Small Glock Question: 26 v. 27 v. 30 v. 36

[jj1962hemi]

Gang,

I'm thinking about going over "to the Dark Side" and buying a Glock as my 1st polymer pistol. I have rented a 26, 27, and a 36. I was struck by the manageability of the recoil with the 27 and 36 not being too bad. Looking at the stats, a 40S&W seems close to a 45ACP while the 40 typically allows greater capacity.

The 26 was easy to shoot, but only allowed a 2 finger hold. The 27 wasn't too bad, same problem with the hold. I realize I can get the Pearce grip/magazine extension and probably have a better time. The 36 felt great! The 36 pointed better (my test included 50 rounds in each and the 27 was directly tested after the 36) and felt more comfortable. That said, they're range rentals and I've only fired about 250 rounds via Glock ever.

I see the 30 gives me the capacity the 36 doesn't (10 v. 6), but I'm concerned about comfort in my hand. I see that the 30 is only .14" wider than the 36, and both have about 1/2" more of grip than the 26 or 27. It looks also like the 30 has more capacity than the 27, which seems strange. I tend to prefer revolvers and am not sure if the trade off from revolver to semi-auto is worthwhile if the capacity isn't any better.

Any advice?

 

[The_Armed_Therapist]

The 26 is the easiest to shoot/lightest recoil. The 30 is next best for manageability. I'd say the 27 and the 36 are a toss up. I've never actually fired the 36, though. You can get extended mags for any of those, I believe, making them that much better.

I personally don't care for the 36. You would likely choose that for pure concealability, right? My problem there is that Glock simply isn't the best when you count millimeters for ultimate concealability. If that is your goal, go with a Kahr.

However, a 26/27/30 should be concealable enough. I'd say go with one of those. They all offer at least 10 rounds with the option of using the compact/full-sized Glock mags. This brings it down to pure caliber preference. I personally don't use 9mm for self-defense, but it's GREAT for the range. Many complain of the 27's (.40) recoil, but if you're OK with it, then I'd say do the 27 or the 30. Ammo prices are very comparable with those.

For me, the choice between the 27 or 30 would be dictated more by personal pragmatics than thinking one round is superior to the other. I don't own a .45 and would probably just want to stick with the .40, for which I have TONS in stock. Or, for which one could I find the best deal? Although, keep follow-up shots in mind. The 30 should be slightly better for that.

ALSO: The Glock 29 in 10mm is a lot of fun and the same size as the 26, 27, and 30. But there is some concern about lawsuits for using such a powerful round for self-defense.

Good luck!

 

[GLOOB]

40SW is one of my favorite rounds, these days. And yet I'm not thrilled with my G27. I'm a reloader, and I have found my G27 to have a narrow band of operation. It does not reliably handle some full book loads with the stock spring - I get sticky extraction from the barrel unlocking too early. And with a heavier aftermarket spring, it doesn't reliably cycle starting level loads without a perfect two handed grip. I think the slide weight and action design is a bit marginal for the whole gamut of the 40SW round. Sure, it might work 99.5% with most loads, but I still can't believe it to be as reliable as my G19 or my FNX40.

 

[glove]

+1 for the G-26

 

[dprice3844444]

go for the 26.i carry one in my pocket,and 2-3 glock 17 mags in the other pocket

 

[jj1962hemi]

Thanks guys. Do the +1s on the G26 not like the G30 because of size, or the recoil?

I may rule out the G27 if it's so persnickety.

 

[JohnBiltz]

Keep in mind it takes a few rounds to get used to that grip on a G26. Its just a training issue for most people. I have both a G30 and a G26. G26 is my carry because the G30 is a lot to carry. Its also expensive to feed so I only shoot it about once a month. Great gun though. If I had to make a one shot hit its what I would choose, it really is that accurate. But generally anything worth shooting is worth shooting several times quickly and I prefer the G26 for that.

 

[sigma 40ve]

FWIW, I edc a G33, same size as a G26/27. I do have a G26 and a spare factory G27 barrel to drop in my G33 when I want to shoot 40 thru it. I use a Sidearmor IWB kydex holster. To carry inside a pant pocket, the pocket would have to be really big IMO. As far as size goes the G30 is the closer to same size as the G19, not the G26. I know, I have both a 30 and 19.

