Glock 37, Glock 38, Glock 39 | What is the .45 G.A.P?

As we continue with all of our Glock collection, we are dedicating today to some of the most overlooked and unique models on the market today. How many people have heard of the Glock 37,38,39? I’m betting most people haven’t paid any attention to them because they fire the new ammunition that nobody really knows about, called the .45 G.A.P. Before we get into each pistol, I’ll help explain what the .45 G.A.P. is and how it compares to its cousin, the .45 ACP. All 3 models are designed to keep the same power of the .45 ACP, but use a smaller platform to offer more CCW opportunities. As you continue to read, make note of how similar these pistols are to other Glock models, such as the Glock 17 and Glock 22.

What is the .45 Glock Auto Pistol (G.A.P.)?

The .45 GAP (11.43×19mm) is the creation of Ernest Durham at CCI at the request of Glock.  Glock wanted a bullet wanted to create a pistol with the power of a .45 ACP, but the ability to be chambered in compact pistols for use as a CCW. Some knocks on the .45 ACP result from the potential of case neck blowouts, which happens mostly in reloaded ammo. If the casing is too weak or the powder is loaded to the right dimensions, the casing of the bullet can bulge out, normally on the side, but I have seen rounds actually ignite and ruin magazines and guns. Glock understood this issue with reloaded .45 ACP ammo and wanted a way to strengthen the casing while shortening the length of the bullet to accommodate CCW’s.

Specs

Ballistic Performance

The .45 GAP has been out since 2003, but it’s incredibly difficult to find because not many manufacturers produce it and even fewer retail stores carry it. As far as I can tell, there are only 4 sizes and styles of the .45 GAP.  Since no other manufacturer produces GAP ammo, besides CCI and Speer, this ammo is very expensive and will continue to be difficult to find.

What’s The Difference Between the .45 GAP and .45 Auto?

The .45 GAP has virtually the same bullet diameter as the .45 ACP, but the cartridge is shorter and uses a smaller primer. One of the biggest differences between the 2 cartridges is the .45 GAP has a substantially higher psi (23,000) versus the 19,900 psi of the .45 ACP. The only way the .45 GAP could compare to the .45 ACP was to increase the pressure and the weight of the bullet. The .45 GAP

The .45 GAP has the same diameter as the .45 ACP pistol cartridge but is slightly shorter, and uses a small-pistol primer instead of the large-pistol primer most commonly used in .45 ACP ammunition. Originally, the maximum bullet weight of the .45 GAP was 200 grains (13 g). In order to provide terminal ballistics that matched the standard 230-grain (15 g) .45 ACP loads, the .45 GAP was designed to operate at a higher standard pressure—roughly equivalent to the higher pressures found in .45 ACP “+P” rounds. Since the .45 GAP has a much smaller cartridge volume than the .45 ACP, the desired pressure and resulting velocity needed to be achieved through powder selection alone. Later development concluded that the .45 GAP could also fire 230-grain (15 g) projectiles, as does the .45 ACP; though this pushes the .45 GAP cartridge to its limits.

.45 ACP Specs

Glock 37

The Glock 37 is the full-size model of the .45 G.A.P. that Glock produced in early 2003. The specs and feel of the gun are almost identical (the slide is wider than the Glock 17) to the standard Glock 17, but it has much more felt-recoil to it. The felt-recoil is much closer to the famous police pistol, the Glock 22 (.40 S&W), but it only holds 10 rounds versus the standard 15 for the Glock 22.

Unfortunately, the Glock 37 is not able to hold as many rounds because the .45 G.A.P. is a bigger round than the .40 S&W and they would have had to add more weight and length to the frame. The Glock 37 has a more pronounced muzzle flip both the .40 S&W and 9mm pistols, but that’s to be expected with the incredibly high pressure of the .45 G.A.P. bullet. Overall, this pistol is a great option for those who want to have the power of .45 ACP, but don’t want the full size of the Glock 21.

Specs

Where Can I Buy The Glock 37?

1. Rk Guns
2. Guns.com
3. Gearfire.com

Glock 38

All 3 .45 G.A.P. Glock models (37,38,39) were built in a succession of each other to not only test the market need for a new caliber, but also the difference in sizes. The Glock 37 is a full-size model, whereas, the Glock 38 shaved off .67″ from the overall length. The Glock 39 went even smaller with a 1.5″ difference in length from the full-size model. The 38 became the 1st model with the ability to be used as a CCW, but it’s still a little big for smaller owners (like me at 5’8″).

