|
Forum Rules | Firearms Safety | Firearms Photos | Links | Library | Lost Password | Email Changes |
Register | FAQ | Calendar | Search | Today's Posts | Mark Forums Read |
|
Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
October 10, 2012, 06:09 PM | #1 |
Senior Member
Join Date: August 21, 2012
Location: Pennsylvania
Posts: 202
|
Glock Duty Sidearm - Reasonable Size Limit?
Hey all,
Being part of the wealth of information and opinions that is TFL, I bring before you yet another question : P I hold CCW permits in several states, because at times I work in several states. Recently I've been looking at some armed guard gigs in CT...so I'll be getting my CT Blue Card soon. Here's my problem...I need to choose one of my weapons to take the class with. I guess the Blue Card actually has my pistol's serial # on it, and THAT is the pistol I have to use on duty. I have two pistols I could feasibly use for this...My Sig P228R (9mm), and my Glock 30 (.45 ACP). My Glock is easily my preferred of the two...it's .45 ACP (which I prefer for working the areas I do), it has night sights (Trijicon HiDef). I also have a TLR-1S that I can potentially use for both. Seems obvious...except that the Glock is "technically" a Subcompact. I say "Technically" because side-by-side comparison with my buddy's Glock 23 shows negligible size difference other than width. The barrel is also 0.24" shorter in the 30. I can't really afford a new pistol right now...the course is expensive enough as it is (so getting a Glock 21 is out of the question for now). I've heard some instances of a Glock 30 being used as a duty sidearm...but these seem rare, likely due to the existence of the 21. I believe the most notable instance is that Hickok45 reportedly used one as a reserve deputy (I don't know where) before switching to a weapon more compatible with the guy he was riding with. I guess I'm just looking for opinions. Another factor is I have smaller hands, and the 30 is a perfect fit as opposed to a bigger firearm. |
October 10, 2012, 06:36 PM | #2 |
Senior Member
Join Date: June 15, 2008
Location: Georgia
Posts: 10,792
|
I'd not give a 2nd thought to using the G-30 if I were in your place
|
October 10, 2012, 06:47 PM | #3 |
Member
Join Date: February 14, 2006
Location: Western Wisconsin
Posts: 54
|
I have used a Glock 30 in the past and wouldn't hesitate to use one again if given the opportunity!
__________________
The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing! |
October 10, 2012, 06:53 PM | #4 |
Senior Member
Join Date: June 18, 2008
Location: Pac.N.W.
Posts: 1,804
|
I'd use the Sig myself but if you are going to use the Glock get some g21 mags for it then buy one of these http://www.gunclips.net/gl29maad.html
__________________
Be Smarter Than A Bore-Snake! |
October 10, 2012, 07:34 PM | #5 |
Junior member
Join Date: October 9, 2012
Location: ALEXANDRIA,LA
Posts: 59
|
9mm is easier and cheaper on practice ammo. On the job carry means practice with the gun you carry. So I vote 9mm.
|
October 10, 2012, 07:52 PM | #6 |
Senior Member
Join Date: July 5, 2006
Location: Texas
Posts: 5,721
|
We had one of the guys on our PSD carry a G30 (his CCW) with G21 mags for spares for a couple months till he could save up and buy a fullsize gun more suited to duty work....worked fine while he carried it.
|
October 10, 2012, 08:05 PM | #7 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 13, 2011
Location: Carolina
Posts: 3,415
|
Sounds like the G30 is the right way to go. It's a fantastic firearm and was my go to carry gun for 6 years.
__________________
Mrgunsngear Youtube Channel |
October 10, 2012, 09:08 PM | #8 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: October 12, 2002
Location: The same state as Mordor.
Posts: 5,568
|
Quote:
Dimensions are actually, very close to a G19. I'd use the G30.
__________________
"As was the man of dust, so also are those who are of the dust, and as is the man of heaven, so also are those who are of heaven. Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the man of heaven. " |
|
October 10, 2012, 09:16 PM | #9 |
Senior Member
Join Date: November 30, 2010
Posts: 3,513
|
Personally I would go with the 228 but I wouldn't hesitate to take the Glock 30.
|
October 10, 2012, 09:36 PM | #10 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: January 29, 2011
Location: Texas
Posts: 1,328
|
Quote:
__________________
No brass. No ammo. |
|
October 11, 2012, 03:07 AM | #11 |
Senior Member
Join Date: October 9, 2009
Location: North Alabama
Posts: 8,273
|
228
I'm not sure of the mag capacity of a G30, but "armed guard" sounds alot more serious than personal protection. Like the chance of multiple and well armed attackers could be higher than what one might ponder for personal SD.
For that I'd want the capacity of the P228. |
October 11, 2012, 05:06 AM | #12 |
Senior Member
Join Date: February 21, 2009
Location: North Mississippi
Posts: 854
|
I did armed guard work in TN. Same thing. The gun on your license is what you must carry. Plenty of people used subcompacts and J frames. If you can qualify, it is fine.
|
October 11, 2012, 06:14 AM | #13 |
Senior Member
Join Date: August 21, 2012
Location: Pennsylvania
Posts: 202
|
@ checkmyswag - Put it this way...the PD's in the area just switched to .45's because they felt "undergunned" with 40's. Couple heavily armed gangs nearby... a gang shooting that occured about two months ago occured with a Glock 18, to give you an idea. It's not that I have a ballistic preference for the .45 so much as the general conception (intimidation, if you will). I think the G30 pointed at you looks a little more frightening that the P228, which could potentially be useful working security.
