The 8 Best Glock 9mm Handguns In 2021
- OUR TOP PICK: Glock G19 Gen5 9mm with front serrations
- RUNNER UP: Glock G17 Gen 5 MOS 9mm
- LOW PROFILE: Glock G48 9mm fixed sights
Comparison Of The Best Glocks 9mm Handguns
| PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
|---|---|---|---|
 Our Top Pick | Glock G19 Gen5 9mm with front serrations |
| View Latest Price |
 Our Top Pick | Glock G17 Gen 5 MOS 9mm |
| View Latest Price |
 Our Top Pick | Glock G48 9mm fixed sights |
| View Latest Price |
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Back in 2019 the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) recently announced that they have picked the Glock as their new service handgun. The $85 million dollar contract was awarded after nine months of consideration and testing.
A Glock 9mm handgun is undoubtedly one of the best self-defense weapons on the market. Not only is it renowned for its reliability but the design of the pistol makes it ideal for concealed carry too. 9mm Luger offers higher magazine capacities, less recoil, lower cost (both in ammunition and wear on the weapons) and higher functional reliability rates
However, when it comes to 9mm Glocks, there are numerous models on the market. The vast array of options can feel overwhelming, so how do you know which Glock 9mm is best?
Our Pick of the Top Glock 9mm Handguns Reviewed
In this article, we aim to help you find the best Glock 9mm for your needs. We’ll explain the differences between the most popular models, how to best clean and maintain them, and why the 9mm is the most common handgun round for self-defense shooters.
We’ve chosen the 8 best Glock 9mm pistols on the market and tested them out to offer a thorough review of each one. For easy comparison, we’ve added pros and cons for each model, helping you to understand which model is the best Glock 9mm for you.
Glock G19 Gen5 9mm with front serrations
The Glock 19 is a trustworthy, reliable, and accurate pistol that’s easy to carry around and conceal. Glock 19 fits 15 round magazines and features “backstraps” on the grip that can be made longer or shorter to fit your hand size. What’s more, the Glock 19’s long grip results in better recoil control.
The generation 5 G19 delivers a better gas seal and less fouling thanks to the enhanced polygonal rifling on the Marksman barrel. The Gen5 features the same reversible magazine catch of the Gen4 but incorporates an ambidextrous one-piece slide lock to give left-handed shooters a better grip.
The Gen5 G19 also brings improvements to the magazine and mag well compared to the Gen4 model. The magazine features an orange follower to easily see empties, an extended bottom lip for easy magazine extraction, and a flared magazine well for easy reloads. The compact and lightweight pistol comes in at 1.47 lbs and has a barrel length of 4 inches.
The Glock 19 boasts impressive accuracy for a reasonable price. It’s a fantastic option for those purchasing a Glock for the first time who may not be sure which features they’re looking for.
Pros
- Rates high in accuracy and reliability
- Easy to carry around and conceal
- Adjustable backstraps
- Features a long grip for better recoil control
- Nice well-rounded option and a good choice for first time Glock owners
Cons
- None
Glock G17 Gen 5 MOS 9mm
The G17 MOS is favored by law enforcement personnel because of its impressive stopping power, accuracy, and capacity of a 17-round magazine. It’s also a lightweight gun, weighing just over 1.5 pounds.
The G17 Gen 5 MOS model features forward slide serrations in addition to the serrations found at the rear. The finger grooves found on the Gen 4 model have been removed to create an improved trigger pull. This upgrade was made due to the numerous complaints about the Gen 4 handle being uncomfortable.
What I love about the Glock 17 Gen 5 MOS is the longer than average barrel which results in greater accuracy. The Glock 17 is accurate to ranges beyond what’s necessary for a home defense scenario. Even so, the barrel isn’t so long that it becomes hard to handle. This makes the G17 a great choice not just for self-defense purposes, but also for competition shooting, and in law enforcement and military.
The G17 MOS is not specifically made for concealed carry but still serves as one of the best Glock 9mm pistols to have in your safe ready to serve if need be.
Pros
- Boasts supreme accuracy and stopping power
- High magazine capacity
- Has a more comfortable grip than the previous Gen4 version
- Versatile pistol – Works well in all shooting purposes
- Dependable and easy to handle
Cons
- Not the best option for concealed carry
Glock G48 9mm fixed sights
The Glock G48 is a slim, low-profile 9mm pistol that accepts the new widened and lengthened single-stack magazines. This increases single-stack capacity up to 10 rounds.
