Glock 30 or 26?

[SOCO]

I think I've decided on getting Glock for CCW. I'm torn between the Glock 30 and the 26. I'd like to carry IWB, at about 4 o'clock. With that said, does anyone have both and prefer one or the other for carry? Obviously, the 26 is smaller and "in theory" easier to conceal. However, is the 30 really THAT much bigger when carrying? Is the smaller size worth the trade off in caliber for a carry pistol?

Glock 30 - It's .45, compact, and holds 10+1.
Glock 26 - It's 9mm, SUB compact, and holds 10+1.

I've handled both, but only fired the 45 a few times. The recoil was noticeable, but nothing I couldn't get used to. Then again, 9mm ammo is cheaper and therefore I could take it to the range more frequently. The Glock 30 fits my hand better, with my pinky dangling under the 26. The Glock 26 is cheaper, leaving more money to go toward my other passion - tattoos! Ha!

I had originally considered the Glock 27 (9+1 .40) as a nice median, but since I already have a 9mm and 45 I want to stick with one of those and consolidate my ammo stock.

 

[GRIZ22]

I have both. The 30 is not that much bigger but being a little thicker might make a difference to you IWB.

 

[Bovice]

for me personally, I wouldn't want to go any smaller than "compact". I like being able to have all my fingers on the grip. Seems like it would be harder to draw with the subcompact. When you buy a pistol designated as "compact", it still fits nicely in hand, and will be something you'd want to shoot with at the range. To use it as a carry gun, you should practice with it. If you hate shooting it because it's too small, then what? For this same reason, I would never use a small "pocket" auto such as the LCP or similar kel-tec. They're too small to get lots of practice with without chewing up your fingers, the caliber is weak, capacity is low. I don't see any positives.

 

[usafric]

I carry a G36, and looked at the G30 today. It wouldn't fit in my holster, which tells me it is bigger than the 36, so I would have a look at the 36 also...

 

[CTGunner]

I have experience carrying both. I started with the 30 and switched to the 26. The 30 is 'thicker' and for me was less manageable than the 26, to carry. Both however are fantastic to shoot.

If you are set on .45 you may want to consider the 36. One downside to the 36 vs. the 30 is capacity. Another downside is that you lose the magazine compatibility of the the 21. I carried the 30 and at night it stood ready with the G21 mag(s) ready to go.

I do not think you will go wrong with either but, if you are like me, you may find the 26 more comfortable to carry.

 

[imager67]

I have both the glock 26 and 30. Also have a keltec p3at gets carried 90% of the time. G30 never. To thick and heavy. Look at the taurus 709 slimline 9mm $379 academy sports. The 709 is cheaper, thinner, and has a safety. It will be a new addition to my setup very soon. Also look at the Kahrs pm9 pm45. They are the right size and caliber. Shot comings are the price and reliability. The keltec 9mm offerings are affordable but my friends that shoot them complain about the recoil. Its all theory until you start strapping stuff on your body everyday and try to live with it.

I wish I could have a 45 built the size of the Kahr, for the price of the keltec, and the reliability of the glock.

 

[SOCO]

I've looked at the Taurus 709 "Slim" and I'm not a fan. Also, I've ruled out the G36 b/c if I wanted a single stack .45 I'd just go with a 1911. I was set on the G30, but now am re-thinking. It'll probably be a toss up in the gun store. Maybe the shop owner can talk me into one or the other.

Love the comments - keep them coming!

 

[carbuncle]

I have extensive shooting time with both, and they are both reliable weapons. The G30's recoil is manageable, and I never found it to be an issue. The 30 is a little chunkier than the 26, but I never had a problem carrying either one and i would trust my life to both.

 

[gb6491]

I have both. The 30 is not that much bigger but being a little thicker might make a difference to you IWB.

+1 on that. I had a 30SF, bought with the thought to replace my G27 (I prefer .45 ACP), and found it a little too thick for me to carry comfortably IWB. The 30SF is a nice shooting pistol and worked fine for me when carried in a belt holster.

Regards.
Greg

 

[MrWesson]

I have a 26 and voted a 30 but only if you plan or are willing to reload your own ammo. For concealed carry I would want the most bang for my buck so to say. I have rented a 30 and its perfectly concealable,a .45 and very accurate. If you don't plan on reloading then going with a 26 with the best defensive round. You can buy 2 to 1 ammo and become twice as proficient with it.

 

[legion3]

Well you can also put on a Glock (or other) + 2 on the G26 and have 12+1

or you can do something with a G26 that a G30 can't do,




Now who has capacity envy? 33+1!

 

[PAPACHUCK]

If I were to choose a new Glock for IWB CCW, it would be the G19, hands down.

 

[denfoote]

I own both the G26 and the G30SF.
My usual carry is the 26.

 

[Kind of Blued]

Just a thought: I also "consolidated my ammo stock" to 9mm and .45. In the last year I've seen at least FIVE boxes of .40 for sale for every box of 9mm and .45 COMBINED. I continued to see boxes of .40 S&W when there was absolutely no 9mm or .45 ACP to be had.

I wish I still had at least one .40.

Anyway, I would go with the G26, unless concealment isn't really an issue whatsoever.

 

[Mastifflover]

I voted for the G26. I've had both and carry the G26. On paper the G30 doesn't seem that much bigger but you really feel it IWB. If grip length doesn't concern you than neither one, go with the G19. A place for your pinky 5 more rounds and as thin as the G26.

 

[BossHogg]

In auto's I'm down to 9mm and .45 . The .45 for ccw I think it's the perfect round for self defence. The 9mm for fun and range use.