Glock 30S

Glock 30S leftEditor’s Rating: 8.0/10

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Summary: Walt Rauch’s review, photos and rating of the Glock 30S pistol, plus user ratings, user comments, specs and a range report. (Click here to see all of Rauch’s handgun reviews.)

Editor’s Review

The author's Glock 30S from the left.
The author’s Glock 30S from the left.

The .45 ACP-chambered Glock 30S (i.e., 30 Slim) is a variation of the Glock 30SF (i.e., 30 Short Frame). The only external difference between the two is the thinner Glock 36 slide replacing the 30SF slide.

Some quick history: The 10-round .45 ACP Glock 30 was introduced in 1997 as the compact version of the 13-round full-sized Glock 21. It has evolved over time to into the 30SF, and now there’s a new variant—the 30S.

The 30 was and still is a squat, bulky, compact handgun whose virtues are first and foremost that it’s a Glock, with all the attendant pluses and minuses of Glocks. The Short Frame designation of the 30SF indicates its grip has been reduced to create a shorter trigger reach to help those with short fingers or small hands grip the pistol and better manipulate its trigger.

The author's Glock 30S from the right.
The author’s Glock 30S from the right.

The why and how of the 30S’ creation begins with the Special Investigations Section (SIS) of the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). The SIS wanted a more concealable version of the 30SF due to the particular nature of its assignment within the LAPD. The SIS is charged with arresting and aiding in the conviction of violent, repeat-offender crime gangs. The SIS most often arrests these offenders during the commission of the actual crime, extensively using well-armed plainclothes officers. These long-term recidivists are also well (and often heavily) armed, and they use these weapons during the offense and in resistance to any arrest.

So, SIS officers do need to be well armed, but remain unnoticed by criminals who are no strangers to surveillance and spotting lawmen. A robust, concealable, large-caliber handgun makes sense. The 30SF is good, and now with the 36 slide, the 30S is ever so much more concealable.
I obtained a 30S, and my review follows.

Comparisons

Note the backstrap reduction between the 30S (rear) and the 30 (front).
Note the backstrap reduction between the 30S (rear) and the 30 (front).

Exactly what all did Glock change to make the 30S? An industry source told me there were about five parts changed, but wouldn’t give me specifics.

I couldn’t make any hands-on comparisons between the 30SF and the 30S because I don’t have a 30SF. I did note the 30S uses the Gen4 dual-captive recoil spring assembly.

I do have a Glock 30 (purchased in 1997) to compare to the 30S. You can easily see the frame shortening on the 30S by comparing the sizes of the opening to the rear of each gun’s magazine wells (see photo). Using a cloth tape measure, I measured the grips of the 30S and an 30 from slightly below their trigger guard on a direct line around their backstraps with these results:

  • Glock 30 grip: 6.125″
  • Glock 30S grip: 6.0″

I also measured the 30 and 30S slide heights, widths and weights with these results:
Slide Height

  • Glock 30: 2.38″
  • Glock 30S: 2.17″

    Note the new dog-leg ejector in the 30S (right) compared to the 30 (left).
    Note the new dog-leg ejector in the 30S (right) compared to the 30 (left).

Slide Width

  • Glock 30: 1.04″
  • Glock 30S: 1.0″

Slide Weight

  • Glock 30: 19.5 oz.
  • Glock 30S: 16 oz.

Their frame weights were identical at 20 oz. I also switched their slides and was able to dry fire both pistols. I passed on live fire, not wanting to damage the guns (as well as myself!). Finally, please note: Glock does not sell slides separately.

More Details

The 30 slide (left) and 30S slide (right).
The 30 slide (left) and 30S slide (right).

Just like the 30SF, the 30S features a picatinny-dimensioned rail on it’s dust cover on which I was able to install an ITI M2X light. Its barrel measures 3.78″ long, and it features an ambidextrous magazine catch. (Instructions on how to reverse the catch are in the owner’s manual.) Three magazines, a magazine loader and a nylon brush and polymer cleaning rod also came in the package.

