Whether you’re a combat-hardened veteran or even an anti-gunner, due to popular media, “Glock,” has become a household word for everyone, everywhere. While the uninformed might think it is just slang for “pistol,” we know that Glock is actually a firearm manufacturer based out of Austria with US roots in Georgia. They’ve been in the business almost 40 years and have dozens of models to choose from.
Note: not all models are available for civilian purchase. In order to get full access to the products and have an order shipped to your house from an online vendor, you will need an FFL license. For more information, check out our guides.
The simplicity of their engineering and time-tested reliability have made Glock the go-to weapons of countless law enforcement agencies throughout the world. In addition to serving those who protect us at home, Glock works with several governments to help supply their military with high-quality weapons that can withstand the rigors of combat.
While Glocks are a popular firearm that will not break the bank, it is important to know that they do not come equipped with a traditional safety switch. Instead, it uses three internal mechanisms in order to prevent the accidental discharge of the weapon. As always, treat every weapon as if they are loaded. Safety is paramount when it comes to these tools.
Since Glock has so many models and information to sift through, we have decided to narrow our list and try out some of the more popular pistols. The following opinions are personal and do not necessarily mean that everyone agrees. The data below the picture includes summarized bullets as well as company specifications. For the most up-to-date information, please research the official Glock product page related to your desired weapon.
Thousands of civilians use Glocks as their primary concealed carry weapon, and their reputation for reliability will allow you to feel confident that it will be ready to perform no matter when you need it.
Pros: Compact size great for concealed carry
Fairly accurate despite a short barrel
10+1 capacity is pretty good for its size
Cons: The short grip may be too small for big-handed shooters
There are other options with a higher magazine capacity
Trigger-Pull varied between 4 lbs 10 oz and 6 lbs 1 oz
Caliber: 9x19mm
Capacity: 10+1
Price: $499.00
This G26 is one of Glock’s more popular models for concealed carry. It offers a compact size that allows it to be hidden in the waistline and remains comfortable even for extended periods. Due to it being a very compact pistol, its overall effective range is reduced compared to other models, though it is still accurate within close quarters or father for those who train extensively. A common complaint is related to the standard grip of the weapon. Since it is small, the pinky and ring finger hang off and cause the weapon to shift after every couple of rounds. In order to maintain a proper sight picture, it is common to need to readjust your hold of the G26.
Pros: Smallest pistol in their lineup
A great option for a backup weapon
Cons: Smallest pistol in their lineup (Yes, we know it is both a pro and con.)
Smaller caliber and lower magazine capacity
Caliber: .380 GAP
Capacity: 6+1
Price: $459.00
The G42 is the smallest firearm that Glock offers, coming in at just under six inches in length from the tip of the barrel to the butt of the grip. This makes it ideal for pocket carry since it has a thin, single-stack frame. Due to its small size and relatively small width when compared to most other pistols, the G42 is often uncomfortable to hold for those with larger hands. It is great for those who want to carry something for comfort, or for those who want to conceal a backup firearm.
Pros: Easily concealed
Grip is an improvement on the G26
More stopping power than G42
Larger caliber than the G42
Cons: Small magazine capacity
Caliber: 9x19mm
Capacity: 6+1
Price: $499.00
If you like the feel of the G42, but want something a little bigger with a tad more stopping power, then the G43 is your weapon. The increased surface area of the grip allows it to be more easily handled, even by those with bigger hands. For a concealed carry weapon, this firearm produces a balance between control and stopping power that will ensure a consistent shot group. Again, due to the streamlined frame, this weapon uses single-stack magazines and reduces the overall capacity compared to other weapons.
Pros: Size is in between a compact and full-size pistol
Improved grip
Much larger capacity than those options above
Cons: Standard sights are a bit poor
Harder to conceal than the smaller options above
Factory sights are often complained about by owners
Caliber: 9x19mm
Capacity: 15+1 Standard (Aftermarket magazine have varying capacities)
Price: $549.00
While it might not be a compact pistol, it certainly qualifies for conceal carry. Instead of being a large compact, this is like a slightly reduced version of the full-sized G17, and the benefits are astounding. In fact, it just might be the most popular concealed carry pistol on the market.
The longer barrel improves accuracy, the grip makes control second-nature, and the increased capacity ensures that you will be prepared for even the worst situations. Though it is a personal preference, the standard sights don’t give this weapon the justice it deserves, but they are easy to swap out with something more effective.
We do not presume to say that the above weapons should only be used for concealed carry, or that the below firearms should be reserved for everything but. In our opinion, larger firearms tend to get uncomfortable and can make the concealing aspect hard to maintain. Due to these reasons, we have delegated the following firearms to the home defense or duty weapon category. Their increased size provides better accuracy, capacity, and stopping power than many of the pistols listed above.
Pros: Increased competitive edge over G19
Higher magazine capacity
Cons: Relatively Small Stopping Power
Just like the G19, the sights are a big complaint about the G17
Caliber: 9x19mm
Capacity: 17+1
Price: $499.00
The G17 is the bigger brother of the G19. Both fire the same round, though the larger frame allows the G17 to surpass its sibling in almost all competitive categories. If you are in need of a reliable, primary duty weapon, the G17 is a popular choice among police officers. The primary downside to this weapon is the fact that it only chambers a 9mm round and in some situations, the lack of stopping power can be detrimental to the user. That said, many often argue the other side of the coin is that you can carry more magazines.
Pros: More stopping-power than the 9mm options above
Higher magazine capacity than other firearms in this caliber
Cons: The relatively light weight of the gun could make the .45 caliber rounds that it fires hard to handle for some shooters
Caliber: .45 GAP
Capacity: 13+1
Price: $547.00
The G21 is the big boy of the Glock world. It chambers the famous .45 round made famous by the Colt Model 1911. This firearm is great for those who do not want to take the risk that an attacker will keep coming, though the kick might be a bit much for someone who does not have much experience shooting firearms. Overall, this is a great pistol for home defense.
Based on our testing, we believe that the Glock 19 provides the most versatile platform of all of Glock’s weapons. It can be used as a concealed carry pistol but still offers the size that can let it play with the big boys. Ultimately, it is a jack of all trades and the perfect place to start your Glock collection.
It is possible to purchase these weapons at wholesale prices if you have an FFL. If you need to learn how to get your own, check out one of our comprehensive guides.
Getting your FFL might seem like a huge ordeal, but it is really just about having the right information. The effort could save hundreds of dollars because you can purchase equipment much cheaper and it allows you to have firearms shipped directly to your door. This bypasses having to wait for your local shop to stock hard-to-find weapons and can put you in the position to start a part-time business.
When you’re ready to get your FFL, let FFL123 help make the process as easy as possible! If you need to learn how to get your own, check out one of comprehensive guides.
