Glocks…one of the most popular, recognizable, and divisive brands in the firearms world.
Even if you take a step out of the gun community, most people know about Glock. From movies to rap lyrics, the brand seemingly exists everywhere.
But within the gun world, Glocks are one of those guns that foster a conversation.
Whether you love Glocks or love to hate them, we’re going to take a look at some of the best models the Austrian company has to offer.
From concealed carry 9mm variants all the way to full-auto (oh yeah, they have one of those too), we’ll tell you which Glocks are worth your time, money, or are just plain fun.
Let’s get to it!
THE QUICK LIST
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Best Full-Size Glock
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Best Mid-Size Glock
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Best Subcompact Glock
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Best .45 ACP Glock
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Best 10mm Glock
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Best .380 ACP Glock
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Best Rimfire Glock
Table of Contents
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History Time!
We would be remiss if we didn’t at least touch on the history of Glock. Since it is a powerhouse brand, we feel we kinda owe it to you to explain how they got to where they are.
Glock began in the early 1960s, helmed by Gaston Glock.
At the time, pistols weren’t really on his mind. Instead, the company manufactured wood, steel, and plastic.
Fast forward to the groovy era of the 1970s, marking Glock’s entry to the world of weaponry — specifically, knives, grenades, and machine-gun belt links.
It didn’t take long for the wheels to start turning and by the 1980s, the Glock 17 emerged.
While it wasn’t the first polymer pistol to land on shelves (that honor belongs to HK VP70), it was the first one to be a big hit.
Before you know it, law enforcement was arming up with the plastic fantastic and its stellar 17-round magazine.
So, why has Glock maintained its stature?
Well, like it or not, the pistols are affordable and reliable. Two things that make both government agencies and civilians fall in love.
Since Glock’s emergence into the firearms community, the brand has continued to release new models based on the tried-and-true design.
Whether that’s upgrading generations or producing new models in different calibers (I’m looking at you G44), Glock isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
Best Glocks in All Calibers
With history behind, let’s get to what you really came for…the best Glock pistols.
Though 9mm is classic Glock, we’re going to cover all sorts of calibers in the company’s inventory.
1. Glock 17 (9mm)
Ok, so we had to kick this list off with the OG, the one that started it all…the Glock G17.
A full-size, 9mm model, the G17 is available in all multiple generations.
(Don’t know the difference between a Gen. 3 and a Gen. 5, head over to our Glock Generations article to get the low-down.)
Featuring a barrel length of 4.49-inches, the G17 measures 8.03-inches in total length. It weighs in at 32.28-ounces loaded with a standard 17-round magazine.
The G17 is the gold standard for most law enforcement and its reliability has made it a winner in the civilian market.
From carry to home defense, the G17’s larger style makes it a perfect pistol for self-defense and personal protection.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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If full-size isn’t your thing, however, then you might consider moving to Glock’s midsize 9mm…
2. Glock 19 (9mm)
The Glock 19 is remarkably similar to the G17, but on a slightly smaller scale.
Still chambered in 9mm, the G19 measures 7.28-inches in total length. It sports a 4.02-inch barrel and weighs 30.16-ounces loaded.
This midsize model is versatile and easily transitions from the range to concealed carry with its double-stack design.
Again, it’s seen wide use in the law enforcement realm and, like most Glock products, is renowned for its ease of use and reliability.
Not to mention, the 9mm chambering means that, in non-ammo shortage scenarios, you should be able to easily train with it alongside its standard 15-round magazine.
The G19 also benefits from a wealth of aftermarket support so you can switch sights, triggers, and slides if you so choose.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Interested in learning even more, especially about the Gen 5 G19, then head over to our full review.
If you still need something smaller to conceal, maybe in hotter summer months, then let’s take a look at a single stack.
What do you think of the Glock 19? Rate it below.
3. Glock 43/43X (9mm)
Coming in with a subcompact style, the Glock 43 and newer 43X reduce the size of the platform with a single-stack design.
The 6-round capacity on the G43 brings with it a slimmer profile but still with a 9mm chambering.
