Glock 36: +P Certified?

[RWK]

I am reluctant to use "+P" rounds and, since all my handguns are full-size, I believe adequate velocity is achieved without hot loading.

However, the Glock 36 has a ~3.8 inch barrel -- much of which is employed to accommodate the chambered round -- which suggests an effective barrel length of approximately three inches. To achieve reliable expansion, I have decided to use 200 grain .45 ACP loads, rather than the 230 grain I prefer.

Can I routinely use +p rounds in the Glock 36 without fear of long-term damage?

 

[CZ_]

IMO, +P loads are fine in your Glock 36. Shoot as many as necessary and don't worry about it.

 

[lonegunman]

Man, you dont need no stinking +P if you are using a .45

 

[fed168]

In a package that small, I fear it would make the gun a little more difficult to shoot. The 230 grain rounds I fired were a handful in mine, yet still controllable.

 

[Redlg155]

+P Loads will work with no problem in your G36. Yes, it will have a bit more recoil, but nothing unmanageable or unsafe. I carried Cor Bon 165gr +P's in mine. You will probably notice a bit more residue on the walls of your spent casings and perhaps some dinging of the case mouth. The +P's seem to unlock the slide a bit faster as well as operating the slide faster. With standard 230gr FMJ's I didn't have this problem.

However, the Glock 36 has a ~3.8 inch barrel -- much of which is employed to accommodate the chambered round -- which suggests an effective barrel length of approximately three inches.

I wouldn't worry about barrel length too much. If you use the same method of measuring it would make the full size barrels seem even shorter than their 4.5 to 5inch length. The G36 is less than an inch shorter than the full size G21. The G21 has a 4.6inch barrel while the G36 has a 3.78in barrel. You would lose approx 50fps on average. Another note...the G30 barrel is exactly the same in length and there are many folks who use the standard Federal Hydra Shok 230gr JHP's in them. I personally use Corbons 200gr +P JHP in my G30. I have also heard of favorable reviews for Speer Gold Dot 200gr+P's.

Give a check over at Glock Talk under the Calibers section. There is an excellent thread on chronographed velocities. A lot is for the G30, but the same data should apply due to identical barrel lengths.

Good Shooting
RED