 

[DesertVet]

Glock 27 carried for past 8 years.
Qualify with it five times per year.
ZERO malfunctions!!!!!
Carry in body armor holster or ankle holster at work.
Carry inside waistband or front pocket otherwise.
Glock 27 makes sense for ME as it is smaller version of issued Glock 22 so...same manual of arms, magazine compatibility, and I can use the same Agency approved/issued ammunition.
I personally would not feel that Glock 26 would be any less of a good choice.
9mm would be less expensive if you are supplying all your own ammo.
What about conversion barrels for multi caliber use??

 

[LiveLife]

I have owned G26, G27 and G30 as far as Glock subcompacts go and kept the G27 .

I installed +1 Pearce mag base extension for 3-finger grip and practice with 9mm loads using Lone Wolf 40-9 conversion barrel (stock G27 mag feeds 9mm rounds fine).

I have shot friend's G36 and found it to shoot comparable to G30, very accurate with manageable recoil.

 

[2ndamd]

+1 on g26.
G30 is too big. Size of a 19 or 23.
g27 ...i have owned two of them. They are hard to hold onto vs the 26.

 

[LiveLife]

g27 ...i have owned two of them. They are hard to hold onto vs the 26.

My defensive shooting instructor used to make our class hold our pistols with just the thumb and the third finger and run match stage setups to make a point (most of the pistols were G22s and 1911s with factory loads ).

Although he made his point and I now know I CAN shoot without the aid of 4th finger and the pinky, I do find it comforting to have 4 finger grip with the +1 Pearce grip extension, not to mention the extra 40S&W round in the magazine.

Hickok45 seems to do just fine holding onto the G27 in these videos (without the +1 grip extension) - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LdqIhmu9Fuk

(Glock 27 with 27/23/22 magazines - my spares are G22 mags) - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A709ZuVqafY&feature=related

 

[scaatylobo]

+ 2 and get the 26

Add a +2 rounder to the bottom of the mag and you will find it easy and fun to shoot.

I have a 27 with the + 2 and its not nearly as much fun as it has a bit more recoil.

And I am of the FIRM belief that only well placed shots count,that being my FIRM belief I am forced to say the .9 MM beats the .40 S&W due to faster recovery shots AND shot placement.

 

[Master Blaster]

I am a traditionalist who really likes S&W revolvers and 1911's. But I also think Glocks are great guns. I have a G26(Bought 1998) and a 30. The 26 is a great carry gun and is ver accurate with good ammo and a bit of practice. The 30 is a good bit bigger but a good concealed gun in a highride holster or even IWB. Very accurate too.

 

[jj1962hemi]

I'm leaning toward the 27 now, partially because I can get a .357 Sig conversion barrel and use the stock magazines, or a 9MM conversion barrel and G26 magazines, and have more flexibility. I gotta say, though, the 36 felt great in my hand, but the capacity makes me think I can stick with a snubbie more easily if I choose to conceal it.

 

[piece of meat]

you will be used to the small grips on the baby glocks quickly. first time i shot the 26 i did horrible...now im used to it and its a very capable and accurate gun and the grip actually feels good to me.

 

[crracer_712]

If I EVER buy a glock, it'll be the G27. I just like the 40 S&W better.

 

[Girodin]

ALSO: The Glock 29 in 10mm is a lot of fun and the same size as the 26, 27, and 30. But there is some concern about lawsuits for using such a powerful round for self-defense.

The 29 is bigger in every dimension than the 26/27. I'd love to see a citation to anything supporting your second statement.

I'd get the 26. I personally believe that the faster follow up shots and higher capacity are preferable to any marginal advantage that the a .40 or .45 might offer in terms of terminal ballistics. Others see things differently though and that is why they make the other models.

 

[RwP]

I have a 27,36 and a 34 in glocks.
As you have said the 27 is very manageable, but I seem to carry the 36 more as to me is easer to conceal and the six shot will be more than a normal situation will require by the stats..
On the 27 I have also had an XD 40 and the glock defiantly seem to be a softer shooter.

With that said I love my 1911’s.

RwP