Offering a 3.41-inch barrel and 6.26-inch overall length, the G43 weighs 20.64-ounces loaded.
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Meanwhile, the G43X brings an ever-so-slightly larger build.
The G43X measures 6.50-inches overall but still uses that 3.41-inch barrel. Loaded, it weighs more than the standard G43 at 23.7-ounces.
You also get more rounds with the G43X — it features a 10-round capacity.
If you want a slim CCW pistol but have to have that sweet, sweet 9mm, the G43 and G43X are right up your alley.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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For a more in-depth look at the G43, check our review here or just watch the video below.
If you prefer a little different oomph, however, you can knock it up to .45 ACP.
4. Glock 30SF (.45 ACP)
Some people love their .45 ACP and who are we to tell you you’re wrong. If .45 ACP is what you want, then the G30 SF is the Glock pistol for it.
Based on the G30 design, the G30 SF brings a subcompact appearance with a 10-round capacity.
How does Glock accomplish this? With a shortened frame and reduced grip dimensions, of course.
With a barrel length measuring 3.78-inches and an overall length of 6.97-inches, the SF weighs 33.69-ounces loaded.
The choice of many plain-clothed street cops and security personnel, the G30 SF fits naturally into a concealed carry or defensive setup.
Like all Glocks, it’s easy to operate and maintain.
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Though the G30 SF makes for flawless concealed carry in .45 ACP, what about a full-size for home-defense or just fun at the range…
5. Glock 21 (.45 ACP)
Continuing the .45 ACP vibe, the G21 is the full-size package.
With a barrel length of 4.61-inches and a total length sitting at 8.07-inches, the G21 weighs 38.80-ounces loaded.
What do you get from the G21 that you don’t see with the G30 SF? More rounds!
The G21 boasts a standard capacity of 13-rounds.
We always think more is better, especially when at the range or during a defensive situation.
Which, is where this pistol excels.
It could easily tuck into a nightstand safe or tossed into a range bag.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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If .45 ACP isn’t your cup of tea, though, Glock does offer a handful of .40 S&W models…
6. Glock 23 (.40 S&W)
The G23 comes chambered in .40 S&W with a magazine capacity of 13-rounds (though you can certainly spring for an aftermarket mag with up to 22-rounds).
Sporting a 4.02-inch barrel and total length of 7.28-inches, it weighs 34.36-ounces loaded.
It’s available in Gen. 4 or Gen. 5, but if you go for a Gen. 5 you’ll get the bonus of an nDLC finish, Glock Marksman barrel, and flared magwell.
Oh, and lefties will appreciate that ambidextrous slide stop lever too!
Using a compact build, the G23 is a nice middle area between full-size and subcompact.
And if you happen to love red dots and optics as much as we do, there’s even a MOS model that supports red dots.
If you love the .40-caliber, then you can’t get better than the G23.
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Of course, while we’re talking alternative rounds, we might as well mention that Glock also has 10mm offerings…
7. Glock 20 (10mm)
There’s something cool about shooting 10mm. Whether you’re doing it on the hunt or at the range, it’s a fun round!
Luckily Glock has a few 10mm offerings up its sleeve, but our favorite is the G20.
With a capacity sitting at 15-rounds, the G20 is a full-size model with 8.07-inches in total length to its name.
The barrel measures 4.61-inches and total loaded weight is 39.86-ounces.
While the G20 only comes in the Gen. 4 variant, but Glock does offer an SF, or short frame, model.
You still get that 15-round capacity with the SF and most of the measurements are on par with the G20.
But the SF downsizes the receiver’s circumference at the rear for a little more ease when shooting.
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Interested in a deep dive into this 10mm bad boy? Check out our full review here!
Of course, if 10mm is just a bit much in your book, you can move in the opposite direction to a Glock in .380 ACP.
8. Glock 42 (.380 ACP)
The G42 comes chambered in .380 ACP which means there’s little to no recoil while shooting.
This subcompact offers a barrel length of 3.25-inches with an overall length measuring 5.94-inches. Weight rests at 15.87-ounces loaded.