@bamaranger - the G30 has a capacity of 10 .45 ACP, vs the P228's 13 or 9mm. It's a pretty negligible difference (I never liked that small capacity for a 9mm....) and it's still more than a 1911! |
October 11, 2012, 06:38 AM | #14 |
Member
Join Date: August 22, 2012
Location: Indiana
Posts: 23
|
Do what makes you feel comfortable. If you like the feel of the G30 and (more importantly), you can accurately shoot with it...then USE IT!
I owned a Glock 30 for a year and it shot very well. FYI, I traded my used G30SF with night sights for a brand new G27 evenly. You might be able to swing that for a G23 or G19 at a local gun show. It might be worth looking in to. Either way, stay safe and good luck!
__________________
He’s the fellow to please-never mind all the rest, For he’s with you clear to the end. And you’ve passed your most dangerous, difficult test If the man in the glass is your friend. |
October 11, 2012, 09:21 AM | #15 |
Senior Member
Join Date: June 18, 2008
Location: Pac.N.W.
Posts: 1,804
|
Vireye "I think the G30 pointed at you looks a little more frightening that the P228"
"switched to .45's because they felt "undergunned" with 40's" I know if someone is pointing a gun at me that .05" or .1mm difference is what makes me stop and think, glad that's only a 40 or 9mm I should be fine. Silly!
__________________
Be Smarter Than A Bore-Snake! |
October 11, 2012, 09:53 AM | #16 |
Senior Member
Join Date: August 21, 2012
Location: Pennsylvania
Posts: 202
|
There's a reason I put "undergunned" in quotes there
I didn't agree with their assessment, but there it is. As a matter of practice I try to use a weapon of the same caliber as the local PD...heck, one of the towns I work in uses the Glock 21, so I carry the 30 while I'm there so I can even use their mags in a true SHTF scenario. As far as the muzzle diameter, idk if it's just the Glock vs Sig, but it's DAMN noticeable to me. Yeah, I'd be afraid of either, but something about that .45 barrel... |
October 11, 2012, 09:53 AM | #17 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: October 12, 2002
Location: The same state as Mordor.
Posts: 5,568
|
Quote:
__________________
"As was the man of dust, so also are those who are of the dust, and as is the man of heaven, so also are those who are of heaven. Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the man of heaven. " |
|
October 11, 2012, 10:29 AM | #18 |
Senior Member
Join Date: August 21, 2012
Location: Pennsylvania
Posts: 202
|
Yep...switched from Sig Sauer P226 in .40 to S&W M&P .45's...
citing an increase in gang activity with "heavier weaponry" |
October 11, 2012, 10:38 AM | #19 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 6, 2012
Location: Southeast Texas
Posts: 1,670
|
A .45 will not give you any advantage over a .40 when a gang member is spraying an automatic weapon at you (though it wasn't a Glock 18). I would actually prefer a 9mm in that situation so that I would have more ammo at my disposal.
If the department actually felt undergunned with their P226s, then they should be smart and start issuing ARs as patrol rifles. Sent from my HTC One X |
October 11, 2012, 10:45 AM | #20 |
Senior Member
Join Date: August 21, 2012
Location: Pennsylvania
Posts: 202
|
The city is question, since it's readily available via Google, is Bridgeport CT.
PERSONALLY, I had hoped they would go to the Glock. The neighboring cities use Glocks, and Bridgeport's immediate neighbor, Trumbull, issues Glock 21's... Considering how often BPT assists Trumbull, and vice versa, having cross-compatibility would not be a bad thing, IMO. And again, that's why I'm leaning towards my G30...being sandwiched between three cities (more or less) two issue .45's (Glock 21 and M&P45) and one issues .40 (Glock 22's). No one around here, to my knowledge, issues a 9mm anymore...it's all .40 and up, usually Glocks. I know partially basing my decision on what the local PD's carry probably isn't the best route, but that one nightmare scenario is always lingering in the back of my mind. |
October 11, 2012, 04:03 PM | #21 |
Senior Member
Join Date: January 29, 2011
Location: Texas
Posts: 1,328
|
I dont think the size of the hole in the barrel matters at all. I'd be equally concerned if a 125 pound pit bull was attacking me as a 150 pound one. Poor comparison I know.
I think ill stick with my stock answer. Get what you're most comfortable with, shoot the best and will practice the most with. Training over gear and such. |
October 11, 2012, 04:07 PM | #22 |
Senior Member
Join Date: December 4, 2009
Location: Frozen Tundra
Posts: 2,414
|
The Sig may save you some embarassment.... and yes Im teasing..
__________________
Molon Labe |
October 11, 2012, 04:10 PM | #23 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 6, 2012
Location: Southeast Texas
Posts: 1,670
|
Quote:
|
|
October 11, 2012, 04:19 PM | #24 |
Senior Member
Join Date: January 29, 2011
Location: Texas
Posts: 1,328
|
^ha^ glad I didn't go with 175 then!
Trying to put myself in an armed guard mind set vs regular concealed carry mentality...I'd want the most rounds in my gun I could have within reason. If whatever the 45 holds is good enough for you quantity wise and you shoot them equally well and will practice equally...I'd get the 45 (especially since that sounds like what you really want). So take the caliber temporarily out of the equation. Got to stop this post before a 300 pound Rottweiler attacks! |
October 11, 2012, 10:48 PM | #25 |
Senior Member
Join Date: October 9, 2009
Location: North Alabama
Posts: 8,273
|
a comfort
Well, 10+1 of .45acp sounds pretty comforting to me. I thought perchance that your model was the single stack 6+1 gun(?).
I've walked line of duty alongside a 7+1, 8+1 Sig for near twenty years now, so if you can shoot it, why not. BTW, our revolver to auto "transition" pistol was the P228 and I always liked them, but when the chance came to upgrade to .45 acp, I took it. Isn't the P228 12+1?? |
Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
|
|