If you are more interested in concealed carry guns with heavier calibers, Glock has two most suitable weapons for you: the Glock 36 and the Glock 30 Gen 4. Both guns have .45 auto caliber to ensure higher accuracy and better reliability.
However, factors like the overall width, slide length, slide width, weight, height, type, sight, and magazine capacity differentiate between the Glock 36 and 30 guns.
In this article, you will find the key differences between these guns in detailed.
Glock 36 Vs. 30: Quick Comparison Table
Let’s check out the difference between these two guns through their specs-
| Specifications | Glock 30 Gen 4 | Glock 36 |
| Overall Length | 177 mm | 6.97 inches | 177 mm | 6.97 inches |
| Overall Width | 35 mm | 1.38 inches | 30 mm | 1.18 inches |
| Caliber | .45 Auto | .45 Auto |
| Type | Pistol: Semi-Auto | Striker Fired |
| Slide Length | 172 mm | 6.77 inches | 172 mm | 6.77 inches |
| Slide Width | 28,5 mm | 1.12 inches | 25,5 mm | 1.0 inches |
| Height incl. Mag. | 122 mm | 4.80 inches | 120 mm | 4.72 inches |
| Mag. Capacity | Standard: 10 Optional: 9/13 | Standard: 6 |
| Weight | 675 g | 23.81 oz (without mag.), 745 g | 26.28 oz (with empty mag.), 955 g | 33.69 oz (with loaded magazine) | 565 g | 19.93 oz (without mag.), 635 g | 22.40 oz (with empty mag.), 760 g | 30.81 oz (with loaded magazine) |
| Sight | FT: White Dot RR: White Outline | Fixed Sights |
| Finish | Black Matte | Matte |
What Is the Difference Between Glock 36 and 30 Based on Features?
Let’s check out the difference between these two guns through their specs-
Feature 1: Extended Rounds of Ammunition Means More Magazine Capacity
The Glock 36 only accepts a single-stack magazine capacity and does not allow you to interchange the factory mag with a double stack. Therefore, you will get six rounds plus one in the chamber magazine capacity with this gun.
On the Contrary, the Glock 30 accepts double stacks and comes with 10 rounds plus an additional one in the chamber magazine capacity. That means the Glock 30 offers more increased mag capacity than the Glock 36 because this gun holds extra 4 rounds of ammunition. Also, the Glock 30 has an interchangeable mag capacity and allows you to add a G21 magazine to this gun for increasing 13+1 rounds of the mag. capacity.
Both guns are great, but if you consider which offers increased magazine capacity, then the Glock 30 will win the competition because it originally has more mag capacity than the Glock 36. You can even interchange the G30 gun’s factory mag with other mags. options (up to 13, & not more than 13).
Feature 2: Reduced Overall Size Ensures Better Control & Concealability
The Glock 36 is a single stack that features a thinner mag, thinner slide, and thinner grip. The Glock 36 is much lighter and thinner than most other Glock guns and can fit into any hand size. Therefore, it is more comfortable to get better grip control during use and more comfortable to concealed carry anywhere.
On the other hand, the Glock 30 is a double stack which means it has a fat round, a big fat slide, and a fat grip. That means it will feel more like a chunky little gun to hold. Also, that might not be comfortable for most users.
The overall thickness of the Glick 30 is 1.38 inches and the Glock 36 has 1.18 inches thickness. The slide is 1.12 inches thick on the Glock 30 and 1.0 inches on the Glock 36. So, there’s a little yet obvious difference between their overall size and thickness. This slight difference makes the Glock 36 better to hold and concealed carry.
Feature 3: Replaceable Backstraps & Beaver Tails Give More Flexibility
The Glock 36 is a Gen 3 version that’s why it does not feature replaceable backstraps, and since it features a significantly thinner frame than others, you might feel a little better when you hold it on hand. It feels better because of its ergonomic body shape.
The Glock 30 also will fit perfectly fine on any hand, but since it is a Gen 4 series gun, it comes with replaceable backstraps and beaver tail extensions that come out around the back for better grip flexibility.
If you are interested in the latest generation model that comes with additional features like the backstraps and beaver tails, the Glock 30 can be your match.
Feature 4: Additional Spare Ammo & Flush Mag Advantage
The Glock 36 has a visibly significant mag capacity limitation and there’s no interchangeable facility with this gun. So, no use in carrying spare ammunition for your Glock 36 gun.
The Glock 30 is designed to take a double stack and has the interchangeable ability too. Therefore, you can carry one or two spare ammunition to interchange the mag for increased capacity when needed. Even though the Glock 30 is slightly taller than the G 36, you can easily make it shorter by using a flush mag.
This might not be a huge difference for many, but some give attention to minor things before choosing their guns and if you are like them, this difference might help you to choose the right one for you.
Glock 36 or 30 – Which One to Choose?
The Glock 36 and 30 are significantly smaller than other Glock options and excellent for concealed carry.
But the Glock 36 is thinner and lighter than the Glock 30, which makes it more appealing to carry under a T-shirt or jacket, especially IWB.
However, the Glock 30 comes with more Mag capacity with additional interchangeable facilities which you won’t get with the Glock 36 gun.
If you compare the accuracy between the Glock 36 and 30, both are known for delivering practical accuracy. But since they both are smaller compact handguns; they have less recoil.
However, the Glock 30 has additional features like adding a flush mag, designed with replaceable backstraps and beaver tail, which are not available with the G36.
If you ask which one is better among these two, the correct answer is both come with Glock standard features and have a fair share of advantages and disadvantages. That’s why it’s hard to pick one as best out of these two.
Therefore, it’s up to you to decide which you prefer the most.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How far can a Glock 30 Gen 4 shoot?
Approximately, a Glock 30 gun can comfortably shoot up to 50 yards.
The company has discontinued its Gen 3 G30 model production, not the Gen 4 model.
It can take a factory original drop-free magazine like the .45 ACP 10rd.
What Mags does a Glock 36 take?
It can take a factory original drop-free magazine like the .45 ACP 10rd.
Does the Glock 36 have any safety features?
Yes, the trigger of the Glock 36 features a built-in safety to prevent the trigger from pulling when it is not simultaneously engaged with the trigger.
Is the Glock 36 an automatic gun?
Yes, the Glock 36 is a .45 auto gun.
Summary:
Since the Glock 30 and the 36 both have an identical vibe based on their exterior look, many people have a misconception that these guns are similar and Glock has introduced them as alternative choices.
That’s why it’s important to learn and understand the key difference between the Glock 36 and the 30.
Mainly, today’s article was intended to clear all the misconceptions and confusion about Glock 36 and 30. Hopefully, it was informative enough to guide consumers well.
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