The Complete Guide to Glock Pistol Models

Everything you need to know about Austria’s legendary polymer pistols

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When Gaston Glock—an Austrian engineer with no prior firearms experience—designed the first Glock pistol in the early 1980s, few could have predicted the seismic shift it would cause in the handgun world. Today, Glock pistols are carried by approximately 65% of American law enforcement agencies and have become the benchmark against which all modern service pistols are measured.

But with over 50 models across five generations, navigating the Glock lineup can feel overwhelming. What do all those numbers mean? Which model is right for you? And why does everyone seem to own a Glock 19?

Let’s break down everything you need to know about Glock pistol models.

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Which Glock Model Is Best for Concealed Carry?

This is arguably the most common question among gun owners, and the answer depends on your body type, wardrobe, and comfort tolerance. However, three models consistently rise to the top:

Glock 43X: Currently the darling of the concealed carry world, the 43X takes the slimline frame of the single-stack 43 and stretches the grip to accept 10-round magazines. It’s thin enough to disappear under a T-shirt but offers a full grip for better control.

Glock 26: Dubbed the “Baby Glock,” this subcompact 9mm has been hiding in waistbands since 1995. It’s thicker than the 43X but accepts double-stack magazines—including extended magazines from larger Glocks. This “magazine compatibility” factor makes it popular among officers who carry a Glock 17 on duty and want a backup gun that shares magazines.

Glock 43: The original slimline single-stack. It’s the thinnest and most concealable option, but you sacrifice capacity (6 rounds) and grip comfort.

Verdict: Most shooters find the Glock 43X hits the sweet spot between concealability and shootability.

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Glock 19 vs Glock 17: What’s the Difference?

These two 9mm pistols represent the heart of the Glock lineup, and the comparison often confuses new buyers.

Feature	Glock 17	Glock 19
Size Category	Full-size	Compact
Barrel Length	4.49 inches	4.02 inches
Overall Length	7.95 inches	7.28 inches
Height	5.47 inches	5.04 inches
Weight (empty)	25.06 oz	23.65 oz
Standard Capacity	17 rounds	15 rounds
Best For	Duty use, home defense, competition	Concealed carry, all-purpose

Glock 17: The original. If you see a police officer with a holstered Glock, it’s probably a 17. The longer barrel provides slightly higher velocity, and the full-size grip fills the hand completely. Recoil is marginally softer due to the larger frame.

Glock 19: The Goldilocks option. It’s short enough to conceal but large enough to fight with. The grip is 0.43 inches shorter than the 17, which makes all the difference when sitting down or bending over. Many shooters actually prefer the balance of the 19.

The Plot Twist: The Glock 19 can accept Glock 17 magazines. Buy a 19 and you can use 17-round, 24-round, or even 33-round magazines when concealment isn’t the priority.

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What Do Glock Model Numbers Actually Mean?

Newcomers often assume Glock model numbers follow some logical sequence—perhaps by size, caliber, or chronological order. They don’t.

Gaston Glock assigned model numbers based on patent application order. The Glock 17 wasn’t named for its 17-round magazine (a common myth). It was simply the 17th patent filed by the company.

Here’s how the numbering breaks down:

• Glock 17: The original 9mm (1982)
• Glock 18: Select-fire (fully automatic) version of the 17 (rare and restricted)
• Glock 19: Compact 9mm (the 19th patent)
• Glock 20: 10mm Auto full-size
• Glock 21: .45 ACP full-size
• Glock 22: .40 S&W full-size (extremely common in law enforcement)
• Glock 23: .40 S&W compact
• Glock 24: .40 S&W competition model
• Glock 25: .380 ACP compact (not imported to US due to import restrictions)
• Glock 26: Subcompact 9mm (“Baby Glock”)
• Glock 27: Subcompact .40 S&W
• Glock 28: Subcompact .380 ACP
• Glock 29: Subcompact 10mm
• Glock 30: Subcompact .45 ACP
• Glock 31: .357 SIG full-size
• Glock 32: .357 SIG compact
• Glock 33: .357 SIG subcompact
• Glock 34: Competition 9mm (long slide)
• Glock 35: Competition .40 S&W
• Glock 36: Slimline .45 ACP (single-stack)
• Glock 37: .45 GAP full-size
• Glock 38: .45 GAP compact
• Glock 39: .45 GAP subcompact
• Glock 40: Longslide 10mm
• Glock 41: Longslide .45 ACP
• Glock 42: .380 ACP slimline (the smallest Glock)
• Glock 43: 9mm slimline (single-stack)
• Glock 43X: 9mm slimline with longer grip (10 rounds)
• Glock 44: .22 LR training pistol
• Glock 45: 9mm “crossover” (Glock 19 length with 17 grip)
• Glock 46: Rotating barrel model (restricted market)
• Glock 47: Newer model for US Customs and Border Protection
• Glock 48: 9mm slimline (long-slide version of 43X)

Letter suffixes add meaning:

• X: Crossover or extended grip (43X, 19X)
• S: Slimline (43, 42, 48)
• C: Compensated (ported barrel and slide)
• MOS: Modular Optic System (factory cut for red dots)

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How Many Generations of Glock Are There?

