Going to the range is always fun, getting to shoot more guns and some awesome Black Hills ammo makes it even more so. In this case, I was testing my new Glock 30 with its 3.78″ barrel and comparing it to my old CCW pistol a Springfield XDS with its 3.3″ barrel. I wanted a good test to make sure my decision to change CCW pistols was correct. So Grandson # 2 and I packed some gear, guns, ammo, and off to the range we went.
We set up the Chronograph and did a quick test to make sure everything worked and then started the test. All shooting was done from 7 yds, standard two-handed grip (no bench rest) firing 20 shots with the Glock (2 magazines) and 18 shots with the Springfield (3 magazines). I removed the light from the Glock before testing.
The first 2 rounds of shooting were with some basic target ammo I had in my shop, results were as follows:
Round 1
Glock: avg 548.18 fps, max 682 fps, min 435 fps. Springfield: avg 533.35 fps, max 681 fps, min 390 fps.
Round 2
Glock: avg 586.24 fps, max 690 fps, min 438 fps. Springfield: avg 597.52 fps, max 678 fps, min 422 fps.
A lot of deviation in velocity but that’s to be expected with lower-quality ammunition. I expected better from the Black Hills ammunition and I wasn’t disappointed.
Round 1 Black Hills 230 Grain, JHP
Glock: avg 692.45 fps, max 725 fps, min 680 fps. Springfield: avg 622.71 fps, max 639 fps, min 599 fps.
Round 2 Black Hills
Glock: avg 688.57 fps, max 721 fps, min 679 fps. Springfield: avg 625.68 fps, max 640 fps, min 596 fps.
Some people have argued that ammo is ammo and it really doesn’t make much difference but the Black Hills ammo proved to be more consistent and higher overall velocity than the target ammo proving the old adage “you get what you pay for” applies here. I’m thankful for Randy Harkins and the good people at Black Hills Ammo for their help and support with this test.
Other Factors
Concealability advantage would have to go to the Springfield due to its smaller size and single stack design, but that comes at a price namely ammo count. Using the holster I have I’m limited to 6 rounds in the gun (factory magazine holds 5) and then I have to fill my pockets with at least 2 magazines of 6 rounds each with 2 more magazines in the truck. The holster is an Outside the Waistband Holster so that presents some issues at times but is serviceable.
Using the Glock I have an Inside the Waistband Holster which aids in concealment and is more comfortable. Ammo count is 11 in the gun with 1 extra magazine of 10 and multiple magazines of 13 rounds in the truck (for use in my Glock 41 OR Glock 30).
I could get an IWB 1791 holster for the Springfield like I have for the Glock and it would be exceptionally comfortable but I’m still having to find space for the multiple magazines, not always a great position to be in during the summer here in NW Florida.
Shooting the pistols was a lot of fun for both my Grandson and I during the target ammo rounds. My Grandson liked shooting the Springfield more because it fit his hand better but I’m more appreciative of the Glock’s double stack grip.
When it came to the Black Hills ammo however there was a distinct difference in the guns and our appreciation of them.
My Grandson’s favorite changed to the Glock, even though he liked the Springfield due to it’s size, he agreed the felt recoil was less when shooting the Glock.
In both our opinions, the Springfield is very “snappy” and difficult to get an accurate follow-up shot off quickly with when using full strength ammo.
In my truck there are 13 round, double stack, .45cal magazines for my Glock 41. They are always there no mater whether I’m carrying, the Glock 30 or the Springfield but since they function in the Glock 30 why bother to carry extra/more 6 round magazines for the Springfield? As a practical matter I can’t see a reason to since the 13 round magazines are always there in my chest rig.
In Conclusion, the “Winner” is…..
The Glock. Versatility with magazines I already own, comfort in my hand, recoil management and overall proven durability under the most extreme circumstances. Not that the Springfield isn’t reliable but the Glock is legendary in that regard. Fitting my hand was a big deal for me, especially using full strength ammo. The test really highlighted the Glock’s more comfortable size and ability to deal with the recoil better than the Springfield on both accounts. And I do like to keep it simple, I’ve heard that somewhere before.
The best part of a range day though is being with my Grandson and teaching him different techniques and guns. It was a really good day, no cell phones needed!
Garfield out.
