If you’re a fan of the old, lumbering cavalry autopistol caliber, it’s still available in newer designs. I imagine some people wondered why gun makers producing a more recent design than the old Browning-designed Army pistol would use a cartridge which has been left in the dust by a snappy Euro-autopistol round – one that “matches it for power” due to new bullet designs.
Do you believe that? It’s a common trope spread by those who are attracted to the lighter-recoiling-yet- snappier elder round.
The 9x19mm NATO is actually older (slightly) than the Browning 45 ACP. As to taking more recent bullet design as equalizing the 9mm to the 45, the reality is that both cartridges are simply centerfire handgun rounds that makes holes in things. The difference in terminal ballistics is insignificant.
So why lug around heavier, slower cartridges? It could be because two rounds – the 38 S&W Special and 45 Auto – were intensively developed for accuracy in the 20th Century when they were the rounds of choice for National Match bullseye; the 45 in service- and mid-range use (with lighter loads) and the 38 for mid-range centerfire competition.
Either is wonderfully accurate, but do we need real precision?
In the street or in your home, the only “backstop” is likely really something you don’t want to be shot. That includes loved ones. Accuracy is really a thing.
And, in any event, the 45 still warms the hearts of many – some old fudds like me and youngsters more recently acquainted with the round.
I found that GLOCK pistols chambered in 45 ACP were simply stupidly accurate – especially when compared to the pre-Gen5 9mm GLOCKs. Earlier versions of the G21 and G30 (including the slim-slide G30S) were profoundly accurate even though they didn’t fit my hands … even shooting “side-saddle.”
Imagine my surprise when the compact large frame GLOCK – the G30 – was rendered in a Generation 5 package.
I asked to try one.
The first thing I did, the week it arrived, was to shoot it on an annual retired law enforcement qualification course. I’d never fired this particular gun before. I just field-stripped it, put some oil in those few right places and went to work.
While the gun didn’t fit me – and the target shows it – I still shot 100% with the new heater using Federal American Eagle SYNTECH 230gr. ammo.
I wasn’t surprised at the outcome.
The Gen5 GLOCK 30 is a ten-shot, 45 ACP compact auto which (in profile) is nearly the same size as the same firm’s favorite service-compact pistol, the GLOCK 19. It’s wider than the 9mm gun, enough that it won’t fit the same holsters – and the mags won’t fit the same (traditional-type) magazine pouches.
Weighing in at just under 27 oz. empty, it has a 3.8” “GLOCK Marksman barrel.” They say that the polygonal rifling is improved as is the barrel crown. My experience is that it didn’t need to be more accurate. The much-hated “finger grooves” on the front strap of the Gen3/Gen4 guns are gone and the currently fashionable front slide serrations are present.
The gun still ships with plastic “ball in the bucket” sights. I didn’t change them. Septuagenarian eyes saw them well enough for shoot “okay” at the qual.
Later, shooting from seated rest, supported at 25 yards, I found that it’s easily a sub-3” gun at 25 yards. With two loads – the Black Hills 230 grain JHP and the Federal Personal Defense 230 grain “Punch” JHP – five shot groups were around four-inches, but I tended to cause that with ill-timed flyers.
What did I say about a sub-par fit to this shooter’s hands?
The best three of five rounds of Black Hills 230 grain ammo sailed in at under 2” with an average muzzle velocity of 812 fps – not bad for a sub-four-inch barrel.
The Federal load put the best three hits into 2 ¾”. That load averaged a spicy (for non-+P ammo) of 851 fps.
Both loads produced pronounced muzzle flip off of the range bag. Shooting standing, unsupported at fifteen yards on an NRA B-8 repair center, the rounds hit under the sights (as they had off of the range bag). The resulting five-round score – with my shooter-induced “sinker” – was 48/50.
I used the DeSantis Thumb Break Scabbard at the retiree qualification. I had a Galco FLETCH High Ride belt holster (another thumb-break strap) and the Galco Quick Slide. The Quick Slide kydex shell over a leather back plate has an open muzzle – to take the longer GLOCK 21 pistol as well as the GLOCK 30. It features quick on-off loops that surround your belt and snap in place – Easy-on, easy-off.
None of these rigs are particularly expensive – and they’re quite serviceable.
The Gen5 GLOCK 30 brings the old thumper auto cartridge into the 21st Century in fine style. If a 45 is what you’re seeking for carry or home defense, this one deserves your attention.
— Rich Grassi