However, if you can carry a Glock 19 as a CCW, this should be no problem for you at all. The one big difference in performance with the Glock 38 from the Glock 37, is the felt-recoil is even bigger with the Glock 38. However, if you add a Talon Grip to the pistol grip and aftermarket sights, this pistol will be a great addition to your CCW rotation.

Specs

Where Can I Buy The Glock 38?

1. Guns.com
2. Brownells
3. Gearfire.com

Glock 39

Specs

Where Can I Buy The Glock 39?

1. Rk Guns
2. Guns.com
3. Gearfire.com

Talon Grip For Glock 37

The Talon Grip for Glock’s is my go-to if I want a more aggressive grip on my pistol. The granulated grip fits perfectly on the Glock 37 and will enhance your accuracy and control of the pistol. For any gun that is above a 9mm, I always buy an aftermarket grip because I don’t feel like any company does a great job at providing an aggressive enough grip for more powerful handguns.

Crimson Trace LL-810-G Tactical Flashlight

Crimson Trace is one of the best in the world at producing tactical lasers with flashlights on your pistols. This specific model comes with a green laser with a 5Mw peak, 620-670nm, and the laser is rated as a class 3R (brightest allowed for civilian use). The LL-810-G features an instinctive activation that is located on the front for instant activation, without removing your hand from the grip. This laser sight will fit the Glock 39, but will not work with the 37 or 38. The battery will last for up to 4 hours in normal conditions and features an easily replaced 1/3N Battery. With a 3-year warranty, you’ll get your money’s worth without worrying about what happens if it breaks or stops working.

M1 Scorpus OWB Holster

The M1 Scorpus will fit all 3 .45 G.A.P. models with ease and comes with interchangeable belt adapters and Cant adjustment of 20 degrees. These features allow the holster to be customized to change the Cant from 0-10 degrees (+or -). The holster works by using 2 opposing passive retention devices to capture the trigger guard of the pistol. Both of these devices are pressure activated, so in order to release the pistol, you must press the grip down and quickly draw the pistol. This feature ensures that no one could just remove your gun from your holster without you knowing or it won’t fall out if you take a tumble or fall during a hike.

The holster will fit any belt size from 1.3″-2.8″, which will fit most of the rigger’s belts that you could be wearing. The holster comes in either a right-handed or left-handed configuration and is made from a fiberglass-reinforced polymer composite construction for extreme durability. It’s available in Matte Black, Olive Drab Green, or Flat Dark Earth, and has a price tag of $44.00. Don’t miss out on this amazing holster from a great company, and click here, to buy.

Magazine Pouch for Glock 37,38, and 39

When it comes to mag pouches, the most important things to consider are comfort, ease of extraction, and durability. The low-profile and slimmed-down design of the mag pouch ensures it’s more comfortable and easier to carry and conceal. It features an anti-rattle pressure tab for great retention and doesn’t get in the way of an easy extraction from the pouch to your pistol. One of the coolest and unique features is the 8 distinct levels of adjustable retention to customize specifically to each shooter’s personal preference.

MS-GL/5 – GLOCK 39 ALL GEN. 1 2 3 4 5 SLIDE EXTENDED SYSTEM

One of the most overlooked accessories for a pistol is the recoil springs because they’re not as sexy looking like a new red dot sight or customized grip extension. However, if you’re interested in improving the performance of your weapons an upgraded recoil spring. Fab-Defense sells one of the best on the market with its DPM mechanical recoil reduction system, specifically designed for compact pistols. The only addition for this specific model is a plug that’s added to the system to create more space inside the slide, in order to accommodate the  DPM Mechanical recoil reduction system.

Conclusion

Hopefully, you’re able to understand the significance of these Glock models that are so misunderstood and disrespected by mainstream media and gun enthusiasts. The .45 G.A.P. is difficult to find in stores and relatively more expensive than some other comparable calibers (.40 S&W,45 ACP). However, with the climate, today of not being able to find any ammo, having a unique round can be very beneficial to you. If you’re looking for a powerful CCW that you’ll not have to fight other gun owners at the ammo counter, I highly recommend looking into the Glock 38 and Glock 39.