Some more thought/questions on .45GAP

[FixedSights]

A friend and I were having a discussion on the merits of the .45GAP. Personally, even though I have larger hands, I still prefer the 9/.40/.357 gripframe and therefore see the point of the .45GAP. However, that lead us into discussing the logistics of fitting those rounds into that frame.

(1) How does making the round shorter really help in fitting into a thinner grip? Seems to me that if you just stagger the .45acp enough, you can get them into a G17-sized frame... Like a less dramatic version of the G36... or would be just be too long?

(2) What is full LEO capacity of the G37? 10+1?

(3) Will law enforcement ever embrace this round? I'm guessing not because it serves no purpose to them other than getting a smaller gun into the hands of smaller people but still use a .45-sized bullet. I'm guessing they would rather just give them .40's. This isn't "doom and gloom", but rather just some serious thoughts that I had.

I work part-time at a gun shop, and we've had a G37 sitting there for two weeks now. I'm shocked that someone hasn't snapped it up, if for no other reason than it's the new-kid-on-the-block. I'm almost tempted to buy it myself. ;)

[DannyR]

It's not only the thinner grip, but the shorter distance, front strap to back strap, that makes the big difference. The G20, G21, G29, G30 & G36 all have a longer trigger reach. G21 mags are longer, front to back, than G17 mags.

[Bob]

Originally posted by FixedSights
(1) How does making the round shorter really help in fitting into a thinner grip? Seems to me that if you just stagger the .45acp enough, you can get them into a G17-sized frame... Like a less dramatic version of the G36... or would be just be too long?Yes, the 45APC round is to long to fit into a G17 receiver or magazine thus the shorter 45GAP round...
Originally posted by FixedSights
(2) What is full LEO capacity of the G37? 10+1?I would say yes. Judging from the inside of the magazine I don't know if you could get 11rds inside? Even if you trimed off the bottom of the follower it would be real tough because you have no room for the spring(see pic). I have a real hard time getting 10rds in my new mags and then it won't lock into the mag well....
Originally posted by FixedSights
(3) Will law enforcement ever embrace this round? I'm guessing not because it serves no purpose to them other than getting a smaller gun into the hands of smaller people but still use a .45-sized bullet. I'm guessing they would rather just give them .40's. This isn't "doom and gloom", but rather just some serious thoughts that I had. It's hard to say. But the .40 started out real slow too when it was introduced.....


(edit)...Danny got here while I was posting the pic...lol

[BlackMike]

So its a smaller frame gun and thats the main benefit? So you can get 11 rounds of 45 GAP, but in the 21 you can get 13 rounds of .45 ACP but at the expense of a fatter frame. Its obvious that Gaston wants his name on a cartridge but is this really the right way? Do we really need a new .45 caliber cartridge. I like the idea that the Glock 37 shoots a bigger round than a .40 on the same size frame and yada yada yada, and its only $492.00 vs. $515.00 for a G21. Its obvioulsy a new round and its going to take a while to catch on, but I do hope it catches on... Then Ill have a reason to buy another glock ;f Its gonna take whole departments switching over to this round, I mean a few serious Glock enthusiasts here and there isnt going to do it...

[Shane Pratt]

The round already seems to be catching on. Two of my local dealers here in the DFW area have already sold out of the G37's and they are on back order. When I first went to pick mine up, I didn't like that the slide was wider. In fact, I left , but thought about it and turned around and went back. After I handled it, I really love the slide bevels and the smaller frame. You get a much more compact full size package in the 37 vs the 21. I think Danny was correct when he said it's the best looking Glock yet.

[DannyR]

BlackMike,

It was Speer that named the cartridge. Is there something wrong with a cartridge named after a firearms manufacture? Something wrong with:

.45ACP
.357Sig
.40S&W
.223 Remington
9mm Luger

Why single out Glock?

If a G21 feels better in your hands, then you should get a G21. For the thousands of people complaining about the size of a G21, the G37 is Glock's answer.

[Shane Pratt]

It's funny how it takes a police department or a military to use a new round before some folks will buy one for themselves. That's letting others do the thinking for you. Remember the surge in Beretta's after the military contract? Every one including grandma had one. Lots of folks are followers other than making up their own mind. I've always been different in that way in the gun world. I could care less if A new round is used by police or the military, in fact I like it when fewer have it so I don't feel like every time I go to a range I'm there with clones. My favorite rds are those that most folks don't understand or are too powerful (10mm) for them to use. Remember the folks crying how much it kicked in the early days so then they had to reduce it which made it the same as the .40. I like calibers such as the 38 Super, 45 GAP and 10mm.

If you don't understand why there is a 45 GAP and you don't like it then don't buy one, it's as simple as that, but why put the round down on this forum where those of us like it?

[BlackMike]

Im not putting it down, I just wanna know what advantage it has, thats all.

[Jeff82]

I grew up a .45 guy, but never was completely happy with the feel of the Glock .45's, especially after carrying a G17 since the mid/late '80's. Wanting more "knock down", I went with the next best thing, a G23 for carry purposes. Now I can go back to the .45 (once the compact comes out) with the G38(?) and not give up a thing! (Well, not totally true, I'll give up some ammo capacity.)

What a great world!
^c

[BlackMike]

So would they be able to fit more than 6 rounds into a G36 style gun chambered in .45 GAP?

[FixedSights]

Same diameter round... I don't see how.

However, if they wanted, I'm assuming they could shorten the front-to-back size of the grip frame.

[DannyR]

The G36 uses a single stack magazine, whereas the G37/G38 uses a double stack magazine.

[bruce1331]

any reason why I cannot have barstow make me a barrel for the g36 and have it chambered for the g37 and use the magazines of the g36. I think I will give it a try. I already have the g36 and the g37. I think it might just work.maybe a few adjustments here and there.we will see.

[smoke]

For us folks who haven't been able to see a G37, can somebody post some detailed Pics? I'm interested in details, such as the "wide slide" and "slide bevels" referred to. Thanx in advance!

[StressPuppy]

Here is some info on the cartridge:

Hodgdon reloading data (http://www.hodgdon.com/data/pistol/45glockauto.php)

Speer Info (http://www.miragetechnologies.net/45_gap_technical_brief.htm)

Pete's .45GAP page (http://mywebpages.comcast.net/petej/)

After reading, I am not sure I understand the reason for a new cartridge. It does say that it gives the energy of a 40 cal from a cartridge using less pressure, but that is about the only advantage I can see. Not sure this is enough.

^8

[Jeff82]

Although there are many ways to get the 'numbers' to jive (small-fast, large-slow, and everything in between), I believe there is a pretty large crowd that will take to the 45 GAP simply because the hole going in will be .45 and it's coming from a 9mm/.40 size framed gun.

For me it'll come cown to actual street effectiveness of the .40 S&W vs. the .45 GAP cartridges out of 4-4.5 inch barrels and handling differences(perception of recoil, recovery time, etc.).
;I