

We have two Glocks, a Model 19 (9mm) for my wife for her small hands and a Model 20 (10mm) for me. I have large hands with long fingers and found that the 1911 pattern single stacks did not fill my hand enough for me to get a comfortable grip. The broad double stack wide grip of the Model 20 is very comfortable and I find I do not have to grip as hard to control the gun.

Vernon