Glock’s G42 is an ultra-compact pistol designed for concealed carry. This is your summer gun!
The trade-off for such a small handgun, though, is capacity. In the case of the G42, that means 6 rounds. Probably want to stock up on the spare mags…
It keeps to Glock’s easy-to-shoot-and-maintain platform and brings that durability you’ve come to expect from the Glock brand.
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If .380 ACP is still too much, you can always go with a cartridge most of us probably started on…a .22 LR.
9. Glock 44 (.22 LR)
Ok, so I know the G44 is controversial. I’m sorry to all the fanbois who wanted a Glock PCC but instead got a .22 LR. Don’t throw hate at me.
The G44 burst onto the scene with a .22 LR chambering. According to the company, they wanted to introduce a gun specifically for first-time gun owners and those that put in a lot of training reps at the range.
Mimicking the size of the G19, the G44 comes with a 4.02-inch barrel and an overall length of 7.28-inches. Loaded with its standard 10 rounds, it weighs 16.40-ounces.
While you most likely won’t be packing this in your IWB holster, the G44’s strength comes from the fact that you can easily plink with it.
Normally, .22 LR ammo is cheap and easy to find, making this gun a perfect training companion.
Not to mention, .22 LR has virtually no recoil so first-timers will find this comfortable and less intimidating to shoot.
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To see the G44 in action, peep our video below or you can read our full review here!
10. G48 MOS (9mm)
A newer Glock model, the G48 series takes a slim approach and looks to shave down on size.
Chambered in 9mm, it measures pretty close to the G19 but adopts Glock’s Slimline build to reduce its width.
Where the regular, ole G19 offers a 1.26-inch width, the G48 MOS measures 1.10-inches.
The G48 brings a 4.17-inch barrel to the table with an overall length of 7.28-inches. It tips scales at 24.97-ounces loaded. And, it comes with a standard capacity of 10 rounds.
The MOS designator means that it uses Glock’s Modular Optic System. If you love red dots, this is a great pistol to toss an optic on — especially for concealed carry.
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For more info on the G48 (and G43X) walk on over to our full review here.
Honorable Mentions
We couldn’t do an ultimate Glock list and leave off the very cool full-auto (yeah, you read that right) Glock 18.
The G18 is a BAMF 9mm full-auto Glock that most of us could just dream of owning. But for the lucky few, it’s a rad model that is peak Glock.
Also worth mentioning, if you’re a fan of .357 calibers and were a little bummed to not see the cartridges mentioned…well, let me put you on the G31 and G32.
Both are .357 SIG models! So, go get your fix!
Conclusion
Glock pistols set the standard for polymer, striker-fired pistols. With a range of calibers from .22 LR all the way to 10mm, you’re guaranteed to find a model that fits your needs.
What is your favorite Glock? Did it make our list? Let us know in the comments below. If you’ve already got a Glock but want to snazz it up, check out some of our other articles on how to Gucci your Gat: Best Glock Upgrades, Best Glock Sights, and Best Glock Triggers.
105 Leave a Reply
My favorite Glock is a newer release, although many hardcore DIYers & gunsmiths have been producing them for a while, that being the Glock 49. Personally, I enjoy a compact frame A) for concealability & B) because I don't have the biggest hands, but I also like the balance & longer sight radius of a full sized slide. I'm a fan of this sort of configuration in almost ANY pistol & will buy one if I see one I like. I have a CZ P10 SC & a Shadow Systems MR920L & love them both! I also have a Walther PDP compact with a 4 inch slide, but plan to buy a 4.5 inch slide for it. I'm utterly befuddled as to why Walther DIDN'T offer the compact with all 3 configurations like they did with the full sized line (4in., 4.5in. & 5in. for the full size line, but only a 4in. & 5in. in the compact line).
I'm wonder why you guys left out 40 S&W ? There are so many of these still being used as people's
everyday carry? Maybe im.oldcschool but I want the perp to go down hard ! What's your reasoning for not listing tnis important series?