The G48 is a larger version of the G43X, sporting a half-inch longer slide and a slightly longer barrel. The G48 has a better sight picture and slightly more muzzle velocity than previous Glocks as well as an increased sight radius giving more accuracy for precision shots.
The overall length is 7.28 inches including a 4.17-inch barrel. The pistol comes with 2 10-Round magazines and is available in two color finishes – black or stainless steel. What’s more, because it’s so lightweight at 1.29 pounds, it reduces the weight on your gun belt.
If you’re wanting to carry concealed, the compact, Slimline frame of the G48 is ideal. I would go so far as saying that the slimmer slide and frame of the G48 makes it even easier to conceal than the G19. The compact, single-stack design also means that it is more comfortable for those with smaller hands who dislike a double-stack grip.
Of course, the one negative of this pistol is the capacity. The reduction in frame width and the single-stack magazine does mean fewer rounds as the magazine can only carry 10 at a time.
Pros
- Slim, low-profile design for concealed carry
- Improved sight picture
- Increased sight radius gives better accuracy
- Lightweight to reduce weight on your belt when carrying
- Gives a comfortable grip for shooters with smaller hands
Cons
- Lower magazine capacity means fewer rounds
Glock G17 Gen5 9mm 17+1 fixed sights
The Glock 17 Gen5 9mm pistol features many upgrades and additions to the previous generation such as an ambidextrous slide release with buttons on both sides plus a slightly beveled and flared mag well for easier mag changes.
This Glock 17 Gen 5 model is slightly different from the G17 MOS pistol listed earlier. The barrel length is the same at 4.49 inches, however, the overall length of this one is slightly shorter. This version is 7.32 inches, whereas the MOS is 7.95 inches. There is also a minuscule difference in weight with the MOS being very slightly heavier. Therefore, this model is slightly more compact but the difference is so small, it’s almost irrelevant.
The Glock 17 Gen 5 fits all standard low-profile fixed black sights with a white rear outline/front dot. The highlights of the G17 Gen 5 are the “Marksman” barrel for improved accuracy, high-visibility magazine follower, and various reliability enhancements.
Pros
- High magazine capacity of 17+1 rounds
- Easy to change mags
- “Marksman” barrel for improved accuracy
- Versatile pistol – Works well for all shooting purposes
- Dependable and easy to handle
Cons
- Not the best for concealed carry
Glock G45 Gen5 9mm 17+1 with front serrations
A new addition to the market, the Glock G45 Gen5 pistol sports the compact-length slide of the G19 and the full-size frame of the G17 and was designed to meet shooters’ desire for a large frame, small slide Glock. This combines the concealability of the G19’s shorter slide with the expanded capacity and grip of the G17, resulting in an impressive pistol!
The compact slide is enhanced further with cocking serrations integrated at both the front and rear. The pistol holds 17-round magazines, giving one of the best magazine capacities of 9mm guns.
The G45 is built on the enhanced Gen 5 frame, which gives improved ergonomics and a good firm grip, thanks to the removal of finger grooves and the addition of adjustable backstraps. Another Gen5 upgrade of the G45 is a smoother trigger pull.
I found the G45 handled similarly to the G19X but I must say I loved the addition of the flared magwell and forward slide serrations. I was able to engage my target at various distances and reload using the flared magwell in conjunction with the forward serrations. Moreover, it’s small enough to conceal with minimal effort, making it one of the best Glock 9mm handguns.
Pros
- A unique combination of a large frame and small slide for both concealability and capacity
- Features a flared magwell and forward slide serrations
- Firm grip with no slide bite
- Smooth trigger pull
- Small enough to easily conceal
Cons
- None
Glock G26 Gen5 9mm 10+1
Released in 1994, the Glock 26 Gen5 is the smallest Glock 9mm model and has become known as the “baby Glock,” suiting those who value compactness over versatility.
Even though the magazine capacity of 10 rounds is standard, the highly accurate firing characteristics are what makes it one of the best Glock 9mm pistols. The G26 Gen 5 is super small, measuring just 6.29 inches with a 3.42-inch barrel. Its concealability is not just down to its size but also its weight, weighing just 1.25 lbs.
One downside to the G26’s compact design is that shooters with large hands can find it difficult to handle. Moreover, you don’t get as much firepower as you do with bigger 9mm Glocks.
