Glock 19 vs. 30sf vs. 20sf...

ACStudios

ACStudios

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Apr 9, 2001
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Hi,

I'm trying NOT to post more puppy photos... so instead I'm trying to sort out my next handgun purchase and would like any opinions to help put the pieces together...

I'm more or less set on the Glock lineup, and due to my girly hands, need to get the short frame model of the big bore versions.

The three I've picked out all have great things about them, with the 30sf and 19 being more in line with the CCW function. The 20sf gives me the excellent 10mm cartridge to use, but will be more for open carry, SHTF/HD role.

My background gives me a ton of experience with both the .45ACP and 9mm rounds, both in every day carry and competition and I've shot both in Glocks before (owned the first generation of the 17 for a while too).

The money is pretty tight, and I'm sold on the reliability of the Glock. I was a bit concerned about the 10mm in the glock platform, but I've read a TON of good things about it. Seems it is the only auto that didn't get beat to death by the round over the long term. I also considered the 21sf (and still might go that way), but like the better concealability of the 30sf. And the 19 is just a straight out excellent performer... :D.

So what is your opinion?

Thanks all!
 
I shoot the 30SF better than a 1911. :D It's that flex-frame thing, I guess. Soft-shooting .45; and with G21 mags, decent round count as well as concealable with the 30SF mags.

Very very happy with it. :thumbup:


Mike
 
I know that the barrel alignment is lower into the hand on the Glock, which does aide in the lowering of felt recoil. Most of the reviews I read on the 10mm, which you think would be hotter than heck to shoot, said the recoil wasn't bad at all. The regular 21 I shot before was easier than a 1911 too. Good to know the smaller 30sf is the same.

Thanks for the input Ad... :).
 
Skip the 20. You said funds are tight and the ammo costs for 10mm will eat you alive. I've owned pretty much every flavor of Glock and 1911 at some point or other and have sold off most of them except for the 9's and .45's. The first thing to realize is that all handgun rounds SUCK. (Setting aside the big .454 and .500 and their ilk) So the whole 9mm vs .40 vs 10mm vs .45 argument is academic. With modern HP rounds they all work about the same. I kept my 9's because they're cheap and easy to shoot. I kept my .45's because I have about 20 gallons of brass, and can reload each case over 10 times. I'll likely not run out any time soon. :D And I like .45. So, in your case, I would take either the 19 or 30, whichever makes you smile more. My current shopping list consists of a 17RTF, a 26, and a 30. In that order FWIW.
 
I think it pretty much comes down to what you want the handgun for. If you want good carry pieces for concealed self defense, the 19 or 30 are great choices. If you want something for the trail, the 30 or the 20 get the nod, with a preference for the 30.

I have the non-SF versions of all three handguns, and they are all highly reliable. Do you want a gun for concealed carry, or a big blaster? If money is that tight, it seems to me the 19 is the obvious choice, as it can be a good trail gun as well as a good city gun.

Andy
 
G30 or G36 mainly because I reload & love to shoot the .45. I don't have a G19 because the wife insist that any hand gun I have must have a manual safety (that isn't on the trigger). 9 vs 45 debate is pointless with modern defensive loads and comes down to which one you shoot better. For me that's the .45 more because I am approaching 20000 rounds through my .45 than any other reason. But I will say the same thing that has been echoed for over 10 years. If Glock ever comes out with a mid-sized frame 10mm my Mk3 Hi-power will find a new home to fund mine!
 
if funds are tight I'd go with the 19. 9mm=cheaper per round= more rounds of practice= more real world effectiveness.

Plus, the military still uses it. Good consideration for potential shtf.

Good thing? NONE would be a BAD choice!!

take care,

Tom
 
I'm not a real big fan of the 9mm, but the Glock 19 has to be the single best gun out there for concealed carry, IMO.

Just for info: I carry a full size (not SF) Glock 21. The Glock 30 just doesn't feel right even in my hands.

The Glock 20 is a great gun if you can afford the ammo, and if you're a big guy like me, you can conceal it well. You said it's more for open carry, where it would also work.

But with money being tight, I think the G19 is still the best way to go, for open or concealed carry.
 
