Which caliber should I get? A 45 GAP or 45 Auto?

I'm thinking about a Glock 39,30,or 36. Mostly for protection.

Or should I choose a different model?

.45 ACP...

I'm a fan of the single actions. I'd rather have a good 1911-based pistol than a Glock.

I'd get the 45ACP as well. No GAP for this guy, ammo is hard to find and expensive.

Stick with 45acp unless you have small hands that cause a problem with proper grip control. If grip control is an issue with small hands the 40 S&W is a great caliber also. You might check out some other pistols, the S&W M&P is a great gun, as are the Springfield armory XD's. Don't just buy a glock for the name, go and handle all of these models and shoot some at a range if possible. I couldn't wait to own a glock, and once I had one I found out it would bite the web of my hand when fired.

The Springfield XD line has a pistol in .45ACP in a frame the size of a 9mm FWIW. The 45GAP was meant to get .45 auto performace out of a 9mm frame, but Springfield did them one better.

I too would shy away from the GAP. The Glock is a fine weapon. I've had 0 issues with my 23 (it's a .40 S & W), and is medium sized.

Great advice here. I was planning on buying a Glock a few years back, when I went to the gunshop and handled one I knew it wasn't meant to be. The funny grip angle, and grip totally don't fit my hands. Luckily, the shop I was at, had an indoor range and they let me buy a box of ammunition, and shoot about 4 different semi autos before I chose. I end up with the Springfield XD 40 Tactical. Very nice shooting piece.

If you can do like Rammer did and find a shop with a Range that will let you shoot a few different models, it sure helps. For me the 45 ACP is my cup of tea but for those who the Glock fits and works well for, it's a fine weapon. For me it's hard to shoot Glocks along with other guns because the trigger is so different. I also can't get over the fact that they have no manual safty. I have tried and have had every Model of Glock made except the Baby Glocks which my big hands just can't handle. Ballistic wise they are as close to dead ringers as you can get.

.45 ACP. Good luck.

Sig .45