Glocks have no aesthetics. They look like a brick with a handle. I prefer guns that look good. I have four Glocks, so I have nothing against their reliability. They are just ugly.
SIGs are guns you show your friends. Glocks are guns you show your enemy .
Would like to see all models in a single comparison chart
The Glock 30s comes only in Gen 3, and being a southpaw the G30 Gen 4 is ambidextrous.
I like the way the Glock remains open after the pistol clip has no rounds left. The weapon appears designed/made/created for easy reload.
The sight/aimer on the barrel of the weapon has a big white dot that is easy to see. :-)
Glock MOS gen5 slides on Nomad frames with Kineti flat face triggers…that’s the right fit & feel for me! And like the 43/43x/48 frames upgraded to Shield Arms Z9 or S15 capacity.
Ms. Billings,
Your article was articulate and quite informative. I own a few Glocks and have been very pleased with their performance. But to hear a female viewpoint, especially a woman highly skilled in martial arts, I find very encouraging. It’s been difficult at times to convince my girlfriend to show any interest in firearms for self-defense, much less continued situational awareness of her surroundings. Therefore, I constantly worry about her personal safety. Thank You for setting a prime example for all women to follow.
Travis Young
Own the G19X & the G45. Never be better for me！
What about a Glock 45 9mm
G45 is GOAT
Everyone list the G19 as the best. The G26 is the correct answer in 9mm. 10rounds to 33rounds. G30 .45 power but less snappy than a G27. G21 .45 or 10mm with a conversion barrel Note: Gen4 in a G21 offers a slimmer grip (like a SF)and a better recoil spring design. As for the G43... Why? trigger sucks and 6rd count is sad, the Sig p365 is so much better of a gun 10rds, size, with a better trigger
. One thing never mentioned in any Glock articles is Glock perfection is only achieved after you change to a 3.5 connector and a extended controls with Night sites also. YMMV
I have a first gen Glock 17 that is great to shoot but my favorite is my Glock 40 Gen 4 MOS with a Trijicon red dot sight. That 10mm pairs nicely with my CMMG Banshee Mk 10 with interchangeable magazines. What’s even better is that I live in rural NW Georgia on 32 acres of land outside the city limits and can shoot anything I want at any time. It’s a firearm enthusiast’s dream scenario.
Never mentioned the GAP #37 ,I think it is the best.....45gap
Very surprised the G45 didn’t make it. It’s my EDC and I love it.
Same here, it’s the perfect cc for me. Few little mods and it’s amazing so far.
I picked up a glock 48mos last month and stock its maybe the most accurate semi auto pistol I have. I was blown away. And I own a 17C that shoots flat as hell. It since has had a swampfox sentinel and threaded barrel with a tyrant comp so it's even better.
I picked the G45 Gen5. It's the perfect fit between the 17 and 19. I updated the trigger and added a red dot. During the Ammo shortage, I added a dryfire mag and MantisX. It has helped increase the accuracy at the range with live fire. G45 should be on that list.
Not to be left out in the cold, I had to get a Glock too... Seems everyone had the full/mid sized - and I tried the17, 19, and 21 at my local range - but I was looking for a smaller powerful package and was absolutely thrilled when I picked up a 27. Albeit a little fatter than I care for when carrying concealed (abdominal), the little beast in .40 S&W - 8 rounds packs a helluva punch. Best yet - The first time I pulled the trigger on the 27 I had a "death grip" on it figuring I'd have my wrist snapped off... far from it... due to it's ergonomics and heavy weight, it was a comfort and a joy to shoot - accurate too for such a small handgun. I got the mag extension so my pinky has a 'notch' which greatly improved the "feel and control".
Picked up g45 gen5 today with notched slide and leupold deltapoint pro... no mention of g45 even on the list???
What's wrong with the G34?! You have not mentioned it at all...
Mike is right there are other Gkicks that did not make the list . I have several number of them . From the Glock 42 to the Glodk 17 GEN4 . I like them .
