Glock 30: The Subcompact 45 ACP

As long time readers know, I like to pack heat... That is, I'm strapped with a gat... In other words, I carry more hardware than Home Depot. Ok, now that all the slang is out of the way, I encourage the carrying of firearms by law abiding citizens. Nothing is more American that a .45 caliber pistol... well, maybe a pickup truck or a wet t-shirt contest.

Enter my Glocks. Yes, yes... I know I said nothing is more American that a .45... well, this gun is made in Austria. That's kind of like America, except for the whole "World War/Jew killing" thing. I mean, the past is the past... right? Besides, next time you see a uniformed police officer, check out what they are carrying. I bet dollars to donuts(whatever that means) that it's a Glock.

Regardless of the country of origin, this gun design has been around for more than 25 years. It's been carried and used by me for more than 8 years. It's stood the test of time, and it's been proven in combat time and time again. Nothing says reliability like a Glock.

I've recently taken to carrying my guns in a more discreet manner, that is concealed. I've always enjoyed the feeling of a big ass .45 on my hip, but when it came time to conceal that bad boy, I faced some issues. Some of the issues were overcome with proper holster/belt combinations (stay tuned for a report on that stuff). I was finally forced into looking at a smaller, lighter, more concealable weapon.

Not wanting to downgrade into a smaller caliber, I was faced with only a few options on pistols. For the sake of uniformity in training, grip, controls. I decided to go with the Glock's subcompact .45 the G-30. I want you to take the term "compact" loosely. This gun is a fair amount smaller than my full size G-21, but it's still larger than offerings from other companies (Kahr, Springfield XD, 1911 variants, etc). Two positive benefits by keeping it in the Glock family, are the interchangeability in accessories. My 13 round G-21 magazines fit into the compact version and my Crossbreed Holster accommodates both guns very well.

I was also a little concerned about accuracy with a smaller gun. You see, I've been shooting my Glock 21 for a while, making upgrades here and there, steadily making progress in accuracy. Usually what you gain in comfort and concealment, you sacrifice accuracy and firepower. While the standard magazine only holds 10 round, the 3 rounds is a worthwhile trade for the difference in size and weight. As far as accuracy goes, I'm more accurate with this smaller, stock gun than I ever was with the larger, upgraded full size pistol. I can't really explain it, but that's just the fact.

All in all, I'm quite pleased with the gun. It's small, comfortable to wear, accurate, and Glock-reliable. What more can I ask for? A small pocket gun, that's what... we'll save that for another post (hint, hint).