Glock .45 ACP Models to Make You Forget the 1911
If you want .45 ACP power and Glock perfection, we'll help you choose the perfect model in terms of size, feel, capacity, price, and more.
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The .45 ACP is an American classic that fuels the 1911.
It’s one that’s been through hell and back and proven its effectiveness countless times.
Regardless of where you stand in the caliber wars, there’s no way you can deny how effective it is at self-defense.
But what about Glock?
How do their .45 ACPs measure up against Smith & Wesson, Colt, and Springfield?
About as good as any other Glock! They’re accurate, dependable, and still got that Glock shape that people either love or hate. A Glock is a Glock, after all.
Today we’re going to look at some of the Glock .45 ACPs on the market so if you're a die-hard .45 fan but also love the plastic fantastic...you'll be quite happy here.
Let's get to it.
Summary of Our Top Picks
- Full Sized: Glock 21Jump to Details ↓
- Subcompact .45: Glock G30Jump to Details ↓
- Smallest Frame: Glock G36Jump to Details ↓
- Competition Model: Glock G41 Gen 4Jump to Details ↓
Table of Contents
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Why Glock...and in .45 ACP?
You may be asking yourself...why should I buy a .45 ACP Glock when there's a treasure trove of 1911s to be had?
It's a solid question and if you really dig that 1911 aesthetic, keep with it. But a Glock in .45 ACP has a few benefits going for it as well.
First, you know what you're getting. Glock has been a powerhouse in the gun world since the 80s. They know how to build guns and do so well.
That's why multiple police agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, trust their lives to Glock.
The design is reliable and durable. Seriously, these things don't quit. You're more likely to run out of gas before these things will.
In addition to their reliability and durability, there is another benefit to the Glock design...
Access to a world of aftermarket parts. From triggers to slides, you can pretty much tailor your Glock to your own specific wants and needs.
If you like that feeling of tinkering or just want something that is all you...then grab a Glock and go at it with aftermarket parts.
But now let's get to what you really came here for...the best .45 ACP Glocks.
Best .45 ACP Glocks
1. Glock G21
Know what’s great about the Glock G21?
The G21 is the perfect answer to the gun owners who’re interested in owning a .45 ACP for defense purposes, but have remained loyal to the 9mm because of its capacity.
It features a 13+1 capacity for a .45 ACP with an overall balanced feel. It brings minimal recoil and provides the same level of durability that Glock's known for.
Plus, it’s lightweight and packs a heck of a punch. The Gen 4 version of the G21 brings a few upgrades to boost performance and accessibility.
For starters, it comes with interchangeable backstraps to suit different types of hand sizes -- giving the shooter maximum comfort and control over their gun.
The Gen 4 also offers a different type of texturing on its grip and backstraps, allowing for a firmer grip without discomfort. Plus, no more need for stippling!
The other major improvement is the reversible magazine catch, designed to make magazine swaps as quick and effortless as possible.
The Details
- L x W x H: 8.03 x 1.27 x 5.47-inches
- Barrel Length: 4.60-inches
- Weight Unloaded: 29.30-ounces
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2. Glock 21SF
The G21SF is a smaller, lighter version of the G21, but worthy of its own shoutout. The SF stands for small frame and the gun is designed to feel more comfortable when carried.
Overall, there’s not much difference between the two guns in terms of performance.
If you’re someone who doesn’t prefer the bulky grip of standard G21 but still wants the dependability and reliability of a Glock, this gun might be good for you.
The width of the G21SF is slightly shorter from front to back, making it easier to grab ahold of if your hands aren’t bear claws. Aside from that, the G21SF has the same performance as its predecessor.
The Details
- L x W x H: 8.03 x 1.27 x 5.47-inches
- Barrel Length: 4.60-inches
- Weight Unloaded: 29.30-ounces
3. Glock G30
Think of the Glock G30 as a slightly smaller cousin to the G21.
Some people love it because it’s less bulky than the G21. On the other hand, some complain that its size and weight give it unnecessary recoil, making it more difficult to control.
Still, there aren’t many downright negative things that you can say about the G30. It’s a well-rounded gun that’s great for any situation.
The G30 brings a 10+1 capacity but is also compatible with the G21’s 13-round magazines, so you can squeeze a few extra rounds off in it.
The other thing to consider is that that the gun’s grip is a little shorter due to its smaller size. So, holding the G30 may take some getting used to at first.
Just like the rest of the Gen 4 Glocks, this gun comes with adjustable backstraps to fit a variety of hand sizes, more aggressive texturing on the grip, a dual recoil spring, and a more ergonomically designed mag-release system.
The Details
- L x W x H: 6.96 x 1.27 x 4.80-inches
- Barrel Length: 3.77-inches
- Weight Unloaded: 26.48-ounces
4. Glock G30SF & S
The G30SF has all of the same features of the G30 with an even smaller, more compact size.
If you already had trouble getting used to holding the G30’s smaller grip, the SF version is going to take even more time to adjust to.
But if you’re looking for something a little more comfortable to carry around or you have small hands, the G30SF is a good choice for you.
The Details
- L x W x H: 6.88 x 1.27 x 4.80-inches
- Barrel Length: 3.77-inches
- Weight Unloaded: 26.30-ounces
Glock 30S
The Glock 30S is a subcompact .45 ACP with a slimmer slide and a lighter weight than its counterparts.
It also opts for a recoil spring assembly similar to the Gen 4 models, making the gun much easier to handle than some of the other subcompact .45 ACPs out there.
Aside from that, there’s not much else different between the G30S and the G30SF.
The Details
- L x W x H: 6.96 x 1.27 x 4.80-inches
- Barrel Length: 3.77-inches
- Weight Unloaded: 22.95-ounces
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5. Glock G36
The Glock G36 is a subcompact .45 ACP using Glock’s SLIMLINE design.
While smaller and easier to carry than the G30 variants, the biggest drawback of the G36 is its 6+1 capacity.
That said, this single-stack pistol is great for anyone looking for a .45 ACP to concealed carry.
As with virtually every subcompact .45 ACP, the G36’s smaller size may take some getting used to.
But the benefit that comes with the SLIMLINE design is that you can comfortably conceal carry any time of the year without sacrificing firepower.
The Details
- L x W x H: 6.96 x 1.10 x 4.76-inches
- Barrel Length: 3.77-inches
- Weight Unloaded: 22.42-ounces
6. Glock G41 Gen 4
The G41 is a competition-grade .45 ACP that’s known for its longslide design and low profile.
It’s significantly thinner than the G21 and just like the rest of the Gen 4 models, the G41 uses adjustable backstraps, improved grip texture, and a dual recoil spring system.
The G41 is an all-around great gun and comes with a 13 + 1 capacity. Its longer design gives it a great balance, which in turn improves its shootability.
And an added perk is that you have more room to mount your gun light or laser sight without making the gun feel too cramped. And if you want a red dot...Glock has a MOS version ready to accept your favorite.
The Details
- L x W x H: 8.90 x 1.28 x 5.47-inches
- Barrel Length: 5.31-inches
- Weight Unloaded: 27-ounces
Final Thoughts
Glock .45 ACP models are just as solid as their 9mm siblings. With that familiar look and feel and the Glock aftermarket at your disposal, you're sure to find one to fall in love with.
What's your go-to .45 ACP Glock model? Let us know in the comments below. If you've decided that .45 ACP just isn't for you, check out some other great models in our Best Glocks article.