Looking for a great self-defense handgun that is perfect for concealed carry and will never let you down?
A 9mm Glock gives you the best of both worlds. You get the advantages of using a 9mm and the reliability that comes with the Glock name.
In other words, Glock 9mms are powerful, easy-to-carry handguns that can get dragged to hell and back and will still fire without any problems.
Today, we’re going to take a look at the pros and cons of following Glock models. For those of you who can’t wait, here’s the rundown:
- Glock 17 – Best all-around 9mm handgun for any situation.
- Glock 19 – Slightly smaller size makes it great for concealed carry.
- Glock 19x – Designed for the military, brought to you now as one of Glock’s most popular options
- Glock 26 – Subcompact design makes it great for concealed carry and backup guns.
- Glock 34 – Engineered for long-range accuracy.
- Glock 34 MOS – Long-range accuracy and pre-cut for the red dot of your choice
- Glock 43 – Smaller than the Glock 26 and comes with a low-capacity magazine. Solid single-stack 9mm that packs a punch in a small package.
- Glock 43X – A G43 with a redesigned frame and magazine! X standing for 10 as in the 10 round magazines that the G43X uses.
- Glock 45 – Glock’s newest innovation for the pistol market, large frame and small slide – designed for police and duty carry.
- Glock 47 MOS – U.S. Customs and Border Protection model. Similar dimensions to the G17 but with some upgraded features.
- Glock 48 – One of Glock’s newest pistols on the market, this is the same as a 43x but with a half-inch longer slide. This means a better sight picture and slightly more muzzle velocity, but still easy to carry.
If you’re in the market for a new 9mm, this is an article that you don’t want to miss!
Which Type of Glock Is Right for You?
The best model is the Glock 18, hands down. Unfortunately, most of us are unable to purchase and own a 1,200-rounds-per-minute handgun with full-auto capabilities.
Sadly, we won’t be looking at the Glock 18 today, but there are a number of 9mm Glocks that shoot just as well, minus rapid fire.
That said, let’s have a look at the parts of Glock’s 9mm arsenal that are available to the average citizen.
Don’t have time for the full rundown? Here’s our list of the best Glocks across calibers and sizes.
Best 9mm Glock Models
1. Glock 17 Gen4
There’s a reason why the Glock 17 is a law enforcement favorite. It’s accurate, weighs less than 1.5 pounds, and comes with a 17-round magazine.
When it comes to self-defense, you’ll have a hard time finding a better overall gun that packs the stopping power, accuracy, and capacity of the Glock 17.
Here are some of the new features and upgrades added to the Gen 4 G17:
- More aggressive grip texture.
- Dual recoil pin for less recoil and more accuracy.
- Adjustable backstraps.
One of the biggest complaints that people have had about Glock handguns is the uncomfortable handle.
However, the introduction of backstraps has helped make handling the Gen4 much easier than its predecessors.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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For this reason, I recommend giving the G17 a test run before ruling it out.
The G17 was carefully designed with the help of military personnel, competitive shooters, and law enforcement officers. Their valuable input is one of the main reasons why the G17 is dependable, accurate, and easy to handle.
It’s a great all-around gun and is perfect for anyone seeking a 9mm for self-defense purposes.
2. Glock 19 Gen 5
If you’re looking for the same punch as the G17 but something that’s easier to carry around, the Glock 19 might be the gun for you.
The size and design of the G19 makes it an incredibly easy gun to handle, which is why it’s one of the top-rated self-defense handguns for women.
The Glock 19 is the G17’s compact twin. Its 7.28-inch length makes it a popular gun for security forces and anyone looking for a good concealed carry piece.
The Gen 4 version of the G19 was released with a number of minor upgrades that set it apart from previous models, including:
- Adjustable backstraps.
- More aggressive grip texture.
- Enlarged magazine catch that supports right and left-handed operations.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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The G19 is a lightweight gun that was designed to be carried comfortably. It comes standard with three 15-round magazines, which is more than enough firepower for the average person seeking a gun for home or self-defense.
For starters, the G19 is a reasonably priced handgun that’s dependable and accurate. Its compact size makes it perfect for concealed carry.
You can even comfortably carry the G19 around as a backup piece without having to worry about unnecessary discomfort.
Overall, the G19 is a more mobile version of its predecessor, the G17. Its compact size and built-in accessory rail make the G19 a popular piece among private security agencies.
Alongside the G19 is the G19x, a hybrid of the G17 and G19 that Glock designed for U.S. Military trials.
Since then, it has become MASSIVELY popular with more than 100,000 units shipped in less than nine months!
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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In the firearms world, that is a crazy amount of sales.
3. Glock 26 Gen 5
The Glock 26 is affectionately known as the “baby Glock.” This 6.41-inch long sub-compact handgun is the smallest of Glock’s 9mm models.
And while it’s a great concealed carry gun, the G26’s small size makes the handgun difficult to handle for people with large hands.