The 30S magazine holds 10 rounds, with cartridge witness windows numbered 4–10 on its rear face. The magazine includes a smooth-faced and removable base plate, which is enlarged to extend below the grip to serve as a grip extension. The extension allowed me to take a good three-finger grip on the pistol.

Note: A 30S magazine will not lock into frames that lack the 30S catch because the catch has a metal portion that locks into a matching relief area where the magazine’s metal liner is exposed. Earlier magazines lack the cut. The reverse, though, is possible, and you can use non-ambidextrous magazines in the 30S.

The 30S frame continues the Glock tradition of including finger grooves on the front strap that, along with the backstrap, features Glock’s most current molded checkering. The grip’s sides are closely pebbled, and two shallow depressions on either side at the top of the frame serve as finger or thumb rests. There are six grasping grooves at the slide’s rear.

The M30S magazine (foreground) includes an exposed metal notch for retention.
The 30S magazine (foreground) includes an exposed metal notch for retention.

Standard Glock white-dot front and white-outline rear sights came on my 30S. (Glock offers Trijicon night sights as an option.) To adjust for windage, move the rear sight in its transverse notch in the slide.

The 30S trigger arrived with the standard 5.5-lb. connector installed. As usual, however, when I measured the trigger pull using a Chatillon scale, the weight came in higher: 6 lbs., 7 oz.

Range Report

Ted Murphy sends rounds downrange with the 30S.
Ted Murphy sends rounds downrange with the 30S.

I was fortunate to have the aid of my friend Ted Murphy to help with the evaluation and shooting at the range. I brought my original Glock 30 for comparison.

We shot 230-grain JRN CorBon Performance Match and 200-grain JHP Black Hills (remanufactured) ammo, with Murphy suppling some Federal Low-Velocity 165-grain Hydra-Shok ammo.

Both of us found a not-inconsequential difference in felt recoil between the two pistols. My notes from the day: “The 30S … is unpleasant to shoot by comparison to the model 30.” Murphy commented that shooting the 30S felt as if were a pocket gun, while shooting the 30 felt quite similar to shooting his full-sized Glock 21SF. He explained that “pocket pistol” was his short-hand for the felt recoil he experienced with numerous polymer and steel subcompact 9mm pistols.

During this outing, Murphy once again shot the best groups of five shots each at 15 yards: 2.0″, 1.75″ and 1.50″. I started off poorly and never caught up, with my best group measuring just 3.25″ across.

Murphy's target results with the 30S.
Murphy’s target results with the 30S.

I also shot the 30S over a Crony Master chronograph (at 300 feet above sea level with an ambient temperature of 61 degrees F). The five-shot averages:

  • Black Hills 200-grain JHP (remanufactured): 871 fps
  • CorBon 230‑grain Performance Match JRN: 762 fps
  • Federal Personal Defense Low-Recoil 165‑grain Hydra-Shok: 1,031 fps

We agreed the SF grip on the 30S feels much better than the older 30 grip, and that it should offer better concealment. Lacking a proper holster, I did a quick and dirty evaluation by wearing each gun around the house with the gun tucked into my belt. The 30S felt better and more comfortable.

I draped a denim shirt over the setup and didn’t see much, if any, difference in concealment but, given the nature of law enforcement surveillance dress and body locations, any reduction in size is a plus.

Final Thoughts

When considering the new Glock 30S and my original Glock 30, and the purpose for which they were created—i.e., concealed carry—I’d go with the 30S. But I’d make sure I used the softest shooting ammo I could find for any extended practice. If my concealment needs were not so demanding, I’d stick with my original 30.

Bottom line? Both of these Glocks are good for concealed carry and personal defense.

