Glock 27 or 30?

BMiracle

New member
Recently a concealed carrly license found its way into my possession. Now I am in the search for the right pistol. I have narrowed it down to the G27 and G30. I like the size of the 27, but the 30 has one more round of better ammo (in my opinion). Is the difference really that important? I have shot a 27 but not a 30. Does anyone have any experience with the 30?
 
I've fired a 27 a few times and a 30 extensively. I prefer the size of the 27 (I've got a 26) but the 30 is to me more controllable. I think the effectiveness of the two rounds is probably about equal, given the shorter barrel of the .45.

All in all, the 27 is the more efficient weapon but the 30 wins out due to reduced recoil and the visceral thrill of that big bullet.

As for the 30 having one round more, you can get a Pearce grip extension for the 27 that not only increases the grip a bit, enhancing control, but takes the mag to the legal limit of 10 rounds.
 
If the size difference doesn't bother you go with the 30. I know its not much of a size difference, but some want a "really" compact Glock. Either one is a good choice.

Erik
 
To me, the smaller size of the G27 is a plus, because it allows more carrying modes. For instance, I live in a warm climate, where light clothing makes concealment problematic. I'm able to carry the G27 in a pocket holster, which would not be possible with the G30. The result is an increased likelihood that a pistol will be available when needed. So, for me, the choice would be the G27 (or, for that matter, the G26).

But the G30 is easier to shoot and is, after all, a .45. So if clothing and holstering allow (as they generally do not for me), I'd go with the G30.

As far as cartridge capacity is concerned, if I were carrying the G30, I'd use the 9-round rather than the 10-round mag, to reduce the "printing" of the butt. So, in that case, the capacities of the G27 and G30 would be the same. I'm not sure that a difference of a few rounds is as important as overall concealability and carry comfort anyway.

HTH. :)

[This message has been edited by jimmy (edited February 22, 2000).]
 
Hi BMiracle;
I have both of these guns.
Your question has to involve decisions about:
1.) Ease of carry/concealability; the Glock 27 is lighter & smaller than the Glock 30, hence easier to use for CCW.
2.) Power-effectiveness-accuracy; probably the two guns are similar with respect to "power" and "effectiveness" in producing cessation of hostilities, with a slight edge to the G30, though the G30 significantly outshines the G27 in accuracy, probably more a function of the current state of development of the .40S&W cartridge than of barrel manufacture.
3.) How comfortable each gun feels to you, mostly pertaining to grip size (the G30 is fatter than the G27), but also including "felt recoil" (higher with the G27 than the G30).
I'd pick the G30, since accuracy is of greatest importance to me. Best of luck.

------------------
"Potius sero quam nunquam."
 
Another option is the Glock 26. With Cor-Bon or Triton ammo it should be just as effective as the G27 or G30 - or very nearly so. I am a little skeptical about the G30 (although it is lots of fun to shoot) because the .45 ACP cartridge earned its reputation being pushed by guns with longer barrels. I normally carry Cor-Bons in my G26 and when I shoot it it just feels like a .40 S&W. So the choice between G26 and G27 comes down to fast and light vs. heavy and slow.
 
I've got to differ with glockdoc on one small point. My 26, loaded with Triton 115gr, feels nothing like a 27 when I shoot it. It's recoil is a lot milder, although it's bark is rather pronounced.

Outside of that, I think he's got the right idea. A hotloaded 26 is probably one of the most effecient compact weapon around right now.
 
First off, good luck getting the 10th round into a G30 mag, so the capacity is really the same - I find it hard to get the ninth one in, but I've got Wolff +10% springs in, too.

In theory, the G27 allows for more CCW methods, but in practice I have found that they are identical, because to effectively conceal either, you must have either a cover, like a jacket/vest, or a CIPS holster (conceal in plain sight), so you may as well go with the G30, IF you like that caliber better. The .45 has more ammo options, and even has unusual ammo options, such as CCI shotshells and Speer plastic bullets for plinkin around the house - the .40 doesn't. The 30 also has less muzzle flip. One other factor on which I will need outside expert advice on, which I've thought more and more about recently, is the noise factor. Is there any credence to the theory that since the .45acp is a much lower pressure round than the .40, it would result in a lower sound compression level, thus damaging your ears less in the unfortunate event of a self-defense shooting?

[This message has been edited by Futo Inu (edited February 22, 2000).]
 
I have a Glock 27 and a Glock 33. For Concealed carry I think that the 27 is a better choice over the 30. I sometimes even wish that the 27 was smaller. I had to put Pearce grips on my mags though because I couldnt stand my pinky hanging off. So if you are going to carry it ALOT go with the 27 if you don't think you will carry it that much I would say step up to the 30. More firepower. Or go with a real hot load and get the 33 in .357 SIG. WOW!!!!
 
Greetings, As already stated both of these
Glock's make for fine concealed carry weapons. Personally, my choice would
be the G-27 loaded with Cor-Bon 165 grain
JHP at advertised velocities of 1150 fps.
I agree that the G-27 would be more easy
to conceal. I carry one every day, in a
Galco belt slide leather holster. :)

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member
 
It seems to me that the answer might be the G27. When I shot one before the lack of grip and the muzzleflip never bothered me. As far as effectiveness, it seems they are about the same. I guess that overall size was the factor I was missing. I live in Texas so heavy clothing is out of the question. (even in the winter it seems!) Maybe I should focus on the G27 with a G23 hi-cap as a backup mag. My wife (who received a permit as well) has decided hands down on the G26 because it does not recoil as much. Of course to her it is just a "cute" gun.
 
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