When Glock released the G26 Gen 4, they added two great features — adjustable backstraps and a magazine-release button that’s easier to access.
While these modifications helped make the handgun easier to handle, the gun’s small size may take some getting used to.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Like with other Glock products, the “baby Glock” is designed to be just as durable and accurate as its predecessors. It comes with a 10-round magazine, so you don’t get as much firepower as you would with bigger 9mm Glocks.
Don’t let the size fool you though, the G26 is just as strong as full-sized 9mms.
The G26 is designed for one primary purpose: concealed carry. If you’re looking for a gun that’s guaranteed to be comfortable and easy to lug around, you won’t find a better match.
Its small size makes the G26 the best gun for shooters who need compactness over versatility.
4. Glock 34 Gen 4
The only 9mm Glock that was designed specifically for competitive shooting. Larger than the G17, the Glock 34 has a barrel length of 5.31 inches and an overall length of 8.74 inches.
If you’re looking for a Glock for concealed carry, the G34 is probably not the best choice. Its long-barrel design makes it difficult to conceal comfortably.
However, this same design makes it an incredibly accurate gun to have if you don’t mind using it for open carry.
The design of the G34 was based on the Government Issue Colt 1911. It comes with adjustable rear sights and 7.56 inches between the front and rear sights, giving the gun a long sight radius.
In terms of accuracy, the G34 is arguably one of the most precise 9mm Glocks out there.
Another feature that sets the G34 apart from other Glock 9mm handguns is the extended slide release and magazine release button.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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While it would have been nicer if the gun was made ambidextrous, these upgrades do make the gun easier to use in a fast-paced competition setting.
While the G34 is bigger and bulkier than the average 9mm, its long barrel and sight radius give it incredible accuracy. Factor in the fact that it’s built with the same dependency as other Glock models and you’ve got yourself a great 3-gun pistol.
While the Gen 4 G34 is great — Glock has jumped ahead of the curve by now offering the G34 Gen 5 pre-cut for red dots sights! The Glock 34 MOS Gen 5!
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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5. Glock 43
If the G26 is the “baby Glock” then the Glock 43 is the newborn. This handgun is an ultra-slim, subcompact handgun that has a length of 6.25 inches and a width of 1.02 inches.
It’s great for stashing a backup gun in a suit pocket or purse, but its 6-round capacity magazine completely negates one of the largest benefits of a 9mm…more ammo.
The biggest drawback of the G43 is that its small size can make the gun hard to grip, especially with people who have larger hands.
Glock answered this problem by giving the G43 a beavertail design, which does a great job of helping make it easier to hold and control the gun.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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In order to get the most out of the G43’s small size, you’ll want to use the standard 6-round magazines. The good news is that the G43 is an accurate handgun for its short barrel length, making it a good backup piece.
See more of the G43 in our full written review or video below:
If you’re looking for a handgun strictly for concealed carry, I’d recommend going with the G19 or the G26 since they have a higher magazine capacity.
If you already have a gun that you concealed or open carry and you’re in the market for a reliable backup gun, give the G43 a try.
6. Glock 43X
A major update to the standard G43, the X stands for 10 because this G43X takes 10-round magazines instead of the standard 6-round mags of the G43.
With a redesigned frame and grip, this is effectively the same footprint as a normal G43.
Measuring 6.5 inches overall with a barrel length of 3.41 inches, the G43X boasts a width of 1.10 inches.
The G43X bridges the gap between larger Glocks like the G19 and smaller Glocks like the standard G43.
If you want a tinier gun but with a decent capacity, then the G43X is the one you want.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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What if you want the G43X frame but also love red dots? Glock has you covered with the G43x MOS.
Of course, that MOS designation means it’s cut for optics. If you have the extra money, we highly suggest springing for the MOS version since you get all the benefits of the G43X platform AND an optics-ready pistol.
If you’re looking for a CCW pistol, this is one of the best options on the market right now. Want to learn more? Check out the review here or watch the full video review below.
7. Glock 45
Sporting the slide of a G19 and the frame of a G17, the Glock 19 is designed to answer the mass’ need for a large frame, small slide Glock!
This crossover pistol comes with an overall length of 6.85 inches and a barrel length of 4.02 inches. Sporting a 17-round mag, the G45 gives you the benefits of a full-size frame but the compact nature of a G19 slide.
Kinda the best of both worlds, if you will.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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We have a complete Review of the Glock 45 that has everything you want to know about this pistol!
8. Glock 47 MOS
The Glock 47 was released in 2019 but to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection only. That changed in 2023, when the Austrian gun maker released a civilian version known as the Glock 47 MOS.
This gun is functionally very similar to the Glock 17 but with a few upgraded features. Namely, this model sports an optics-ready slide, dust cover, and upgraded trigger.
It has all the hallmarks of a Glock, though, when it comes to ergonomics and realibilty.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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After testing, the Glock 47 MOS held up exactly how you would expect it to.