Walt RauchWalt Rauch received a BS degree from Carnegie Tech and completed service as a Special Agent in U.S. Army Intelligence. Rauch was a U.S. Secret Service Special Agent and a Philadelphia, Pa., Warrant Unit Investigator. He now operates a consulting company for defense-weapon and tactical training. Rauch & Company services include expert witness testimony on firearms use and tactics.
Rauch is also a writer and lecturer in the firearms field. He’s published in national and international publications including InterMedia’s Handguns, several Harris Publications specialty magazines, Police and Security News and Cibles (France). He is the author of a book on self-defense, Real-World Survival! What Has Worked For Me, as well as Practically Speaking, a comprehensive guide to IDPA defensive pistol shooting.

The Specs

Caliber Capacity BBL OAL Width Height Weight
.45 ACP 10+1 3.78″ 6.89″ 1.28″ 4.8″ 30.16 oz. loaded

Pricing

MSRP: $636.36

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9 thoughts on “Glock 30S”

  1. I’m not a big fan of larger calibers primarily because of the reduced magazine capacity but I do love Glock. I’ll have to give this one a try next time I hit the range.

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  2. 10+1 in both 30/30s beats any sig 220 with std 8 rd mags.

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  3. Really big Glock fan I often carry a 27 with 23 mag’s But I do love a 1911 so when the 30S came out I got one. Got well over 500 rounds thur it mostly off the shelf stuff. I must not be recoil sensitive it feel just about the same as my Remington R1 and less snappy then a buddy’s Kimber Ultra Crimson Carry II. Got 2 extra 21 mag’s and with the grip extender fit well and function properly. Really hard to find a good holster but I’ll keep looking that the mark down on stars.

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  4. Patrick Curtiss

    I have a new Glock 30S and have shot it a total of 2 times and 250 rounds. I tried some Federal Premium Personal defense 165 grain HYDRO SHOCK and it was not a pleasant experience. The weapon twists to toe left with these high power loads and I found that troubling. When I use regular 230 FMJ the weapon reacts normally. I had planned to carry the G30S with the Federal ammo but not now, it is just to punishing and weird to shoot with high power loads.
    I love the weapon I have 3 Glocks a 30S, 41 and a 42. No finer weapons made but the 30S was made for guys that have a high probability of ending up in a gun fight. I hope they practice with the ammo they carry in it. Any one else have this problem?

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  5. I’m not huge, am 66+ years old and I don’t know why these guys are having such issues with recoil etc. I bought my 30 S last March, have approx. 1,000 rounds fired – and have no problems with strings, follow-ups, whatever. It conceals perfectly in my Blue Ridge kydex holster (appendix carry) and hey, it’s a Glock – it goes “bang” every time I roll that trigger! Accurate? It makes me look waay better than I am.

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  6. I really choose 30S for concealment.

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  7. I decided to up caliber from 9mm and a Walther PPS which is a fine piece of ordinance. I looked and handled a G36 and the G30S. Having owned both before I went for the round count of 10 +1. The G36 is a fine weapon, but this had to serve dual CC and home defense and the G30S was the better choice for me. Holsters are not a problem since the Galco Stinger 226 works perfectly, also an Old Faithful rig for IWB as well. For really deep unnoticeable carry I have a G42 when its impractical to carry bigger, the theorem of the gun you have with you is better than one you left at home. If I like the G43 when I can handle one I may replace the G42, or not. Glocks do not like to be lonely in the gun safe so having more than a couple makes sense.

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  8. i’ll stick with my g3 g30.
    i tried a g3 g27 with 22 mags & might as well have been carrying the 22, with the longer sight radius.
    bigger bullets, bigger holes if needed!

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  9. I bought a G30 not long after they were available. Can’t even estimate the rnds through it. Conceals just fine. Lately I’ve been carrying a G32 in .357 SIG. Nice carry gun, but the G30 is more appealing in many ways. Haven’t looked at the 30S or SF. Probably will stick with the 30.

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