The first time I picked up a Glock 30 pistol some years ago I noted that it felt like I was holding a potato. The grip filled my hand and seemed fat as compared to other pistols I’d held in my hands. Not bad, just more robust than most. I must have liked that because it was only a couple months later that I bought one.
Full disclosure: most of the pistols I review are new to me and my review is about first impressions. Not so with this one. I owned an original G30 before the 30S was released and in 2014 I sold my G30 in order to get the G30S model. It’s lighter and slimmer than the original model and it’s a gem of a pistol; a .45 caliber thumper in a compact frame that, to me, just feels right. Except for the fact that it’s chambered in .45 ACP, the Glock 30S is perhaps my all-time favorite pistol.
Why Consider the Glock 30S?
The first and last reason to consider a Glock pistol of any variety is the simplicity and reliability. There is no more simple and reliable a pistol on the planet than a Glock. That aside, the G30S is purpose made for concealed carry—it is the compact version of the Glock 21 duty pistol. So you might consider carrying the G30S for its easy concealability (it’s a bit smaller than a G19).
You might consider the G30S for its .45 chambering, as many folks prefer to have fewer large-caliber rounds rather than more smaller-caliber rounds on their hip. If you have larger hands, you might consider the 30S for its robust grip radius. It’s a double-stack .45 so it has a meaty grip that fills the hand. Despite the large chambering, double stack of large rounds in the mag, and meaty grip, the G30S is a relatively lightweight carry pistol at just over 30 ounces, loaded.
Glock 30S Specs:
- Caliber: .45 ACP (auto)
- Length: 6.96”
- Height: 4.8”
- Overall Width: 1.27”
- Slide Width: 1”
- Barrel: 3.77
- Trigger: ~5.5 pounds
- Sights: Polymer “U” dot configuration, rear adjustable
- Weight: 22.95 oz. w/empty magazine
- Slide Finish: Black Melonite
- Capacity: 10+1 (9-round flush magazine is available)
- Price: ~$499 – $550 (often found for more and for less)
Compared to the original G30:
The Glock 30S is a slightly downsized version of the G30. The primary features are the slimmer slide width (1” as opposed to 1.12”) and lower slide-assembly weight (it’s a full 3.5 ounces lighter than the G30 slide assembly) and with the SF frame, the 30S has a slightly shorter trigger reach and overall grip radius as compared to the plain G30.
Shooting the Glock 30S
Comfort & Controllability
The Glock pistol frame is not what most would call comfortable. Rather, it’s serviceable, but it has the saving grace of being very easy to contour with a Dremmel sander for perfect fit and comfort. I believe that every Glock pistol frame needs contouring as well as stippling, so that’s how my 30S is set up. So for me, my Glock 30S fits like a glove.
I expect that some will find the G30S grip to be more comfortable than that of other Glock models, owing to the additional girth. I do and my medium-sized find the girth and trigger reach to be just fine.
The .45 ACP round has a bit of a punch as compared to 9mm and any .45 shot from a compact, polymer frame is going to deliver a bit of pop. That said, the G30S is in no way harsh or uncontrollable. The slightly wider-than-normal grip and the softness of the plastic render the pistol quite tame. I have no trouble whatever shooting an accurate Bill drill as fast as I can pump my finger with this pistol and, provided your grip is proper, this is an easy to control gun. As with comfort concerns, one can contour the frame to allow for better purchase of the support-hand thumb to assist with recoil management.
One thing I’ll point out is that while the 10-round magazines allow for a full grip on the pistol for just about anyone, the 9-round flush magazine leaves a short enough grip that one’s pinky might not have good purchase on the grip. For those with large hands, the pinky might have no purchase at all. The result is not so short as, say, a G26, but the fact that this is a .45 may mean that some folks will desire the full grip provided by the 10-round magazines to help with managing the recoil impulse.
Concealability & Capacity
I’m used to carrying a Glock 19 all day and I find that the G30S conceals even better than the G19. This fact is mostly due to the shorter grip. The slide is about the same width as the G19, but the frame is slightly wider, but only just so and the concealability difference is nonexistent. Overall, this is an easy-to-conceal pistol; and only a tiny bit heavier than a G19. The G30S is actually a bit lighter on your belt if you carry with the flush 9-round magazine.
The typical, extended-looking magazines are 10-rounders, allowing for 11 in your gun. This capacity is not at all bad, especially considering the compact package and length of the grip. No complaints here.
Components and Materials
Well, it’s a Glock. The Glock 30S is built like every other Glock pistol and the frame has Gen 3 styling. The recoil spring is of the captured dual-spring variety. Like most Glock pistols, the G30S comes with polymer sights with the rear U-notch. You’ll likely want to replace these stock sights with some sort of iron sights.
The 30S slide has the bull-nose contouring at the muzzle port, but otherwise is like any other model. The slide-lock lever and takedown tabs are very low-profile, providing the simplest and sleekest external-controls complement in the business.
