Glock G30 Gen4 .45 ACP vs Rock Island Armory 1911 GI Standard .45 ACP

These are two different answers to .45 ACP. The Glock G30 Gen4 .45 ACP is a striker-fired polymer subcompact holding 10 rounds; the Rock Island Armory 1911 GI Standard .45 ACP is a full-size single-action with a 4140 steel frame and slide holding 8. The G30 is 13.2 oz lighter (26.3 oz vs 39.5 oz), 1.57" shorter overall (6.97" vs 8.54") and 0.71" shorter in height (4.8" vs 5.51"), though 0.08" wider (1.38" vs 1.3"). The 1911 answers with a 1.3 lb lighter trigger (5.0 lb vs 6.3 lb), a 1.22" longer barrel (5.0" vs 3.78") and a $150 lower MSRP ($420 vs $570). Neither is optic-ready.

Pick the Glock G30 Gen4 if:

• You are carrying it concealed and want 13.2 oz and 1.57" of length off the package
• You want 10 rounds instead of 8, and three magazines rather than one
• You prefer a striker action with a trigger safety and interchangeable backstraps over a thumb-and-grip-safety manual of arms

Pick the Rock Island Armory 1911 GI Standard if:

• You want the lighter single-action break at 5.0 lb, 1.3 lb under the G30
• The 5.0" barrel and 8.54" of steel suit range and shooting comfort more than concealment
• The $420 MSRP against $570 is the constraint

This is size and action type, not caliber. The G30 is the concealment choice at 26.3 oz with 10 rounds; the GI Standard is the heavier, cheaper, lighter-triggered range and belt gun at 39.5 oz.