The name “Glock” might start a great conversation with a fellow firearms enthusiast. Or it can spark shades of Ford vs. Chevy. I’m a southpaw, and the left-side-only magazine release on the older Glock generations, like the 30S, used to dig into my hand. As a result, I sought out other makes/models for my pistol shooting needs.
Introducing the Glock 30S FrankenGlock
When the fourth generation of Glocks came out, I knew the platform was right for me. I even attended a Glock Armorers School back in the day in my quest for knowledge. Granted, this was all back in 2014(ish) when I built this beast, but it still serves faithfully today.
The Glock 30S was ultimately developed at the request of the LAPD’s prestigious SIS (Special Investigation Section). They are more of a deep surveillance in-the-shadows type of detective unit. They wanted a double-stack .45 ACP that could be carried inside the waistband without added bulk.
Some have just swapped the single-stack Glock 36 slide onto a double-stack Glock 30 lower receiver to achieve this. After much consultation between Glock and the LAPD’s SIS, the Glock 30S was born.
It’s simply the same thing as a combination of models 36/30, as previously mentioned. You get a slimmer slide profile and deeper concealment while retaining a double-stack capacity that accepts full-size reloads.
It. Is. Alive!
Meet my “FrankenGlock.” It’s a mixture of Gen 3 Glock 30S, Gen 4 Glock 30, some aftermarket parts, and a whole lot of attitude. It’s my idea of the perfect everyday compact carry gun in a .45 ACP. Notice I said, “My Perfect Idea.” It may not be for everyone, but it certainly has worked great for me.
I have always loved the .45 ACP. So, at that time, I got on a waitlist for a Glock 30S. It is a slimmed-down version of the Glock 30, both subcompact pistols.
When I brought the pistol home, it was instant buyer’s remorse. It just didn’t feel right in my hand, as it was a Gen 3 with no swappable magazine release. As a result, the mag release was digging into my hand again. Funny how we sometimes forget the lessons we learned in the past.
This is where the FrankenGlock started forming in my mind. Rather than feel like I was stuck with a pistol that I knew I wouldn’t like, I decided to double down. I made a phone call to that same gun shop and secured a Gen. 4 Glock 30.
Once I had both pistols sitting next to each other, the decision was made to go ahead and operate (cue the spooky organ music). Actually, it wasn’t all that hard. I simply swapped out the slides, and the slide stops as well. It was literally as easy as that.
Carrying the Glock 30S / 30
Since the Glock 30 Gen 4 borrows the width of the slide from the Glock 21, it can be a bit wide for an inside-the-waistband carry option. The slide from the Glock 30S is essentially the same slide as the Glock 36. It is a much narrower slide intended for a single-stack receiver.
According to Glock’s website, the difference in slide width between the two models is roughly 1/10th of an inch. I’m not exactly sure what kind of Voodoo Magic Glock used on this, but as she says, “size matters.”
The 30S gives you the benefit of a narrower slide with a double-stack, ten-round magazine capacity. It also accepts full-size Glock magazines chambered in .45 ACP.
Unfortunately, Glock does not offer the Glock 30S in an updated model (go figure!), as it’s still sold new from Glock as a Gen 3. If you want a Gen 5 Glock chambered in 45ACP, you can go with a Glock 30, Glock 21, Glock 41, Glock 36 (single stack), or the Gen 3 30S.
Or, you can do what I did and just buy two pistols, create your own updated 30S, and then pawn off the other parts to a buddy. It was worth it to me, as my “FrankenGlock 30S” is an amazing pistol that conceals easily. You can carry full-size Glock 21 mags as reloads or pick up a KRISS USA 25-round mag extension for a 13-round Glock 21 magazine.
Thankfully, there are more options available now than when I originally built this beast. Either way, if you get creative enough, there are plenty of options.
Better Handling
Something still wasn’t quite right. The grip was just a tad too big for my comfort level. This resulted in a trip to ATEI in Taylor (Tucky), Michigan. They did a grip reduction as well as cut up the slide for me to add and even deepen existing relief cuts.
