Glock · Pistol
Glock G30 Gen4
Short recoil (semi-automatic) · .45 ACP · introduced 1996
Also known as G30, Glock 30 Gen4
About the Glock G30 Gen4
The Glock G30 Gen4 is a semi-automatic pistol chambered in .45 ACP, produced by Glock Ges.m.b.H. since 1996. This Austrian-manufactured firearm reflects the engineering traditions and quality standards of its country of origin, designed to meet the demands of both civilian and professional users in a competitive global marketplace. Featuring a 10-round magazine capacity, this pistol offers adequate firepower for defensive carry. The striker-fired action provides a consistent trigger pull for every shot, simplifying training and reducing the manual of arms - a design philosophy that has become the dominant paradigm in modern defensive handguns. The 3.8-inch barrel provides an excellent balance between sight radius and portability, making it equally suitable for duty carry and recreational shooting. Weighing 675g (23.8 oz) empty, this firearm strikes a practical balance between manageable carry weight and sufficient mass to moderate felt recoil during shooting. The polymer frame construction reduces weight while providing a textured, ergonomic grip surface designed for secure handling in all conditions. This firearm represents its manufacturer's commitment to delivering a well-engineered, reliable product that serves the needs of discerning shooters seeking quality, accuracy, and dependable performance from a proven platform.
The Glock 30 defied conventional wisdom that said you could not fit a double-stack .45 ACP magazine into a subcompact frame and still have a shootable pistol. When it debuted in 1996, it offered nearly twice the capacity of competing single-stack subcompact .45s like the Officer's Model 1911, reshaping expectations for what a concealed-carry .45 could be. Its frame later served as the foundation for the hybrid G30S.
Glock G30 Gen4 specifications
General
- Type
- Pistol
- Action
- Short recoil (semi-automatic)
- Firing mechanism
- Striker-fired
- Trigger
- Safe action
- Trigger pull
- 2.9 kg (6.3 lb)
- Calibres
- .45 ACP
- Magazine capacity
- 10 rounds
- Magazine
- Detachable box magazine
Dimensions
- Barrel length
- 96 mm (3.8 in)
- Overall length
- 177 mm (7.0 in)
- Height
- 122 mm (4.8 in)
- Width
- 35 mm (1.4 in)
- Weight (empty)
- 0.68 kg (1.49 lb)
- Weight (loaded)
- 0.95 kg (2.11 lb)
- Sight radius
- 150 mm (5.9 in)
Barrel
- Rifling twist
- 1:16 in (400 mm)
- Rifling
- Right hand
- Grooves
- 6
Materials
- Barrel
- Steel
- Receiver / frame
- Polymer
- Slide
- Steel
- Finish
- tenifer
Performance
- Muzzle velocity (typical)
- 260 m/s (853 fps)
- Muzzle energy (typical)
- 477 J (352 ft·lb)
- Effective range
- 50 m
History
- Introduced
- 1996
- Production status
- Discontinued
- Country of origin
- AT
- Designer
- Gaston Glock
Features
- Subcompact frame
- Interchangeable backstraps
- Dual recoil spring
- Reversible mag release
- Accessory rail
- Hexagonal rifling
Safety
- Trigger safety
- Firing pin safety
- Drop safety
The G30 shares its frame dimensions with the 10mm G29, making them nearly identical in external size. The G30 is compatible with Glock 21 13-round magazines with a grip extension, increasing capacity. The Gen4 dual recoil spring system significantly reduces felt recoil compared to earlier generations. The G30's double-stack grip is notably wide at 1.38 inches, which led Glock to develop the slimmer G30S and single-stack G36. The Gen4 has been discontinued in favor of the Gen5 variant.
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