Customization
Despite its simplicity and reliability, customization is a Glock’s best friend. Virtually every after-market manufacturer on earth makes replacement parts and accessories for Glock pistols and if you are of a mind to replace or augment components you’ll have the widest range of options from which to choose.
Note, however, that unlike some Glock pistols the G30S does not have a reversible magazine release. If you’re a lefty, the G30S requires you use the magazine release as is. That’s no great hurdle, but it is a departure from nearly every other contemporary Glock model.
Some Customization Recommendations:
- Do use a Dremmel tool to contour the bottom/side of the strong-hand side of the trigger guard junction with the frame. It makes a HUGE difference in comfort.
- Do stipple the frame; both the grip and the forward area for your support-hand thumb. There is no pistol in the world (except the Glock RTF texture!) that has a frame texture that allows for enough grip purchase when your hands are wet (from rain, sweat, or blood) and the G30S is no exception. A stippled pistol is highly controllable and comfortable, to a degree not found on any non-stippled pistol. And, no, do not use adhesive grip tape. If you don’t train enough to melt or otherwise scrap it off, the tape’s grippiness is not going to help you much.
- Do replace the plastic sights with iron sights of your preference.
- Do not replace the slide lock with an extended slide lock. It’s a LOCK and not a release. An extended slide lock will get in the way of your manipulation of the pistol making it prone to not lock open on the last round of a magazine.
- Do not put a plug in the bottom of the grip. That opening is there to allow for your thumb’s access to help remove the stuck magazine in the event of a double feed malfunction.
- Do not replace your slide stop with a trapezoidal, extended slide stop. These extend too far out from the frame and are both uncomfortable for your hand when shooting and will destroy your holster…and will catch on things when you are manipulating your pistol. As for easy fieldstripping, you don’t need to do that so quickly that an extension matters.
As for Maintenance:
- Do replace your recoil spring every 5,000-8,000 rounds – and use a factory replacement (only), not an aftermarket model of any kind.
- Do replace your trigger spring and slide-lock spring every 10,000 rounds.
For more maintenance advice, see this article on maintaining your Glock.
Carrying the Glock 30S
I carried the Glock 30S a couple of years ago and it was my daily carry pistol for about a year. I wore the pistol inside the waistband in the 5 o’clock position with a 9-round flush magazine in the gun and 2 10-round mags in an OWB mag pouch on my left side at about 8 o’clock. This rig concealed very well under a simple t-shirt, due in part to the compact nature of the G30S with the flush magazine. Even with the full-size magazine, the G30S has a shorter grip than a G19 (which is my daily carry now) so it is quite concealable no matter your carry location.
Fully loaded, the G30S is less than .4 ounces heavier than a fully-loaded G19, at 30.36 ounces. That’s not terribly light, but for a double-stack .45 pistol, it’s rather remarkable. I find that so long as you have a good carry belt it’s easy to forget you’re wearing it. And that’s not a glib platitude, but a fact based on prolonged experience.
Conclusions
Pros
The Glock 30S is an easily concealable, compact .45 with good capacity vs. size and weight. It is as reliable a pistol as was ever made and it’s easy to customize; with a wide variety of after-market components and holsters available.
Cons
Some with smaller hands may find the grip to be uncomfortably wide. The polymer sights just beg to be replaced with irons. The price may be a bit high for this pistol.
So for rating the Glock 30S…
Shootability (****)
It’s a Glock. It’s easy to operate and easy to shoot.
Ergonomics (***)
The Glock 30S is likely the most comfortable compact pistol Glock makes, but it still requires some slight modification to be a truly comfortable gun.
Accuracy (****)
It is likely more accurate than anyone shooting it. I’m confident with it out to 50 yards.
Reliability (*****)
There is no more reliable a pistol in the world.
Customization (*****)
The Glock 30S is among the most customizable pistols on earth.
In Summary
The Glock 30S is perhaps not for everyone, but everyone should try it. If you like the .45 ACP round and don’t mind its recoil profile, I think the G30S provides the perfect combination of size, weight, capacity, reliability, and concealability.
* * *
Excellent review. I also had a G30 before going to the G30s, and for the same reasons. I also carried the 30s for a time before going to the G19. Improved defensive ammo (Hornady Critical Duty), greater mag capacity, and economics all played into the decision. The G30s remains my backup in a briefcase most days. It’s interesting that Glock developed the 30s at the request of the LAPD’s SIS Unit, to maintain their carriage of the unforgiving .45 ACP round in a more concealable package for plainclothes work. Admittedly, that was also factored into my purchase decision. The G30s is an awesome tool. Thanks for the review.
Good review, totality disagree about the slide lock. The Glock oem extended slide lock is an excellent upgrade. It allows for one hand release with VERY little extension. The chance of accidentally releasing the slide is virtually nonexistent.