I own a Glock 19 and love it. Yes I do want a .45 but not in Glock I'm saving for a USP tactical or the bigger Desert Eagle. In my opinion the Glock 19 is the best Glock there is. If you are worried about stopping power the 9mm is no less than a .45 it all depends on the marksman. If you are not as confident in your shooting maybe go with a .45 because it is likely to do a little more damage where it hits but if you can double tap in the right place anything is going down. It is lighter than the .45s loaded. I have a 33 round clip for my glock 19 and it still feels ergonomically correct in my hand fully loaded.
 
Cpl Punishment said:
The Glock 30 just doesn't feel right even in my hands.
Click to expand...

Over Kill said:
my glock 19 and it still feels ergonomically correct in my hand fully loaded.
Click to expand...


These quotes bring up another thing I forgot to include. DEFINITELY put a couple hundred rounds through each before you buy. I've owned a couple 23's and a 19 at different times, and, although I REALLY wanted to love those guns, the mid sized ones never worked FOR ME. I consistently ran faster times on the plate rack with my 27. Not just once or twice, but nearly every time. And the 20 and 22 were slightly faster even than the 27. (No surprise there)

I'm not the super fastest, but I often wound up in the top 3 at our local steel match out of 25 or so guys because of consistency. So I know there is something different about the ergos of different sized frames. If it works for you, be aware that you won't be giving up anything in shootability by going with a 26 over a 19. It may feel odd gripping it in the store, but I don't even notice the short grip when shooting.

And, of course, you have the option of doing this to it. :cool:

IMG_3415.jpg
 
I really like my 36:)

I don't have huge hands, and the 30 feels a bit chunky to me. 6+1 in the gun and a slim spare mag of another 6 doesn't make me feel undergunned.

Of course, I'm one of those weirdos who ONLY goes out with a 5 shot .38 in pocket with a reload carried in a dump pouch...if I ever carry a reload!:eek:

What would happen if I get jumped by a herd on nazi ninja zombie bears hopped up on PCP?!?

If money is an issue, I'd stick with the 9mm or the .45. You can shoot more 9mm (wally world has Winchester white box for $13 give or take. I just bought some today) and still load it up with a good jhp for self defense. However, if you just LIKE shooting a big ol potato out of your gun (I know I do:D:thumbup:), it's tough to beat a .45.
 
I'm still waiting on the LGS to get in a 19 so I can handle it. It might be a week or so depending on which source they order it in from. At least I'm not obligated to purchase it.

The 20sf felt okay in my hands... just a 'tad' on the chunky side. I also tried the 29... but it didn't work for me.

The 30sf for some reason felt okay... which is odd because I think it is the same frame as the 29... maybe it was my mind playing tricks, or maybe the slide is wider on the 29?

I'm beginning to think the 19 will be the most versatile of the bunch and the 20 would be the best open carry/trail gun. Money is tight... but there is a bit of wiggle room, especially since all of the guns are the same price. I know 9mm is cheaper, which leads to more shooting... I just have to convince my heart that I really don't "NEED" a big bore :D.

Thanks for the input... keep it coming. I'm accepting all opinions until I finally pull the trigger!
 
Well...you either love it or sell it.

From practical point of view the lighter smaller gun will be easier to carry,conceal etc. everyday.
From stopping power/damage view, if you are used to the gun (plenty of practice with IT) you may very well "put" two or three rounds "in" just as fast as you would do one round with a gun you are NOT comfortable or used to due to lack of practice.

Also consider whom/what you are going to be shooting. Not many live targets around lately. And in the woods, unless you are against a bear or a tiger/lion...it doesn't matter...
All guns when used correctly can hurt quite badly.

Hope this makes sense.
 
DanSmithy said:
Well...you either love it or sell it.

From practical point of view the lighter smaller gun will be easier to carry,conceal etc. everyday.
From stopping power/damage view, if you are used to the gun (plenty of practice with IT) you may very well "put" two or three rounds "in" just as fast as you would do one round with a gun you are NOT comfortable or used to due to lack of practice.

Also consider whom/what you are going to be shooting. Not many live targets around lately. And in the woods, unless you are against a bear or a tiger/lion...it doesn't matter...
All guns when used correctly can hurt quite badly.

Hope this makes sense.
Click to expand...

It did and thanks. The big factor for a trail gun in my location is you do/can run into the bear/lion variety of critters. We even get lions in town every year or so... and they seem to love to use the creek across the street as a means of getting around :). This is a big reason that the model 20 is attractive (for the woods that is... in town I'd grab my 870)...
 
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