That being said, the ease of keeping it hidden combined with its supreme precision makes it the most sought-after Glock for concealed carry among security personnel and agencies. You won’t find a Glock that’s more comfortable or easy to carry around than this!
Pros
- The most compact and lightweight Glock on the market
- Perfect for concealed carry
- Comfortable and easy to carry around
- Maintains strength and high accuracy
Cons
- Not the most powerful pistol
- May prove difficult to handle for those with larger hands
Glock G43 Gen3 9mm 6+1 FS
The Glock 43 is Glock’s first-ever single-stack, subcompact 9mm handgun. The unique design of the G43 results in an easy to conceal pistol that can be carried in most popular CCW positions.
The Glock 43 Gen3 is constructed with a thin slide measuring just 1.02 inches wide, while the gun has an overall length of only 6.26 inches. Despite its compactness, it retains the rugged design and simple functionality of the Glock Safe Action System, a striker-fired design with no pre-charged energy until the user pulls the trigger.
Other features include a generous beavertail incorporated into the frame to guard against slide bite, an aggressive grip texture, and a perfectly placed magazine release. The small size of the pistol does mean that the magazine capacity is compensated, fitting 6-round magazines. Therefore, more reloads will be required.
If you want a compact but high-quality Glock for personal defense, the G43 Gen3 is the best Glock 9mm pistol for you. It’s a great choice for those who value concealed carry over magazine capacity, but like the G26, those with larger hands may not find a comfy grip on such a small pistol like this.
Pros
- The smallest Glock on the market
- Easy to conceal and carry in multiple positions
- High-quality, rugged build
- Features the Glock Safe Action System
- Beavertail frame to eliminate slide bite
Cons
- Low magazine capacity means more reloads
- May not give a comfy hold for large hands
Glock G43X 9mm fixed sights
The Glock 43X is an upgrade to the single-stack G43 with a new capacity of 10+1, allowing your gun to hold more rounds. This larger capacity is possible thanks to a slightly widened and lengthened magazine.
The G43X boasts an improved finish featuring a silver-finished slide that’s coated with the same compound used on the popular G19X pistol. There are also slide serrations at the front and rear.
Slightly longer than the original G43, the 43X measures 6.5 inches in total length with a 3.41-inch barrel. The extra 0.4 inches allows for a full-height grip surface that the G43 does not give. This gives better placement for your fingers as it allows you to get all fingers in place without using a magazine extension. Furthermore, even though it’s slightly larger, it’s still as lightweight as the original.
The Glock 43X is reliable, light, and accurate enough for any personal defense usage, and is easy to conceal too. It’s also a pistol you’ll want to take to the range for an afternoon of plinking. The additional 4 rounds this model gives is a massive plus point too, meaning fewer reloads are required.
Pros
- Larger capacity than the original G43
- High-quality silver compound finish
- Full-height grip surface for better finger placement.
- The lightweight design gives a comfortable carry
- Accurate and reliable – A great self-defense option
Cons
- None
Why are Glocks so dominant on the market?
Glock has an almost 65% market share of handguns in the U.S, making Glock a celebrity in the gun world. Glock is the preferred pistol for both law enforcement and civilians. But, what is it that makes Glock so popular?
- Glock is known for having spent considerable time and effort working on the “pointability” of the pistol.
- Pointability refers to the pistol’s natural ability to act as an extension of the shooter’s hand and eye coordination.
- The high pointability that Glock has obtained makes the pistol easier to aim than most of its competitors as well as being more user-friendly and accurate to shoot too.
- Gaston Glock came into the game knowing nothing about handguns. Surprisingly this is what he credits his success to. The lack of knowledge gave him no preconceived notions about what a handgun should be. This allowed him to focus on just a handful of requirements: ease of use, simplicity, and reliability, mastering them all.
FBI Picks the Glock
After the Miami Shootout in 1986, the FBI invented modern ammunition testing and led the law-enforcement movement to .40 caliber. The FBI is very conservative and has one of the best ballistics labs in the world. With the amazing 21st-century advances in ammunition technology, many people have advocated a move back to 9mm. Around 2016, the FBI announced they were buying a new gun in 9mm. When the FBI makes a move like that, they have thought it through very thoroughly.
The solicitation was very detailed and well thought out including training and support equipment. Anyone familiar with Glock products will recognize the design features requested. This is not to say that other guns were not fairly considered, but after years of using the Glock in .40 the FBI had a very good idea of what they wanted. Industry sources indicate that the contract will deliver the Glock 17 and 19 specifically modified for the FBI. The new Glocks are referred to as Generation 5 guns, the G-17M and G-19M.