Glock pistols have evolved through five distinct generations, and understanding them helps when buying used or choosing between new models.

Gen 1 (1982-1988)

• Pebbled grip texture
• No accessory rail
• No finger grooves
• Mostly found in collections now—the “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” Glock from 1980s movies

Gen 2 (1988-1998)

• Checkered grip pattern added
• Still no rail
• Improved durability
• Many still in service with smaller departments

Gen 3 (1998-Present)

• Finger grooves on the front strap
• Universal accessory rail (finally!)
• Thumb rests on both sides
• Still in production for certain models (especially in California due to handgun roster issues)

Gen 4 (2010-2017)

• Interchangeable backstraps (fit different hand sizes)
• Reversible magazine release
• Dual recoil spring assembly (reduces felt recoil)
• Rough-textured grip surface

Gen 5 (2017-Present)

• No finger grooves (return to smooth front strap)
• Glock Marksman Barrel (improved accuracy)
• Flared magazine well (faster reloads)
• Ambidextrous slide stop
• nDLC finish (more durable than previous finishes)
• Half-moon cut at front of grip (aids magazine removal)

Current Status: Gen 5 is now standard for most models, though Gen 3 remains in production for California-compliant pistols, and Gen 4 models are still available while supplies last.

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Is a Glock 43X Better Than the Standard 43?

This comparison deserves special attention because it represents Glock’s response to the modern concealed carry market.

Glock 43 (released 2015):

• 6+1 capacity
• 3.39-inch barrel
• 6.26 inches long
• 4.25 inches high
• 17.95 ounces (empty)

Glock 43X (released 2019):

• 10+1 capacity (nearly double!)
• Same 3.39-inch barrel
• Same 6.26-inch length
• 5.04 inches high (0.79 inches taller)
• 18.7 ounces (slightly heavier)

The Game Changer: The 43X uses the same slimline frame width as the 43 but stretches the grip to accept 10-round magazines. It also introduced Glock’s “Silver Slide” nDLC finish on many models.

Which is better?

• Choose the Glock 43 if maximum concealability is your only priority and you’re willing to carry spare magazines.
• Choose the Glock 43X if you want near-Glock 19 capacity in a significantly thinner package. Most shooters find the 43X’s longer grip actually conceals nearly as well as the 43 while shooting much better.

Pro Tip: The 43X is also available as the Glock 48, which uses the same grip but adds a 4.17-inch barrel for increased velocity and sight radius.

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Which Glock Models Are Available in 10mm?

The 10mm Auto cartridge—powerful enough for bear defense yet controllable enough for sport shooting—has seen a renaissance, and Glock offers several options:

Glock 20: Full-size 10mm. The original 10mm Glock (1990). Holds 15 rounds of potent 10mm. Large frame (same as .45 ACP models). Excellent for hunting, wilderness carry, and heavy-duty use.

Glock 29: Subcompact 10mm. Absurdly powerful for its size. Holds 10 rounds. Snappy recoil but utterly concealable. Popular among Alaskan guides as a backup against bears.

Glock 40: Longslide 10mm. Designed for competition and hunting. 6.02-inch barrel provides maximum velocity and sight radius. Often equipped with red dot sights for precision shooting. Weighs 32.3 ounces empty.

Considerations:

• The Glock 20 offers the best balance of power and shootability
• The Glock 40 is extremely muzzle-heavy but shoots flat
• All 10mm Glocks use the large frame, so shooters with smaller hands may struggle with the grip circumference

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What Is a Glock MOS and Which Models Have It?

MOS stands for Modular Optic System—Glock’s factory solution for mounting red dot sights.

Instead of buying a standard pistol and sending the slide to a machine shop for milling, MOS pistols come with a milled slide and adapter plates for various optic footprints.

Available MOS Models:

• Glock 17 MOS (Gen 4 and Gen 5)
• Glock 19 MOS (Gen 5)
• Glock 34 MOS (Gen 5)
• Glock 40 MOS (10mm longslide)
• Glock 41 MOS (.45 longslide)
• Glock 45 MOS
• Glock 43X MOS/48 MOS (the slimline MOS models use a different mounting system)

Pros of MOS:

• No permanent modification to the firearm
• Maintains warranty
• Works with multiple optic footprints (RMR, DeltaPoint Pro, etc.)
• Plates included with pistol

Cons of MOS:

• Sits slightly higher than direct-milled slides
• Some shooters report plate loosening over time (use threadlocker!)
• Limited to specific optic footprints

Alternative: Some shooters prefer aftermarket milling for a lower optic mounting position, but MOS remains the most flexible option.