Once I received my pistol back from getting its mods, I added a Ghost Edge 3.5lb connector, a Glock factory extended slide stop, a set of Trijicon HD night sights, and several Pearce grip extensions.
What really got my attention, though, were the deep relief cuts on the top and sides of the slide. ATEI did a great job on this! After a range session with this beast, I felt like screaming, “It’s Alive!”
The trigger was always “nice,” but it was still lacking. A recent call to the good folks over at Continuous Precision in Milford, MI. and I ordered up their legendary Glock Enhanced Duty Trigger.
It’s a drop-in trigger that many law enforcement agencies actually approve for use with a duty pistol. I cannot rave enough about this trigger. I’ve found the Continuous Precision’s Enhanced Duty Trigger to be among the best of the aftermarket Glock replacement triggers currently available. As a matter of fact, I have this same trigger in three other Glocks that I currently own.
Shooting the Glock 30S / 30
As far as range impressions go, simply put, I couldn’t be happier. It’s a soft shooting pistol for a subcompact .45 ACP—what’s not to love?
Looks are very deceiving with this creation, though. I’ve had several friends tell me that they thought it would kick pretty hard, given its size. Then they shot it and were pleasantly surprised at just how manageable the recoil really was.
For grins, I actually shot this thing at a couple of local speed steel competitions and did rather well, too. It goes on most every hike I take to deter any would-be mountain predators from making a meal of me or my dogs.
Ten yards was chosen as a distance to shoot for accuracy. However, in all reality, 30 feet is plenty of distance. Actually, more than enough, given that most defensive shooting situations are dynamic, happen fast, and at very close distances.
All tested ammo did very well. The Federal Punch and the Fiocchi Defense Dynamics were very close to each other performance-wise for defensive ammo at 1.2” and 1.4”, respectively.
I personally feel very confident carrying this heater. Up close, a .45 ACP will make one helluva human sprinkler out of a bad guy.
Final Thoughts
The bottom line is if you want a really nice, manageable subcompact .45 ACP, the Glock 30S would be a very appropriate choice for an EDC. If you want it customized, a plethora of companies offer a wide range of options for whatever beast you may desire to create.
ATEI did a beautiful job on this Glock back in the day when they had it. Likewise, Continuous Precision of Milford, Michigan, also does this type of work beautifully and perfected the Glock trigger. Both companies use Great Lakes Custom Works for frame modifications and laser engraving. Either way, you can’t go wrong.
Just remember, there are no statutes of limitations in a marriage. After writing this, my wife will now know that I had bought two Glocks to make one. I will have some explaining to do—even after a decade. So, please pray for my speedy recovery.
In the meantime, enjoy hunting for your perfect FrankenGlock!
For more information, please visit Glock.com, ATEIGuns.com, CPCustomGuns.com, and GreatLakesCustomWorks.com.
GLOCK 30S / 30 Specs
| Caliber | .45 ACP |
| Magazine Capacity | 10/13/25 |
| Trigger Weight | 4.75 lbs |
| Sights | Trijicon HD Night Sights |
| Barrel | Factory Glock 30S barrel |
| Barrel Length | 3.77” |
| Weight | 18.4 oz. (empty) |
| Overall Length | 6.96” |
| Height | 4.8” |
| Safety | Striker Fired |
| MSRP | Custom Build |
Performance
| Velocity | Accuracy | |
| Fiocchi Defense Dynamics 200gr. JHP | 837 FPS | 1.4” |
| Federal PUNCH 230gr. JHP | 849 FPS | 1.2” |
| American Eagle 230gr. FMJ | 797 FPS | 1.8” |
Bullet weight measured in grains, velocity in FPS by Garmin Xero C1 Pro Chronograph, and accuracy in inches for best three-shot groupings at 10 yards, from an MTM High-Low Shooting Table. Ambient Temp was 67 degrees F. Garman Chronograph protected by Pelican!