Why is 9mm the most common handgun round?
The 9mm is the favored handgun round for many Glock owners for various reasons including the “stopping power,” weight, and availability. Let’s explore the popularity of this ammo further.
- A major benefit of the 9mm round is reduced recoil, allowing for faster target reacquisition and creating more accurate and faster follow-up shots. This results in better shot placement, even while moving.
- The bullet design and construction plays a large role in the caliber’s fame. The continued improvement of its design and construction results in a more consistent expansion of the bullet and more consistent penetration into the target.
- The 9mm ammo is small and lightweight which means you can carry more rounds.
- It’s more widely available and less expensive than alternative rounds.
- Comparing 9mm with larger caliber such as .40 and .45, 9mm ammunition retains most of the ballistic characteristics and penetration power as these larger rounds but is easier to control and leads to more accurate shots.
- 9mm also has a higher magazine capacity than larger ammo, reducing the chances of needing to reload, which is a vital factor to consider for self-defense use.
What are the differences between the 9mm Glock models?
With so many 9mm Glock models on the market, it can be hard to know which to choose. Therefore, it’s important to have a basic understanding of what the different options are and the differences between them.
Here is a summary of the most common 9mm Glocks including their best features and ideal usage.
- Glock 17 – This is the original, not just the first Glock 9mm but the first Glock pistol in general. It’s still a popular service pistol thanks to its 17-round capacity and dimensions to match. That being said, it equally makes a brilliant home defense handgun or range pistol too.
- Glock 19 – This model has become the ultimate 9mm pistol by which most other guns are measured against. It was designed for concealed carry, is reliable, accurate, and holds a generous capacity. It’s small and light enough for daily carry but also big enough to work as a duty gun.
- Glock 26 – This was the first of the major Glock 9mm pistols made specifically for the civilian concealed carry market. Today, it’s easily the most popular Glock 9mm as it’s slim, compact, and very light. This makes it easy to conceal and carry.
- Glock 34 – This model has been specially engineered for long-range accuracy in competition shooting. Its extended barrel, longer slide dimensions, and elongated distance between sights give this model high accuracy for target engagement.
- Glock 43 – This is a solid single-stack 9mm that packs a punch in a small package. It’s a compact version of the Glock 26 with a lower magazine capacity. This results in an ultra-concealable and accurate pistol for all kinds of shooters.
- Glock 45 – This recent innovation combines a compact slide with a full-size frame and is designed for police and duty carry, meeting worldwide Law Enforcement specifications.
- Glock 48 – This is one of Glock’s newest pistols. Its compact, Slimline frame makes it ideal for concealed carry. It also has a better sight picture and slightly more muzzle velocity than previous versions.
Choosing a 9mm Glock: Concealed carry vs open carry
When choosing a 9mm Glock one factor to take into consideration is whether you will conceal or open carry your pistol. How and why you use your Glock 9mm will determine which way of carrying is the most beneficial.
- One of the key benefits of open carry is how easy it is to access your firearm in an emergency.
- If you decide to conceal your Glock, you can practice techniques to quicken your draw time, however, it will still generally be faster to draw from an open carry holster.
- Many holsters for concealed carry position the gun or holster directly against your skin which can be uncomfortable. Open carry generally gives a more comfortable fit as it moves the gun away from your body.
- Before making your decision, check the legal restrictions of your state. Some states have constitutional carry, which means you can legally carry a handgun without a license or permit. However, other states require permits or have restrictions in place on who can carry a handgun and how it can be carried.
The design and size of some 9mm Glock models make them more suited to concealed carry.
- For concealed carry, look for the most compact, slim, and lightweight models.
- The best Glock 9mm models for concealed carry are Glock 19, 26, 43, and 48 which were all designed for this purpose.
- If you’re looking to carry your Glock openly, there is a wider choice of models that will be suitable. You can opt for a larger pistol with a higher magazine capacity meaning fewer reloads will be needed.
Looking for the perfect Concealed Carry Holster for your Glock? Read our review here!
How to maintain and take care of a Glock 9mm
To maintain the performance and reliability of your Glock 9mm pistol, you should clean and lubricate it regularly. Proper cleaning and lubrication will not just remove accumulated dirt and debris that can affect your pistol’s operation but will also prevent corrosion.