Learn more by watching our full video review below or reading the article here.
9. Glock 48
Glock’s method of naming things can be a bit confusing, so it shouldn’t come as a shock that the G48 is actually the larger sibling of the G43X.
Featuring the same 10-round magazine and the same frame of a G43X, the G48 sports a slightly longer slide and barrel.
This has some nice advantages, such as a better sight picture and more muzzle velocity that translates into a more reliable expansion of HP rounds — important for self-defense.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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And yes, we have a Hands-on Review of the Glock G48!
Final Thoughts
Glocks are known for their consistency, accuracy, durability, and dependability. So it’s no wonder these 9mms are some decent options when it comes to pistols.
And once you get used to shooting one Glock, shooting a different model shouldn’t be too much of a challenge. For this reason, I swear by them…even if they are ugly as sin.
How do you feel about Glocks? Let us know in the comments! Looking for something NOT 9mm? We have our Best Glock Handguns article that covers all calibers and sizes.
21 Leave a Reply
Would have been nice to see the Glock 49 included in the discussion.
No mention of the Shield Arms magazines that increase the capacity of the 43x from 10+1 to 15+1 while remaining flush fit? I think these magazines make the 43x the "sweet spot" for concealed carry. Good-bye to clunky Glock 19.
The slides and barrels of the 43X and the 48 are interchangeable. Buy a 48 and then a slide and barrel for a 43X and you can swap them out.
The G43 & G43X are what I carry. The G43X in an OWB at 3:00 is sweet!, super easy to carry. The S15 mags give me G19 capacity in a smaller and slimmer package. If you go the S15 route for the 15 round capacity, I only trust the Gen 1 mags. The gen 2 mags are a hot mess, tried in 2 Different G43x’s, can’t get through 1 magazine.
A perfect pistol in those 10 round states, just use the stock OEM mags.
Very nice
I use the 17 Gen 5, G43 and G48. The G48 is my favorite Glock. It has the best proportioned grip of all the Glocks. The 43X uses the same frame, but the longer barrel of the G48 helps with accuracy. One thing I can do is fit the 43 slide to the 48 and I get a 43X, but I don't use it as the 48 is about as perfect as I have found.
What about the 17L?
"Another 9mm Glock, the G45 is like the G19x but backward. " Aren't both the same? G19 slide and G17 frame?
Michael, I think you are correct. I think the article is incorrect.
Thanks for this helpful info, Brandon! Looking to buy my fiance a glock for the house to have handy when she is home alone, seems like she would handle a Glock 19 gen 5 just fine. Appreciate it!
34.4 MOS
Glock G45 all the way! The best gun! Beside Glock I would also choose AREX REX Zero 1T.
After reading your reviews, and looking at other reviews on the Web and Youtube, I purchased a Glock 48 for myself and a 43X for my wife. They are for home defense and concealed carry. I wanted simple and dependable, and everyone said just get a Glock. The 48 and 43X share mag, so it makes going to the range simple. I've already got the upgrade fever and upgraded my sights. Thanks for you reviews and keep up the good work!
Awesome! Thanks for the feeedback, have fun tinkering with the upgrades!
Love my 43X, have the 43 lower so I can have both for just a bit more.
Good article and to the point. Love my G19 Gen 3. Simple, easy, dependable and concealable! Just purchased a G43 for my wife as a purse carry. She has small hands and its perfect for her.
Flock 43 in my sticky holster .. don't leave home without it.... won't leave home without it ....
Good article, but I would have to give the "Best All Around" title to the Glock 19.
My first gun was a G22, full size .40 per recommendation of a friend in LE. It wasn't practical for a civilian Carry/Conceal. Sold it and bought the G23, compact .40. Shot it for a couple of years and never felt like I was as consistent as I felt I could be. Replaced the barrel with a 9mm conversion barrel, recoil spring, and ejector. Basically I now have a G19 9mm. Love it and I'm shooting faster with tighter groups. Never had a failure after the conversion and maybe 3000 rnds. Bought the G26 as a backup. I'm not a huge fan for shooting it but it does the job its designed to do.
Good article and interesting read, but no 17L love?
The 17 Gen 4 was my first purchase and it lives up to the hype. Very reliable and easy to shoot. My 2nd Glock buy was the 26 Gen 4 for conceal and carry. I love the size/capacity combo.
Can't go wrong with Glocks.
I have owned the Glock 17,19,26,42,and even a 23 and out of all of them my favorite is the 26 with an xgrip mag sleeve I can get a full purchase on the grip as well as a 15+1 capacity.While still having a very carry friendly gun.My accuracy with it is amazing.I have added a 3.5lb trigger and truglo tfx night sights as well some cosmetics.This gun is truly an awesome carry gun maybe the best money can buy.And throw a Taran +6 base plate now im packing 21 rounds of 9mm in my G26 wow what firepower in a small gun.Plus a much better grip holding this mighty mouse.