Jeffrey,
I think with the slide release he was just referring to the trapezoidal ones such as Sure Touch and Aro-Tech. These while probably very suitable for race and range guns might be a little sensitive for carry, concealed and otherwise. You are right about the Glock factory extended slide stop/release it is quite carry safe and reliable like most things Glock makes. BTW I don’t think Glock even makes an extended slide lock.
Regards,
PJO
Love my Glock 30S.
Carry a 13 rnd mag in car if needed.
I thought about switching to G19 like you guys for the higher capacity but just go to PMR30 since it’s twice the capacity and lighter weight still,.
Surprised how well I shoot my G30S. Its my winter, heavy coat pocket EDC. I do find it a bit thick for summer carry- until I lose some weight.
I have large hands and it feels good in my hands- although I prefer the 10 rounds mags versus 9 for extra purchase. I don’t think the 9 helps concealability much.
Andy didn’t mention that you can put 13 round magazines with a spacer- good for a backup or if you use the 30S for home defense.
Maestro, I agree! I will carry either my 30s or G19 in the winter. I carry my G43 during the warm months because it’s an excellent edc when you wear shorts and t shirts.
Hi guys. I recently bought the Glock 30s and so far I love it. I’m curious what replacement sights you have bought and how do you like them.
Thanks. Ron
I replaced all my Glock sights with truglo tritium pro. The front sight is brighter than the rear ones, so that your eyes don’t get confused. Awesome sights!
I swapped the OEM for trijicon and they are great. I also replaced the cheapo recoil assembly with a stainless steel and it works very well to reduce the recoil. I have shot thousands of rounds without any issues. IMO the 30s is the best pistol Glock has put on the market.
I use Dawson fiber optic Sights. Red front_Green rear. Works for my 60+ year old eyes.
What iwb holster do you use for the 30s?
I’ve always used the Incog Eclipse holster. I’ve never found another model that comes close to the comfort and concealability.
Crossbreed super tuck
I prefer a leather Winthrop holster. Easily concealed and fits like a glove. Good retention with a lightning fast very quiet draw.
I pretty much agree with this review. A couple of days ago, I was at Eagle Sport looking for a 45 acp to add to my arsenal. I already have two Glocks so I wasn’t really looking for another Glock. I tried the Beretta px4 acp 45. I tried the s&w mp shield 45. I tried the Sig p320 acp 45. I even tried a 1911, but I was sold on the Glock 30s. It’s just feels so good in my hands and the trigger pull is so smooth compared to the others. There is very little recoil for a 45 compared to the others. My only drawback is that I am a left handed shooter which is a small adjustment for me to get to the mag release but it’s not a problem for me. It packs a lot of punch. It’s lightweight, it’s very reliable and accurate. And it’s very concealable all which are the most important things to me in a gun.
I own both 30s and a 30 Gen3 with the tenifer finish. I love to carry the 30s but for shooting the 30 is my go to Pistol!
Can you use the Glock 21 mags…………
Yes.
Love my 30s, added. Competion 2 1/2 trigger spring , triglow pro sights & a KKM comption barrel. I use Alien Gear OSW & ISW holsters. Great carry gun.
Thank you everyone for your comments. I carry a G21 during the winter months, but of course it’s impossible during the rest of the year. I’m looking forward to carrying the G30s…..Happy shooting
Carrying a 30S i not impossible during the summer months…if you don’t mind looking like a tourist.
I have carried a Glock 30, full sized Colt 1911 and a Beretta 92F in the summer months… not all at the same time…
You need a good IWB holster, good stiff sturdy belt and a Hawaiian shirt with a Tee-shirt or U-shirt under it for comfort.
I prefer to carry Glocks in the summer months and the Colt in the cooler months.
Actually, I carry mine nearly daily, and in the summer I wear only tanks and shorts thanks to it being ridiculously hot and humid here. I’m not a small fellow at all, short but stocky as hell, and even with my bulk my magazine holder prints far more than my 30s does. My holster is an Alienwear IWB, and the gun quite literally disappears under my tank.
Carried one for years. Had to change as my vision shifted around age 50….cannot get front sight and target in focus, so shifted to a pistol w a red dot…wish Glock would offer this pistol w factory installed red dot. Still have it. Love to shoot it…just do not carry it anymore.
Being a South-Paw..been hard to find a shoulder holster for my 30S..looking for leather rig but not at expensive price..they have for the 30 but the 30 and 30S is two different sized slides and I don’t want a loose gun in a holster it’s not made for..any lefties out their to chime in on a dependable but not cheaply shoulder rig..thing is I wanted a .45 acp Glock but in a sub compact size and at the time I thought I’d have a nice selection of goodies..not.Can’t carry in leggings because just feels uncomfortable.
I use a galco jackass rig and carry 21 mags, balances great.
WOW!!! that’s a lot of mags…LOL
Try a lefty for a glock 19. My 30s fits fine in mine.