As a general rule of thumb, you should clean and lubricate your Glock in these instances:
- When it’s brand new, before firing for the first time
- After every time you use and fire it
- If you haven’t used it, you should still clean it once a month
- Whenever it’s exposed to rain, snow, perspiration, salt water, dirt, dust, etc
Each Glock model requires specific parts of the handgun to be lubricated as well as a certain amount of lubrication in these areas. Refer to your model’s manual for the proper lubrication points and the required amount of lubrication.
Cleaning your Glock 9mm should take between 5 and 15 minutes. Here are the Glock 9mm cleaning steps in the most simplified form:
- Remove the ammunition and mags and clear the gun
- Carefully takedown your Glock
- Remove the barrel and guide rod
- Clean the guide rod
- Clean the barrel
- Clean the slide
- Clean the frame
- Lubricate it at the required parts
- Reassemble your Glock and perform a trigger function test
Are Glocks easy to resell?
Glocks hold their value very well as they are designed for lifelong use, however, there are a few important factors to note when it comes to reselling.
- The condition of your Glock and how well it has been maintained will impact its value.
- Usage (just like mileage) will also determine the pricing. Glocks that have been fired many times in competitions will understandably have a much lower resale value than a Glock that was kept in a safe for emergencies only.
- While a Glock is a gun that holds its value, most Glock models are not collectibles, therefore, their value will not increase over time. The longer you have owned your Glock for, the less money you’re likely to get from it.
- Depending on the generation and model, Glocks are typically resold at around $500
What kind of warranty do I get with a Glock?
Glock offers a 1-year guarantee against defects in materials and workmanship that affect their operation. This guarantee is valid on all models from the date of purchase. The warranty is valid only for pistols purchased and used in the United States of America, its territories and possessions, as well as Puerto Rico, and Canada.
Like all warranties, Glocks’ promise is subject to terms and conditions. The warranty becomes void if any of the following occur:
- The instructions in the manual were not followed
- You have altered or modified any of your Glock’s parts.
- The damage was caused by misuse, abuse, or improper maintenance.
- You disassembled the pistol beyond the manual’s instructions.
- You reloaded ammunition that is not compatible with that specific Glock model.
Also, note that you have to activate your warranty after purchase to be eligible to make a claim.
What Are The Best Glock Accessories?
Nowadays there are many ways to upgrade your Glock to create the perfect, customized pistol. Here are some of the best Glock 9mm aftermarket accessories to modify and upgrade your handgun.
- Glock extended slide stop lever – This makes it quicker and easier to release the slide every time using either thumb.
- Glock extended magazine release – This allows you to hit the magazine release without ever losing your grip.
- 3.5 lb trigger connector – This lowers the trigger pull weight, increasing accuracy in your shots.
- Night sights or fiber optic sights – Upgrading to three-dot format night sights will help you see your sights much better in the dark, making it a useful accessory if you use your Glock for self-defense. Alternatively, fiber optic sights are awesome for competition shooting as they draw in ambient light and focus on it.
- Talon grips – This clever accessory gives you a simple and non-destructive way to improve your grip.
- Extended base pads – These little add-ons are handy if you use a smaller Glock such as the G43 or G26. With these compact pistols, you might struggle to reach your pinkie to the grip. Adding extended base pads will give you more control and comfort without sacrificing concealability.
- Pistol light – At one point or another, most shooters will require additional light when shooting. Whether you’re shooting at night or you need more light to see your target clearly, a pistol light is a worthwhile investment. Although you can just carry and use a flashlight, a pistol light is much more convenient and comfortable as it mounts to your gun so you can grip firmly with both hands.
Which is the best Glock 9mm Handgun?
As mentioned previously, the Glock 9mm that’s best for you will depend on what you want from your gun and what you will be using it for.
If you’re looking for a pistol that’s easy to conceal and carry but still highly accurate and packs a punch, the Glock G43X 9mm is a top choice for you. This pistol rates high in lightness, concealability, reliability, and high-quality construction.
Alternatively, the Glock G45 Gen5 9mm is ideal if you want an easy to conceal pistol but with a larger capacity and a more comfortable, firm grip. The unique combination of a large frame and small slide makes this possible, along with the enhanced ergonomics of the Gen5 frame.
Whichever Glock you choose, rest assured all the models on this list are high-quality, high-performance pistols that will protect you in any self-defense situation, plus serve as a great recreational gun too.
We hope this article has deepened your understanding of the best Glock 9mm handguns on the market and helped you in finding the best one for you.
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