Glock 30 VS Glock 39

[trlcavscout]

I have shot a lot of 45 acp over the years but never 45 gap. I recently traded for a Glock 30 SF and really like it. Pretty accurate out to 25yds on my first outing with it today. But I have always wondered about the 45 gap, how do they compare in recoil, ccw use etc?

[Neutron]

I do not have a 45 gap, but my Dad, Bro and Mom all have 39's. Now it has been a while since I have shot it but I feel the recoil is lighter on the GAP. This compared to me XDS. I know they are not the same gun, but that is my perception. I do have a full size XD on the way in .45GAP. I will try and compare the two full size XD's and give and apples for apples comparison. I will say the GAP is a shorter cartrage. It fits in .40 and 9mm frames. It was intended to give .45 acp power in a shorter cartrage. It works. The down side is ammo availability. It a littler harder to find. My Dad swears by it tho.

[kj4963]

Don't know much about the GAP, but it seems like it is the only ammo Sportmans warehouse has in stock.

[Neutron]

That would be because it is not a real popular round. In a time like we are experiencing now the oddball stuff is not the first to be taken. It really is a good round. It was created to match or exceed the performance of the ACP in a shorter cartridge. Think of it as a short ACP

[Honor Bound]

I believe the 45 GAP is a sinking ship.

Glock created the 45 GAP so they would be able to offer LEOs 45 performance in a smaller package that would fit more officers. The frame on the Gen3 G21 is too big for many smaller shooters.


The round never really made a solid foot hold in the market. Now that Glock offers SF and Gen4 models, any unique advantage of the 45 GAP is lost. Other than Glock, there are only a small number of manufacturers that offer pistols in 45 GAP. The Springfield XD did, not sure anymore.

I believe it's only a matter of time until manufacturers abandon the 45 GAP and ammunition manufacturers will eventually follow.

Performance wise, the two are/were very comparable. I never saw a strong argument saying one was better than the other.