You left out the G48 which I know is a single stack but she feels great in the hand and shoots like a dream. You also overlooked the G22 a very nice well respected 40 caliber pistol.
I purchased my first gun about 9 months ago. I got the Glock 48. Got a little over a thousand rounds through it. I’m hoping the price of ammo will start coming down soon so I can go out more often
I have the glock 43x mos, put night fusion glow sights on it and a carry clip back plate, got a caa micro conversation kit for it but it doesn't work with the sight plate on. Overall good gun.
Glock G17 Gen 4 with a Crimson Trace light.  G17 is the gold standard  MAKE : GLOCK MODEL : 17 CARTRIDGE : 9 MM LUGER CAPACITY : 17+1-ROUND BARREL LENGTH : 4.49" FINISH : GAS NITRIDE LENGTH : 7.32" MAGAZINE TYPE : REMOVABLE Glock 30SF (.45 ACP)  
You don't have the G45 on the table at the top. I love mine and the lasermax guiderod laser just makes that much better. I am absolutely a Glock fan. Thanks.
Well, so many to choose from.......
The 19X, the G45, the baby Glocks, the triplets, G26, G27, & G33, or get the G27 & you can have all 3.
However, if I could only have one..........
The Glock G43X, with the Shield Arms S15 magazines, for a 15 +1 capacity, in a flush fit magazine for Glock’s slime line series.
Glock Perfection!
I have to say picking a favorite Glock is like asking me to pick my favorite child. Being retired law enforcement I've carried both the Glock 19 gen3 and G22 gen4. For on duty carry I'd puck my G22, off duty my G19 gen3. Now I'm a big fan of the G48 which I carried concealed until my wife made it hers as a Bail Bind recovery agent. My next purchase will be a Glock 42. I did find the G43 a disappointment, difficult to draw was bad enough a little to small and snappy for a 9mm.
I’m not sure you’d gain anything with a G42 if you’re disappointed with drawing a G43, they are almost identical in size, with the G43 slightly larger.
I love the glock line up. I love the G20 in 10mm im a big boi so I want a big bullet. But when it comes to canceled carry im going with the 19. Its just a perfect range gun with my lady who also shoots it. Glock needs to make some future changes. Not just size and calibers but one with innovative materials maybe 3d printing titanium or carbon fiber for frames the costs are coming down. Just don't the glock to end up like the 1911. A classic but not as practical I guess. Its time for innovation. Anyone else agree? Its getting into tye same time periods where other designers are taking the lead
I am in the love'm category. Started with a G21, then a G30, went to a G36. Carried them all concealed. The G30 and the G36 are so close in size I went back to the G30 (11 vs 7) as my EDC. I am old school, bigger is better, so that is why I carry .45 A.C.P.. My first gun was a Colt 1911 way back in 1954 I was 14 then. I am almost 81 now and still shoot fist sized groups at 7 yards. That is the longest sight line in my house.
As noted, the G45 is an ideal combo of size and shape for a 9mm. I've got 12 Glocks, from the 17 through the 45, and the G45 is, for me, the best all-around (exempting CCW).
No 19X or 45??? SMH
The first Glock I carried on duty was a G19 in 1991. Over the years I carried the G17, G22, G27, and G34 on/off duty. My favorite for duty use was a toss up between the G17 and G22. As a civilian I carry a customized G19 on a daily basis.
Which holster do you use with your 19? I’m carrying my wife’s LCP Max in my pocket because I have never found a comfortable holster for my 19 or 45. I’m 6-1, 205 lbs, so not too overweight for IWB…. Former military, so I carried OWB and shoulder only.
Thanks for your help.
ET
Glad to see I’m not the only one that thinks G45 is worthy of the list
G45 should be on Glock Top 10 List
Agree. Wasn’t sure when I first got it, but it is a terrific pistol, especially with a red dot.
My G45 gives me a better grip and 2 more rounds than my 19, and better target transition than a 17. I still carry the 19 more, but I love the G45!
What about Glockzilla???? No way that should have been left off the list..... 10x better than the snappy 20.... no comparison... and much more accurate for hunting