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Glock Models by Size: Full-Size, Compact, and Subcompact

Understanding Glock’s size categories helps narrow your options:

Full-Size (Duty Size)

• Glock 17 (9mm)
• Glock 20 (10mm)
• Glock 21 (.45 ACP)
• Glock 22 (.40 S&W)
• Glock 31 (.357 SIG)
• Glock 34 (9mm competition/long slide)
• Glock 35 (.40 competition)
• Glock 37 (.45 GAP)
• Glock 40 (10mm long slide)
• Glock 41 (.45 long slide)

Best for: Home defense, duty carry, competition, open carry

Compact (The “Sweet Spot”)

• Glock 19 (9mm)
• Glock 23 (.40 S&W)
• Glock 32 (.357 SIG)
• Glock 38 (.45 GAP)
• Glock 45 (9mm “crossover”—19 slide with 17 grip)

Best for: Concealed carry, all-purpose use, law enforcement plainclothes

Subcompact (Deep Concealment)

• Glock 26 (9mm)
• Glock 27 (.40 S&W)
• Glock 29 (10mm)
• Glock 30 (.45 ACP)
• Glock 33 (.357 SIG)
• Glock 39 (.45 GAP)

Best for: Backup guns, ankle carry, maximum concealment

Slimline (Single-Stack)

• Glock 36 (.45 ACP)
• Glock 42 (.380 ACP)
• Glock 43 (9mm)
• Glock 43X (9mm with extended grip)
• Glock 48 (9mm long slide)

Best for: Ultra-thin concealed carry, shooters with smaller hands

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Frequently Asked Questions About Glock Models

Can You Use Glock 17 Magazines in a Glock 19?

Yes, absolutely. This is one of Glock’s most valuable features.

The Glock 19 accepts all double-stack 9mm Glock magazines:

• Glock 17 magazines (17 rounds) sit flush with the bottom of the grip
• Glock 18 magazines (33 rounds) create the iconic “Jamaican reload” look
• Extended +2 and +3 magazines also work perfectly

This compatibility means you can carry a Glock 19 with flush 15-round magazines but keep 17-round spares for reloads.

Caveat: This only works in one direction. Glock 19 magazines are too short to function reliably in a Glock 17 (they won’t lock the slide back).

What’s the Smallest 9mm Glock?

The Glock 43 is the smallest 9mm Glock by physical dimensions:

• Height: 4.25 inches
• Length: 6.26 inches
• Width: 1.02 inches
• Capacity: 6+1

The Glock 26 is slightly smaller in height and length but significantly wider due to its double-stack magazine. Which is “smaller” depends on whether you prioritize thickness or height.

For pure pocket carry, the Glock 43 wins. For belt carry, many prefer the Glock 26’s higher capacity.

Does Glock Still Make the 36?

The Glock 36 was Glock’s first slimline pistol—a single-stack .45 ACP introduced in 1999. It held 6+1 rounds in a frame significantly thinner than the double-stack Glock 21/30.

Current status: The Glock 36 remains in production but has been overshadowed by the 9mm slimline models (42/43/43X/48). It’s available but not heavily marketed.

For .45 ACP fans who want a slim carry option, the 36 is still worth considering. However, ballistics and capacity have largely shifted buyer interest toward 9mm options.

What’s the Difference Between Gen 4 and Gen 5?

If you’re choosing between a Gen 4 and Gen 5 Glock, here’s what matters:

Feature	Gen 4	Gen 5
Grip Texture	Rough textured with finger grooves	Rough textured, no finger grooves
Barrel	Standard rifling	Glock Marksman Barrel (improved polygonal rifling)
Finish	Tenifer	nDLC (harder, more slick)
Magazine Release	Reversible (one side)	Ambidextrous (both sides)
Slide Stop	Left side only	Ambidextrous
Magazine Well	Standard	Flared
Grip Front	Straight	Half-moon cutout

Which to choose?

• Gen 4 if you prefer finger grooves or want a used bargain
• Gen 5 if you want the latest features, ambidextrous controls, and the improved barrel

Which Glock Has the Least Recoil?

Recoil perception is subjective, but based on physics and shooter feedback:

1. Glock 34 (9mm long slide): The longer barrel and slide add weight forward, dampening muzzle flip. The full-size grip distributes force comfortably.
2. Glock 17 (9mm full-size): The original balances weight and cartridge perfectly. Soft shooting by any measure.
3. Glock 41 (.45 long slide): Despite the .45 caliber, the long slide makes it surprisingly manageable.
4. Glock 40 (10mm long slide): The heavy slide tames 10mm significantly compared to shorter models.

The harshest recoil comes from subcompacts in powerful calibers—the Glock 29 (10mm subcompact) and Glock 30 (.45 subcompact) are snappy and require firm grip.

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Final Thoughts: Which Glock Model Should You Buy?

Still undecided? Here’s a simple flowchart:

For first-time buyers: Buy the Glock 19. It’s the most versatile, most supported, and easiest to resell if you decide handguns aren’t for you.

For concealed carry: Choose Glock 43X for the best capacity-to-concealment ratio, or Glock 26 if magazine compatibility with full-size guns matters.

For home defense only: Get the Glock 17. Longer sight radius, higher capacity, and easier to shoot accurately under stress.

For competition: Glock 34 (9mm) or Glock 35 (.40) depending on your division.

For hunting/bear country: Glock 20 (10mm) with hard-cast ammunition.

For collectors: Start hunting for Gen 1 and Gen 2 pistols, or limited-run models like the 19X.

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*Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned shooter, there’s a Glock model engineered for your specific needs. And that’s precisely why—40 years after the first patent—Glock remains the handgun by which all others are judged.*